The Influence of Self‐Focused Attention on Heartbeat Perception

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the effect of a self‐attention enhancing manipulation on heartbeat perception in 22 females using a within‐subject design. Self‐attention was enhanced by placing a mirror in front of the subjects. Heartbeat perception was assessed using both heartbeat discrimination and heartbeat tracking procedures. It was found that subjects performed heartbeat discrimination more accurately when facing a mirror but heartbeat tracking performance was not affected by the same manipulation. The possible reasons for these conflicting results are discussed.