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Ponti L, Cappelli F, Perfetto F, Maver P, Smorti M. Caregiver's psychological well-being and quality of relationship with cardiac amyloidosis patients. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:66-78. [PMID: 38156665 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2280463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Caregivers' psychological well-being is linked to the quality of care provided for familiar with chronic illness. Despite caregivers of cardiac patients present an impaired psychological well-being, less investigated is the psychological well-being of caregivers of individuals with a rare disease such as the Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). Specifically, given that no study explored the well-being of the caregiver and the caregiver-patient relationship, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence of anxiety and depression in ATTR-CA caregivers and if these disorders were associated with patient's and caregiver's characteristics. Fifty-eight dyad caregiver-ATTR-CA patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Network of Relationships Inventory. Moreover, ATTR-CA patients completed the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, while caregivers completed the Multidimensional Scale of Social Support. Results showed that anxious caregivers (44%) reported higher conflict with patients. They had ATTR-CA relatives with a worse perception of cardiac symptoms and higher anxiety and depression. Depressed caregivers (39%) reported higher conflict with ATTR-CA relatives and lower perceived social support. Caregiver reported a high prevalence of anxiety and depression associated with worse personal relational well-being and to patient's psycho-physical condition. The care of ATTR-CA patient should consider the caregiver well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ponti
- Department of Humanities, University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappelli
- Tuscan Regional Amyloidosis Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Division of Interventional Structural Cardiology, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Federico Perfetto
- Tuscan Regional Amyloidosis Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- IV Internal Medicine Division, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Perla Maver
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Smorti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Brown WT, Martelli AM, Chester DS. Interactive effects of mindfulness and negative urgency on intimate partner aggression perpetration. Aggress Behav 2024; 50:e22120. [PMID: 37942824 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner aggression (IPA) is a costly and incompletely understood phenomenon. Negative urgency, the tendency to act impulsively in response to negative affect, is predictive of IPA perpetration. Mindfulness, by virtue of its emphasis on nonreactivity to negative affect, is an opposing force to urgent tendencies that may mitigate the negative urgency-IPA link. Yet, no research to date investigates the interactive effects of negative urgency and mindfulness on IPA perpetration. Two studies were conducted that measured and manipulated multiple facets of mindfulness alongside measures of negative urgency and tendencies of IPA perpetration (combined N = 508 undergraduate students in monogamous intimate relationships). Counter to our preregistered predictions, we found that negative urgency's association with greater IPA perpetration increased at higher levels of mindfulness. These findings suggest that mindfulness may not be a protective factor against IPA perpetration for individuals higher in negative urgency, but rather may serve as a risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt T Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Alexandra M Martelli
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - David S Chester
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Wang C, Wan X. Alone but together: Cloud-based commensality benefits physical and mental health. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:1490-1506. [PMID: 37070152 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Cloud-based commensality refers to an eating scenario in which people are eating and videoconferencing with remote co-diners. We report two experiments designed to investigate whether cloud-based commensality can exert a positive effect on individuals' physical and mental health. In Experiment 1, the participants were asked to rate their expectations concerning their feelings when eating in the context of cloud-based commensality or solitary eating and to make food choices in each eating scenario. In Experiment 2, romantic couples were recruited to have meals in different eating scenarios in the laboratory and were asked to rate their emotions and close relationships. The results of the two experiments revealed that when engaging in cloud-based commensality, participants reduced their intake of meat dishes but did not increase their choices of meat dishes compared to solitary eating. Moreover, the results suggest that cloud-based commensality can alleviate negative feelings and promote positive emotions during periods of quarantine or non-quarantine and enhance close relationships for romantic couples. These findings demonstrate that cloud-based commensality is beneficial for individuals' physical and mental health and provide practical implications for utilizing social eating to promote healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujun Wang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoang Wan
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Samokhvalova AG, Saporovskaia MV, Khazova SA, Tikhomirova EV, Shipova NS. Coping with the Forced Separation of Close Relationships during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychol Russ 2022; 15:75-90. [PMID: 36699139 PMCID: PMC9833616 DOI: 10.11621/pir.2022.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Issues regarding close relations became especially prevalent within the context of the pandemic, due to the forced separation of these relationships. This is now seen as a significant stressor that influences emotions and subjective perceptions of the relationship. Objective The current study aims to investigate the specifics of coping with the forced separation of partners with varying types of closeness. Design The study was carried out with quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample included 43 women and 42 men (aged 21-47); all were involuntarily separated from their partners by impacts of the pandemic. Results Three scenarios of romantic relationships were identified based on a balance of love components (intimacy, passion, commitment) and prevalent feelings (closeness or distance). The authors concluded that certain coping strategies (positive reassessment, acceptance, distraction) can help the individual to cope with the separation, but do not contribute to the closeness of the partners and the strengthening of the relationship. Coping primarily through active support was typical for partners with intense and balanced feelings based on closeness (Scenario 3). Ambivalent feelings toward a partner (Scenario 1) were associated with passive coping, which increased the risk of detachment. The moderate manifestation of balanced love components and closeness (Scenario 2) focused on acceptance of the situation, positive reassessing, and distraction, all of which reduce the stress of separation, but cause anxiety regarding the future of the relationship. Conclusion The type of close relationship has been found to correlate to the coping strategy adopted by the couple following forced separation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further studies are required to investigate separation in various social contexts, not only in isolation due to the pandemic, as well as its connection to psychological well-being.
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Tan K, Ingram SH, Lau LASL, South SC. Borderline Personality Traits and Romantic Relationship Dissolution. J Pers Disord 2022; 36:183-200. [PMID: 34427491 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2021_35_533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have found that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with romantic relationship instability, with relationship dissolution being a recurring theme. Scant research, however, has examined the dissolution strategies and post-breakup outcomes for individuals with elevated levels of borderline traits. Findings from two studies revealed that there was an association between BPD criteria and tendency to employ less adaptive dissolution strategies when terminating a relationship. Furthermore, elevated levels of BPD traits were associated with less self-concept clarity and more unwanted pursuit of ex-partners. These findings both provide insight into how individuals with BPD traits experience relationship dissolution and suggest possible factors underlying the unstable relationship processes typically associated with borderline traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Tan
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore
| | - Samantha H Ingram
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Laura A S L Lau
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore
| | - Susan C South
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Łada-Maśko AB, Kaźmierczak M. Measuring and Predicting Maturity to Parenthood: What Has Personality Got to Do with It? J Clin Med 2021; 10:5802. [PMID: 34945098 PMCID: PMC8706419 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Maturity to parenthood is essential for taking on parental roles but remains an understudied issue. Still, close relations between maturity and personality dimensions are commonly emphasized. Thus, conducting research on maturity in context of personality seems a valuable research direction. The present research consists of two studies, focusing on the development and validation of Maturity to Parenthood Scale (MPS), in relation to personality, emotional regulation, coping with challenges, and intimate relationship satisfaction. In both studies, childless adults aged 20-35 years took part: (1) 718 participants (Mage = 25.49; SD = 2.89; 479 women), (2) 150 participants (Mage = 23.69; SD = 3.15; 104 women). All the participants had been in an intimate relationship for at least six months at the time of the study, the majority declared their willingness to have children in the future, had higher education, and were professionally active. The results showed that MPS is a reliable, valid measure comprising the following three subscales: valence, behavioral, and cognitive-emotional maturity to parenthood. The findings also confirmed the importance of broad- and narrow-band individual differences and contextual factors for maturity. MPS may be used in psychoeducation, supporting the transition to biological or adoptive/foster parenthood, as well as in medical and psychological care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Beata Łada-Maśko
- Division of Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maria Kaźmierczak
- Division of Family Studies and Quality of Life, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Bonassi A, Cataldo I, Gabrieli G, Lepri B, Esposito G. Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Maternal Overprotection Regulate Adult Social Expectations on Close Relationships. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1123. [PMID: 34573145 PMCID: PMC8466110 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are evolutionary-driven to adult mating and conceive social expectations on the quality of their affiliations. The genetic susceptibility to adverse environments in critical periods can alter close relationships. The current research investigates how the promoter region of the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR) and perceived caregiving behavior in childhood could influence the social expectations on close adult relationships. For this purpose, 5-HTTLPR data was collected from the buccal mucosa of 65 Italian individuals (33 males). The participants filled (a) the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to provide the levels of care and overprotection from mother and father, and (b) the Experience in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) to report the social expectations on the intimate relationship assessed in terms of anxiety and avoidance from the partner. An interaction effect between 5-HTTLPR and PBI dimensions on the ECR-R scores was hypothesized. Results confirmed that the interplay between the genetic groups and history of maternal overprotection predicted avoidance experienced in romantic relationships in adulthood. Moreover, both adult anxiety and avoidance felt in an intimate relationship were found to covary as a function of maternal overprotection. The present work proposes further evidence of the genetic and parental mechanisms regulating social expectations involved in close relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonassi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (I.C.)
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (I.C.)
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
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Bonassi A, Carollo A, Cataldo I, Gabrieli G, Tandiono M, Foo JN, Lepri B, Esposito G. Modulation of Instagram Number of Followings by Avoidance in Close Relationships in Young Adults under a Gene x Environment Perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7547. [PMID: 34300010 PMCID: PMC8303232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Social networking sites have determined radical changes in human life, demanding investigations on online socialization mechanisms. The knowledge acquired on in-person sociability could guide researchers to consider both environmental and genetic features as candidates of online socialization. Here, we explored the impact of the quality of adult attachment and the genetic properties of the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR) on Instagram social behavior. Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire was adopted to assess 57 Instagram users' attachment pattern in close relationships with partners. Genotypes from the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 region were extracted from the users' buccal mucosa and analyzed. Users' Instagram social behavior was examined from four indexes: number of posts, number of followed users ("followings") and number of followers, and the Social Desirability Index calculated from the followers to followings ratio. Although no interaction between rs25531 and ECR-R dimensions was found, an association between avoidance in close relationships and Instagram number of followings emerged. Post hoc analyses revealed adult avoidance from the partner predicts the Instagram number of followings with good evidence. Moreover, users reporting high avoidance levels displayed fewer followings than users who reported low levels of avoidance. This research provides a window into the psychobiological understanding of online socialization on Instagram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonassi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.); (I.C.)
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento TN, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Carollo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.); (I.C.)
| | - Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.); (I.C.)
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
| | - Moses Tandiono
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore; (M.T.); (J.N.F.)
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore; (M.T.); (J.N.F.)
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento TN, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy; (A.B.); (A.C.); (I.C.)
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore; (M.T.); (J.N.F.)
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9
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Cataldo I, Bonassi A, Lepri B, Foo JN, Setoh P, Esposito G. Recalled Parental Bonding Interacts with Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Modulating Anxiety and Avoidance in Adult Relationships. Brain Sci 2021; 11:496. [PMID: 33919740 PMCID: PMC8070703 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Early interactions with significant individuals affect social experience throughout the course of a lifetime, as a repeated and prolonged perception of different levels of care, independence, or control influences the modulation of emotional regulatory processes. As many factors play a role in shaping the expectations and features of social interaction, in this study, we considered the influence of parental bonding and genetic allelic variation of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) over levels of experienced anxiety and avoidance in 313 young adults belonging to two different cultural contexts, namely Italy and Singapore. Results highlighted a major effect of maternal characteristics, care, and overprotection, with differences between the two cultural groups. Additionally, the interaction between rs53576 and maternal overprotection suggested different environmental susceptibility in the Italian sample and the Singaporean one. Implications for clinical work and future steps are described in the Conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Bonassi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Peipei Setoh
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
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Schneider T, Sauerland M, Merckelbach H, Puschke J, Cohrs JC. Self-Reported Voluntary Blame-Taking: Kinship Before Friendship and No Effect of Incentives. Front Psychol 2021; 12:621960. [PMID: 33603703 PMCID: PMC7884858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inspired by theories of prosocial behavior, we tested the effect of relationship status and incentives on intended voluntary blame-taking in two experiments (Experiment 2 was pre-registered). Participants (NE1 = 211 and NE2 = 232) imagined a close family member, a close friend, or an acquaintance and read a scenario that described this person committing a minor traffic offense. The person offered either a monetary, social, or no incentive for taking the blame. Participants indicated their willingness to take the blame and reasons for and against blame-taking. Overall, a sizable proportion of participants indicated to be willing to take the blame (E1: 57.8%; E2: 34.9%). Blame-taking rates were higher for family members than close friends or acquaintances in both experiments, as expected. Unexpectedly, there was no difference between a close friend and an acquaintance in Experiment 2. Social incentives did not have an effect on voluntary blame-taking in either experiment. Neither did we find an interaction between relationship status and incentives. The results highlight the importance of kin relationships in the context of voluntary blame-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Schneider
- Department of Law, Institute of Criminal Sciences, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Section of Social Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Section of Forensic Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Melanie Sauerland
- Section of Forensic Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Harald Merckelbach
- Section of Forensic Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jens Puschke
- Department of Law, Institute of Criminal Sciences, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - J Christopher Cohrs
- Section of Social Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Tsapelas I, Beckes L, Aron A. Manipulation of Self-Expansion Alters Responses to Attractive Alternative Partners. Front Psychol 2020; 11:938. [PMID: 32528365 PMCID: PMC7264388 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Past behavioral research has examined relationship infidelity as a potential outcome of focusing on attractive alternative partners when already in a relationship. The extent to which individuals find such alternatives attractive has been shown to be associated with various factors in the relationship, including self-expansion. However, no previous research has tested the role of self-expansion experimentally. This paper presents two experiments that directly manipulate self-expansion to determine the effect of self-expansion on responses to attractive alternative partners. Participants primed to experience a higher need for self-expansion had better memory for attractive alternatives with self-expanding traits dissimilar to their partner's versus attractive alternatives with self-expanding traits similar to their partner's. Additionally, participants primed with self-expansion (via a video of their partner discussing ways in which life with one another is exciting, novel, and challenging), had less fMRI BOLD response to attractive alternatives of the opposite sex in regions associated with perception of attractive faces (anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex) relative to when they were primed with love (via a video of their partner discussing times they felt strong feelings of love for one another), or neutral content (via a video of their partner discussing some times in which they engage in mundane, routine activities together). The magnitude of this effect in the ACC correlated with relationship closeness as measured by the inclusion of the other in the self scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tsapelas
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Lane Beckes
- Department of Psychology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL, United States
| | - Arthur Aron
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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12
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McCabe S, Daly M. Work, love, and death-thought accessibility: A terror management investigation. Br J Soc Psychol 2018; 57:754-772. [PMID: 29736997 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Terror management theory suggests that following culturally derived scripts for valued behaviour protects people from death concerns, and conversely, not meeting standards for cultural value can weaken this protection, heightening mortality concerns. Using this conceptual framework, we examine (1) how considerations of loss of employment, a source of cultural value for many, relates to the accessibility of death-related cognition, and (2) the moderating role of job market health, and (3) involvement in close relationships. Study 1 found that writing about being unemployed (vs. a control topic) led to greater mortality-related cognition. Study 2 found that considering unemployment heightened death cognition, but only when participants were led to perceive the job market as unhealthy. Finally, Study 3 found that considering unemployment led to greater death cognition, but not for those involved in a close relationship. Findings offer insight into a previously overlooked consequence of unemployment, and factors that may serve a protective function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon McCabe
- Behavioural Science Centre, University of Stirling, UK
| | - Michael Daly
- Behavioural Science Centre, University of Stirling, UK
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