Interoceptive sensitivity as a proxy for emotional intensity and its relationship with perseverative cognition

Abstract

Background: Technical advancement in military cyber defense poses increased cognitive demands on cyber officers. In the cyber domain, the influence of emotion on decision-making is rarely investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess psychophysiological correlation with perseverative cognitions during emotionally intensive/stressful situations in cyber military personnel. In line with parallel research on clinical samples high on perseverative cognition, we expected a decreased interoceptive sensitivity in officers with high levels of perseverative cognition. Method: We investigated this association in a sample of 27 cyber officer cadets. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no relationship between the factors. Discussion: Cyber officers might display characteristics not otherwise found in general populations. The cyber domain may lead to a selection process that attracts different profiles of cognitive and emotional processing.