Visual discomfort: the influence of spatial frequency.

The response of different visual discomfort groups to a range of spatial frequencies at threshold and suprathreshold was investigated. In experiment 1, a paired-comparison task was conducted. The high visual discomfort group judged a spatial frequency of 4 cycles deg-1 as the most perceptually distorted and somatically unpleasant to view. The moderate and low visual discomfort groups judged 8 and 12 cycles deg-1 as more perceptually and somatically unpleasant to view than lower spatial frequencies. In experiment 2, the spatial contrast-sensitivity function (CSF) for the high visual discomfort group was depressed for spatial frequencies between 1 and 12 cycles deg-1 in comparison with the moderate and low visual discomfort groups. When these same spatial frequencies were modulated at 6 Hz, CSFs were the same for all groups. These results are discussed in relation to a failure of inhibition across spatial-frequency channels in the high visual discomfort group. This may be explained by a more generalised parvocellular system processing deficit. Possible similarities between some forms of migraine and visual discomfort are highlighted.     

Quality of relationships and structural properties of social support networks of female survivors of abuse

The purposes of this study were to examine the structural properties of the social support networks of female survivors of violence and abuse and to investigate the quality of the relationship, and specific level of satisfaction, survivors have with their social support networks. Participants averaged 5.8 persons in their social support networks. Their levels of satisfaction with the emotional, practical, financial, guidance, and socializing support they received from members of their social support networks were higher with respect to close friends and coworkers than with respect to family members and professionals (e.g., attorneys and social workers). The most common type of support provided by close friends who were themselves victims of abuse was emotional, guidance, and socializing support, and the most satisfying support was the financial and practical help that came from parents or family. An interesting finding was the significant presence of men in the survivors' social support networks. Overall satisfaction with the quality of support from the social support networks was high, and satisfaction with support from men was comparable, if not higher, than support from women. Multiple regression models revealed that satisfaction with support networks was a potent predictor of self-esteem, emotional health, and loneliness. Intimacy, especially in terms of exclusiveness and trust or loyalty, with at least a few members of the support network contributed significantly to the variance in self-esteem, emotional health, and loneliness among the abused women. The size of the support network also emerged as a limited contributor to well-being. Implications and applications are discussed for professionals working with female survivors of abuse.     

Just a game? Changes in English and Spanish soccer fans’ emotions in the 2010 World Cup

Objectives

To explore English and Spanish fans’ emotional responses to team success and failure and resulting changes in social interaction and spending during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Design

A between-group and within-group longitudinal design.

Method

Data on emotion, team identification, social interaction and spending were collected from 59 English fans (47 men, 12 women), and 32 Spanish fans (19 men, 13 women), before, during and after the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Results

Both English and Spanish fans displayed significant changes in emotional state after the success or failure of their respective teams during the Soccer World Cup. The positive emotional state associated with winning the tournament in the Spanish fans persisted for over four days, and the negative emotional state associated with the early exit from the tournament by the English fans did not. Four days after the tournament the Spanish Fans had a more positive emotional state than the English fans. The changes in emotional state were not associated with greater identification with the team assessed through the use of team identifying pronouns; nor were changes in behavior associated with changes in emotional state. After the tournament the Spanish fans reported spending more time socializing than English fans and also spending more money than usual compared with baseline.

Conclusion

These data provide evidence that group membership influences emotion and that the positive emotional experience associated with group success persist longer than the negative emotional experience associated with group failure.