Interoceptive accuracy correlates with precision of time perception in the millisecond range

The processing of time intervals is fundamental for sensorimotor and cognitive functions. Perceptual and motor timing are often performed concurrently (e.g., playing a musical instrument). Although previous studies have shown the influence of body movements on time perception, how we perceive self-produced time intervals has remained unclear. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the timing mechanisms are distinct for the sub- and suprasecond ranges. Here, we compared perceptual performances for self-produced and passively presented time intervals in random contexts (i.e., multiple target intervals presented in a session) across the sub- and suprasecond ranges (Experiment 1) and within the sub- (Experiment 2) and suprasecond (Experiment 3) ranges, and in a constant context (i.e., a single target interval presented in a session) in the sub- and suprasecond ranges (Experiment 4). We show that self-produced time intervals were perceived as shorter and more variable across the sub- and suprasecond ranges and within the suprasecond range but not within the subsecond range in a random context. In a constant context, the self-produced time intervals were perceived as more variable in the suprasecond range but not in the subsecond range. The impairing effects indicate that motor timing interferes with perceptual timing. The dependence of impairment on temporal contexts suggests multiple timing mechanisms for the subsecond and suprasecond ranges. In addition, violation of the scalar property (i.e., a constant variability to target interval ratio) was observed between the sub- and suprasecond ranges. The violation was clearer for motor timing than for perceptual timing. This suggests that the multiple timing mechanisms for the sub- and suprasecond ranges overlap more for perception than for motor. Moreover, the central tendency effect (i.e., where shorter base intervals are overestimated and longer base intervals are underestimated) disappeared with motor timing within the subsecond range, suggesting multiple subsecond timing system for perception and motor.

Recent research suggests that our sense of time is influenced by interoceptive abilities. Efficient access to bodily signals, measured objectively (interoceptive accuracy) and subjectively (interoceptive sensibility), may contribute to more accurate time perception. However, the link between cardiac activity, interoceptive abilities, and time perception is still unclear, particularly in distinguishing implicit and explicit timing. We explored this relationship in two studies. Interoceptive accuracy was assessed using a heartbeat counting task (HCT). Interoceptive sensibility was measured using the Body Perception Questionnaire and subjective confidence ratings (0-9 scale) provided during the HCT. Resting heart rate variability (HRV) served as an index of cardiac vagal control. In Study 1, participants (N = 31, M = 23.1 years, SD = 3.23) completed an implicit timing task (foreperiod) and an explicit timing task (time bisection). In Study 2, participants (N = 51, M = 22.6 years, SD = 1.52) performed an explicit timing task (self-paced finger-tapping). Results showed that better interoceptive accuracy was associated with faster response speed in the foreperiod task, suggesting improved motor readiness. In contrast, greater subjective confidence in heartbeat detection corresponded to poorer performance in the time bisection task (Study 1), indicating over-reliance on inaccurate interoceptive signals. Higher vagal tone (indexed by heightened HRV high frequency power) was associated with a faster tapping rhythm (Study 2). These findings highlight the distinct roles of cardiac interoception and activity in explicit and implicit timing, emphasizing their nuanced contributions to time perception.

Building on recent psychological research showing that power increases self-focused attention, we propose that having power increases accuracy in perception of bodily signals, a phenomenon known as interoceptive accuracy. Consistent with our proposition, participants in a high-power experimental condition outperformed those in the control and low-power conditions in the Schandry heartbeat-detection task. We demonstrate that the effect of power on interoceptive accuracy is not explained by participants’ physiological arousal, affective state, or general intention for accuracy. Rather, consistent with our reasoning that experiencing power shifts attentional resources inward, we show that the effect of power on interoceptive accuracy is dependent on individuals’ chronic tendency to focus on their internal sensations. Moreover, we demonstrate that individuals’ chronic sense of power also predicts interoceptive accuracy similar to, and independent of, how their situationally induced feeling of power does. We therefore provide further support on the relation between power and enhanced perception of bodily signals. Our findings offer a novel perspective–a psychophysiological account–on how power might affect judgments and behavior. We highlight and discuss some of these intriguing possibilities for future research.

Accuracy of respiratory symptom perception was investigated in different contexts in participants (N = 56) scoring high or low for negative affectivity (NA). Within subject-correlations were calculated between minute ventilation (frequency per minute × tidal volume) and the subjective symptom ‘faster and/or deeper breathing’ across 10 subsequent breathing trials of 2 min with varying air mixtures, containing fresh or foul smelling odours and/or 5.5% CO2. Half the participants were given a positive information frame for the sensations (‘some air mixtures may induce a pleasantly arousing feeling, like when being in love’), whereas the other half was given a negative frame (‘some air mixtures may induce feelings of being anxious and distressed’). Interoceptive accuracy was overall fairly high (r = 0.56–0.74), but it dropped considerably (r = 0.27), when bodily sensations were induced in high NA persons in a negative information frame (interaction, p < 0.005). Interoceptive accuracy appears low when persons with high NA are in situations characterised by negative affective cues.

Time perception reflects individual differences in motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Subsecond time perception has been frequently attributed to modality-specific timing mechanisms that would predict no cross-modal transfer of temporal perceptual learning. In fact, perceptual learning of temporal interval discrimination (TID) reportedly shows either no cross-modal transfer, or asymmetric transfer from audition to vision, but not vice versa. However, here we demonstrate complete cross-modal transfer of auditory and visual TID learning using a double training paradigm. Specifically, visual TID learning transfers to and optimizes auditory TID when the participants also receive exposure to the auditory temporal interval by practicing a functionally orthogonal near-threshold tone frequency discrimination task at the same trained interval. Auditory TID learning also transfers to and optimizes visual TID with additional practice of an orthogonal near-threshold visual contrast discrimination task at the same trained interval. Practicing these functionally orthogonal tasks per se has no impact on TID thresholds. We interpret the transfer results as indications of a supramodal representation of subsecond time. Moreover, because TID learning shows complete transfer between modalities with vastly different temporal precisions, the sub-second time presentation must be conceptual. Double training may refine this supramodal and conceptual subsecond time representation and connect it to a new sense to improve time perception.

A new measurement system (horizontal displacement, time of flight, synchronicity—HDTS) was investigated regarding the latest changes to the international evaluation rules in trampoline gymnastics. It allows for the real-time measurement of objective criteria, such as flight time and landing position, without affecting the gymnast. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal and spatial accuracy of a measurement tool via cross-validation. Temporal precision was additionally tested via high-speed video landing and takeoff, while a three-dimensional motion capturing system was incorporated for spatial precision. The Bland–Altman “limit of agreement approach” was used for the assessment of congruence between the measurement systems. The new measurement system presented an average spatial deviation of 3.2 cm and a temporal deviation between − 5.8 and + 6.4 ms for the landing and − 11.3 and + 11.3 ms for the takeoff. Given its temporal and spatial accuracy in determining flight time and landing position as identified through cross-validation, the novel HDTS system proved to be suitable for its use in trampoline competitions.

Temporal processing dysfunction in schizophrenia

To design a method that uses preliminary hazard mapping data to optimize the number and location of sensors within a network for a long-term assessment of occupational concentrations, while preserving temporal variability, accuracy, and precision of predicted hazards. Particle number concentrations (PNCs) and respirable mass concentrations (RMCs) were measured with direct-reading instruments in a large heavy-vehicle manufacturing facility at 80-82 locations during 7 mapping events, stratified by day and season. Using kriged hazard mapping, a statistical approach identified optimal orders for removing locations to capture temporal variability and high prediction precision of PNC and RMC concentrations. We compared optimal-removal, random-removal, and least-optimal-removal orders to bound prediction performance. The temporal variability of PNC was found to be higher than RMC with low correlation between the two particulate metrics (ρ = 0.30). Optimal-removal orders resulted in more accurate PNC kriged estimates (root mean square error [RMSE] = 49.2) at sample locations compared with random-removal order (RMSE = 55.7). For estimates at locations having concentrations in the upper 10th percentile, the optimal-removal order preserved average estimated concentrations better than random- or least-optimal-removal orders (P < 0.01). However, estimated average concentrations using an optimal-removal were not statistically different than random-removal when averaged over the entire facility. No statistical difference was observed for optimal- and random-removal methods for RMCs that were less variable in time and space than PNCs. Optimized removal performed better than random-removal in preserving high temporal variability and accuracy of hazard map for PNC, but not for the more spatially homogeneous RMC. These results can be used to reduce the number of locations used in a network of static sensors for long-term monitoring of hazards in the workplace, without sacrificing prediction performance.

Existential anxiety is an outstanding issue both in psychology and philosophy. It implies the mental rummage following the notion of existence, inexistence and related concepts. Martin Heidegger is a philosopher incorporating the meaning of existential anxiety and time perception in a unique comprehensive view, suggesting that there is a relation between being, time and anxiety. To the best of our knowledge, no empirical study has assessed any association between time perception and existential anxiety. The current study aims at investigating the mentioned association. Eighty four students in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences voluntarily participated in this study and gave their written informed consent. Time perception was assessed by verbal and production tests. The score of existential anxiety was obtained by the Good & Good Existential Anxiety Questionnaire. Association of time perception and existential anxiety was analyzed statistically. Mean score of existential anxiety of subjects was 7.57±4.75 out of 32. Accuracy of time perception was significantly related to existential anxiety score (<em>P</em> = 0.034); in the manner that inaccurate time perceivers had higher existential anxiety scores. The results of this study are preliminary in line with the existential concepts presented by Heidegger; indicating that existential anxiety and time perception may have common roots. This understanding about existential anxiety suggests further explorations and deeper existential reasonings, as well as more efficient psychological and psychiatric clinical practice.

Differences between sub-second and supra-second durations for the assessment of timing deficits in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

In this study, we explored (i) the relationship between time perception and primary school students' academic performance and (ii) the mediating effect of their academic procrastination. We measured time perception in 321 students in primary grades 2, 4, and 6 in Shenyang, China. Students also completed the General Procrastination Acale, and we obtained measures of their academic performance during the semester from their teacher. Results indicated that time perception was significantly and positively correlated with academic performance (β = 0.16, t = 3.18, p < .001), and time perception and academic procrastination were significantly negatively correlated (β = -0.16, t = -2.92, p < .01); academic procrastination and academic performance were also significantly negatively correlated (β = -0.27, t = -5.38, p < .001). Academic procrastination played a mediating role in the relationship between time perception and academic performance, with an indirect effect of 0.04 that accounted for 25.96% of the total academic performance effect. The bootstrap 95% CI was 0.01-0.08. These results may help teachers improve primary school students' academic performance and inspire parents and schools to cultivate students' accurate time perception and prevent academic procrastination in young learners.

Evidence suggests an association between interoceptive processing, which originates from feelings in the body, and mental health-related status, such as anxiety. We assessed heartbeat interoceptive accuracy, interoceptive sensibility, and awareness among 26 adults who stutter (AWS) and 26 those who do not stutter (AWNS) as controls. Heartbeat perception accuracy was measured via a heartbeat-tracking task in which participants counted their heartbeats in six trials of varying durations. Interoceptive sensibility was assessed via interoception questionnaires, which included the Body Perception Questionnaire and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness. The area under the curve (AUC) in the heartbeat-discrimination task, in which participants judged the synchronization of their heartbeat and 10 tones with synchronized/not synchronized timing, was used to calculate interoceptive awareness. Interoceptive trait prediction error (ITPE) was also calculated via the Z-score differences between behavioral accuracy and self-reported sensibility. Our findings revealed significant differences in the interoception questionnaire scores (p=.013), which indicated a unique interoceptive pattern in AWS. Although no significant differences were observed in heartbeat-tracking performance (p=.188) and AUC (p=.131), a significant difference was observed in ITPE (p=.013), which suggested that AWS exhibited superior heartbeat perception accuracy compared with AWNS. Our study, the first to investigate multidimensional interoception in AWS, revealed distinct interoceptive patterns. These patterns were not explained by participants' age, co-occurring disorders scores, or stuttering severity, which indicated the need for further research to understand the relevance of interoception in stuttering mechanisms, anticipation, and treatment.

Time Perception in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderShawn L. Fleck, Lisa Bischoff and Elizabeth O'LaughlinShawn L. Fleck1. Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D., Psychological Services DepartmentSearch for more papers by this author, Lisa Bischoff2. School at Indiana State UniversitySearch for more papers by this author and Elizabeth O'Laughlin3. Clinical Psychology department at Indiana State UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:May 2005https://doi.org/10.1521/adhd.9.5.7.19060PDFPDF PLUS ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations AboutReferencesAchenbach , T. M. (1991a). Child Behavior Checklist. Burlington, VT: Author. Google ScholarAchenbach , T. M. (1991b). Teacher Report Form. Burlington, VT: Author. Google ScholarAmerican Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Google ScholarBarkley , R. A. (1997). 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Because the information flow received by the human auditory system exceeds the processing capacity of the brain, neural mechanisms engage and guide attention toward prominent parts of the auditory scene. Several computational models for auditory saliency have been proposed recently. Most of these are concerned with speech recognition, and therefore apply high temporal and spectral precision to relatively short sound fragments. Here, a simplified model is described that specifically targets the long exposure times usually considered in soundscape research. The model trades temporal and spectral accuracy for computational speed, but nevertheless implements the key elements that are present in the calculation of complex auditory saliency maps. A simplified “cochleagram” is calculated from the 1/3-octave band spectrogram using the Zwicker model for specific loudness. Saliency is determined based on spectro-temporal irregularities, extracted in parallel at different feature scales, using a center-surround mechanism. Finally, conspicuous peaks are selected using within-feature and between-feature competitions. The model is shown to behave as expected for a number of typical sounds. As an illustration, saliency calculation results for a set of recordings in urban parks are compared with other acoustical descriptors and with perceptual attribute scales from questionnaire studies.