Contrast and assimilation in lightness judgments

Experiments studied how assimilation and contrast varied as a function of the reflectance of figures above and below the reflectance of a gray background. The results showed that for the experimental conditions investigated: (a) contrast always occurs when the reflectance of lines is above the reflectance of the background, (b) assimilation occurs when the reflectance is below that of the background, (c) circles produce the same degree of assimilation and contrast as lines of equal width, and (d) repeated judgments do not affect contrast but reduce assimilation; as line darkness and line width increase assimilation gives way to contrast following repeated judgments. The results are discussed in connection with the hypothesis that assimilation and contrast arise from opponent processes in the visual system,     

It’s in the means: Process focus helps against procrastination in the academic context

Two studies tested the hypotheses (1) that focusing on the process of goal pursuit is associated with lower levels of procrastination and (2) that this relationship is moderated by fear of failure and task aversiveness. Study 1 used a between-subjects design with hypothetical scenarios (N = 92). Study 2 used a 5-week longitudinal within-subject design in a real-life context (N = 50). Both studies found converging evidence for the main-effect hypothesis, that is, process focus is negatively associated with procrastination in the academic context (e.g., studying for an exam). Process focus was also negatively related to task aversiveness and fear of failure. However, findings regarding moderation effects of fear of failure and task aversiveness were mixed. Taken together, findings support the hypothesis that the cognitive representation of a goal primarily in terms of its means (i.e., process focus) versus its outcome is related to less procrastination: Focusing on the process of a task can help to reduce procrastination.     

Emotional and behavioral problems in children of depressed mothers: a school-based study in Southern Brazil

The present study aimed to verify the association between maternal depression and emotional and behavioral problems in school children in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, considering that maternal depression increases children’s vulnerability for developing psychiatric disorders. This is a cross-sectional study with a school-based sample conducted between August 2015 and November 2016 and it is part of a major project entitled ‘Healthy Childhood in Context: A Multidisciplinary Investigation’. Schoolchildren aged between 7 and 8 years and one of their respective parents or a primary caregiver were included in the study. Maternal depression was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The presence of emotional and behavioral problems in children was verified by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) – parents version. Children of depressed mothers exhibited higher mean scores in all SDQ domains and in the total score when compared to children of non-depressed mothers. Lower socio-economic status was also associated with higher SDQ scores. Our results showed the effects of both maternal depression and poverty on children emotional and behavioral problems, which evidence the need for child mental health preventive care, and free quality assistance for both mothers and their children.     

Contrast and assimilation in lightness judgments

Experiments studied how assimilation and contrast varied as a function of the reflectance of figures above and below the reflectance of a gray background. The results showed that for the experimental conditions investigated: (a) contrast always occurs when the reflectance of lines is above the reflectance of the background, (b) assimilation occurs when the reflectance is below that of the background, (c) circles produce the same degree of assimilation and contrast as lines of equal width, and (d) repeated judgments do not affect contrast but reduce assimilation; as line darkness and line width increase assimilation gives way to contrast following repeated judgments. The results are discussed in connection with the hypothesis that assimilation and contrast arise from opponent processes in the visual system.     

Predicting problematic Internet use in men and women: the contributions of psychological distress, coping style, and body esteem

Problematic Internet use (PIU) is becoming a prevalent and serious problem among college students. Rates of PIU are higher in men, which may be due to psychological variables, such as comorbid psychological disorders and beliefs about one's body. We examined the ability of psychological distress, coping style, and body esteem to predict levels of PIU in men and women in a sample of 425 undergraduate students (46.8 percent male; mean age?=?19.0, SD?=?1.7). For men, phobic anxiety, wishful thinking, and overweight preoccupation were significant predictors of increased PIU. For women, depression, keeping to oneself, and decreased tension reduction were associated with increased PIU. The findings suggest that men and women may have different psychological reasons for excessive Internet use, including different types of psychological distress and coping styles. Unlike women, men may use the Internet because of weight concerns.