The efficacy of incorporating mental imagery in cognitive restructuring techniques on reducing hostility: A randomized controlled trial

Links between Couples' Cynical Hostility and Mental Health: A Dyadic Investigation of Older Couples

Whereas sharing a life with someone with high cynical hostility can be straining, little is known about how partner's cynical hostility is associated with one's mental health. In this paper, we report the findings from a longitudinal dyadic study using two waves of a large and representative American sample of older adults and their spouses to examine how one's own and their spouse's cynical hostility longitudinally affect anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results from APIM analyses suggest that both husbands' and wives' anxiety and depressive symptoms were negatively associated with their own cynical hostility, both within each time point and longitudinally. Partners' cynical hostility, however, predicted only husbands' mental health cross-sectionally. Furthermore, a moderating effect was identified, although it was not consistently observed across all analyses. Specifically, when a partner's cynical hostility was high, the association between one's own cynical hostility and their mental health was stronger, especially for women. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

The effect of aggressive fantasizing on aggressive inclinations: Moderating effects of dispositional anger expression

Experiencing victimization or mistreatment often induces feelings of anger. The catharsis hypothesis suggests that venting anger may aid in alleviating these negative emotions. Although this hypothesis has faced criticism, therapeutic interventions rooted in catharsis are employed to assist victims in managing their anger. One notable application of the catharsis principle in psychotherapeutic practice with victims involves engaging in aggressive fantasies: Victims who harbor aggressive fantasies against their offenders are supported in working with these fantasies to navigate the complex emotions arising from their victimization. Research investigating the effects of aggressive fantasizing on victims has yielded inconsistent findings, with some studies indicating positive and others suggesting negative outcomes. Herein, we examine whether (instructed) aggressive fantasizing diminishes (catharsis hypothesis) or heightens (escalation hypothesis) subsequent aggressive inclinations compared to non-aggressive fantasizing. Additionally, the moderating role of victims' dispositional tendencies to express anger, specifically Anger Expression-out and Anger Expression-control, in the relationship between aggressive fantasizing and aggressive inclinations was examined. We recruited individuals (N = 245) who had experienced victimization through highly unfair treatment and instructed them to imagine confronting their wrongdoer using either aggressive or non-aggressive communication. Participants then reported their aggressive inclinations. Data supported the escalation hypothesis, revealing that aggressive fantasizing amplifies subsequent aggressive inclinations. Importantly, individuals with higher Anger Expression-out demonstrated greater susceptibility to this effect; whereas, Anger Expression-control did not moderate the link between aggressive fantasizing and inclinations. These findings further challenge the catharsis hypothesis and underscore the role of dispositional anger expression tendencies on the effects of aggressive fantasizing.