Effects of film modeling on the reduction of anxiety-related behaviors in individuals varying in level of previous experience in the stress situation.

Evaluated the influence of film preparation on 80 4–11 yr old children undergoing 3 dental sessions (prophylaxis, examination, and restorative treatment) with respect to (a) peer modeling vs demonstration of procedures and (b) amount of information. It was found that, by evaluating self-report (Children's Fear Survey Schedule), and behavioral (Behavior Profile Rating Scale), and visceral-arousal indices in a factorial design, Ss exposed to a peer-model videotape presentation immediately preceding their own restorative treatment exhibited fewer disruptive behaviors and reported less apprehension than those watching a videotaped demonstration without a peer model. The modeling film elicited less heart rate activity in the Ss than the demonstration. 4–6 yr old Ss had lower self-reports of fear after viewing a more complete synopsis of what to expect, whereas the 8–21 yr old Ss had the lowest report of fears after viewing the peer model receiving a local anesthetic and brief intraoral examination. Ss with previous treatment experience benefitted most from viewing the peer model undergoing the entire restorative procedure or a demonstration of the administration of local anesthetic in the absence of a peer model. Ss with no prior experience were sensitized by being shown the demonstration. It is concluded that the age and previous experience of the viewer are important factors in determining childrens' fear-related behaviors after exposure to preparatory stimuli. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Speech Sounds Perception Test: A rational response strategy can invalidate the test results.

The Speech Sounds Perception Test (a component of both the Adult and Midrange versions of Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery) is structured such that correct responses can be determined rationally. If a patient identifies and responds according to that structure, the validity of the test is compromised. Posttest interview is suggested as a simple and immediately applicable solution. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Loving-kindness meditation increases social connectedness.

The need for social connection is a fundamental human motive, and it is increasingly clear that feeling socially connected confers mental and physical health benefits. However, in many cultures, societal changes are leading to growing social distrust and alienation. Can feelings of social connection and positivity toward others be increased? Is it possible to self-generate these feelings? In this study, the authors used a brief loving-kindness meditation exercise to examine whether social connection could be created toward strangers in a controlled laboratory context. Compared with a closely matched control task, even just a few minutes of loving-kindness meditation increased feelings of social connection and positivity toward novel individuals on both explicit and implicit levels. These results suggest that this easily implemented technique may help to increase positive social emotions and decrease social isolation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Impact of context on spontaneous trait and situational attributions.

The role of background information in the generation of spontaneous inferences regarding a target's behavior was examined. Ss received background information designed to facilitate dispositional inferences, information to facilitate situational inferences, or no background information. All Ss memorized a series of digit lists. After each list, a short paragraph of background information and a single sentence were presented. Cognitive capacity for processing the paragraphs and sentences was manipulated by presenting either difficult or easy digit lists. Cued recall revealed that dispositional background information facilitated trait inferences but did not affect situational inferences. Similarly, situational information facilitated situational inferences about the actor's behavior but had no impact on trait inferences. The ability of dispositional information to facilitate trait-cued recall was not influenced by Ss' cognitive capacity, whereas situational information boosted situational-cued recall only when Ss enjoyed ample capacity. The relevance of this evidence to the 3-stage model of person perception proposed by D. T. Gilbert, B. W. Pelham, and D. S. Krull (see record 1988-26492-001) is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The moral emotions: A social–functionalist account of anger, disgust, and contempt.

Recent research has highlighted the important role of emotion in moral judgment and decision making (Greene, Sommerville, Nystrom, Darley, & Cohen, 2001; Haidt, 2001). What is less clear is whether distinctions should be drawn among specific moral emotions. Although some have argued for differences among anger, disgust, and contempt (Rozin, Lowery, Imada, & Haidt, 1999), others have suggested that these terms may describe a single undifferentiated emotional response to morally offensive behavior (Nabi, 2002). In this article, we take a social–functionalist perspective, which makes the prediction that these emotions should be differentiable both in antecedent appraisals and in consequent actions and judgments. Studies 1–3 tested and found support for our predictions concerning distinctions among antecedent appraisals, including (a) a more general role for disgust than has been previously been described, (b) an effect of self-relevance on anger but not other emotions, and (c) a role for contempt in judging incompetent actions. Studies 4 and 5 tested and found support for our specific predictions concerning functional outcomes, providing evidence that these emotions are associated with different consequences. Taken together, these studies support a social–functionalist account of anger, disgust, and contempt and lay the foundation for future research on the negative interpersonal emotions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

What five regulatory trends mean to nursing practice

Officials from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing report how developments in key areas will affect nursing practice.