Introduction: Body image, posttraumatic growth, quality of life, coping, and social support are relevant
concepts to ovarian cancer survivors. This study aimed to examine the associations among these
concepts as well as their relationships with heart rate variability (HRV), which is an index of vagal tone.
Methods: an exploratory and correlational study was conducted on 25 ovarian cancer survivors. We
used self-report measures to assess psychological variables. HRV parameters recorded for this study
were analyzed in the time domain and in the frequency domain. Spearman correlations were performed.
Results: Positive attitude coping strategy was associated with psychological and physical distress related
to problems of appearance (Rho = -.57, p < .01), emotional functioning (Rho = .53, p < .01), and
global health (Rho = .47, p < .05). Problem solving coping strategy was correlated with a higher
posttraumatic growth, namely greater personal strength (Rho = .44, p < .05) and better relationships
with others (Rho = .40, p < .05). Seeking social support was associated with growth in relationships
with others (Rho = .40, p < .05). Higher HRV parameters were associated with higher physical
functioning (SDNN: Rho = .59, p < .01; RMSSD: Rho = .54; p < .01; pNN50: Rho = .56, p < .01;
HF: Rho = .58, p < .01). The ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power (LF/HF) was negatively
associated with posttraumatic growth (i.e., personal strength: Rho = .51, p < .05; new possibilities: Rho
= -.54, p < .01).
Discussion: Positive attitude and problem solving coping strategies may facilitate psychological
adjustment to ovarian cancer. The strong association between markers of vagal tone and physical
functioning offers insights on the possible role of vagus nerve in ovarian cancer survivors. These
findings should be further investigated by future studies with larger samples and longitudinal designs