Role of out-group cues in determining social identity.

Examined the role of out-group cues in determining social identity and guiding behavior in 2 experiments with 131 undergraduates. In Exp I, Ss were exposed to a cue either of an in-group (Ss' college), a relevant out-group (a rival college), or an irrelevant out-group (a baseball team). Ss examined a list of words and were later asked to recognize those they had seen from a larger list in which words related to the 3 groups were embedded. Results indicate that Ss made more false recognitions of in-group related words when a relevant out-group was salient than when an irrelevant out-group was salient. Exp II tested a behavioral implication of Exp I: Out-group salience increases adherence to an in-group norm. In the 1st phase of Exp II, Ss were divided into 2 groups and deliberated 2 civil suits. Ss' in-group favored the plaintiffs for both cases. Ss were divided into new groups for the 2nd phase, and the same procedure was followed. This time, however, the in-group favored the defendants. In the 3rd phase, Ss were exposed to a cue either of the out-group in Phase 1 or Phase 2. Ss' judgments for 2 new cases were biased in the direction of the norm of the in-group that was associated with the salient out-group. Ss favored the plaintiff (or defendant) when the 1st (or 2nd) out-group was salient. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Exacerbation of extreme responses to an out-group.

Examined, in 2 experiments, the effects of an esteem-lowering experience (committing an unintentional transgression) and a salient-group identity (English-speaking Canadian), on the responses of 108 undergraduates in Ontario, Canada, to their Francophone-Canadian counterparts in Quebec. It was predicted that responding on the basis of a salient group identity after an esteem-lowering event would subsequently lead to more extreme reactions, in an aggressive or benevolent direction, than when either lowered self-esteem, salient group identity, or both were absent. In this case, the extreme patterns that occurred indicated a rejection of equal contact between the in-group and the outgroups, in favor of interactions that implied a positive status differential for the in-groups. Results are discussed in terms of currently available perspectives on intergroup relations, with special consideration to the implications of holding de facto group membership. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of affective reactions by an out-group on preferences for crossed categorization discussion partners.

The authors experimentally examined the effects of positive or negative affect from an out-group (O) on preferences for the 4 crossed categorization targets—in-group–in-group (ii), in-group–outgroup (io), out-group–in-group (oi), and out-group–out-group (oo)—as discussion partners. Study 1 induced affect with compliments; Study 2 used insults; Study 3 cross-culturally assessed the effects of both types of affect. Preferences for the target who possessed a category membership that matched the out-group source of affect on 1 dimension of categorization (Oi) were increased by compliments and decreased by insults. Confirming predictions, positive affect produced a hierarchical rejection pattern (ii?=?Oi?>?io?>?oo). Negative affect produced a hierarchical acceptance pattern (ii?>?io?>?Oi?=?oo). All 3 control conditions yielded an additivity pattern (ii?>?io?=?oi?>?oo). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

External intergroup threat as an antecedent to perceptions in in-group and out-group homogeneity.

The present research examined the relationship between external intergroup threat and perceptions of group variability. The first study found that when Texas A&M University students worked on a task in which students from a rival university were allegedly biased against them, they perceived more intragroup similarities versus differences than in an out-group benevolent condition and a control condition, and they also perceived the self as more similar to the in-group and more different from the out-group. These results were replicated in a second study, which used the same methodology except that the benevolent condition was excluded. The findings are discussed in terms of different reactions that individuals have to internal and external intergroup threat. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of frustration in successive positive contrast.

Attempted to replicate the essential features of L. Crespi's (see record 1943-01494-001) study as it relates frustration to positive contrast, using 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Experimental Ss were shifted from large to small incentive before being shifted back to large incentive to test for positive contrast. The 2nd shift was made when Ss were running slowly, on the assumption that this reflected frustration from the 1st shift. Comparison with controls showed a significant positive contrast under 2 drive levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reduction of intergroup discrimination through individuation of the out-group.

Several studies have found that the mere categorization of persons into groups is sufficient to promote intergroup discrimination. Out-group members may be convenient targets of bias because they are more deindividuated than in-group members. If so, then intergroup discrimination may be lessened through individuation of the out-group. In the 1st experiment, 72 undergraduates were divided into groups and were informed that the out-group was either unanimous in its behavior or that one member dissented from the majority. Typical levels of intergroup bias were found in the unanimous condition, but Ss did not discriminate against the out-group when an out-group member dissented. These findings were corroborated and extended in 2 subsequent experiments with 225 Ss. Ss requested assistance from an out-group that had previously frustrated them. Assistance from the out-group was found to be more effective in reducing intergroup bias when the out-group responded as individuals than when it responded as a group. Overall, results indicate that intergroup bias is related to the manner in which persons cognitively structure the out-group. Ss discriminated when the out-group was perceived to be a single entity but behaved more fairly when the out-group was more individuated. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perception of out-group homogeneity and levels of social categorization: Memory for the subordinate attributes of in-group and out-group members.

Explored the hypothesis that in-group members perceive their own group as more variegated and complex than do out-group members (the out-group homogeneity principle). In Exps I and II, 168 men and 171 women estimated the proportion of men or women who would endorse a variety of personality/attitude items that varied on stereotypic meaning (masculinity–femininity) and social desirability (favorable–unfavorable). It was predicted and found that out-group members viewed a group as endorsing more stereotypic and fewer counterstereotypic items than did in-group members. Findings are interpreted as support for the out-group homogeneity principle, and it is argued that since this effect was general across items varying in social desirability, the phenomenon was independent of traditional ethnocentrism effects. Exp III asked 90 members of 3 campus sororities to judge the degree of intragroup similarity for their own and 2 other groups. Again, each group judged its own members to be more dissimilar to one another than did out-group judges. In Exp IV, a theory was proposed suggesting that different "levels of social categorization" are used to encode in- and out-group members' behavior and that this process could account for the perception of out-group homogeneity. It was predicted and found that 109 men and 131 women were more likely to remember the subordinate attributes of an in- than out-group member, which provides some evidence for the theoretical model. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Variations in cognitive behavior modification for test anxiety.

D. Meichenbaum's (see record 1973-20259-001) cognitive behavior modification treatment for test anxiety consists of a cognitive (insight) and a behavioral (modified desensitization) component. In the present experiment with 45 undergraduates, variations on the insight and the behavioral component of the program were examined. Ss were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment or 2 control groups. One group received Meichenbaum's cognitive behavior modification treatment. For a 2nd group, Meichenbaum's desensitization component was retained, but the insight component was altered by substituting specific statements concerning pressure. In the 3rd group, Meichenbaum's insight component was retained and test-taking practice was substituted for the desensitization component. All treatment groups also received study-skills training. Multiple self-report and performance measures of anxiety were obtained. The combination of Meichenbaum's insight component with test-taking practice was most effective in increasing facilitating anxiety and decreasing debilitating anxiety. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of oxygen in limiting respiration in the in situ myocardium

1H NMR has now detected the proximal histidyl N delta H myoglobin (Mb) signal from the myocardium in situ. Upon ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in the rat myocardium, the deoxy Mb signal appears at 78 ppm During dopamine infusion at up to 80 micrograms/kg/min, the heart rate pressure product (RPP) increases by a factor of 2, the phosphocreatine (PCr) decreases by 17%, and the ratio of the change in inorganic phosphate over PCr (delta Pi/PCr) increases by 0.2. However, no deoxy myoglobin signal is detected. Oxygen availability does not appear to limit oxygen consumption nor oxidative phosphorylation under dopamine enhanced work state in myocardium.     

Group systematic desensitization versus covert positive reinforcement in the reduction of test anxiety.

Compared modified versions of systematic desensitization and covert positive reinforcement to a no-treatment control condition in the reduction of test anxiety in 27 undergraduates. Both experimental groups received 8 treatment sessions, and the systematic desensitization group received 2 additional sessions devoted to relaxation training. The 2 treatments were comparable and generally superior to the control group in pretest-posttest and pretest-follow-up changes as measured by the Suinn Test Anxiety Behavior Scale and the Alpert-Haber Achievement Anxiety Test. On an anagrams performance test, the covert reinforcement and control groups were superior to the desensitization group. No significant differences occurred in subjectively experienced anxiety during the performance test. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of behavior genetics in psychology.

Argues that the relevance of behavior genetics to psychology depends upon the extent to which it can alter its fundamental axis from one centering upon genetics to one centering upon behavior. Genetic models make assumptions which in behavior as a class are generally unmet, and at best provide information only about the operations of genes. Rather than a genetics of behaviors, the best use of genotype in behavioral analysis should be sought. This change would produce a behavior genetics perceived as a genetically-aware psychology which concentrates upon mechanisms and allows for the systematic and simultaneous consideration of variables of environmental origin. 3 research strategies appropriate for a genetically-aware psychology are discussed. (47 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of dread in suicidal behavior.

The proposition that inhibition of the experience of dread ordinarily evoked by suicidal intention is a necessary condition for suicidal action was evaluated by comparison of genuine and faked suicide notes. 3 judges, unaware that some notes were simulated, independently rated 33 matched pairs of genuine and faked notes in terms of 5 variables. On the basis of a combined X2 analysis, confirmation was achieved for 4 of 5 hypotheses (p     

Effect of self-concept on group member reception of positive and negative feedback.

Examined the effects of valence and self-concept of the receiver on receiver ratings of feedback credibility, desirability, and impact. Data were collected during the 6th wk of counseling groups that met for 2 hrs each week. A total of 30 volunteers participated in the study. Results indicate that positive feedback was perceived as more desirable and impactful than negative feedback; however, no such difference was found for the credibility measure. The only significant difference found in relation to the self-concept variable (Tennessee Self-Concept Scale) was a more favorable desirability rating for negative feedback by high-level self-concept Ss than by medium-level self-concept Ss. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of homework in behavior therapy for anxiety disorders.

In this article, the authors discuss the role of homework in behavior therapy for the anxiety disorders. First, the authors describe the essential components of behavior therapy that include exposure to feared consequences and cessation of all avoidance behaviors. Then, the authors briefly review the literature on the relationship between homework compliance and treatment outcome. Next, the authors discuss the way that homework is used in terms of self-monitoring and exposure exercises during the course of treatment. Finally, the authors discuss the practicalities of encouraging homework compliance and managing noncompliance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role of behavior theory in behavioral medicine.

Behavioral medicine is a multidisciplinary field that combines research methods and findings from behavioral and biomedical sciences. Many investigators in the field have tended to emphasize the contribution of the biomedical more than the behavioral sciences. This is evident in the emphasis on biological rather than behavioral outcomes and on the reductionist approach within the field to reduce mechanisms responsible for behavioral effects and disease to biological influences. There has been a similar shift in psychology toward mechanistic, bottom-up approaches to understanding mechanisms responsible for integrated and dynamic behavior. These shifts in emphasis have stimulated investigators to examine the use of biomedical methods and findings as causes and explanations for behavior, rather than to utilize newer findings in behavioral sciences. New advances in basic research on learning are used to illustrate that findings from behavioral science have implications for the field of contemporary behavioral medicine. Finally, the importance of developing new technologies for measuring behavior is presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of anticipation of positive and negative outcomes on audience anxiety.

80 female Ss performed a task alone or before an observer (O). The O either witnessed Ss' performance passively or explicitly evaluated the performance. Half of the observed Ss were told that the evaluation was merely to provide help with a future task. Ss high in test anxiety showed better performance and less palmar sweat during the period of the task when evaluation was said to be a prelude to help than when it was not. Results support the hypothesis that evaluation apprehension induced by Os is due to anticipation of negative outcomes and does not follow anticipation of positive outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Efficacy of an acceptance-based behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: Evaluation in a randomized controlled trial.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic anxiety disorder, associated with comorbidity and impairment in quality of life, for which improved psychosocial treatments are needed. GAD is also associated with reactivity to and avoidance of internal experiences. The current study examined the efficacy of an acceptance-based behavioral therapy aimed at increasing acceptance of internal experiences and encouraging action in valued domains for GAD. Clients were randomly assigned to immediate (n = 15) or delayed (n = 16) treatment. Acceptance-based behavior therapy led to statistically significant reductions in clinician-rated and self-reported GAD symptoms that were maintained at 3- and 9-month follow-up assessments; significant reductions in depressive symptoms were also observed. At posttreatment assessment 78% of treated participants no longer met criteria for GAD and 77% achieved high end-state functioning; these proportions stayed constant or increased over time. As predicted, treatment was associated with decreases in experiential avoidance and increases in mindfulness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Malleability of attentional bias for positive emotional information and anxiety vulnerability.

Recent research supports a causal link between attentional bias for negative emotional information and anxiety vulnerability. However, little is known about the role of positive emotional processing in modulating anxiety reactivity to stress. In the current study, we used an attentional training paradigm designed to experimentally manipulate the processing of positive emotional cues. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a computerized probe detection task designed to induce selective processing of positive stimuli or to a sham condition. Following training, participants were exposed to a laboratory stressor (i.e., videotaped speech), and state anxiety and positive affect in response to the stressor were assessed. Results revealed that individual variability in the capacity to develop an attentional bias for positive information following training predicted subsequent emotional responses to the stressor. Moreover, individual differences in social anxiety, but not depression, moderated the effects of the attentional manipulation, such that, higher levels of social anxiety were associated with diminished attentional allocation toward positive cues. The current findings point to the potential value of considering the role of positive emotional processing in anxiety vulnerability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some effects of experimentally induced anxiety upon discrimination behavior.

"The present experiment compared the discrimination behavior of anxious and non-anxious S's. Anxiety was introduced in one group of S's by strong random electric shocks, the occurrence of which the S's knew to be unrelated to their discrimination performance. Discrimination accuracy for a series of 11 different-sized squares was determined by the method of absolute judgment… . There was no difference in discrimination accuracy between the anxious and non-anxious groups… . The results suggest that the effects of anxiety upon discrimination are mainly due to the effects of anxiety upon response thresholds rather than any impairment of the sensory process involved." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)