Distinguishing between interoceptive abilities and the role of non-interoceptive influencing factors

Hickman, Lydia Jane (2020). Distinguishing between interoceptive abilities and the role of non-interoceptive influencing factors. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

The number of studies investigating interoception and its relationships with other factors has increased dramatically in recent years. However, the tasks used to measure interoception are known to require improvement. Further to this, distinctions are starting to be made regarding different types of interoceptive ability as opposed to a single interoceptive factor. This thesis attempts to investigate the relationships between different forms of interoceptive ability, as well as emphasising the importance of implementing control measures when using these tasks to relate one’s performance to other abilities such as proprioception. We demonstrate that relationships between the three measures of interoceptive ability (accuracy, sensibility and awareness) are inconsistent within and between tasks. This highlights the importance of not assuming that one interoceptive task indexes all interoceptive abilities. Evidence is presented demonstrating that a combination of control variables, including our tactile perception control task, can be used to predict performance on two heartbeat interoception tasks. We therefore emphasise the importance of using control variables when implementing these tasks as it is clear that the tasks do not purely index interoceptive ability. Finally, we show the emergence of a significant relationship between interoceptive and proprioceptive accuracy when implementating the previously highlighted control measures.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):