Choice for signaled over unsignaled shock as a function of signal length.

Subjects chose between signaled and unsignaled shock conditions while signal length was varied between .5 and 2.0 seconds in steps of .5 seconds in both ascending and descending series. Preference for the signaled condition failed to develop initially for five of six subjects when signals were .5 or 1.0 seconds but became strong for all subjects when signals were 2.0 seconds (ascending series). Preference declined when signals were shortened, but for most subjects this decline was small (descending series). Since discriminable shock-free periods were present in the signaled condition at all signal lengths, these results suggest that safety may not be a sufficient condition for preference to develop for signaled shock.     

The effect of perceived parental involvement and the use of growth-fostering relationships on self-concept in adolescents participating in gear up

Adolescence is marked by physical, cognitive, and social changes which affect how individuals perceive themselves. However, individuals do integrate their perceptions with those of significant others. Adolescents' self-concept is influenced by their relationships with family, peers, mentors, and community groups. In this study, the characteristics of these relationships are examined as well as the perception of parental involvement. The effect of perceived parental involvement and the use of growth-fostering relationships on self-concept was examined using 78 adolescents who were participating in GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness of Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). Results support the influence of family, peers, mentors, and involvement in community groups on adolescent self-concept.     

The role of dark pattern stimuli and personality in online impulse shopping: An application of S-O-R theory

Online impulse shopping is a growing industry. This paper uses the Stimulus-Organism-Response framework to model online impulse purchase behavior using a novel combination of stimuli and organism characteristics. The stimuli: social proof, limited-quantity scarcity, and high-demand, are three commonly used website features known as dark patterns. The organism characteristic personality is measured by the big 5 personality traits and persona generated through latent profile analysis. Using the machine learning algorithm XGBoost, impulse purchasing response was predicted separately for each dark pattern stimuli. Results show personality characteristics are important features when predicting consumer impulse purchasing in response to dark pattern messages. Moreover, the personality traits (and personas) most predictive of impulse shopping behavior varied by type of dark pattern. Findings suggest personality influences susceptibility to different dark patterns, indicating a need for tailored interventions to mitigate individual consumer vulnerabilities to impulse shopping.     

Addressing women's breast cancer risk and perceptions of control in medical settings

Many women with family histories of breast cancer deal with two distinct but related issues: their objective physical risk and the emotions this risk engenders. Studies indicate that approximately 70% of African American and white women are concerned about their chances of developing breast cancer someday and perceive themselves to be at risk. Health care providers, including psychologists, need to be aware of the special needs and psychosocial concerns of high-risk women with family histories of breast cancer, since perceptions of breast cancer risk influence screening practices. Providers need training in understanding the significance of specific family patterns of breast cancer, screening guidelines appropriate for women at risk, and the benefits and risks of available prevention options, including genetic screening. Delivering accurate information about both established risk factors known to elevate personal risk, such as age and family history, and factors which women associate with breast cancer, such as bumping and bruising a breast, smoking, and oral contraceptive use, is essential for promoting accurate risk perceptions and appropriate screening schedules.     

Women as cues for men's approach or distancing behavior: A study of interpersonal sexist discrimination

The purpose of this study was to investigate interpersonal sexist discrimination, operationally defined as distancing behavior. A heterogeneous sample of participants were approached at four train stations and completed two paper and pencil simulated seating measures, a sex role attitudes measure, and provided demographic information. It was predicted that in the neutral situations presented in the seating measures where there is a choice to sit either next to a man or a woman, men would more often choose to sit next to a man but women were not expected to make seating choices based on the gender of the person seated. Men's seating choices were found to be influenced by the gender of target persons whereas women's choices were not, but men either distanced from or approached women target persons. Self-reported sex role attitudes were found not to be related to distancing behavior.We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Alyson Andrews, Nicholas Geraci, Scott Marino, Stacy Schiff, Robert Victoria, and Lisa Zamara, seniors at the University of Rhode Island, who served as investigators in this study and also assisted in the coding of data. Portions of this paper were presented at the national conference of the Association for Women in Psychology in Oakland, CA, on March 6, 1994.Requests for reprints may be sent to any of the authors at the University of Rhode Island, Department of Psychology, Kingston, RI 02881.     

The effects of schematic and affective processes on metaphorical invention

This research predicted that greater knowledge, stronger affect, and positive attitudes concerning a topic would lead to the construction of laboratory-induced metaphorical statements. Subjects (n=45) were given a list of 13 politicians and instructed to create metaphors about several of their choosing. Politicians selected as the topics of metaphors were compared to those not selected. Respondents possessed more knowledge, had stronger feelings, and intended to vote for the politicians who were the topics of metaphors more than for those not selected. Future research should futher investigate the role of knowledge, prevailing mood, and attitudes on metaphorical invention, and examine spontaneously occuring metaphors.     

Dispositional optimism and recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery: the beneficial effects on physical and psychological well-being

The effect of dispositional optimism on recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery was examined in a group of 51 middle-aged men. Patients provided information at three points in time--(a) on the day before surgery, (b) 6-8 days postoperatively, and (c) 6 months postoperatively. Information was obtained relating to the patient's rate of physical recovery, mood, and postsurgical quality of life. Information was also gathered regarding the manner in which the patients attempted to cope with the stress of the surgery and its aftermath. As expected, dispositional optimism proved to be an important predictor of coping efforts and of surgical outcomes. More specifically, dispositional optimism (as assessed prior to surgery) correlated positively with manifestations of problem-focused coping and negatively with the use of denial. Dispositional optimism was also associated with a faster rate of physical recovery during the period of hospitalization and with a faster rate of return to normal life activities subsequent to discharge. Finally, there was a strong positive association between level of optimism and postsurgical quality of life at 6 months.