Color preference,arousal, and the theory of psychological reversals

The theory of psychological reversals asserts that there are two levels of preferred felt arousal, one high and one low. Only one of them is preferred at a given time, although discrete switches (reversals) occur from time to time, so that each level is preferred at different times. In order to document such changes in preferred levels of arousal, 75 subjects were asked to make color preference choices at regular intervals during their working day, some for as many as 8 days. The assumption was that different colors are arousing or relaxing, and that color choice indicates arousal preference. The typical patterns of color choices that occurred clearly displayed the expected reversal effect over time and were considerably more consistent with reversal theory than with optimal arousal theory. In a second study, 41 new subjects were asked to respond to a simple mood adjective checklist each time they made their color preference choices. The results strongly supported the association between arousal preference and color preference and also supported the reversal theory thesis that low arousal preference is associated with seriousness and planning orientation (all these characterizing the telic state), and that high arousal preference is associated with playfulness and spontaneity (all these characterizing the paratelic state). Finally, both studies showed that there is a systematic tendency for long-wavelength colors to induce feelings of high arousal and for short-wavelength colors to induce feelings of low arousal.     

Noise stress and circadian arousal in self-paced computation

Previous work(Frankenhaeuser & Lundberg, 1977) has shown that unpaced mental arithmetic is performed at slower rates in noise, despite unchanged catecholamine indices of arousal; only male subjects were used, tested early in the day. Since the times of testing entail arousal effects that interact with noise stress, and the sex of subject further modifies these interactions, a new experiment was designed to include these variables. Men and women were tested on the Norinder mental arithmetic task, in quiet or in noise, either in the morning, when arousal was low, or during the early evening, when temperature curves indicate that arousal should be high. Analysis of the number of problems attempted shows a significant drop for men in noise in the morning, but an interaction due to reversal of the noise effect in the evening; there is no main effect of noise when women's scores are included. The results are compatible with interpretations combining motivation and cognition, and they demonstrate the importance of the experimental variables in explaining noise stress effects.The authors are indebted to the late David A. Shipp for his assistance in running subjects.     

Salience of arousal as a mediator of misattribution of transferred excitation

An experiment was conducted to test Zillmann's hypothesis that misattribution of residual arousal in the excitation transfer paradigm is influenced by the salience of perceived arousal symptoms at the point of potential misattribution. Eighty subjects in a 2×2×2 design were either physiologically aroused or not aroused, and were subsequently subjected to a procedure designed to induce either positive mood (elation) or negative mood (depression). Simultaneously, they were either made self-aware or not. It was reasoned that self-focused attention would lead to heightened awareness of residual arousal and that, if the salience of arousal hypothesis is correct, this would prevent misattribution of arousal and the resultant intensification of experienced emotion from occurring. In accord with this reasoning, it was found that aroused and self-aware subjects experienced residual arousal significantly more intensely, were less prone to misattribute it, and did not show an excitation transfer effect. These results were, however, obtained only for subjects in the negative mood condition.     

Pastoral counseling with alcoholics and their families

The pastor is often in contact with the alcoholic and his or her family. Providing help to alcoholics and their families is a spiritual, humanistic, and therapeutic challenge. Recent developments have favored a family systems orientation to working with alcoholic families. This orientation acknowledges the family as contributor to maintaining alcoholic behavior and includes the family in treatment. Specific family systems concepts are discussed and how they relate to the dysfunctional unit which houses an alcoholic. Implications for pastors and specific role definitions are explored. Krebs' therapeutic model is expanded to: 1) evaluate, 2) support, 3) refer, and 4) support, as appropriate for the pastor working with alcoholics and their families.     

Personal and professional integrity in relation to pastoral assessment

Though concerns about personal integrity have led some to de-emphasize the role of assessment and the pastor's professional viewpoint in pastoral care, as re-examined here these same concerns call for a recognition of the vital connection between professional and personal integrity. The relationship between personal and professional integrity as they shape pastoral assessment is analyzed in terms of respect, encounter, and anticipation. The relationship of a theology of hope or anticipation to the predictive validity of pastoral assessment presents a challenging agenda for pastoral ministry today.Dr. Underwood is Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary     

Guaranteed not to shrink: Spiritual direction in pastoral care

Interest in spiritual direction flourishes in all parts of the Christian tradition. The author notes several reactions of Protestants to this development before describing a biblical view of spirituality. He then sets out essential guidelines for spirituality and spiritual direction which are consistent with the Reformed tradition for churches wishing to include prayer and spiritual direction as a dimension of pastoral care.His article was presented initially as one of a series of convocation lectures marking the formal commencement of the Center's work and his installation as Director on February 4, 1982.     

Some capacities required to be a psychoanalytic psychotherapist

The capacities required to be a helpful psychoanalytic psychotherapist include those required for any meaningful interpersonal relationship that involves the deepest thoughts and feelings between two people, where one is committed to always putting first the best interests of the other. This paper discusses seven of those capacities: (1) the capacity for empathie technical flexibility; (2) the capacity to be childlike; (3)the capacity for psychological mindedness and insight; (4) the capacity to be neutral but not anonymous; (5) the capacity to recognize, articulate, bear and experience feelings within the session; (6) the capacity to be silent; and (7) the capacity to regress in the service of therapy. Each of these capacities is discussed within the context of practical aspects of delivering psychotherapy.     

Pastoral care of the severely emotionally distressed: An overview of potential pastoral roles in the clinical setting

Evidence suggests that more people wanting help for emotional problems go to the clergy than to any other professional group. Many of these distressed persons manifest psychotic symptoms; yet little attention has been given to pastors' opportunity and responsibility in aiding persons suffering from psychoses. A model of pastoral care of the severely emotionally distressed is presented by describing five potential pastoral roles: availability, assessment (present episode and past history, mental status, specific symptoms), synthesis (hierarchy of probabilities), treatment (linkage, primary care [in collaboration], primary care [alone], support), and follow-up. Clinical vignettes illustrate these various roles.