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Ceccon C, Moscardino U. Friendship attachment style, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological distress among unaccompanied immigrant minors in times of COVID-19. J Adolesc 2024; 96:81-97. [PMID: 37752693 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This cross-sectional study used a convergent parallel mixed-method design to investigate friendship attachment style, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological distress among unaccompanied immigrant minors (UIMs) during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. METHOD Participants were 80 male UIMs (Mage = 17 years, standard deviation = 0.84) hosted in residential care communities. Individual interviews comprising questionnaires and open-ended questions assessed the constructs of interest. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic content analysis, whereas descriptive statistics and regression analysis were computed on quantitative data. RESULTS Several UIMs mentioned positive relationships with peers, but more than half also felt reluctant to trust others and build new friendships due to events experienced before and during migration. However, in quantitative data, 69% identified themselves with the secure friendship attachment style. Regarding intolerance of uncertainty, participants expressed feelings of worry about the pandemic, but also emphasized their resources in terms of confidence, optimism, and planning skills, as well as being accustomed to uncertainty; indeed, levels of this variable were low-to-medium. In regression analysis, insecure attachment and higher intolerance of uncertainty were each associated with greater psychological distress. Moreover, psychological distress was lower among securely attached UIMs with low (vs. high) levels of intolerance of uncertainty. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that, even in conditions of societal insecurity, UIMs display resilience and employ effective coping strategies; however, a lack of trust in peer relationships and the inability to tolerate uncertainty may undermine their psychological adjustment. Implications for developmental theory and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ceccon
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Ughetta Moscardino
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Padova, Italy
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Alfasi Y. We only know that we don't know: attachment patterns and psychological coping during the COVID-19 pandemic - the mediation role of intolerance of uncertainty. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:806-825. [PMID: 35430955 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2061326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic created sudden changes in many areas of daily life and increased uncertainty about the future. Two studies examined the association between attachment patterns and mental well-being during the pandemic, the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), and factors related to social relationships and self-perceptions. The results of the first study, conducted at the outbreak of the pandemic, indicated that individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety experienced more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions at that time, and that IOU and perceived social support mediated these associations. The results of the second study, conducted several months into the pandemic, indicated an association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and perceived stress during the time of the pandemic. Results of Study 2 also indicated that IOU mediated the association between attachment anxiety and stress, and that sense of coherence (SOC) mediated the association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and stress. These findings underscore the adverse psychological effects of uncertain situations, especially for individuals with a fragile foundation of interpersonal support, thus emphasizing the need for action to reduce uncertainty, especially in times of emergency.
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Bhatia A, Rana S, Gregor M. The Relationship Between Parental Attachment and Career Aspirations in Indian Female Undergraduate Students. JOURNAL OF CAREER ASSESSMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/10690727221129615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the career aspirations of Indian female undergraduate students, by utilizing a theoretical framework integrating Attachment Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Data were collected from 157 female Indian undergraduate students at a Liberal Studies college in India to study the contribution of self-reported maternal and paternal attachment security in predicting career aspirations. In particular, the mediating effects of student-reported self-esteem and career decision self-efficacy were examined in the relationship between their perceptions of maternal and paternal attachment security and career aspirations. Secure attachment to mothers, but not fathers, was found to relate to self-esteem and career decision self-efficacy, which in turn predicted career aspirations. Findings from the study contribute to the literature on career aspirations of women in India and lend support for the integration of attachment theory and SCCT. Future research and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Bhatia
- Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of East London, UK
| | - Simran Rana
- Department of Psychology, Ashoka University, Sonepath, India
| | - Margo Gregor
- Department of Psychology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
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Toroslu B, Çırakoğlu OC. Do perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty mediate the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and relationship and partner related obsessive–compulsive symptoms? CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Yang Z, Zhao X, Zhu Z, Fu Y, Hu Y. How Patients with an Uncertain Diagnosis Experience Intolerance of Uncertainty: A Grounded Theory Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:1269-1279. [PMID: 34408511 PMCID: PMC8367199 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s318263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a conceptual framework to explain how patients with uncertain diagnoses experience intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in order to achieve an in-depth understanding of the process of facing uncertainty in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS A grounded theory study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 21 patients with uncertain diagnoses in China from December 2018 to March 2019. The coding process followed the procedures of Strauss and Corbin: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. RESULTS We developed a conceptual framework called 'Facing an Uncertain Diagnosis'. This framework considers not only the external and internal context of IU generation but also the ongoing process of how IU impacts patients' psychological status, cognitive response, behavior, and decision making. CONCLUSION We suggest that healthcare professionals should be aware of the high level of IU and its psychological, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations in patients with uncertain diagnoses. Healthcare professionals should also be more cautious in shared decision making with patients with uncertain diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfang Yang
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanfen Fu
- School of Nursing, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Hu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Clark GI, Rock AJ, Clark LH, Murray‐lyon K. Adult attachment, worry and reassurance seeking: Investigating the role of intolerance of uncertainty. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin I. Clark
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia,
| | - Adam J. Rock
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia,
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Murray CV, Jacobs JIL, Rock AJ, Clark GI. Attachment style, thought suppression, self-compassion and depression: Testing a serial mediation model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245056. [PMID: 33444358 PMCID: PMC7808589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Attachment anxiety has been consistently linked with increased vulnerability to depression, and hyperactivating emotion regulation strategies (e.g., rumination) have been shown to mediate this relationship. Investigations of mediators of the attachment avoidance to depression relationship have yielded inconsistent findings, and the nature of this relationship remains to be clarified. There is evidence to suggest that the constructs of thought suppression and self-compassion are associated with attachment avoidance and also with depressive symptomology. In order to further clarify the nature of this relationship, the present study tested a serial mediation model, whereby it was hypothesised that thought suppression and self-compassion were serial mediators of the relationship between attachment avoidance and depression. One hundred and forty-eight participants completed an online composite questionnaire consisting of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire, the White Bear Suppression Inventory, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Initial results supported the hypothesised serial mediation model (Model A); that is, higher attachment avoidance predicted higher thought suppression, higher thought suppression predicted lower levels of self-compassion and lower levels of self-compassion predicted higher depression. However, this model was no longer significant following the inclusion of attachment anxiety as a covariate within the post-hoc analysis. A second, post-hoc serial mediation model was tested (Model B), with the only difference being that attachment anxiety replaced attachment avoidance as the independent variable. This model was significant, with and without the inclusion of attachment avoidance as a covariate. The study provides evidence for the central role of thought suppression and self-compassion as mechanisms underlying the relationship between insecure attachment and depression, and indicates that these factors operate in opposing directions. The findings are discussed in terms of explicating some of the processes through which insecure attachment confers vulnerability to depression. The implications of the observed degree of shared variance between the two attachment dimensions suggests these constructs may be more appropriately considered overlapping, rather than orthogonal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara V. Murray
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | | | - Adam J. Rock
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Gavin I. Clark
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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From Uncertainty to Anxiety: How Uncertainty Fuels Anxiety in a Process Mediated by Intolerance of Uncertainty. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8866386. [PMID: 33299402 PMCID: PMC7704173 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8866386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncertainty about future events may lead to worry, anxiety, even inability to function. The highly related concept-intolerance of uncertainty (IU)-emerged in the early 1990s, which is further developed into a transdiagnostic risk factor in multiple forms of anxiety disorders. Interests in uncertainty and intolerance of uncertainty have rapidly increased in recent years; little is known about the construct and phenomenology of uncertainty and IU and the association between them. In an attempt to reveal the nature of two concepts, we reviewed broad literature surrounding uncertainty and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). We followed the process in which the whole IU theory developed and extended, including two aspects: (1) from uncertainty to intolerance of uncertainty and (2) definition of uncertainty and intolerance of uncertainty, and further concluded uncertainty fuels to negative emotions, biased expectancy, and inflexible response. Secondly, this paper summarized the experimental research concerning uncertainty and IU, consisted of three parts: (1) uncertainty-based research, (2) measurements of IU, and (3) domain-specific IU. Lastly, we pointed out what remains unknown and needed to be investigated in future research. This result provides a comprehensive overview in this domain, enhancing our understanding of uncertainty and IU and contributing to further theoretical and empirical explorations.
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Community structure analysis of rejection sensitive personality profiles: A common neural response to social evaluative threat? COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 18:581-595. [PMID: 29651690 PMCID: PMC5962625 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-018-0589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring social threat is essential for maintaining healthy social relationships, and recent studies suggest a neural alarm system that governs our response to social rejection. Frontal-midline theta (4–8 Hz) oscillatory power might act as a neural correlate of this system by being sensitive to unexpected social rejection. Here, we examined whether frontal-midline theta is modulated by individual differences in personality constructs sensitive to social disconnection. In addition, we examined the sensitivity of feedback-related brain potentials (i.e., the feedback-related negativity and P3) to social feedback. Sixty-five undergraduate female participants (mean age = 19.69 years) participated in the Social Judgment Paradigm, a fictitious peer-evaluation task in which participants provided expectancies about being liked/disliked by peer strangers. Thereafter, they received feedback signaling social acceptance/rejection. A community structure analysis was employed to delineate personality profiles in our data. Results provided evidence of two subgroups: one group scored high on attachment-related anxiety and fear of negative evaluation, whereas the other group scored high on attachment-related avoidance and low on fear of negative evaluation. In both groups, unexpected rejection feedback yielded a significant increase in theta power. The feedback-related negativity was sensitive to unexpected feedback, regardless of valence, and was largest for unexpected rejection feedback. The feedback-related P3 was significantly enhanced in response to expected social acceptance feedback. Together, these findings confirm the sensitivity of frontal midline theta oscillations to the processing of social threat, and suggest that this alleged neural alarm system behaves similarly in individuals that differ in personality constructs relevant to social evaluation.
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Senese VP, Azhari A, Shinohara K, Doi H, Venuti P, Bornstein MH, Esposito G. Implicit associations to infant cry: Genetics and early care experiences influence caregiving propensities. Horm Behav 2019; 108:1-9. [PMID: 30592969 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adults' sensitive appraisal of and response to infant cry play a foundational role in child development. Employing a gene × environment (G × E) approach, this study investigated the interaction of genetic polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and oxytocin receptor genes (OXTR; rs53576, rs2254298) with early parental care experiences in influencing adults' implicit associations to infant cry. Eighty nulliparous adults (40 females, 40 males) responded to the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ), a measure of early care experiences, and participated in a Single Category Implicit Association Task (SC-IAT) to measure implicit associations to infant cry. Independent of parental experience, the valence of the implicit response to infant cry is associated with the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR), with LL-carriers showing more positive implicit associations than S-carriers. OXTR rs53576 moderated the relation between parental rejection and implicit appraisal of infant cry: A-carriers who experienced negative early care showed an implicit positive appraisal of infant cry, whereas in GG carriers, positive early care experiences were associated with an implicit positive reaction to infant cry. OXTR rs2254298 had no relation to implicit associations to infant cry or to early care experiences. These findings cast light on the possible interplay of genetic inheritance and early environment in influencing adults' responses to infant cry that may be incorporated into screening protocols aimed at identifying at-risk adult-infant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Social & Affiliative Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology - School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Unit of Basic Medical Sciences Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Doi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Unit of Basic Medical Sciences Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Paola Venuti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marc H Bornstein
- Child and Family Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, United States
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Social & Affiliative Neuroscience Lab, Division of Psychology - School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Read DL, Clark GI, Rock AJ, Coventry WL. Adult attachment and social anxiety: The mediating role of emotion regulation strategies. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207514. [PMID: 30592712 PMCID: PMC6310265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive evidence relating attachment dimensions to maladaptive interpersonal behaviours and dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies, few studies have explored social anxiety in the context of adult attachment dimensions. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether attachment-related anxiety and avoidance are associated with symptoms of social anxiety and whether cognitive emotion regulation strategies (reappraisal and suppression) play a role in the relationship between adult attachment and social anxiety. A sample of 253 adults (male n = 47, 18.6%; female n = 202, 79.8%; gender not disclosed n = 4, 1.6%) ranging in age from 18 to 74 years (M = 33.12, SD = 11.56) completed an online questionnaire that consisted of the Experience in Close Relationships–Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R); The Inventory of Interpersonal Situations Discomfort scale (IIS-D); and The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Results indicated that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance have a direct effect on indices of social anxiety symptomology. Reappraisal partially mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and social anxiety. However, the relationship between attachment avoidance and social anxiety was not mediated by the use of reappraisal and suppression. Findings of the study have implications for the development of clinical interventions targeting mediators of psychological distress associated with social anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl L. Read
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive & Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin I. Clark
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive & Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam J. Rock
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive & Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - William L. Coventry
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive & Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Akbari M, Khanipour H. The transdiagnostic model of worry: The mediating role of experiential avoidance. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Azoum M, Clark GI, Rock AJ. The impact of affect labelling on responses to aversive flying-cues. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194519. [PMID: 29672519 PMCID: PMC5908089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with flying phobia experience increases in subjective anxiety in response to flying-related cues. However, the cognitive processes that contribute to cue-reactive anxiety in individuals with flying-related anxiety remain poorly understood. Preliminary research suggests that changes in visual imagery and volitional control may contribute to this cue-reactive anxiety. Engaging in affect labelling during exposure therapy has been shown to reduce cue-reactive anxiety in individuals with fears relating to a variety of stimuli but has not been investigated in the fear of flying. The present study recruited 110 participants with a range of flying-related anxiety scores to complete an online cue-reactivity experiment. The study sought to evaluate whether an aversive flying cue triggered changes in imagery, volitional control and anxiety, and whether changes in imagery and volitional control predicted level of cue-reactive anxiety. Participants were randomly allocated to an affect labelling or non-affect labelling condition to additionally assess whether engaging in labelling one's emotion following exposure to an aversive flying cue would attenuate cue-reactive changes in anxiety relative to a group who did not. Significant cue-reactive changes in anxiety, and volitional control were observed from neutral to aversive flying cue were observed. After accounting for the effects of flying anxiety severity, only volitional control significantly improved the prediction of cue-reactive anxiety. Participants in the affect labelling condition reported significantly smaller increases in anxiety than the non-affect labelling group following exposure to the aversive flight cue. This is the first study to indicate affect labelling may help to regulate aspects of cue-reactive anxiety in response to aversive flying stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Azoum
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin I. Clark
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam J. Rock
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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