A positivity bias in person memory

Two experiments demonstrate a positivity bias in person memory. Recall is superior for statements endorsed by a target person than for denied statements. This effect of informational positivity is independent of affective positivity (Experiment 1) and on holds for statements associated with one individual as an organizing category (Experiment 2).     

The integration of visual and functional classifications in concept formation

Summary Simple motor responses of different similarity were assigned to geometric figures of different similarity. Subsequently, subjects had to learn hierarchical classifications of visually similar or dissimilar figures which were associated with either similar or dissimilar responses. In this way, the visual and the functional similarity of the conceptually united figures were orthogonally varied. It was found that visually similar figures are conceptually classified fastest regardless of their functional similarity. In contrast, functional similarity has a considerable impact on the hierarchical classification of visually dissimilar figures. Functionally similar figures are conceptually faster classified than dissimilar ones. From the results we conclude that concepts are autonomously formed as mediating representations in stimulus-response coordinations. The hierarchical organization of concepts is thereby based on the sequential organization of both the visual input and the behavioral output. Further consequences of this approach are discussed.Portions of this research were presented at the International Symposium on Structure and Function of Human Memory, in Memoriam Hermann Ebbinghaus, Berlin, July 1985     

Die Bindungstheorie und ihre Relevanz für die Psychotherapie

Zusammenfassung Die ursprünglich von John Bowlby entwickelte Bindungstheorie gewinnt zunehmend an Relevanz im Bereich der Psychotherapie(forschung). Diese übersicht beginnt mit einer Kl?rung der zentralen Begriffe und Annahmen dieser Theorie und fa?t einige Befunde zur Entwicklung und den Korrelaten von Bindung zusammen, die vornehmlich aus entwicklungspsychologischen Untersuchungen stammen. übertragen auf Erwachsene, bedürfen die Konzepte der Bindungstheorie einer Revision, die in dieser Arbeit skizziert wird. Schlie?lich werden auf dieser Basis einige heute übliche Methoden zur Erfassung von Bindungsstilen und Bindungsverhalten im Erwachsenenalter dargestellt, die bei Untersuchungen im klinischen Feld (Inhalt des 2. Teils der übersichtsarbeit) eine wichtige Rolle spielen.      

The Croatian version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire: Links with higher- and lower-level personality traits and mood

The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) measures habitual use of two emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. The present study tested the psychometric properties and validity of a newly developed Croatian adaptation of the ERQ. In a sample of 347 participants, we first sought to confirm the ERQ's original factor structure. Next, we tested its convergent, divergent and incremental validity. In the first subsample (N = 140), we linked the ERQ with a measure of the Five-Factor Model dimensions and their facets (Revised NEO Personality Inventory). In the second subsample (N = 207), we tested its ability to predict personality dimensions assessed by a different measure (Big Five Inventory) as well as the traits of positive and negative affect, including its incremental validity in predicting the latter. The results corroborated earlier findings, showing that the Croatian ERQ has equivalent psychometrics and predictive validity as ERQs in other languages. Crucially, the observed links between the ERQ and the facets of the Five-Factor Model dimensions enrich our understanding of the personality mechanisms behind the employment of these emotion regulation strategies.     

Perceived teasing experiences in body dysmorphic disorder

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are excessively concerned about imagined or slight defects in their appearance (e.g., asymmetrical facial features). Cognitive-behavioral models of BDD propose that several factors, including dysfunctional appearance-related beliefs and life experiences, such as teasing, contribute to the avoidance behaviors or rituals (e.g., mirror checking, grooming) characteristic of BDD. Previous research has demonstrated an association between perceived teasing and body dissatisfaction. In the current study, we examined whether individuals with BDD (n = 16) report to have been teased more often than do mentally healthy controls (n = 17). The group comprising individuals with BDD reported more appearance- and competency-related teasing than did control participants. This study provides preliminary evidence for the association between perceived teasing and BDD.     

Comparison of treatment seeking compulsive buyers in Germany and the United States

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to compare a German (Bavaria) and an American (North Dakota) sample of women suffering from compulsive buying. METHOD: Thirty-eight German and 39 American female compulsive buyers were screened with the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-Shopping Version (Y-BOCS-SV) prior to entering a group treatment study. Psychiatric co-morbidity was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the German sample and the American sample with regard to age (mean 43.7 and 45 years, respectively), and with regard to the scores on the CBS and the Y-BOCS-SV. A high lifetime co-morbidity rate with Axis I disorders, especially mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, OCD, and binge eating disorder was detected in both samples. Almost all participants met criteria for at least one lifetime Axis I disorder. However, German compulsive buyers showed significantly higher current prevalence rates of any affective disorder, and higher current and lifetime prevalence rates of any anxiety disorder and somatoform disorder. In addition, German compulsive buyers were significantly more likely to have more than one Axis I disorder. CONCLUSION: The groups did not differ with regard to age and with regard to the severity of compulsive buying and showed a high co-morbidity with Axis I disorders. However, the German compulsive buying sample presented with significantly more psychiatric co-morbidity compared to the American sample. Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of this disorder in general and cross-culturally.     

An unobtrusive measurement method of the horizontal gaze angle

A horizontal gaze angle measurement device is introduced. By combining a photoelectric viewing device to measure the horizontal eye angle with a similar head angle measurement device, it is possible to measure the horizontal gaze angle without using a headrest. After discussion of circuit diagrams and measurement principles, it is shown that the measurements made with the device yield a reasonable precision. The mean absolute measurement error is below 1°. This inexpensive and unobtrusive device covers a visual field of about 20° and can be used in parallel with many tasks. Further, data on the successful application of the device in a driving simulation setting are discussed.     

When we like what we know – A parametric fMRI analysis of beauty and familiarity

This paper presents a neuroscientific study of aesthetic judgments on written texts. In an fMRI experiment participants read a number of proverbs without explicitly evaluating them. In a post-scan rating they rated each item for familiarity and beauty. These individual ratings were correlated with the functional data to investigate the neural correlates of implicit aesthetic judgments. We identified clusters in which BOLD activity was correlated with individual post-scan beauty ratings. This indicates that some spontaneous aesthetic evaluation takes place during reading, even if not required by the task. Positive correlations were found in the ventral striatum and in medial prefrontal cortex, likely reflecting the rewarding nature of sentences that are aesthetically pleasing. On the contrary, negative correlations were observed in the classic left frontotemporal reading network. Midline structures and bilateral temporo-parietal regions correlated positively with familiarity, suggesting a shift from the task-network towards the default network with increasing familiarity.     

Bindungsrelevante Situationen in der Psychotherapie

Background

The therapeutic relationship is a central factor for psychotherapy, which may be at least partially explained by attachment theory. However, research concerning the conditions under which attachment-related needs are activated in treatment followed by possibly dysfunctional coping strategies is rare.

Patients and methods

Semi-structured interviews on attachment-related situations in psychotherapies were conducted with 36 inpatients and then rated with regard to content.

Results

Triggers for attachment-related needs in therapies were interpersonal conflict and loss, beginning and end of therapy, symptom burden, specific interventions, addressing the therapeutic relationship and change of setting from outpatient to inpatient treatment. This was related to themes of desire for help and support, experience of rejection, self-disclosure and desire for understanding.

Conclusions

The attachment system is activated in therapies similar to other interpersonal situations. The results may help to become more sensitive to attachment-related situations and needs.