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Sambrano D, Dong B, Glimcher P, Phelps EA. Synchronized Incidental Affect Changes Ambiguity Preferences. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3873970. [PMID: 38352488 PMCID: PMC10862981 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3873970/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Decisions under uncertainty are prevalent, but come under two distinct types. Risk, which has unknown outcomes but known probabilities for those outcomes and ambiguity which contains both unknown outcomes and unknown probabilities. Although there have been several studies linking affect and aversion to ambiguity, there have been no studies that have to identify how changing one's affective response can change their choices. A total of 166 adults ( M = 36.54, SD = 11.80) participated in an online study through Prolific. Participants were presented with a lottery on each trial which varied on its uncertainty type (risky vs ambiguous) and winning characteristics (winning probability and amount). Half of the ambiguous lotteries were paired with an neutral image (e.g., office supplies), while the other half was paired with an emotionally evocative image (e.g., burning house) that was hypothesized to incidentally influence their decisions. As measured by both raw choice data as well as through a computational model, participants were more averse to ambiguity when the lottery was paired with an emotionally evocative image. Follow-up analyses revealed that only lotteries in which the computational model predicted the participant would choose the lottery were affected by the images. This study highlights the phenomenon in which one's awareness of an affective stimulus can alter its impact on their decisions.
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Jhang YT, Liang CW. The effect of uncertainty on attentional bias in subclinical worriers: Evidence from reaction time and eye-tracking. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101842. [PMID: 36827945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES High-worry individuals have been assumed to show attentional bias towards threat, particularly under high uncertainty. This study experimentally investigated the effect of uncertainty on attentional bias in subclinical worriers. METHODS A visual dot-probe task combined with eye-tracking was used to assess participants' attentional bias towards blurred and unfiltered stimuli. Fifty high-worry and 47 low-worry participants were randomly assigned to either the high- or low-uncertainty threat condition. Aversive noise bursts were delivered either unpredictably (the high-uncertainty threat condition) or predictably (the low-uncertainty threat condition) during the visual dot-probe task. RESULTS In the low-uncertainty threat condition, high-worry participants exhibited enhanced attentional engagement towards blurred pictures compared to low-worry participants. They also had shorter initial fixation latencies on blurred pictures than on unfiltered pictures. In the high-uncertainty threat condition, high-worry participants demonstrated more difficulty in disengaging from threatening pictures compared to low-worry participants. LIMITATION First, this study used a nonclinical sample. Second, the power was limited with regard to the analysis of eye-movement data. Third, anxiety and worry induced by noise bursts were measured using subjective rating scales only. Fourth, some picture characteristics, such as luminosity and complexity, were not controlled. Finally, uncertainty related to delivery of noise bursts and pictures were both manipulated dichotomously. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of uncertainty in the maintenance of attentional bias towards threat-related pictures in high-worry individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Jhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.71, Longshou St., Taoyuan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chi-Wen Liang
- Department of Psychology, Chung Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Zhongbei Rd., Zhong Li Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan, ROC.
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Huang J, Wu H, Sun X, Qi S. The impact of threat of shock-induced anxiety on alerting, orienting, and executive function in women: an ERP study. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:1513-1533. [PMID: 37853300 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study used a combination of the Threat-of-Shock paradigm and the Attention Network Test (ANT) to investigate how induced anxiety affects alerting, orienting, and executive control and whether individual differences in threat sensitivity moderate these effects. Forty-two female subjects completed the ANT task in alternation under shock-threat and no-shock ("safe") conditions while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. The results showed that anxiety induced by the threat of shock had a significant impact on alerting and executive control functions at the neural level. Specifically, alerting-related N1 and stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) differences between double cue and no cue conditions were greater in the threat versus safe state, suggesting that the induced anxiety promoted the early perception of cues and preparation for the target. Moreover, executive control-related P3 and sustained potential (SP) differences between incongruent and congruent trials were greater in the threat versus safe state, indicating that the induced anxiety might improve the attentional allocation efficiency and stimulate subjects to recruit more cognitive resources to resolve conflicts. However, orienting-related ERPs were not affected by the threat of shock, but the threat of shock promoted the processing efficiency of spatial-cue at the behavioral level. Analysis of individual differences revealed that trait anxiety moderated the attentional allocation efficiency when performing executive control related tasks in the threat versus safe state. Our findings demonstrate the adaptive significance of the threat of shock-induced anxiety in that being in an anxious state can enhance individuals' alerting, orienting, and executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Huimin Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Xinyan Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Senqing Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
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Zhou H, Hung EPW, Xie L, Yuan Z, Wu AMS. The Application of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model to Gambling Urge and Involvement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14738. [PMID: 36429457 PMCID: PMC9690756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drawing on the intolerance of uncertainty model, this study aimed to examine whether intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation difficulties (in terms of impulse control difficulties and limited access to emotion regulation strategies) contributed to individual differences in gambling urge and involvement. METHODS Convenience sampling was used to recruit Chinese adult participants who had engaged in buying lottery tickets and other gambling activities in the past year. They were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire survey, and a total of 580 valid cases (Mage = 34.07, SD = 13.36; 50.4% female) were collected for data analysis. RESULTS Path analysis showed that the total effect of intolerance of uncertainty on gambling urge and involvement was significant and positive. However, only impulse control difficulties and not limited access to emotion regulation strategies fully mediated the effect of intolerance of uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS As the first study to apply the intolerance of uncertainty model to real-life gambling, it found that individuals' intolerance of uncertainty and impulse control difficulties contributed to more gambling urge and involvement. Improving emotion regulation skill (e.g., impulse control training) may, therefore, be considered in programs for promoting responsible gambling among Chinese gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Eva P. W. Hung
- Department of Social Science, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Xie
- School of Pre-School Education, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Bioimaging Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Anise M. S. Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
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5
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Funkhouser CJ, Klemballa DM, Shankman SA. Using what we know about threat reactivity models to understand mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Behav Res Ther 2022; 153:104082. [PMID: 35378405 PMCID: PMC8949844 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by unprecedented levels of stress and threats in a variety of domains (e.g., health, livelihood). Individual differences in threat reactivity may explain why some individuals are at elevated risk for the development or maintenance of psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article describes several prominent models, mechanisms, and components of threat reactivity (e.g., appraisals, intolerance of uncertainty, avoidance) and discusses how they might help improve understanding of changes in psychopathology during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter J. Funkhouser
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL, 60607, USA,Corresponding author. University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - David M. Klemballa
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stewart A. Shankman
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Morriss J, Bradford DE, Wake S, Biagi N, Tanovic E, Kaye JT, Joormann J. Intolerance of uncertainty and physiological responses during instructed uncertain threat: A multi-lab investigation. Biol Psychol 2021; 167:108223. [PMID: 34785278 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with high self-reported Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) tend to interpret uncertainty negatively. Recent research has been inconclusive on evidence of an association between IU and physiological responses during instructed uncertain threat. To address this gap, we conducted secondary analyses of IU and physiology data recorded during instructed uncertain threat tasks from two lab sites (Wisconsin-Madison; n = 128; Yale, n = 95). No IU-related effects were observed for orbicularis oculi activity (auditory startle-reflex). Higher IU was associated with: (1) greater corrugator supercilii activity to predictable and unpredictable threat of shock, compared to the safety from shock, and (2) poorer discriminatory skin conductance response between the unpredictable threat of shock, relative to the safety from shock. These findings suggest that IU-related biases may be captured differently depending on the physiological measure during instructed uncertain threat. Implications of these findings for neurobiological models of uncertainty and anticipation in anxiety are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Morriss
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| | - Daniel E Bradford
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Shannon Wake
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Nicolo Biagi
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Ema Tanovic
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jesse T Kaye
- Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Bielas J, Michalczyk Ł, Przybycień D. Does temperament have a differential effect on Inhibition of Return (IOR)? Acta Psychol (Amst) 2021; 221:103439. [PMID: 34700044 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reaction times to targets presented at previously stimulated locations are longer after some time (approx. 300 ms) than to targets presented in new locations. This effect is widely known as Inhibition of Return (IOR). It is typically explained in terms of an inhibitory bias against returning attention to places previously attended to and thus promoting attentional activity elsewhere. Regardless of its attentional character, IOR seems to encapsulate the interaction between two fundamental dimensions of temperament: engaging in versus inhibition and withdrawal from activity. Approaching IOR in this perspective, the question has arisen as to whether individual differences in reactivity as a temperamental trait express themselves in the time course and magnitude of this effect. 90 subjects (30 low, 30 medium and 30 highly reactive individuals) participated in the study. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other studies of individual differences in these parameters of IOR that use saccadic responses to measure its effect on behavior. The results show that in individuals who are higher in terms of their reactivity, IOR starts earlier and continues at the following SOAs but its magnitude is smaller than in less reactive individuals. The results are explained and discussed in light of the Regulative Theory of Temperament. This is the final version of the Abstract which has been accepted in the revised manuscript.
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Koppelaar H, Kordestani-Moghadam P, Kouhkani S, Irandoust F, Segers G, de Haas L, Bantje T, van Warmerdam M. Proof of Concept of Novel Visuo-Spatial-Motor Fall Prevention Training for Old People. Geriatrics (Basel) 2021; 6:66. [PMID: 34210015 PMCID: PMC8293049 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics6030066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Falls in the geriatric population are one of the most important causes of disabilities in this age group. Its consequences impose a great deal of economic burden on health and insurance systems. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team with the aim of evaluating the effect of visuo-spatial-motor training for the prevention of falls in older adults. The subjects consisted of 31 volunteers aged 60 to 92 years who were studied in three groups: (1) A group under standard physical training, (2) a group under visuo-spatial-motor interventions, and (3) a control group (without any intervention). The results of the study showed that visual-spatial motor exercises significantly reduced the risk of falls of the subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk Koppelaar
- Faculty of Electric and Electronic Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sareh Kouhkani
- Department of Mathematics, Islamic University Shabestar Branch, Shabestar, Iran;
| | - Farnoosh Irandoust
- Department of Ophtalmology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Korramabad, Iran;
| | - Gijs Segers
- Gymi Sports & Visual Performance, 4907 BC Oosterhout, The Netherlands;
| | - Lonneke de Haas
- Monné Physical Care and Exercise, 4815 HD Breda, The Netherlands; (L.d.H.); (T.B.)
| | - Thijmen Bantje
- Monné Physical Care and Exercise, 4815 HD Breda, The Netherlands; (L.d.H.); (T.B.)
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He X, Zhang Y, Chen M, Zhang J, Zou W, Luo Y. Media Exposure to COVID-19 Predicted Acute Stress: A Moderated Mediation Model of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Perceived Social Support. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:613368. [PMID: 33643082 PMCID: PMC7902691 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.613368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have found that disaster-related media exposure could predict acute stress responses. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between media exposure to COVID-19 and acute stress, and less is known about the mechanisms that translate media exposure to COVID-19 into acute stress. The current study explored the impact of media exposure to COVID-19 on acute stress, and examined the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and the moderating role of perceived social support (PSS). Methods: A total of 1,483 Chinese participants (M age = 27.93 years, SD = 8.45) completed anonymous online questionnaires regarding media exposure to COVID-19, IU, PSS, and acute stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Results: Media exposure to COVID-19 was positively related to acute stress, and IU partially mediated this relationship. The direct effect of media exposure to COVID-19 on acute stress, and the relationship between IU and acute stress, were both moderated by PSS. The impacts of both media exposure to COVID-19 and IU on acute stress were stronger for individuals with low PSS. Limitations: This study collected data in a shorter timeframe, and no assessments occurred during the follow-up, which may prevent us from detecting the changes of the relationships between variables over time. Meanwhile, the self-report method limited the validity of the data due to subjective reporting bias. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of how and when pandemic-related media exposure affects acute stress, and provide new perspectives for the prevention to reduce psychological problems following traumatic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcai He
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
- Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Meng Chen
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Weixing Zou
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
- Xingyi Normal University for Nationalities, Xingyi, China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
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Celik D, Alpay EH, Celebi B, Turkali A. Intolerance of uncertainty, rumination, post-traumatic stress symptoms and aggression during COVID-19: a serial mediation model. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1953790. [PMID: 34408818 PMCID: PMC8366660 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1953790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can be identified as a source of traumatic stress. Previous studies have shown that post-traumatic stress and intolerance of uncertainty are associated with aggressive behaviour. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to test a serial mediation model, considering rumination and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) as mediators that link intolerance of uncertainty and aggression, while controlling the confounding effect of crisis-induced health and socioeconomic stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A total of 714 participants [533 (74.6%) females, 176 (24.7%) males, aged 18-64 years (M age = 25.16, SD age = 9.34)] completed the following self-reported scales: Aggression Scale, COVID-19 stressors checklist, Short Version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Impact of Event Scale with Modifications for COVID-19, and Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire. RESULTS The results revealed that there was an association between intolerance of uncertainty and aggressive behaviours. Moreover, the results of serial mediation analysis showed that intolerance of uncertainty predicts aggressive behaviours via rumination and PTSS. Besides, socioeconomic stressors are significantly associated with the level of PTSS and aggression, while health stressors are not significantly association with the level of PTSS and aggression. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide several contributions to understand the link between intolerance of uncertainty and aggressive behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic, and confirm the importance of early psychological intervention, especially for those who are more likely to ruminate and suffer from PTSS, to prevent aggression and violence in the long run. In addition to health-related regulations, it is important to take the social and economic aspects of the crisis into account and develop intervention strategies accordingly. Nevertheless, the limitations of cross-sectional mediation analysis in explaining causal relationships should be kept in mind, and future studies should extend these findings using longitudinal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Celik
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
| | - Emre H Alpay
- Department of Psychology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Betul Celebi
- Department of Psychology, Uskudar University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aras Turkali
- Department of Psychology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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Morriss J, Biagi N, Dodd H. Your guess is as good as mine: A registered report assessing physiological markers of fear and anxiety to the unknown in individuals with varying levels of intolerance of uncertainty. Int J Psychophysiol 2020; 156:93-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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But what will the results be?: Learning to tolerate uncertainty is associated with treatment-produced gains. J Anxiety Disord 2019; 68:102146. [PMID: 31669785 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the association between changes in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and treatment outcomes for anxious youth. Participants were youth ages 7 to 17 who received cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety (N = 73). Youth and their primary caregivers completed a diagnostic interview and self- and parent-report measures at pre- and post-treatment, including the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children (IUS-C/P; Przeworski, 2006), the Coping Questionnaire (CQ-C/P; Kendall, 1994) and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-C/P; March et al., 1997). Hierarchical regression analyses evaluated the role of change in IU (the IUS-C/P) in predicting changes in functional impairment, coping efficacy, and anxiety severity post-treatment, controlling for demographic variables (age and gender), and baseline levels of IU, anxiety severity, functional impairment, and coping efficacy. Results demonstrated that treatment was associated with improvements across child-, parent- and clinician-report, and decreased IU from pre- to post-treatment was associated with (a) decreased functional impairment, (b) increased coping efficacy and (c) decreased anxiety severity. The findings indicate that a greater reduction in IU over treatment is associated with better outcomes in children and adolescents with anxiety across informants, suggesting the possibility that an increased focus on IU during treatment for youth anxiety may improve treatment outcomes. Future research should assess the causality of this relationship.
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Morriss J, Saldarini F, van Reekum CM. The role of threat level and intolerance of uncertainty in extinction. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 142:1-9. [PMID: 31158397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that individual differences in intolerance of uncertainty (IUS) are associated with disrupted threat extinction. However, it is unknown what maintains the learned threat association in high IUS individuals: is it the experienced uncertainty during extinction or the combination of experienced uncertainty with potential threat during extinction? Here we addressed this question by running two independent experiments with uncertain auditory stimuli that varied in threat level (Experiment 1, aversive human scream (n = 30); Experiment 2, neutral tone (n = 47) and mildly aversive tone (n = 49)). During the experiments, we recorded skin conductance responses and subjective ratings to the learned cues during acquisition and extinction. In experiment 1, high IUS was associated with heightened skin conductance responding to the learned threat vs. safe cue during extinction. In experiment 2, high IUS was associated only with larger skin conductance responding to the learned cues with more threatening properties during extinction i.e. mildly aversive tone. These findings suggest that uncertainty in combination with threat, even when mild, disrupts extinction in high IUS individuals. Such findings help us understand the link between IUS and threat extinction, and its relevance to anxiety disorder pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Morriss
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| | - Francesco Saldarini
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Carien M van Reekum
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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14
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Morriss J. What do I do now? Intolerance of uncertainty is associated with discrete patterns of anticipatory physiological responding to different contexts. Psychophysiology 2019; 56:e13396. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Morriss
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences University of Reading Reading UK
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