What is considered the gold standard objective measure of interoceptive sensitivity?

The perception of heart rate test is widely regarded as the gold standard objective measure of interoceptive sensitivity because it directly assesses an individual's ability to perceive their physiological signals, specifically their heartbeats. Interoception refers to the sense of the internal state of the body, and accurately perceiving heart rate is a critical component of this awareness.

In this test, participants are typically asked to observe and report their heartbeats over a period, often while their heart rate is being monitored. The ability to accurately detect heartbeats is indicative of a person's interoceptive ability, making it a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians interested in understanding how well individuals perceive their bodily states.

Other assessment tools mentioned, while they may provide valuable insights into interoceptive awareness, often rely on subjective reporting or broader assessments of awareness rather than objective measures. These include questionnaires that ask individuals about their awareness or perceptions but do not measure their physiological awareness in a direct manner. Therefore, the perception of heart rate test stands out as a more rigorous and quantifiable approach to evaluating interoceptive sensitivity.