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Abstract
The present article critiques standard attempts to make philosophy appear relevant to the scientific study of well-being, drawing examples in particular from works that argue for fundamental differences between different forms of wellbeing (by Besser-Jones, Kristjánsson, and Kraut, for example), and claims concerning the supposedly inherent normativity of wellbeing research (e.g., Prinzing, Alexandrova, and Nussbaum). Specifically, it is argued that philosophers in at least some relevant cases fail to apply what is often claimed to be among their core competences: conceptual rigor—not only in dealing with the psychological construct of flow, but also in relation to apparently philosophical concepts such as normativity, objectivity, or eudaimonia. Furthermore, the uncritical use of so-called thought experiments in philosophy is shown to be inappropriate for the scientific study of wellbeing. As an alternative to such philosophy-as-usual, proper attention to other philosophical traditions is argued to be promising. In particular, the philosophy of ZhuangZi (a contemporary of Aristotle and one of the most important figures in Chinese intellectual history) appears to concord well with today’s psychological knowledge, and to contain valuable ideas for the future development of positive psychology.
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Skimina E, Strus W, Cieciuch J, Topolewska-Siedzik E. How Many and What Mechanisms Are Needed to Explain Self-Regulatory Functions in Personality Dynamics: Towards a Model Based on the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits. J Pers 2022. [PMID: 35451067 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We propose a model of basic self-regulatory mechanisms that integrates descriptive-structural and dynamic-explanatory approaches to personality. Using a structural way of thinking and based on a structural model of personality (the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits) we deduced two orthogonal (distinct) but interactive mechanisms: (a) Impulse Control responsible for controlling automatically activated impulses, urges, and affective reactions and (b) Self-Motivation responsible for regulating intentions in goal-oriented behaviors. Their operation depends on both situational and dispositional factors and optimal functioning of both mechanisms is needed for effective regulation of behavior. People can also be characterized by relatively stable levels of Impulse Control and Self-Motivation as dispositions, which depend on temperamental predispositions but can develop incoherently with them due to the impact of environmental factors. Combinations of Impulse Control and Self-Motivation as dispositions result in personality types, which differ in their adaptiveness. Importantly, Impulse Control and Self-Motivation mechanisms reveal substantial similarities to other self-regulatory constructs described in the literature, particularly those included in Block and Block's, as well as Kuhl's theories. The contribution of our paper may serve as an example of how to apply the descriptive-structural approach to develop a dynamic-explanatory model of personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Skimina
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Strus
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Cieciuch
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland.,URPP Social Networks, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Quirin M, Kuhl J. The concert of personality: Explaining personality functioning and coherence by personality systems interactions. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070221078478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Several psychological approaches concern explaining the dynamic psychological processes and mechanisms that render personality a coherent whole, a “well-sounding concert.” Building upon personality systems interactions (PSI) theory, which explains personality functioning on the basis of interactions among cognitive and affective-motivational personality systems, we demonstrate how diverse perspectives on personality coherence may functionally be integrated. To do so, we describe interactions among four cognitive personality systems considered to underlie and optimize two meta principles of personality functioning—self-growth (in terms of the integration of adverse experiences) and action control (in terms of goal pursuit). These meta principles establish different subtypes of personality coherence differentially focused by psychological perspectives. We highlight the interdisciplinary relevance and practical application of the present approach and conclude with implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Quirin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
- Private University of Applied Sciences PFH, Göttingen
| | - Julius Kuhl
- Department of Psychology, Osnabrueck University, Osnabrück, Germany
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Volitional Action Control and Depression in Chronic Pain: Does Action versus State Orientation Moderate the Relations of Pain-Related Cognitions to Depression? CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn this study, we examined the conditional indirect and direct relations of pain-related cognitions to depression. Subjective helplessness was included as presumably mediating the relations of catastrophizing and thought suppression to depression due to motivational deficits. In addition, moderating effects of dispositional action versus state orientation were analyzed, whereby state orientation indicates volitional deficits in coping with distress. The study was based on self-report data from 536 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain at the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation. Moderated mediation analyses were performed. The indirect catastrophizing- and thought suppression-depression relations were (partially) mediated by subjective helplessness; and moderated by failure-related action versus state orientation. Moreover, action versus state orientation moderated the direct relation of thought suppression to depression. Results suggest that catastrophizing, thought suppression, and subjective helplessness do not lead to depression unless associated with self-regulatory inability (i.e., state orientation). In contrast, action-oriented patients more effectively self-regulate pain-related emotions, disengage from rumination, and distract from pain and thus better avoid the debilitating effects of negative pain-related cognitions on depression. Future research and treatment may more strongly focus on the role of motivational and volitional deficits underlying learned helplessness and depression in chronic pain.
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Johnstone B, Cohen D, Dennison A. The integration of sensations and mental experiences into a unified experience: A neuropsychological model for the "sense of self". Neuropsychologia 2021; 159:107939. [PMID: 34237328 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A continued weakness in the cognitive neurosciences is the lack of a model to explain the phenomenological experience of the "self." This article proposes a model that suggests that the right hemisphere association area integrates physical sensations and mental experiences into a unified experience (i.e., a "sense of self") that is best conceptualized and understood as the subjective experience of "mineness." This model presents a unifying framework for neurologic and psychiatric disorders of the self (i.e., dis-integrated sense of "mineness"), as well as a neuropsychological framework to explain several human characteristics and experiences. Research is reviewed that indicates the sense of self can be activated to serve as the neuropsychological foundation of "self-integrated" character traits such as empathy (i.e., experiencing other's thoughts/emotions as "mine"), and conversely, the inhibition of this integrative process which can serve as the foundation of "selfless" experiences such as transcendence and forgiveness. Future research and clinical applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Cohen
- Department of Religious Studies, University of Missouri, USA
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Buchmann J, Baumann N, Meng K, Semrau J, Kuhl J, Pfeifer K, Kazén M, Vogel H, Faller H. Endurance and avoidance response patterns in pain patients: Application of action control theory in pain research. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248875. [PMID: 33765020 PMCID: PMC7993813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying pain-related response patterns and understanding functional mechanisms of symptom formation and recovery are important for improving treatment. OBJECTIVES We aimed to replicate pain-related avoidance-endurance response patterns associated with the Fear-Avoidance Model, and its extension, the Avoidance-Endurance Model, and examined their differences in secondary measures of stress, action control (i.e., dispositional action vs. state orientation), coping, and health. METHODS Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted on self-report data from 536 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain at the beginning of an inpatient rehabilitation program. Measures of stress (i.e., pain, life stress) and action control were analyzed as covariates regarding their influence on the formation of different pain response profiles. Measures of coping and health were examined as dependent variables. RESULTS Partially in line with our assumptions, we found three pain response profiles of distress-avoidance, eustress-endurance, and low-endurance responses that are depending on the level of perceived stress and action control. Distress-avoidance responders emerged as the most burdened, dysfunctional patient group concerning measures of stress, action control, maladaptive coping, and health. Eustress-endurance responders showed one of the highest levels of action versus state orientation, as well as the highest levels of adaptive coping and physical activity. Low-endurance responders reported lower levels of stress as well as equal levels of action versus state orientation, maladaptive coping, and health compared to eustress-endurance responders; however, equally low levels of adaptive coping and physical activity compared to distress-avoidance responders. CONCLUSIONS Apart from the partially supported assumptions of the Fear-Avoidance and Avoidance-Endurance Model, perceived stress and dispositional action versus state orientation may play a crucial role in the formation of pain-related avoidance-endurance response patterns that vary in degree of adaptiveness. Results suggest tailoring interventions based on behavioral and functional analysis of pain responses in order to more effectively improve patients quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Buchmann
- Department I—Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
- * E-mail: (JB); (NB)
| | - Nicola Baumann
- Department I—Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
- * E-mail: (JB); (NB)
| | - Karin Meng
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jana Semrau
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julius Kuhl
- Department of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfeifer
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Miguel Kazén
- Department of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Heiner Vogel
- Section of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Faller
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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When tough gets you going: Action orientation unfolds with difficult intentions and can be fostered by mental contrasting. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Friederichs E, Kärner T, Friederichs KM, Lehmeier S. Too much of a good thing? Curvilinear relationships between self-calming and autonomic responses in paediatric patients. Med Hypotheses 2019; 137:109536. [PMID: 31952018 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Based on the theory of self-regulation and the polyvagal theory, we hypothesise a curvilinear relationship between self-regulation and autonomic responses. We report findings of a pilot study that provides support for the proposed hypothesis. For some of the observed cases, the quadratic polynomial regression models the data better than the linear regression model, indicating curvilinear relationships between self-regulation and indicators of autonomic response. Consequences of the hypothesis and its relevance for therapeutic interventions supporting the patients' self-calming system are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Friederichs
- University of Bamberg, Centre for Learning and Development, Germany.
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Birk MV, Mandryk RL, Baumann N. Just a click away: Action-state orientation moderates the impact of task interruptions on initiative. J Pers 2019; 88:373-390. [PMID: 31257587 PMCID: PMC7064891 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present research examines the role of individual differences in self‐regulation (i.e., demand‐related action–state orientation) on initiative to resume an interrupted task. Method In three studies (N1 = 208, 55% male, Mage = 33.2; N2 = 457, 62% male, Mage = 31.7; N3 = 210, 60% male, Mage = 32.6), participants were notified about a network interruption while playing a computer game. Participants could dismiss the interrupting notification by clicking a continue button or wait until the notification timed out. We manipulated demand by presenting notifications during (demand) versus after game rounds (no demand). Results Demand‐related action orientation was associated with higher probability to dismiss the notification during a game round, controlling for dismissal after a game round. Findings occurred when controlling for task ability and task motivation, were specific for demand‐ and not threat‐related action orientation, were complemented by shorter dismissal latencies, and were stable across interruption timeouts (Studies 1–3). Exposure through repetition resulted in adaptation (Study 3). Conclusion The findings suggest that people with lower action orientation have less self‐regulatory ability to initiate goal‐directed action and resume interrupted tasks—even if they are just a click away. Findings are discussed within the framework of Personality Systems Interactions theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max V Birk
- Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Regan L Mandryk
- Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Nicola Baumann
- Department of Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
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Obara-Gołębiowska M, Brycz H, Lipowska M, Lipowski M. The Role of Motivation to Reduce Obesity among Elderly People: Response to Priming Temptation in Obese Individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020244. [PMID: 29389858 PMCID: PMC5858313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The risk of obesity-related disorders is increased among the elderly, so changing eating habits can be an important element of prevention. The main aim of this article is to consider whether looking at pictures that present either fattening food or healthy food may motivate elderly people to change their nutrition habits. Might priming different kinds of food influence the attractiveness of the food for people in late adulthood undergoing obesity therapy? Based on priming theories, we analysed the effects of the conscious processing of stimuli associated with dietary habits in individuals aged with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Our experiments confirmed the influence of a higher-priority goal of "slimming" on the perception and internalization of nutrition-related stimuli. In response to such stimuli, individuals who are actively involved in weight reduction and health-oriented programs use strategies for resisting temptation and to effectively "slim". We present our findings in the context of their theoretical background and practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Obara-Gołębiowska
- Department of Psychology of Development and Education, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn Prawocheńskiego 13, 10-447 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Hanna Brycz
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Lipowska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Lipowski
- Department of Health Psychology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Górskiego 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.
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Kuhl J, Quirin M, Koole SL. Being Someone: The Integrated Self as a Neuropsychological System. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Marszał-Wiśniewska M, Jarczewska-Gerc E. Role of Mental Simulations in the Weight Loss Process. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 150:1-14. [DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2014.987102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Robinson MD, Moeller SK. Frustrated, but not flustered: The benefits of hierarchical approach motivation to weathering daily frustrations. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-014-9397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Overcoming action crises in personal goals – Longitudinal evidence on a mediating mechanism between action orientation and well-being. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Wieber
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Peter M. Gollwitzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Psychology, New York University, USA
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