Reduced vagal tone in intimate partner violence perpetrators is partly explained by anger rumination

Abstract Polyvagal theory proposed that an autonomous nervous system imbalance might be characteristic of violent individuals, especially reduced parasympathetic or vagal tone. Accordingly, some studies concluded when intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators deal with acute stress, they tend to present a sympathetic predominance over the once stress has ended. However, less is known about cognitive mechanisms explain this phenomenon. In fact, functioning explained by inner speech and/or angry thoughts (anger rumination) in reactive aggressors. Nonetheless, there gap scientific literature assessing whether psychophysiological IPV anger rumination. For reason, first aim study was assess cardiorespiratory (heart rate (HR), pre-ejection period (PEP), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)) electrodermal (skin conductance level (SCL)) changes, as well state, coping laboratory stressor, comparing group ( n = 47) non-violent men 36). The second two-fold. After checking groups differed on their rumination manifestation aggression (reactive proactive) scores, we studied these variables psychological responses task (changes levels during recovery period) each group. Our results demonstrated that, compared control group, presented lower RSA (vagal tone). Even though did not differ scores (except for proactive aggression), only perpetrators, high partly tone (RSA levels) state at post-task. Consequently, contributes understanding psychobiological basis proneness making it possible explore new therapeutic strategies.