Coping ability, negative self-evaluation, and overgeneralization: experiment and theory.

Responses of 3 groups of Ss differing in general coping ability, as measured by the Constructive Thinking Inventory, were compared on matched sets of items that differed according to whether the outcomes were positive or negative and directed at the self or at others. All groups reported widespread overgeneralization to items with favorable outcomes. Groups differed strongly and consistently only in response to unfavorable outcomes directed at the self, with poor constructive thinkers reporting more negative overgeneralization than others following such outcomes. It was concluded that poor constructive thinkers have a selective bias toward making negative inferences about the self, which has widespread implications for their general coping ability. A theoretical framework is presented for understanding why individuals acquire and maintain negative self-schemata, which has implications for depression and self-esteem as well as for general coping ability.     

Perception of expiratory flow by asthmatics and non-asthmatics during rest and exercise

Perception of respiratory function may be an important factor in self-management of asthma. Previous research has suggested that asthmatics may not accurately perceive pulmonary functioning. The perception of normal and asthmatic individuals was assessed using a magnitude production procedure in a series of three studies, proceeding from normal individuals during rest, then submaximal exercise, to a comparison of normal and asthmatic adolescents during rest and submaximal exercise. At rest there were no differences between males and females, adults and adolescents, or asthmatics and non-asthmatics. However, there were significant differences in perception between rest and exercise for all groups. These findings suggest that a breakdown in perception does not occur during submaximal exercise in patients with asthma.     

Recalibration by pairing: a process of perceptual learning.

When two cues which normally agree in determining perceived depth are experimentally paired so that they designate discrepant values for the depth dimension, an opportunity is created for the recalibration or re-evaluation of the cues. Experiments which show recalibration of the oculomotor cues and recalibration of binocular disparity as a result of pairing these cues with other discrepant cues are reviewed. The locus of change is related to the relative dominance of different cues and the contribution of allocation of attention in determining dominance is discussed. Implications of recalibration by pairing for understanding ontogenetic development are considered. It is suggested that some cues may acquire their effectiveness as a consequence of pairing during development.