Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Social and affective neuroscience'
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Rogers-Carter, Morgan M. "TheRole of the Insular Cortex in Rodent Social Affective Behavior:." Thesis, Boston College, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/bc-ir:108375.
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Thesis advisor: John P. ChristiansonIn social species, animals must detect, evaluate and respond to the states of other individuals in their group. A constellation of gestures, vocalizations, and chemosignals enable animals to convey affect and arousal to others in nuanced, multisensory ways. Observers integrate such social information with environmental cues and internal physiology to general social behavioral responses via a process called social decision-making. The mechanisms and anatomical correlates of social decision-making, particularly those that allow behavioral responses to others’ emotional states, are not fully known. Therefore, the objective of this dissertation is to broaden the anatomical understanding of social decision-making by investigating the role of the insular cortex in social behaviors that depend upon others’ emotional state. Using a novel behavioral paradigm, I present causal evidence that implicates the insular cortex and its projections to the nucleus accumbens in social affective behavior. These findings are consistent with evidence from the literature that suggests insular cortex is positioned to convey sensory cues to social brain structures to produce flexible and appropriate behavioral responses to social affective cues
Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2019
Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Discipline: Psychology
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Duchesne, Annie. "Physiological, neural and affective responses to social evaluative stress in men and women: a question of context and menstrual cycle phases." Thesis, McGill University, 2014. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=121362.
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The experiences of psychological stress are important determinants of one's physical and mental health; therefore, a central focus of today's research is to unveil the relationship between health and stress. One physiological system that has been thoroughly investigated as underlining this complex relationship is the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Although it is a central stress system, the HPA axis response varies greatly across individuals. Research of the past decades demonstrated that certain individual factors contribute to these different stress responses and health outcomes. Indeed, investigation of these factors is central to our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that link the experience of stress to health. An important, core, factor that shows a strong influence on the HPA axis response to stress, is whether one is a man or a woman. To further comprehend differences between men's and women's stress response, the work presented in this thesis aimed to investigate how the interaction between biological and situational factors affects physiological and psychological stress response in men and women. Therefore, I investigated the effect of variation of women's menstrual cycle phases (biological factor) and that of variation in the gender of an evaluative committee (situational factor) on male and female stress response to a social evaluative stress (giving a speech in front of an evaluative committee). Our results revealed that differences typically observed between men and women regarding their stress response are particularly influenced by women's hormonal milieu and the gender of an evaluative committee. Considering the importance of women's menstrual cycle phase to women's stress response, in the second study, we further examined its effect on the association between the physiological and affective responses to stress. This study was the first demonstration of the moderating effect of menstrual cycle phase on the association between the affective and physiological stress responses. Finally, in the last study for this thesis, I investigated effects of variation in menstrual cycle phase on women's physiological, affective, as well as neural responses to a social evaluative stress. The results from this study replicated the effects from our previous findings, and extended them to include an impact on the neural responses to stress. Specifically, we demonstrated that variation in menstrual cycle phases also significantly influences the association between the physiological and neural responses to a social evaluative stress. The thesis then concludes with a general discussion that addresses some of the questions that the findings from the three studies raise. I also discuss how these current findings expand our understanding of the psychophysiological stress responses in men and women. Study limitations and future directions are also highlighted.Les expériences de stress psychologique constituent d'importants déterminants de la santé physique et mentale ; ainsi, un intérêt central de la recherché actuelle vise l'élucidation des relations entre la santé et le stress. Un système physiologique particulier fait l'objet d'un examen approfondi en ce qu'il serait fondamental à cette relation complexe, l'axe-hypotalamo-hypophyso-surrénalien. Bien qu'étant un système central de stress, la réponse de l'axe HHS varie considérablement parmi les individus. Les dernières décennies de recherche démontrent que certains facteurs individuels contribuent aux différentes réponses de stress et aux questions de santé. L'étude de ces facteurs devient conséquemment cruciale à notre compréhension des mécanismes sous-jacents liants les expériences du stress à la santé. Un facteur important, sinon majeur, influençant fortement la réponse de stress via l'axe HHS réside dans le fait d'être de sexe féminin ou masculin. Afin de poursuivre l'élucidation de ces différences de sexe quant à la réponse de stress, le travail présenté dans cette thèse vise l'éclaircissement des interactions entre les facteurs biologiques et situationnels d'un stress expérimental. Ainsi, l'effet des phases du cycle menstruel et une variation des genres au sein d'un comité d'évaluation ont été proposés pour l'étude du stress psychosocial. Les résultats nous révèlent que ces différences dans les réponses de stress entre les femmes et les hommes sont influencées par la variation des hormones sexuelles et le genre du comité d'évaluation. La considération de l'importance des phases du cycle menstruel de la réponse de stress des femmes nous a fait poursuivre, dans une seconde étude, notre questionnement concernant son effet sur l'association entre les réponses physiologiques et affectives du stress. Suite à un stress d'ordre psychosocial, les résultats pointent vers un effet significatif des phases du cycle menstruel sur l'association entre la réponse affective de stress et la réponse endocrine du stress (cortisol). À notre connaissance, il s'agit de la première démonstration de l'effet modulateur du cycle menstruel sur l'association entre les réponses affectives et endocrines du stress. Dans notre dernière étude, nous avons étudié les effets des phases du cycle menstruel sur les réponses physiologiques, affectives et neurales durant un stress psychosocial. Confirmant les résultats de la seconde étude, ils incluent à présent les aspects neuronaux de la réponse de stress, démontrant que les phases du cycle menstruel influence significativement l'association entre les aspects physiologiques et neuronaux du stress psychosocial. Cette thèse se termine par une discussion quant à la pertinence de ces résultats pour notre compréhension des réponses de stress psychosocial chez la femme et l'homme, ainsi que des hypothèses explicatives de l'association différentielle entre les aspects affectifs et physiologiques de la réponse de stress durant les phases du cycle menstruel. Les limites de la présente étude accompagnées de recherches futures sont aussi indiquées.
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Gillard, Julia Alexandra. "Psychological and neural processing of social rejection and inclusion in major depressive disorder." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2017. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/267838.
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This thesis aimed to extend the existing psychological and neural basis of social processing in Major Depressive Disorder. This investigation was an attempt to resolve current conflicts and gaps in the social affective neuroscience literature regarding social functioning in depression. Chapter 1 consisted of a general introduction to the current evidence-base and theoretical frameworks surrounding social processing more generally, and in depression more specifically. Chapter 2 provided an exploration of the systemic behavioural biases in in those with depression compared to mentally healthy individuals using a range of social, affective and process measures implemented across the remaining chapters. Then followed a behavioural and neural investigation into self-relevant social processing in depression. Chapter 3 described the process of memory generation implemented across Chapter 4-6 using a script-driven paradigm. It further discussed the ecological validity of this paradigm using social autobiographical memories. Chapter 4 investigated the neural and behavioural responses to self-relevant autobiographical memories of social rejection and social inclusion in individuals with depression and in healthy controls. The next two chapters discussed the behavioural and neural basis of social processing in depression in response to others’ memories of social rejection and inclusion, using traditional and novel fMRI analysis methodologies in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6, respectively. The latter applied a novel intersubject correlation analysis to the same population of depressed and healthy controls as in Chapter 5. Then, Chapter 7 presented a future application of the script-driven imagery paradigm by investigating the effectiveness of different emotion regulation strategies in response to socially salient autobiographical memories in a population of healthy controls. Finally, Chapter 8 provided a general discussion bringing together behavioural and neural findings to provide a clearer understanding of social processing in Major Depressive Disorder. Current theoretical frameworks were used to guide the interpretation of these findings.
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Huff, Nichole L. "Positive Affect, Hemispheric Lateralization, and Relational Problem Solving: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Parent-Adolescent Communication." UKnowledge, 2013. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/hes_etds/6.
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Using quantitative and qualitative data analytic techniques, the present study explores the parent-adolescent relationship from a pilot study of 15 triads (overall N = 45). First, the statistical relationship between positive relational affect and electrical brain activity was assessed during parent-adolescent conflict communication (N = 30). Specifically, using electroencephalography (EEG) technology, electrical brain activity was recorded during family problem-solving discussions between a mother, father, and adolescent child. Observational coding was used to determine participant and triad positive affect ratios (PARs). Principles of positive-to-negative affect were incorporated into an affective neuroscience framework and used as the theoretical basis for the quantitative portion of this research. Findings suggest that in relation to positive affect, hemispheric lateralization occurs during parent-adolescent problem-solving discussions.
Second, the behavioral-family systems model of parent-adolescent conflict (Robin & Foster, 1989) was used to theoretically undergird the qualitative portion of the study. Based on this theoretical model, a thematic content analysis was conducted using transcripts from the triadic problem-solving discussions (N = 45). Patterns of parent-adolescent communication were assessed, and a modified grounded theory approach was applied to emergent communication themes that differed from those presented in the theory. Similarities and differences in conflict communication behaviors and positive affect ratios were compared between families. Contextual descriptions of each family are offered.
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Svensson, Beatrice. "The Sense of Touch : Physiology and Neural Correlates of Affective Touch and its Role in Subjective Wellbeing." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för biovetenskap, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-16902.
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The somatosensory system concerns the sense of touch. It is sectioned into various kinds of touch, such as the proprioceptive sense, providing information of sense of self and position of limbs, and the cutaneous sense, informing of the modalities of touching or being touched. The cutaneous sense is further divided into discriminative touch and affective touch. Discriminative touch is an exteroceptive sense of touch that responds to stimuli of pressure and vibration, and affective touch is an interoceptive sense of touch that corresponds to e.g. pleasant and painful stimuli, communicating information to the brain through A-delta and C-fibers. Recent studies investigates affective touch to have emotional affect on the subjective experience of touch, affecting subjective wellbeing. The aim of this thesis is to examine the sense of touch and its relevant neural correlates, focusing on affective touch and its role in subjective wellbeing and social relations. A presentation of physiological and neural aspects of touch will be held as well as a description of subjective wellbeing. The conclusion for this thesis is that affective touch appears to activate brain areas of orbitofrontal cortex, frontal polar cortice, prefrontal cortex and insula cortex, which are brain areas processing subjective wellbeing, e.g. evaluating positive and negative effect and processing emotional information and behavior. Examining correlations between affective touch and positive affect, negative affect, oxytocin release, social relations and affiliative behavior shows influence from affective touch on subjective wellbeing. A discussion of the current findings is provided, including directions for future research.
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Svensson, Beatrice. "The Sense of Touch : Physiology and Neural Correlates of Affective Touch and its Role in Subjective Wellbeing." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för biovetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-16800.
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The somatosensory system concerns the sense of touch. It is sectioned into various kinds of touch, such as the proprioceptive sense, providing information of sense of self and position of limbs, and the cutaneous sense, informing of the modalities of touching or being touched. The cutaneous sense is further divided into discriminative touch and affective touch. Discriminative touch is an exteroceptive sense of touch that responds to stimuli of pressure and vibration, and affective touch is an interoceptive sense of touch that corresponds to e.g. pleasant and painful stimuli, communicating information to the brain through A-delta and C-fibers. Recent studies investigates affective touch to have emotional affect on the subjective experience of touch, affecting subjective wellbeing. The aim of this thesis is to examine the sense of touch and its relevant neural correlates, focusing on affective touch and its role in subjective wellbeing and social relations. A presentation of physiological and neural aspects of touch will be held as well as a description of subjective wellbeing. The conclusion for this thesis is that affective touch appears to activate brain areas of orbitofrontal cortex, frontal polar cortice, prefrontal cortex and insula cortex, which are brain areas processing subjective wellbeing, e.g. evaluating positive and negative effect and processing emotional information and behavior. Examining correlations between affective touch and positive affect, negative affect, oxytocin release, social relations and affiliative behavior shows influence from affective touch on subjective wellbeing. A discussion of the current findings is provided, including directions for future research.
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Lapadatu, Irina Laura. "Self-discrepancy and affective distress after stroke." Thesis, Cardiff University, 2015. http://orca.cf.ac.uk/72485/.
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AIMS: To investigate self-discrepancies in stroke survivors and explore associations between discrepancies and distress, drawing on Higgins’s (1987) Self-Discrepancy Theory. More specifically, investigate if stroke survivors reported a change in their sense of self following stroke, if this change was related to their reported anxiety and depression, and if this relationship was mediated by their perceived self-esteem. Also, to explore if discrepancies between survivors’ post-stroke self and their ideal and ought self, respectively, were associated with depression and anxiety, respectively. METHOD: A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed. The participants were 67 first-time community-living stroke survivors, with a mean age of 61.6 years and a mean time since stroke of 5.6 years. The measures included the Head Injury Semantic Differential for assessing pre-stroke (retrospectively), post-stroke, ideal and ought selves; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (adapted); and the Barthel Index. RESULTS: Stroke survivors perceived themselves significantly more negatively than prior to their stroke. The discrepancy between pre and post-stroke selves was positively associated with affective distress and negatively associated with self-esteem and quality of life, respectively. The discrepancy between post-stroke self and ideal self, and the discrepancy between post-stroke self and ought self were also positively associated with affective distress. However, these relationships were undifferentiated, as the former was not only related to depression but also to anxiety, and the latter was not only related to anxiety but also to depression. Survivors’ perceived self-esteem was a mediator in the relationship between the pre and post-stroke selves discrepancy and affective distress. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to show a perceived change in identity in a large sample of stroke survivors, and it contributed to our understanding of how psychological factors may be involved in emotional adjustment after stroke. This highlighted the importance of considering such changes in informing neurorehabilitation; the clinical implications were discussed. It was also the first study to provide support, albeit partial for Higgins’ (1987) self-discrepancy theory in a stroke population. The strengths and limitations of the study were considered and ideas for future research were proposed.
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Jaques, Natasha(Natasha M. ). "Social and affective machine learning." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2019. https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/129901.
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Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, February, 2020Cataloged from student-submitted PDF of thesis. "February 2020."
Includes bibliographical references (pages 309-342).
Social learning is a crucial component of human intelligence, allowing us to rapidly adapt to new scenarios, learn new tasks, and communicate knowledge that can be built on by others. This dissertation argues that the ability of artificial intelligence to learn, adapt, and generalize to new environments can be enhanced by mechanisms that allow for social learning. I propose several novel deep- and reinforcement-learning methods that improve the social and affective capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), through social learning both from humans and from other AI agents. First, I show how AI agents can learn from the causal influence of their actions on other agents, leading to enhanced coordination and communication in multi-agent reinforcement learning. Second, I investigate learning socially from humans, using non-verbal and implicit affective signals such as facial expressions and sentiment.
This ability to optimize for human satisfaction through sensing implicit social cues can enhance human-AI interaction, and guide AI systems to take actions aligned with human preferences. Learning from human interaction with reinforcement learning, however, may require dealing with sparse, off-policy data, without the ability to explore online in the environment - a situation that is inherent to safety-critical, real-world systems that must be tested before being deployed. I present several techniques that enable learning effectively in this challenging setting. Experiments deploying these models to interact with humans reveal that learning from implicit, affective signals is more effective than relying on humans to provide manual labels of their preferences, a task that is cumbersome and time-consuming. However, learning from humans' affective cues requires recognizing them first.
In the third part of this thesis, I present several machine learning methods for automatically interpreting human data and recognizing affective and social signals such as stress, happiness, and conversational rapport. I show that personalizing such models using multi-task learning achieves large performance gains in predicting highly individualistic outcomes like human happiness. Together, these techniques create a framework for building socially and emotionally intelligent AI agents that can flexibly learn from each other and from humans.
by Natasha Jaques.
Ph. D.
Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences
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Morris, John Spencer jr. "Early Sexual Experience Alters Adult Affective Responses and Immune Function." The Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1318349800.
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Graham, Julia. "Neurobiological models of depression in adolescence : fMRI of affective memory processing." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.648705.
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Anell, Jesper. "Rubber hand illusion and affective touch : A systematic review." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för biovetenskap, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-18628.
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The feeling of owning a body part is often investigated by conducting and manipulating the rubber hand illusion, a three-way integration of vision, touch, and proprioception. In the last decade, more research on the role of interoception, the sense of the body's’ internal state, in the illusion has been made. One of the studied factors has been the affective touch, a caress-like, gentle, touch that is performed at a slow specific speed (1-10 cm/sec). Affective touch activates the C tactile afferents which send interoceptive signals to the brain, specifically the insula. The present systematic review investigated the role affective touch has on the strength of the rubber hand illusion. A range of electronic databases was searched for papers reporting research findings published in English before March 20, 2020. Twelve different articles were identified, but only five papers met the inclusion criteria. This thesis looked at the results from these five different studies and compared the effect of affective touch and discriminative, regular, touch have on the rubber hand illusion to see whether there is a significant difference. The results could not show a main effect of stroking velocity, site of stimulation, or social touch, which are components of affective touch. The results was based on four different measurements, the subjective experience of the illusion, pleasantness ratings, proprioceptive drift, and temperature difference in the skin. Opposed what was hypothesized, it could not be demonstrated that affective touch would induce a stronger rubber hand illusion than discriminative touch.
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Pell, Marc D. "The perception and comprehension of intonation by brain-damaged adults in linguistic and affective contexts /." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=69735.
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Tasks testing linguistic and affective prosody were administered to nine right-hemisphere-damaged (RHD), ten left-hemisphere-damaged (LHD), and ten age-matched control (NC) subjects. Two tasks measured subjects' abilities to make same/different judgments about prosodic patterns which had been filtered of the linguistic content, while six tasks required subjects to identify typical linguistic or affective meanings for intonation contours. The six identification tasks varied in the amount of linguistic structure available to subjects during auditory perception; stimuli were either filtered of their phonetic content, presented as nonsense utterances, or provided appropriate semantic information which biased the prosodic target. Unilateral damage to either cerebral hemisphere did not impair subjects' ability to discriminate prosodic patterns, or to recognize the affective mood conveyed through prosody. Contrary to expectation, RHD patients performed comparably in both propositional and affective contexts, and thus did not show evidence of a specific disturbance of emotional prosody. LHD patients, however, were differentially impaired on linguistic tasks rather than emotional tasks when compared to the NC group, even when semantic information biased the target response. The results are discussed with respect to theories of lateralized processing of linguistic and affective prosody.
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Boon, Julian C. W. "Social and affective influences on memory accuracy." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 1988. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk/R?func=search-advanced-go&find_code1=WSN&request1=AAIU009391.
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An initial survey of the history of the psychology of memory indicated that while research interest has been intense, remarkably little insight has been gained into the nature of human memory. While a number of methodological and empirical difficulties in the investigation of memory are identified, it is concluded that the bulk of research has been insufficiently directed towards memory for real-world events. It is suggested that as a consequence, this has led to sterile debates on issues which are of dubious significance. In a bid to circumnavigate these problems, the thesis attempts to investigate the 'psychological' aspects of memory. More specifically, these comprise the higher order memory processes which are required to manage and support social perception and memory. These include any aspects of social affect and cognition which are conceptually-driven and based on extra-stimulus information (for example, inferences, attributions, beliefs, motives, desires, stereotypes, contextual knowledge). Three memory frameworks are reviewed - Schematic (Bartlett 1932), Headed Record (Morton, Hammersley, and Bekerian 1981, 1985) and Multiple Entry (Johnson 1983) - each of which is capable of generating accounts of memory for real-world events. The provision of this theoretical context was aimed at (a) interpreting the data from the Experiments, and (b) assessing which of the three appears to be of the greatest utility. In addition, a selective review of some of the ways social psychologists have characterized social cognition is included, with the aims of: (a) highlighting the need for such cognition to be active, constructive, and inferential, and (b) to articulate further the requirements for which the three memory frameworks under consideration must account. Since the aspects of memory under review in this thesis are principally those which are not objectively present in the stimulus, but instead constructed by the subject, a potential source of inaccuracy exists for the perception and memory of real-world events. Accordingly, in addition to their theoretical significance, the data were assessed in the light of their potential practical ramifications for the reliability of witness testimony. Experiments 1 to 4 examine the action of racial prejudice on memory for a real-world event. After establishing that a racial stereotype exists in Experiment 1, Experiment 2 examined its potential influence on subjects' memory for a verbal, eyewitness account of an event, while Experiments 3 and 4 assessed its influence on the subjects' own eyewitness accounts for the same, visually presented event. It is concluded that memory could be significantly influenced by higher order processes which are driven by stereotypical expectations. However, the effects were only observed under certain conditions and it is suggested that the influence of racial prejudice is not as pervasive as has often been claimed. Experiment 5 not only investigated the impact of extra-stimulus information on subjects' memory for a real-world event but also attempted to isolate the locus of its influence in information processing. By employing a between groups design which provided subjects with contextual information concerning a central character's occupation (variously: prior to the event, immediately after the event, or immediately before the recognition test a week later), it was hoped to isolate the locus and/or loci of its action. It is concluded from this study that the extra-stimulus information influenced memory only (a) where it was introduced adjacent to encoding the stimulus, and (b) where sufficient time for rehearsal had been permitted. Experiments 6 and 7 used real-world stimulus material taken from football matches played between England and Scotland, and, Celtic and Rangers, respectively. In both cases, the experimental interest was to attempt to define the locus or loci of higher order activity in information processing, by examini.
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Sanchez, Janice Lynn. "Interpersonal affective forecasting." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6946943f-30fb-48e2-9c73-a44ec69bd2d0.
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This thesis investigates individual and interpersonal predictions of future affect and explores their relation to implicit theories of emotion, prediction recall, debiasing, and focalism. Studies 1, 2, and 3 assessed affect predictions to upcoming reasoning tests and academic results, and Studies 4, 5, and 6 concerned predictions for self-identified events. The first study investigated the influence of implicit theories of emotion (ITE; Tamir, John, Srivastava, & Gross, 2007) on impact bias and prediction recall manipulating ITE between participant pairs who predicted and reported their affective reactions to feedback on a test of reasoning skills. Neither impact bias nor recalled predictions were affected by the manipulation. Recalled affect predictions differed from original affect predictions, but were not influenced by experienced affect. Study 2 further investigated the effects of target event timing on impact bias and affect prediction recall. The results showed no differences between individual and interpersonal impact biases across conditions. Again, recalled predictions differed from original predictions, and were not influenced by experienced affect. Study 3 investigated the influence of prior information about impact bias on interpersonal affective forecasting involving real-world exam results. The results demonstrated no differences in predictions due to information, however, significantly less unhappiness was predicted for participants’ friends compared to self-predictions. Study 4 examined the effect of different de-biasing information on affective predictions. The results demonstrated no differences in affective predictions by condition and found that participants’ ITE were not associated to affect predictions. Study 5 examined individual and interpersonal affect predictions using a between-subjects design in place of the within-subjects design. The results demonstrated no differences between the affect predictions made for self and for friends, and ITE were not associated with predictions. Study 6 examined the impact bias in interpersonal affective forecasting and the role of focalism. The results demonstrated distinctions between individual and interpersonal affecting forecasting with individual impact bias for positive reactions for negative events and individual and interpersonal reverse impact bias for calm emotional reactions to positive events. Immune neglect was found not to be associated with predictions. Overall, the studies found evidence for similar individual and interpersonal predictions which are resistant to influence.
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Contreras, Juan Manuel. "A Cognitive Neuroscience of Social Groups." Thesis, Harvard University, 2013. http://dissertations.umi.com/gsas.harvard:10882.
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We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how the human brain processes information about social groups in three domains. Study 1: Semantic knowledge. Participants were scanned while they answered questions about their knowledge of both social categories and non-social categories like object groups and species of nonhuman animals. Brain regions previously identified in processing semantic information are more robustly engaged by nonsocial semantics than stereotypes. In contrast, stereotypes elicit greater activity in brain regions implicated in social cognition. These results suggest that stereotypes should be considered distinct from other forms of semantic knowledge. Study 2: Theory of mind. Participants were scanned while they answered questions about the mental states and physical attributes of individual people and groups. Regions previously associated with mentalizing about individuals were also robustly responsive to judgments of groups. However, multivariate searchlight analysis revealed that several of these regions showed distinct multivoxel patterns of response to groups and individual people. These findings suggest that perceivers mentalize about groups in a manner qualitatively similar to mentalizing about individual people, but that the brain nevertheless maintains important distinctions between the representations of such entities. Study 3: Social categorization. Participants were scanned while they categorized the sex and race of unfamiliar Black men, Black women, White men, and White women. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that multivoxel patterns in FFA--but not other face-selective brain regions, other category-selective brain regions, or early visual cortex--differentiated faces by sex and race. Specifically, patterns of voxel-based responses were more similar between individuals of the same sex than between men and women, and between individuals of the same race than between Black and White individuals. These results suggest that FFA represents the sex and race of faces. Together, these three studies contribute to a growing cognitive neuroscience of social groups.Psychology
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Simpson, Johanna. "The genetics of affective cognition : electrophysiological evidence for individual differences in affective picture processing, attention and memory." Thesis, University of Stirling, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/25203.
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Affect and cognition have traditionally been considered mutually exclusive domains and their study has evolved into two separate research fields. In recent years, however, there is increasing evidence of affective modulations of cognitive processes and interest in the study of affective cognition has grown. This thesis presents analyses of data collected in four mixed-design experiments between 2009 and 2011, which were designed to investigate affective memory and its electrophysiological correlates, individual differences in said affective memory and electrophysiological correlates, the time-course of affective memory and attentional disengagement from affective stimuli respectively. The first aim of the research presented here was to further understanding of how affective content influences picture processing and memory. Event-related potentials (ERPs) provide a valuable tool for the investigation of modulations of cognitive processes, as their excellent temporal resolution allows for the dissociation between different processes contributing to behavioural outcomes. Several important results for the study of affective cognition are reported: The late positive potential (LPP) was shown to be modulated differentially by affective content when compared to a behavioural attentional disengagement task. While the behavioural measure of attention replicated findings from participants’ self-report of arousal, LPP enhancement did not. This novel finding demonstrates that the affective modulation of the LPP cannot be used as an electrophysiological marker of slowed attentional disengagement as is common in the literature. In the domain of recognition memory, affective modulation of performance was shown to be time-sensitive, with effects developing faster for negative than for positive picture content. Affective pictures were associated with a less conservative response bias than neutral pictures but only negative pictures elicited better discrimination performance, driven by an increased in the rate of “remembered” as compared to merely familiar pictures. This was reflected in an increase of the ERP old/new effect for negative pictures in the 500 to 800ms time window, the purported correlate of recollection. The late right-frontal old/new effect between 800 and 1500 ms post stimulus onset was shown to be attenuated by affective content, supporting the interpretation of the late right-frontal effect as a correlate of relevance detection over a retrieval success interpretation. In combination, the findings add weight to the conclusion that affective content enhances memory through selective memory sparing for affective stimuli. Novel evidence for gender differences in affective cognition was found. Comparisons between female and male participants revealed that the affective modulation of the late right-frontal effect differs between the genders, underlining the importance of assessing and understanding gender differences as part of the study of affective cognition. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene val66met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), a small genetic change that affects the functioning of BDNF, a protein that plays an important role in neuron growth, differentiation and survival, is shown here to also affect the interaction of affect and cognition. BDNF val66met genotype modulated the early “familiarity” old/new effect selectively in response to positive pictures. The present study clearly demonstrates the value of the ERP technique in the investigation of individual differences in affective and cognitive processing and the need to take such individual differences into account as part of the endeavour to fully understand the mechanisms of affective processing, cognition and affective cognition. A better understanding of the role of gender and genetic differences in the affective modulation of affective processing and memory will have important practical implications in fields where affect and cognition interact.
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Ipser, Jonathan. "The relationship between impulsivity, affect and a history of psychological adversity: a cognitive-affective neuroscience approach." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11554.
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There is increasing evidence that trauma exposure is associated with impulsive behaviour and difficulties regulating affect. The findings of recent studies implicate the disruption of neurobiological mechanisms, particularly those involving the neurotransmitter serotonin, in both impulsivity and affect regulation.
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Sadeghi-Tari, Daniel. "Socio-Affective Moral Enhancement : A Cognitive Neuroscientific Perspective." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för biovetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-17473.
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Heikura, Emelie. "Resilience in cognitive neuroscience : The 'Ordinary Magic' of human recovery." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för biovetenskap, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-15568.
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Resilience is a dynamic process that reflect individual ability to successfully recover and positively adapt to severe circumstances. In this essay, attachment, social support, self- regulation and affective processing, taken from the "shortlist of resilience" provided by Masten, are further analyzed and connected to findings within neuroscience. The result suggest that brain areas originated from the prefrontal cortex, such as orbitofrontal and dorsolateral cortex, are two major neural correlates to attachment and stress- and self- regulation. The amygdala is also an area of interest, because of its’ connection to emotions and affective memories. Research on affective style suggest that the functions associated with the prefrontal cortex are dampening the effect of the amygdala, which later supports resilience and recovery. The area of resilience is suffering from a lacking general definition, measurement and operationalization, which is argued to be the major challenge of this research area. Prominent researchers prospect that resilience research will continue to flourish within the area of neuroscience, and that further discoveries will be made concerning how this cognitive ability is related to structural and functional differences in the brain.
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Santos, Monica. "Affective adaptation of social norms in workplace design." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/24767.
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Open-plan offices are common in today's organisations. These types of workplaces require people to share a common space, where violation of (implicitly or explicitly stated) social norms can cause instances of incivility. If nothing is done to avoid these situations, bad feeling can lead to diminished productivity and cooperation, and, in the long-term, to more serious problems, such as conflict and aggression. A critical review of literature shows the effects of workplace incivility and the need for an internal reparation mechanism. Inspired by convergence of pervasive, adaptive and affective computing, we have designed and developed a self-regulatory platform for successful collective action, based on participatory adaptation and fair information practises, which we called MACS. MACS addresses the problem of incivility and aims at improving the Quality of Experience in shared workplaces. This thesis presents all studies that led to the development of MACS. Through the analysis of an online questionnaire we gathered information about incivility in shared workplaces, how people deal with those situations, and awareness about uncivil self-behaviours. We concluded the main issue while sharing a workplace is noise, and most people will try to change their own behaviour, rather than confronting the person being uncivil. MACS's avatar-based interface was developed with the purpose of heightening self-awareness and cueing the appropriate social norms, while providing a good User Experience (UX). Avatars created to people's image, rather than photos, were used, to keep MACS's tone light and relatively unintrusive, while still creating self-awareness. MACS's final version went through UX testing, where 6 people were filmed while performing tasks in MACS. The intended work-flow and user interfaces to support the smooth passage of the work-flow have been validated by the UX user testing. There is some preliminary evidence suggesting apology will elicit empathic responses in MACS. Finally, this thesis proposes guidelines for workplace design, which are founded on participatory creation and change of social norms, and ways to make sure they are enforced. In this sense, MACS can also be seen as a prototypical example of a socio-technical system being used as platform for successful collective action.
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James, Alicia Shanti. "The Role of Social Motives in Affective Polarization." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1615216736068656.
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Clark, Elford Rebecca Jane. "Affective modulation of oxytocin on cognition in social anxiety : exploring affective reward, attention and instrumental learning." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2015. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.708596.
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Szabo, Steven T. "Interactions between serotonergic and noradrenergic systems : their involvement in antidepressant treatment of anxiety and affective disorders." Thesis, McGill University, 2001. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=37658.
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Pertubations in serotonergic (5-HT) and noradrenergic (NA) function are implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety and affective disorders. This is strengthened by all antidepressants regardless of targeting these monoamines produce specific alterations in one or both of these systems after a prolonged administration. These alterations are congruent to their delayed onset of action in anxiety and affective disorders and may be of relevance. Using in vivo electrophysiological paradigms in the rat, the present research endeavor was undertaken to investigate whether antidepressant drugs inhibiting one monoaminergic reuptake transporter can induce an alteration in the other system. More specifically, impact of 5-HT and adrenergic receptors on the regulation of monoaminergic and hippocampal activity after acute and sustained antidepressant treatments was assessed.Long-term, but not subacute administrations of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) attenuate the spontaneous firing activity of locus coeruleus (LC) NA neurons. On the other hand, subacute and sustained treatment regimens with NA reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) induce a robust and sustained decrease on NA firing without altering that of 5-HT. Interestingly, sustained SSRI and NRI treatments both abolished 5-HT1A receptor augmentations of LC firing, but left inhibitory 5-HT2A receptor responses normal or slightly desensitized. The SSRI induced dampening on LC firing is reversed by 5-HT2A receptors blockade. Thus, an overactivation of 5-HT 2A receptors during chronic SSRI administration results from desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors in the presence of 5-HT transporter reuptake inhibition.
Antagonism of 5-HT1A receptors attenuates LC NA firing, but is completely reversed by 5-HT2A receptors blockade. 5,7-DHT experiments indicate that these receptors in the LC are postsynaptic to 5-HT neurons, but the 5-HT1A effects are dependent on intact 5-HT neurons. This served as the impetus to a proposed neuronal circuitry detailing the mechanism by which these 5-HT receptors, and SSRI induce adaptations thereof, alter the NA system. This complex circuitry implicates other neurotransmitters being supported further by iontophoretic data demonstrating 5-HT1A receptor effects involve alterations in glutamate and 5-HT to mediate 5-HT2A receptor activation and regulate GABA release in the LC.
Given the abovementioned results, it was striking that a subacute treatment with YM992 (SSRI and 5-HT2A antagonist) attenuated NA firing to a similar extent as reported with NRIs. This was concluded to be due to overactivation of presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors. In contrast to NRIs, a 21-day treatment with YM992 desensitized this receptor subtype and is responsible for normalization of LC firing.
Reboxetine produces similar effects on 5-HT and NA neuron firing and reuptake blockade on CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus as the TCA desipramine. Unlike desipramine, reboxetine is able to alter 5-HT reuptake function and 5-HT2A receptors mediated responses by DOI after a prolonged administration and did not induce a sensitization of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors. Thus, for the first time, experimental evidence supports that this latter effect is due to TCA structure and not NA reuptake blockade.
These results are extrapolated to the beneficial and side effects produced by antidepressants with hopes of expanding upon the former while reducing the latter in the treatment of anxiety and affective disorders.
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Tamir, Diana Ilse. "A Social Neuroscience Perspective on Egocentric Influence." Thesis, Harvard University, 2014. http://dissertations.umi.com/gsas.harvard:11523.
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This dissertation explores the cognitive mechanisms and motivations that guide two aspects of human social behavior: thinking about other's experiences and communicating with others. In both cases, studies investigated the possibility that self-referential thought guides our social behavior. First, Paper 1 and 2 investigated how people come to understand other's thoughts and experiences by suggesting that people may use their own self-knowledge as a starting point for making inferences about others. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral measures, these studies tested whether individuals make social inferences using the cognitive process of egocentric anchoring-and-adjustment, whereby individuals first anchor on self-knowledge, and then serially adjust away from these anchors in order to correct for differences between the self and other. Results provided evidence consistent with egocentric anchoring-and-adjustment: increases in self-other discrepancy corresponded to both increases in activity in the MPFC (Paper 1), a neural region associated with both self-referential thought and social cognition, as well as increases in response time (Paper 2), though only for targets where self-knowledge is particularly relevant. Paper 3 then investigated a prominent social behavior, self-disclosure--the act of sharing information about the self with others--which comprises 30- 40% of human conversation. Using both functional magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral economics methodology, five studies tested whether people communicate their thoughts and feelings to others because they are intrinsically motivated to do so. Results supported the hypothesis that individuals experience sharing their thoughts with others as subjectively rewarding: self-disclosure was associated with increased activation in brain regions that form the mesolimbic dopamine reward system; and individuals were willing to forgo money to self- disclose. Moreover, both the self and the disclosure aspects of self-disclosure independently contributed to its value. Together these Papers contribute to our understanding of the ways in which our internal world grounds elements of our external social acts.Psychology
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Rouault, Marion. "Integration of beliefs and affective values in human decision-making." Thesis, Paris, Ecole normale supérieure, 2015. http://www.theses.fr/2015ENSU0052/document.
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Le contrôle exécutif de l'action fait référence a la capacité de l'homme a contrôler et adapter son comportement de manière flexible, en lien avec ses états mentaux internes. Il repose sur l’évaluation des conséquences des actions pour ajuster les choix futurs. Les actions peuvent être renforcées ou dévalues en fonction de la valeur affective des conséquences, impliquant notamment les ganglions de la base et le cortex préfrontal médian. En outre, les conséquences des actions portent une information, qui permet d'ajuster le comportement en relation avec des croyances internes, impliquant le cortex préfrontal. Ainsi, les conséquences des actions portent deux types de signaux : (1) Une valeur affective, qui représente l’évaluation de la conséquence de l'action selon les préférences subjectives, issue de l'apprentissage par renforcement ; (2) Une valeur de croyance, mesurant comment les actions correspondent aux contingences externes, en lien avec l’inférence bayésienne. Cependant, la contribution de ces deux signaux a la prise de décision reste méconnue. Dans cette these, nous avons étudie la pertinence de cette dissociation aux niveaux comportemental et cérébral. Nous présentons plusieurs expériences comportementales permettant de dissocier ces deux signaux de valeur, sous la forme de taches d'apprentissage probabiliste avec des structures de récompense stochastiques et changeantes. Nous avons construit un modelé établissant les fondations fonctionnelles et computationnelles de la dissociation. Il combine deux systèmes en parallèle : un système d'apprentissage par renforcement modulant les valeurs affectives, et un système d’inférence bayésienne modulant les croyances. Le modèle explique mieux le comportement que de nombreux modèles alternatifs. Nous avons ensuite étudie, en IRM fonctionnelle, si les représentations dépendantes et indépendantes du choix des croyances et des valeurs affectives avaient des bases neurales distinctes. L’activité du cortex préfrontal ventromédian (VMPFC) et du cortex mid-cingulaire (MCC) corrélé avec les deux variables dépendantes du choix. Cependant, une double-dissociation a été identifiée concernant les représentations indépendantes du choix, le VMPFC étant spécifique des croyances alors que le MCC est spécifique des valeurs affectives. En outre, l’activité du cortex préfrontal latéral augmente lorsque les deux valeurs de décision sont proches et que le choix devient difficile. Ces résultats suggèrent qu'avant la décision, le cortex préfrontal ventromédian (VMPFC) et le cortex mid-cingulaire (MCC) encodent séparément les croyances et les valeurs affectives respectivement. Le cortex préfrontal latéral (LPFC) combine les deux signaux pour prendre une décision, puis renvoie l'information du choix aux régions médianes, probablement pour actualiser les deux signaux de valeur en fonction des conséquences du choix. Ces résultats contribuent a élucider les mécanismes cérébraux de la prise de décision dans le cortex préfrontalExecutive control relates to the human ability to monitor and flexibly adapt behavior in relation to internal mental states. Specifically, executive control relies on evaluating action outcomes for adjusting subsequent action. Actions can be reinforced or devaluated given affective value of outcomes, notably in basal ganglia and medial prefrontal cortex. Additionally, outcomes convey information to adapt behavior in relation to internal beliefs, involving prefrontal cortex. Accordingly, action outcomes convey two major types of value signals: (1) Affective values, representing the valuation of action outcomes given subjective preferences and stemming from reinforcement learning; (2) Belief values about how actions map onto outcome contingencies and relating to Bayesian inference. However, how these two signals contribute to decision remains unclear, and previous experimental paradigms confounded them. In this PhD thesis, we investigated whether their dissociation is behaviorally and neurally relevant. We present several behavioral experiments dissociating these two signals, in the form of probabilistic reversal-learning tasks involving stochastic and changing reward structures. We built a model establishing the functional and computational foundations of such dissociation. It combined two parallel systems: reinforcement learning, modulating affective values, and Bayesian inference, monitoring beliefs. The model accounted for behavior better than many other alternative models. We then investigated whether beliefs and affective values have distinct neural bases using fMRI. BOLD signal was regressed against choice-dependent and choice-independent beliefs and affective values. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and midcingulate cortex (MCC) activity correlated with both choice-dependent variables. However, we found a double-dissociation regarding choice-independent variables, with VMPFC encoding choice-independent beliefs, whereas MCC encoded choice-independent affective values. Additionally, activity in lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) increased when decision values (i.e. mixture of beliefs and affective values) got closer to each other and action selection became more difficult. These results suggest that before decision, VMPFC and MCC separately encode beliefs and affective values respectively. LPFC combines both signals to decide, then feeds back choice information to these medial regions, presumably for updating these value signals according to action outcomes. These results provide new insight into the neural mechanisms of decision-making in prefrontal cortex
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Hattingh, Coenraad Jacobus. "Neurobiological aspects of social anxiety disorder." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10865.
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This thesis investigates the functional neuroanatomy of SAD [Social Anxiety Disorder] using an activation likelihood-estimate meta-analysis (ALE meta-analysis), and explores the structural basis of SAD using a cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volume analysis.
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Knight, Erik L. "The psychophysiological responses to social exclusion and affective films." Connect to resource, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1811/32220.
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Moretto, Giovanna <1979>. "Cognitive and affective processes in social actions and decisions." Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2010. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/3042/.
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The question of how we make, and how we should make judgments and decisions has occupied thinkers for many centuries. This thesis has the aim to add new evidences to clarify the brain’s mechanisms for decisions. The cognitive and the emotional processes of social actions and decisions are investigated with the aim to understand which brain areas are mostly involved. Four experimental studies are presented. A specific kind of population is involved in the first study (as well as in study III) concerning patients with lesion of ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). This region is collocated in the ventral surface of frontal lobe, and it seems have an important role in social and moral decision in forecasting the negative emotional consequences of choice. In study I, it is examined whether emotions, specifically social emotions subserved by the vmPFC, affect people’s willingness to trust others. In study II is observed how incidental emotions could encourage trusting behaviour, especially when individuals are not aware of emotive stimulation. Study III has the aim to gather a direct psychophysiological evidence, both in healthy and neurologically impaired individuals, that emotions are crucially involved in shaping moral judgment, by preventing moral violations. Study IV explores how the moral meaning of a decision and its subsequent action can modulate the basic component of action such as sense of agency.
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Ashton-James, Claire Elizabeth Psychology Faculty of Science UNSW. "Feeling compliant or contrary? Affective influences on behavioural priming." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. Psychology, 2007. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/40899.
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Until recently, research into the social consequences of affect has focused almost exclusively on conscious judgments and behaviours. The present research investigates the impact of positive and negative affective states on automatic behavioural priming, a nonconscious social process that enables us to efficiently and effortlessly assimilate or contrast our behaviour with contextual cues. Based on previous research into factors moderating the outcome of behavioural priming, it is hypothesized that positive affect will increase the magnitude of assimilation effects, while negative affect will induce contrast effects. The results of seven experiments conducted both in the laboratory and in the field provide support for this hypothesis, and suggest that the impact of affect on behavioural priming is mediated by the way in which primed mental content is used to guide behaviour. The theoretical and clinical implications of this research as well as future research directions are discussed.
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Blasberg, Jonathan Shael. "Perfectionism and the cognitive and affective experience of social exclusion." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/57443.
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Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality variable linked to a variety of maladaptive consequences and developmentally rooted in early interpersonal attachments. This has been hypothesized to predispose perfectionistic individuals to more maladaptive outcomes in response to being socially excluded. The current project reviews extant literature on the Comprehensive Model of Perfectionism described by Paul Hewitt, Gordon Flett, and colleagues, its developmental antecedents, and a review of specific vulnerability, diathesis-stress and perfectionism social disconnection models that explain perfectionistic vulnerability to stress, including social exclusion. Hypotheses regarding a moderating effect of perfectionism on cognitive and affective reactions to social exclusion were generated based on the aforementioned models. Using two undergraduate student samples, we exposed participants to a laboratory-based social exclusion experience (Cyberball) under controlled circumstances and performed a comprehensive pre- and post-task assessment of their affective and cognitive experience using a combination of explicit and implicit measures. Results indicated that concern over mistakes, perfectionistic cognitions, perfectionistic self-promotion, and nondisplay of imperfection dimensions of perfectionism were the strongest moderators of the experience of social exclusion in that individuals high on these dimensions experienced amplified post-Cyberball shame, anger, rejection, and self-critical affect and increased negative self-related thoughts, and decreased interdependence. Nondisclosure of imperfection in contrast predicted reduced rejected affect in response to social inclusion. Results are discussed in the context of extant literature in perfectionism and social exclusion domains, and in light of diathesis-stress literature and the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model, as well as the hypothesized interpersonal underpinnings of perfectionistic behaviour.Arts, Faculty of
Psychology, Department of
Graduate
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Yohanan, Steven John. "The Haptic Creature : social human-robot interaction through affective touch." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/43144.
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Emotion communication is an important aspect of social interaction. Affect display research from psychology as well as social human-robot interaction has focused primarily on facial or vocal behaviors, as these are the predominant means of expression for humans. Much less attention, however, has been on emotion communication through touch, which, though unique among the senses, can be methodologically and technologically difficult to study.
Our thesis investigated the role of affective touch in the social interaction between human and robot. Through a process of design and controlled user evaluation, we examined the display, recognition, and emotional influence of affective touch. To mitigate issues inherent in touch research, we drew from interaction models not between humans but between human and animal, whereby the robot assumes the role of companion animal.
We developed the Haptic Creature, a small, zoomorphic robot novel in its sole focus on touch for both affect sensing and display. The robot perceives movement and touch, and it expresses emotions through ear stiffness, modulated breathing, and vibrotactile purring. The Haptic Creature was employed in three user studies, each exploring a different aspect of affective touch interaction.
Our first study examined emotion display from the robot. We detail the design of the Haptic Creature's affect display, which originated from animal models, then was enhanced through successive piloting. A formal study demonstrated the robot was more successful communicating arousal than valence.
Our second study investigated affect display from the human. We compiled a touch dictionary from psychology and human-animal interaction research. Participants first rated the likelihood of using these touch gestures when expressing a variety of emotions, then performed likely gestures communicating specific emotions for the Haptic Creature. Results provided properties of human affect display through touch and high-level categorization of intent.
Our final study explored the influence of affective touch. Results empirically demonstrated the human's emotional state was directly influenced from affective touch interactions with the robot.
Our research has direct significance to the field of socially interactive robotics and, further, any domain interested in human use of affective touch: psychology, mediated social touch, human-animal interaction.
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Zhang, Xuan. "How Affective Properties of Voice Influence Memory and Social Perception." Thesis, Boston College, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/bc-ir:107192.
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Thesis advisor: Lisa F. BarrettThesis advisor: Hiram Brownell
Human voice carries precious information about a person. From a brief vocalization to a spoken sentence, listeners rapidly form perceptual judgments of transient affective states such as happiness, as well as perceptual judgments of the more stable social traits such as trustworthiness. In social interactions, sometimes it is not just what we say – but how we say it – that matters. This dissertation sought to better understand how affective properties in voice influence memory and how they subserve social perception. To these ends, I investigated the effect of affective prosody on memory for speech by manipulating both prosody valence and semantic valence, I explored the fundamental dimensions of social perception from voice, and I discussed the relationship of those social dimensions to affective dimensions of voice. In the first chapter, I examined how prosody valence influences memory for speech that varied in semantic valence. Participants listened to narratives spoken in neutral, positive, and negative prosody and recalled as much as they could of the narrative content. Importantly, the arousal level of the affective prosody was controlled across the different prosody valence conditions. Results showed that prosody valence influenced memory for speech content and the effect depended on the relationship between prosody valence and semantic valence. Specifically, congruence between prosody and semantic valence influenced memory. When people were listening to neutral content, affective prosody (either positive or negative) impaired memory. When listening to positive or negative content, incongruent prosody led to better recall. The present research shows that it is not just what you say, but also how you say it that will influence what people remember of your message. In the second chapter, I explored the fundamental dimensions of social perception from voices compared to faces, using a data-driven approach. Participants were encouraged to freely write down anything that came to mind about the voice they heard or the face they saw. Descriptors were classified into categories and the most frequently occurred social trait categories were selected. A separate group of participants rated the voices and faces on the selected social traits. Principal component analyses revealed that female voices were evaluated mostly on three dimensions: attractiveness, trustworthiness, and dominance; whereas male voices were evaluated mostly on two dimensions: social engagement and trustworthiness. For social evaluation of faces, a similar two-dimensional structure of social engagement and trustworthiness was found for both genders. The gender difference in social perception of voice is discussed with respect to gender stereotypes and the role voice pitch played in perceived attractiveness and dominance. This study indicates that both modality (voice vs. face) and gender impact the fundamental dimensions of social perception. Overall, the findings of this dissertation indicate that the affective quality in our voice not only influence how our speech will be remembered but also relate to how we are being socially perceived by others. It would be wise to pay more attention to our tone of voice if we want to make our speech memorable and leave a good impression
Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2016
Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Discipline: Psychology
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Hengky. "SmilieFace : an innovative affective messaging application to enhance social networking." Thesis, Curtin University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/2537.
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Hattingh, Coenraad Jacobus. "The structural neurobiology of social anxiety disorder : a clinical neuroimaging study." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15544.
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Includes bibliographical referencesWhile a number of studies have explored the functional neuroanatomy of social anxiety disorder (SAD), comparatively few studies have investigated the structural underpinnings in SAD. 18 psychopharmacologically and psychotherapeutically naïve adult patients with a primary Axis I diagnosis of generalized social anxiety disorder and 18 demographically (age, gender and education) matched healthy controls underwent 3T structural magnetic resonance imaging. A manual tracing protocol was specifically developed to compute the volume of the most prominent subcortical gray matter structures implicated in SAD by previous functional research. Cortical thickness was estimated using an automated algorithm and whole brain analyses of white matter structure were performed using FSL's tract - based spatial statistics comparing fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) in individuals with SAD. Manual tracing demonstrated that compared to controls, SAD patients showed an enlarged right globus pallidus. Cortical thickness analyses demonstrated significant cortical thinning in the left isthmus of the cingulate gyrus, the left temporal pole, and the left superior temporal gyrus. Analyses of white matter tractographic data demonstrated reduced FA in in the genu, splenium and tapetum of the corpus callosum. Additionally reduced FA was noticed in the fornix and the right cingulum. Reduced FA was also noted in bilateral corticospinal tracts and the right corona radiata. The results demonstrate structural alterations in limbic circuitry as well as involvement of the basal glanglia and their cortical projections and input pathways.
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Van, der Merwe Nicolina Thandiwe. "Blushing and gaze avoidance in social anxiety disorder : a structural neuroanatomical investigation." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13370.
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Includes bibliographical references.Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common psychiatric condition characterised by fear and avoidance of social situations. Lifetime prevalence is 5-16% and co-morbidity with other mood and substance abuse disorders is common. Symptoms including cognitive, behavioural and physiological components vary between individuals. Of these, blushing and gaze fear and avoidance are regarded as cardinal symptoms. First line treatment of SAD involves SSRIs and cognitive behavioural therapy, while surgery may also be considered for excessive blushing. Blushing and gaze avoidance are thought to have an evolutionary adaptive advantage, promoting the display of submissive behaviour and appeasement in threatening situations. MRI research has demonstrated differences on functional and structural neuroimaging between patients with SAD and healthy controls (HCs). However, little is known about the neurocircuitry underlying gaze fear and avoidance or increased blushing propensity or how the severity of these traits correlate with the neuroimaging differences found in SAD. In this research, I explored the neuroanatomy of blushing propensity and gaze fear and avoidance in the context of SAD. Methods: 18 SAD patients and 18 HCs underwent structural MRI scans and self-report scales were administered to assess their symptom severity, blushing propensity and gaze fear and avoidance. Structural data was analysed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Regression and contrast analyses were used to correlate blushing propensity and gaze anxiety and avoidance symptoms with brain volumes, controlling for total grey matter volume, age and level of education. Results: Anxiety, blushing propensity and gaze fear and avoidance symptoms were all significantly higher in SAD patients (p<0.001). Brainstem volumes were increased for higher blushing scores a (p<0.01), while the volumes of left inferior parietal lobe b (p=0.04) and left occipital cortex a (p<0.01) were decreased. With increased gaze fear and avoidance, there were associated decreases in the right posterior cingulate cortex a (p<0.01), right occipital lobe b (p=0.03) and right fusiform gyrus a (p<0.01). Increased blushing and gaze symptom severity considered together, was associated with increased brainstem volume a (p<0.01) and decreased pons/cerebellum b (p=0.001), right cerebellum b (p=0.009), left cerebellum c (p<0.001) and left inferior parietal lobe a (p<0.1), volumes. Contrast analysis of SAD and HC brain volumes revealed a greater grey matter volume in HCs in the regions of left occipital cortex (p<0.01), left anterior cingulate (p<0.01) and right inferior parietal lobe (p<0.01) when compared to SAD patients. Increased symptom severity in SAD was significantly associated with higher volumes in the left premotor cortex (p<0.01), right hippocampus (p<0.01), left orbitofrontal cortex (p<0.01) and right superior temporal cortex (p<0.01). Possible areas for of interest for volume differences between SAD and HCs include total grey matter volume (d =0.83), left and right anterior cingulate cortex (d =0.68 and d =0.65), and left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (d =0.55 and d =0.54), yet these differences were not significantly different. (a uncorrected peak levels b uncorrected cluster level, c corrected cluster level). Conclusion: Differences in brain volumes pertaining to blushing and gaze fear and avoidance in SAD patients may be a contributing factor or a consequence of these core symptoms, and a potential biomarker for SAD. Future studies could build on this preliminary research with increased sample sizes, and determine the possible effects of reduced symptom severity and treatment options on brain structure and function. Most importantly, an investigation of the genetic underpinnings and functional neural correlates of blushing and gaze avoidance behaviour may enhance our understanding of the complex aetiology of these cardinal SAD symptoms, thereby improving our understanding of SAD as a psychiatric disorder and facilitating better patient care and management.
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Matheson, Laura. "Neural circuits underlying the social modulation of vocal communication." Thesis, McGill University, 2014. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=123131.
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Songbirds use vocal signals for social communication. Song can be produced in a variety of social contexts, and previous studies have demonstrated that the structure and organization of song significantly changes across social contexts. However, little is known about the neural circuits and neurotransmitters that contribute to the social modulation of song. Here we combine behavioural, immunocytochemical, and pharmacological experiments to reveal the mechanisms underlying context-dependent changes to syllable sequencing and structure in Bengalese finches. Throughout the circuit underlying vocal motor control, we found that expression of the immediate early gene EGR-1 was greater when birds sang alone compared to when they sang in a courtship context. Investigation of EGR-1 expression in catecholamine-producing neurons suggested a role of catecholamines in the social modulation of song. To test this idea, we analyzed the effect of amphetamine on song organization and found that amphetamine reproduced social context effects on syllable structure but did not affect sequencing. These data support the notion that the social modulation of neural activity within the song system underlies context-dependent changes in song, and that catecholamines like dopamine contribute to the social modulation of vocal behaviour.Les oiseaux chanteurs utilisent des signaux vocaux pour la communication sociale. Le chant peut être produit dans divers contexts sociaux et des etudes anterieures one démontré que la structure et l'organisation du chant variant considérablement selon les contexts sociaux. Cependant, nous savons peu de choses sur les circuits neuronaux et les neurotransmetteurs qui contribuent à la modulation sociale du chant. Nous combinons ici des experiences comportementales, immunocytochimiques et pharmacologiques afin de découvrir les mécanismes qui sous-tendent les changements contextuels åa la structure et à l'enchaînement des syllabes chez les dominos. Dans l'ensemble du circuit qui sous-tend le contrôle moteur vocal, nous avons découvert que l'expression du gène précoce immédiat EGR-1 était plus importante lorsque les oiseaux chantaient seuls que lorsqu'ils chantaient dans un contexte de pariade. Un examen de l'expression du gène EGR-1 dans les neurones producteurs de catécholamine donne à penser que les catécholamines jouent un rôle dans la modulation sociale du chant. Pour vérifier cette idée, nous avons analysé l'effet de l'amphétamine sur l'organisation du chant et nous avons découvert que l'amphétamine reproduisait les effets du contexte social sur la structure des syllabes, mais qu'elle n'avait aucun effet sur l'enchaînement des syllabes. Ces données appuient la notion selon laquelle la modulation sociale de l'activité neuronale dans le système de chant sous-tend les changements contextuels dans le chant et que les catécholamines, comme la dopamine, contribuent à la modulation sociale du comportement vocal.
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Morrone, Maria Carmela. "Subversive Care : An Intersectional Analyses of Nursing as Affective Labor." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Tema Genus, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-135760.
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Nursing and intersectionality is yet an under-explored field of research. This study is a tentative of reflecting about the interconnections between the care process in health settings such as mental health and end-of-life care, body experience and multiple aspects of health, discrimination and hierarchies in the medical setting. This reflection aims at recognizing spaces of autonomy where nursing knowledge could actively contribute to oppose to the medical patriarchal knowledge. By using an intersectional lens, the purpose of this study is to highlight how connections between biopower, assemblages and affective labor may provide useful inputs to the nursing profession and to recognize its potential for subversion
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Bailey, Phoebe Elizabeth Psychology Faculty of Science UNSW. "The social cognitive neuroscience of empathy in older adulthood." Awarded By:University of New South Wales. Psychology, 2009. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44506.
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Empathy is an essential prerequisite for the development and maintenance of close interpersonal relationships. Given that older adults are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of loneliness and social isolation, it is surprising that few studies have assessed empathy in this group. The current programme of research addressed this gap in the literature by testing competing predictions derived from Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and the Ageing-Brain Model for age-related sparing and impairment of empathy, respectively. Study 1 compared young (N = 80) and older (N = 49) adults?? self-reported levels of cognitive and affective empathy, and engagement in social activities. It was found that although affective empathy is spared, cognitive empathy is subject to age-related decline, and this decline mediates reductions in social participation. These data therefore affirmed the importance of further investigation into the nature, causes and potential consequences of age-related differences in empathy. Since disinhibition is one mechanism contributing to difficulty taking the perspective of another, and is known to increase with age, in Study 2, behavioural measures sensitive to inhibitory failure and to cognitive empathy were administered to young (N = 36) and older (N = 33) adults. One of the measures of cognitive empathy directly manipulated inhibitory demands, involving either high or low levels of self-perspective inhibition. The results indicated that older adults were selectively impaired on the high-inhibition condition, with cognitive disinhibition mediating this association. Study 2 therefore provided important evidence relating to one potential mechanism that contributes to age-related difficulties in perspective-taking. Studies 3 and 4 provided the first behavioural assessments of age-related differences in affective empathy by using electromyography to index facial expression mimicry. Study 3 found that young (N = 35) and older (N = 35) adults?? demonstrate comparable mimicry of anger, but older adults?? initial (i.e., implicit) reactions were associated with reduced anger recognition. Thus, to test the possibility that despite explicit recognition difficulties, implicit processing of facial expressions may be preserved in older adulthood, Study 4 compared young (N = 46) and older (N = 40) adults?? mimicry responses to subliminally presented angry and happy facial expressions. As predicted, the two groups demonstrated commensurate subconscious mimicry of these expressions. Taken together, these studies indicate that separate components of empathy are differentially affected by healthy adult ageing. Implications for competing perspectives of socioemotional functioning in older adulthood are discussed.
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Burns, Katie L. "The influence of social and affective information on ultimatum bargaining behavior /." view abstract or download file of text, 2005. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/uoregon/fullcit?p3201676.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2005.Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 190-201). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.
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Perdue, Neil Hunter. "The relation between social support and behavioral and affective school engagement." [Bloomington, Ind.] : Indiana University, 2009. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3354920.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Counseling and Educational Psychology of the School of Education, 2009.Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Feb. 5, 2010). Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-04, Section: B, page: 2600. Adviser: David B. Estell.
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Eklundh, Emmy. "Indignation as dissent? : the affective components of protest and democracy." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2015. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/indignation-as-dissent-the-affective-components-of-protest-and-democracy(de19e574-80c7-424a-bc04-3347a271640f).html.
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This thesis discusses the Indignados movement, which arose in Spain in 2011, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. It makes the observation that the Indignados, and many other movements similar to it (like Occupy Wall Street, the Arab Spring, or the Global Justice Movement), gather large amounts of people, but are still struggling to be recognised as political subjects, as influential forces in the political environment. Many times, they are criticised for being too dispersed or too emotional, and lacking the cohesiveness to formulate concrete political aims. The Indignados can therefore be seen as challenging democracy and how political subjectivity is accorded, both in theory and practice. This leads this thesis to inquire into some of the theoretical underpinnings of democracy, and in particular political subjectivity. Its main research question is therefore: Can the Indignados spur a new reading of democracy?To further understand how we can conceive of the political subjectivity of an emotional and dispersed protest movement, this thesis turns to two approaches, social movement theory as well as deliberative democratic theory. After having examined extant literature on the matter, the thesis concludes that both of these approaches employ a distinct separation between emotion and reason, where political subjectivity is almost always hinged upon the latter. In addition, affect is seen as disjointed from signification, and therefore from political articulation. In order to circumvent this theoretical stalemate, this thesis turns to theories of radical democracy, and more specifically to the works of Ernesto Laclau. It argues that Laclau’s juxtaposition of Lacanian psychoanalysis and Derridian deconstruction opens up possibilities for a form of political subjectivity based on affect instead of reason alone. As such, Laclau’s theory of hegemony can shed light on those instances where affect and emotions play a central part in the creation of political subjectivity. In analysing Laclau’s theory, I respond to different analytical challenges that question the viability of explaining movements such as the Indignados through a theory of hegemony. Current observations point to that contemporary movements are not hegemonic (which place too much emphasis on verticality), but rather horizontal and networked. In order to address this critique, this thesis constructs a framework of the hegemonic project. This framework emphasises two commonly overlooked features of Laclau’s theory: the affective and transient nature of hegemony, which stresses the connection between affect and signification. Through two sets of empirical data – ethnographic fieldwork material and social media analysis – the thesis shows how the Indignados exhibit clear instances of verticality, albeit of an affective nature. This hegemonic, affective verticality speaks of two ways in which the movement can construct political subjectivity: viscerally (through unity in affective practices) and virtually (through social media).
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Graor, Christine Heifner. "Weight Loss, Subculture Socialization, and Affective Meanings." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1216601297.
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Reichow, Insa. "Students’ Affective-Motivational Research Dispositions." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/22673.
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In dieser Dissertation wurden drei zentrale Ziele mit einem Mixed-Methods-Ansatz verfolgt.
Ein erstes Ziel war es, ein umfassendes Modell affektiv-motivationaler Forschungsdispositionen für Studierende der Sozialwissenschaften zu entwerfen, da sich existierende Konzeptionen von Forschungskompetenz ausschließlich auf kognitive Leistungsdispositionen konzentrieren. Mithilfe von Experteninterviews und einem Expertenrating wurden neun affektiv-motivationale Forschungsdispositionen identifiziert, die notwendig sind, um die Anforderungen eines sozialwissenschaftlichen Forschungsprozesses zu meistern.
Ein zweites Ziel lag in der Entwicklung und Validierung von Testinstrumenten zur Erfassung der identifizierten affektiv-motivationalen Forschungsdispositionen. Basierend auf den Standards der psychologischen Testkonstruktion konnten Selbsteinschätzungsskalen für alle neun affektiv-motivationalen Forschungsdispositionen erarbeitet und Validierungsnachweise erbracht werden.
Diese Arbeiten bildeten die Grundlage für das Erreichen des dritten Ziels: Es sollte getestet werden, inwieweit die Teilnahme am Forschenden Lernen zu einer Entwicklung kognitiver und affektiv-motivationaler Forschungsdispositionen führt. Das Forschende Lernen ist ein didaktisches Format, bei dem Studierende eigenständig einen Forschungszyklus durchlaufen, um eine Forschungsfrage zu beantworten. Bis dato lagen zwar theoretische Postulate zur Wirksamkeit Forschenden Lernens in den Sozialwissenschaften vor, aber kaum empirische Befunde. Im Rahmen einer Prä-Post-Studie (N=952) in Veranstaltungen des Forschenden Lernens zeigte sich, dass Studierende sowohl positive als auch negative Entwicklungen verschiedener Forschungsdispositionen aufweisen. Als zentral erwies sich die Rolle der begleitenden Lehrperson.This dissertation addressed three central goals using a mixed-methods approach: The first goal was to develop a comprehensive model of affective-motivational research dispositions for students of the social sciences since existing models of research competence concentrate on cognitive dispositions. With the help of expert interviews and an expert rating, nine affective-motivational research dispositions were identified. The second goal was the development and validation of test instruments to assess the identified affective-motivational research dispositions. Based on the standards of psychological test construction, self-assessment scales were developed for all nine affective-motivational research dispositions and evidence for their validity was generated. These previous steps formed the basis for addressing the third goal: To test whether research-based learning is a suitable format to foster different cognitive and affective-motivational research dispositions in the social sciences. Research-based learning is a didactic format in which students complete a full research cycle to answer a research question. So far, there are many theoretical claims on the effectiveness of research-based learning in the social sciences but a lack of empirical evidence. In a pre-post study (N=952) in research-based learning courses, it was shown that students benefit from a favourable development of some of the research dispositions, whereas other dispositions decreased. The role of the facilitating instructor proved to be central.
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Soudan, Ade. "A study of affective-external aggression of adolescent males in residential treatment." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 1996. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/1707.
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The goal of this single systems research design was to reduce the frequency of external-affective aggression, physical and verbal, in an adolescent residing in a residential treatment facility. The target behavior was measured using an existing data collection instrument that accompanied intervention. The Anger Control Training Curriculum of the Aggression Replacement Training was used. The results showed a change in the frequency of aggression, particularly on measures of verbal aggression.
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Capitao, Liliana. "Early effects of fluoxetine on emotional processing : implications for adolescent depression." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:c713518b-97bd-4692-99ba-288f37c97ddd.
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Depression in adolescence is a major health problem, associated with poor psychological function and key risk factors both for later illness and suicidal behaviours. The antidepressant fluoxetine is commonly used in this population and it is shown to have a favourable benefit-to-risk profile. However, controversy still exists about the use of antidepressants in young people and there is little research focusing on underlying mechanisms of wanted and unwanted actions in this group. This doctoral thesis aims to investigate, for the first time, the acute effects of fluoxetine on emotional processing, using a combination of behavioural and neuroimaging techniques. The aim is to achieve a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying fluoxetine use in depressed adolescents, in light of differences seen in their clinical presentation and response to antidepressant drugs. In the first study (Chapter Two), a single dose of fluoxetine was shown to decrease the recognition of anger in a sample of young adult volunteers, an effect not previously seen in acute studies of older participants. This effect may be particularly relevant for the treatment of adolescent depression, in which symptoms of anger and irritability are often prominent. Beyond this, fluoxetine was shown to increase the recognition of positive vs. negative facial information, and also exerted an anxiolytic-like influence, eliminating the emotion-potentiated startle effect. However, no influence was seen in measures of attentional vigilance to threat. In an attempt to overcome methodological limitations of this study, a paradigm was developed that is particularly sensitive to the detection of automatic biases towards threatening information (Chapter Three). Chapter Four describes a neuroimaging study with depressed adolescents, in which a single dose of fluoxetine was found to reduce amygdala activity in response to anger. Early changes in amygdala activity to fear correlated with decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression in the first 7-10 days of treatment. Chapter Five explores the effects of acute fluoxetine in a sample of high trait anger males. This study replicated the finding that fluoxetine acts to increase the recognition of positive information, whilst showing preliminary evidence for a reduction in attentional vigilance to angry faces. Overall, fluoxetine was found to decrease the processing of anger across studies. This effect was seen alongside a broader influence on positive vs. negative information and anxiolytic-like properties. Together, these results indicate that fluoxetine has direct effects on processes that are especially relevant to adolescent depression and suggest a potential cognitive mechanism for the efficacy of this particular antidepressant in adolescent patients.
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Lemyre, Alexandre. "Développement et validation d'une théorie de la fonction adaptative biologique des rêves." Doctoral thesis, Université Laval, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11794/69661.
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Plusieurs fonctions ont été attribuées aux rêves. Les revues de documentation existantes qui abordent les théories de la fonction des rêves ne sont pas exhaustives et sont souvent peu critiques. L'introduction de la présente thèse comble ce manque dans la documentation scientifique en offrant une revue critique des théories contemporaines de la fonction des rêves. À la lumière de cette introduction, il apparaît que les théories existantes présentent toutes des limites importantes. Le premier chapitre de cette thèse est un article présentant une nouvelle théorie de la fonction des rêves : la théorie de préactivation des sentiments par les rêves, ou Feeling Priming Theory (FPT). Selon la FPT, la fonction du rêve est de favoriser la motivation à éviter les événements anticipés aversifs et à approcher les événements anticipés gratifiants. Plus précisément, il est suggéré qu'une composante des émotions anticipées – les sentiments anticipés (anticipated feelings) – est reproduite dans les rêves. Au réveil et durant la journée, ces sentiments anticipés demeureraient (pré)activés en mémoire. Conséquemment, les émotions anticipées exerceraient une plus grande influence sur les comportements d'évitement et d'approche, à la fois directement, mais surtout indirectement par le biais des sentiments vécus par anticipation (anticipatory feelings; c.-à-d., les sentiments de peur ou d'espoir/de désir). Le deuxième chapitre de cette thèse est un article présentant le développement et l'utilisation d'un protocole visant à tester des hypothèses de la FPT. Soixante-quatre participants ont rempli un journal de bord à la maison pendant une période comprenant deux jours pour lesquels au moins un rêve était rappelé. Les données ont été recueillies immédiatement après le lever, après la routine du lever et avant la routine du coucher. Les participants ont rapporté les événements qu'ils anticipent, leur degré de peur et de désir face aux événements anticipés, leur contrôle perçu sur les événements anticipés, leurs comportements et leurs décisions par rapport aux événements anticipés, la mesure dans laquelle ils ont pensé aux événements anticipés, et finalement, la similitude entre leurs sentiments anticipés (anticipated feelings) et leurs sentiments vécus en rêve (dream feelings). Les résultats montrent que la peur ressentie envers un événement anticipé aversif prédit positivement la probabilité que le sentiment anticipé négatif associé à cet événement soit reproduit dans un rêve. Ressentir ce sentiment négatif dans un rêve prédit positivement la peur ressentie envers l'événement anticipé aversif le jour suivant, qui à son tour prédit positivement la survenue d'un comportement d'évitement. Les résultats suggèrent également que le désir ressenti envers un événement anticipé gratifiant prédit positivement la probabilité que le sentiment anticipé positif associé à cet événement soit reproduit dans un rêve. Cependant, ressentir ce sentiment positif dans un rêve ne prédit pas le désir ressenti envers cet événement anticipé gratifiant le jour suivant. Dans l'ensemble, les résultats de l'étude de validation appuient partiellement la FPT. La conclusion de la présente thèse expose les forces et les limites de la théorie développée et de l'étude de validation. À la lumière de ces forces et limites, des pistes de recherche futures sont proposées. Plus spécifiquement, il est suggéré que la FPT pourra servir d'ancrage pour le développement d'une théorie cognitive de la production des rêves. Des suggestions sont également offertes pour une étude en laboratoire visant à répliquer, dans un milieu contrôlé, le protocole utilisé pour l'étude de validation. Finalement, la possibilité de développer un nouveau traitement psychologique pour les cauchemars chroniques sur la base de la FPT est abordée. En résumé, cette thèse est un apport majeur à la documentation scientifique sur les rêves. Elle comporte une revue critique des théories contemporaines de la fonction des rêves, propose une nouvelle théorie de la fonction des rêves qui constitue une alternative aux théories de la régulation émotionnelle par les rêves, rapporte les résultats d'une étude visant à tester les principales hypothèses de la théorie proposée, et démontre la pertinence des travaux menés pour le développement de projets de recherche théorique, empirique, et clinique.Several functions have been attributed to dreaming. Existing literature reviews on the theories of the function of dreaming are not exhaustive and contain few criticisms. The introduction of this thesis fills this gap in the literature by offering a critical review of contemporary theories of the function of dreaming. In light of this introduction, all existing theories present important limitations. The first chapter of this thesis is an article presenting a new theory of the function of dreaming: the Feeling Priming Theory (FTP). According to the FPT, the function of dreaming is to favor the motivation to avoid aversive anticipated events and to approach gratifying anticipated events. More specifically, it is suggested that a component of anticipated emotions – anticipated feelings – is reproduced in dreams. Upon awakening and during the day, these anticipated feelings would remain (pre)activated (primed) in memory. Consequently, anticipated emotions would exert a greater influence on avoidance and approach behaviors, mainly through an increase in the intensity of anticipatory feelings (i.e., feelings of fear or hope/desire). The second chapter of this thesis is an article presenting the development and use of a protocol aimed at testing hypotheses from the FPT. Sixty-four participants completed a logbook at home for a period that included two days with dream recall. Data were collected after waking up, after the morning routine, and before the bedtime routine. Participants reported their anticipated events, their degree of fear, desire and control over the anticipated events, the behaviors and decisions they adopted in relation to the anticipated events, the extent to which they thought about the anticipated events, and the similarity between their anticipated feelings and their dream feelings. The hypotheses were tested using linear and binary logistic mixed models. Fear toward an aversive anticipated event positively predicts the probability that the negative anticipated feeling associated with this anticipated event be reproduced in a dream. Experiencing this negative feeling in a dream positively predicts fear toward the aversive anticipated event on the next day, which in turn positively predicts the occurrence of an avoidance behavior. Furthermore, desire toward a gratifying anticipated event positively predicts the probability that the positive anticipated feeling associated with this anticipated event be reproduced in a dream. However, experiencing this positive feeling in a dream does not predict desire toward the gratifying anticipated event on the next day. Overall, the results from the validation study support part of the FPT. The conclusion of this thesis reviews the strengths and limitations of the proposed theory and the validation study. In the light of these strengths and limitations, potential avenues of research are explored. It is suggested that the FPT could serve as a basis for the development of a cognitive theory of dream production. Moreover, the empirical study could be replicated in a laboratory setting, which would allow to test the FPT in a controlled environment. Finally, the possibility of developing a new psychological treatment for nightmares based on the FPT is discussed. In summary, this thesis constitutes a major contribution to the dream literature. It presents a critical review of contemporary theories of the function of dreaming, proposes the FPT as an alternative to emotion regulation theories of dreaming, reports the results of an empirical study aimed at testing several hypotheses from the FPT, and demonstrates the relevance of this work for future theoretical, empirical, and clinical research.
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Dohn, Matthew Charles. "Implicit Theories of Personality and Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Responses to Interpersonal Transgressions." W&M ScholarWorks, 2002. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539626380.
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VANUTELLI, MARIA ELIDE. "SHARING EMOTIONS IN SOCIAL LIFE: NEW PERSPECTIVES FROM INTERACTIVE NEUROSCIENCE." Doctoral thesis, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10280/17223.
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Il tema delle emozioni è sempre stato considerato marginale rispetto allo studio della cognizione umana, nonostante la ricerca sull’argomento sia sempre stata circondata da grande interesse. Tuttavia negli ultimi 30 anni si è affacciata una nuova prospettiva che descrive le emozioni come cause, mediatori o conseguenze di altri processi psicologici, ma soprattutto delle relazioni interpersonali.
Il primo studio della presente Tesi di Dottorato è stato concepito come un paradigma di induzione emotiva allo scopo di individuare alcuni marcatori biologici legati all’esperienza soggettiva, all’interno di una prospettiva multimetodologica.
In seguito, nel tentativo di considerare anche una dimensione sociale della condivisione emotiva, è stato condotto il secondo studio proponendo stimoli che rappresentassero interazioni reali tra due soggetti interagenti. Questi potevano variare anche in base alla vicinanza filogenetica, ipotizzando che, grazie a meccanismi di mirroring e simulazione, la percezione delle emozioni altrui possa essere più immediata quando l’altro soggetto viene percepito come simile.
Infine, l’idea che alcune variabili legate all’interlocutore sociale siano in grado di modulare la capacità di entrare in risonanza con le emozioni altrui è stata approfondita con il terzo studio: un compito sociale reale con pradigma hyperscanning. L’obiettivo era quello di esplorare la presenza di pattern di sincronizzazione durante il compito eseguito in modo cooperativo.
In conclusione, i tre studi sono stati condotti seguendo un livello di complessità crescente, da una prospettiva su singolo soggetto ad un approccio diadico, tramite l’utilizzo di stimoli emotivi standard, interattivi e dinamici applicati a contesti semplici, complessi e iper-complessi.Despite the great interest addressed to the topic of emotions, it has always been treated as a marginal issue if compared to cognition. Nonetheless in the last 30 years a new perspective suggested that emotions are effectively the causes, mediators, or consequences of other psychological processes, and, above all, of interpersonal relations. The first study of the present Doctoral Thesis was conceived as an emotion induction paradigm in the attempt to identify some biological markers of the subjective emotional experience within a multi-method perspective. Then, in the attempt to move a step forward in describing the social dimension of the emotional sharing, the second study was designed by creating emotional stimuli that represented real interactions between two inter-agents. They could also vary for phylogenetic closeness following the hypothesis that, thanks to mirroring and simulation processes, emotion perception is easier when the other agent is perceived as similar. Finally, the idea that some variables related to the social encounter are able to modulate the capacity to resonate with others’ emotions was better explored in the last study: a real social cooperative task in the form of a hyperscanning paradigm. The aim was to explore the presence of synchronized patterns during the joint action. To conclude, the three studies have been designed according to an increased level of complexity, from a single-subject perspective towards a two-person approach, with simple, interactive, and dynamic emotional cues during simple, complex, and hyper-complex emotional contexts.
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Gustafsson, Hilda. "Affective Waiting: Experiences of Family Reunification in Sweden." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-21957.
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Family reunification is a unique research field currently impacted by shifting policies andattitudes on integration. In Sweden, family connections constitute the largest immigrationcategory, yet the wait for family reunification has not yet been examined within academia.Thus, the aim of this thesis is to explore former asylum seekers’ experiences of waiting forfamily reunification in Sweden. Taking place at all stages of the migratory process, elementswithin waiting include time perception, power relations, expectations, future, hope,uncertainty and activity. Forming the theoretical framework of this thesis, six semi-structuredinterviews with former asylum seekers from Syria are analyzed in relation to waiting andmigration. The findings suggest that waiting stretches across legal statuses and entailsdifferent perceptions of time, differing from the linear bureaucratic model provided by theSwedish Migration Agency. Family reunification is the future goal of the informants’ wait,asylum being a temporal marker on the way there. The wait encompasses a power relation inwhich several actors in Sweden and abroad affect expectations, outcome and duration of thewait. Uncertainty in terms of duration and outcome affect informants’ well-being negatively.With distrust in the procedures of the Swedish Migration Agency, the process is experiencedas unjust, especially when others receive decisions ahead of time. While passivity constitutesparts of the wait, activity in terms of physical action such as going to work and mentalmonitoring of one’s case are present. Finally, waiting for family reunification is a highlyaffective form of waiting entailing emotions and care, influencing the relation to the family inwaiting abroad.
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Stelter, Rebecca Lynn. "Parental Socialization of Children's Anger and Sadness and Children's Affective Social Competence." NCSU, 2010. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-04012010-103428/.
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Parentsâ emotion-related socialization behaviors are one component of the process through which children learn about the experience, expression and regulation of emotions and much research has examined these behaviors in relation to childrenâs outcomes (Eisenberg, Cumberland, & Spinrad, 1998). Parentsâ behaviors are informed in part by their underlying beliefs about childrenâs emotions (Dunsmore & Halberstadt, 1997; Halberstadt, Thompson, Parker, & Dunsmore, 2008; Wong, McElwain, & Halberstadt, 2009). Much of the research on emotion socialization beliefs and behavior has combined negative emotions without examining whether there are unique socialization processes for distinct emotions. The goal of the current study was to explore the relationship between parentsâ beliefs about two distinct emotions, anger and sadness, and parentsâ socialization behaviors for these two emotions, as well as how parentsâ beliefs and behaviors relate to childrenâs affective social competence. In addition, the influence of parent gender, child gender, and ethnicity was assessed. A diverse sample of parents (African American, European American and Lumbee Native American) and their 8-12 year old children were recruited to explore the five major aims of the current study. The main findings supported the importance of distinguishing between parentsâ beliefs and behaviors for childrenâs anger and sadness. Parent gender and education group differences were also found in parentsâ beliefs about anger and sadness. This is an important contribution to the literature and future research should examine whether certain parental beliefs and behaviors are more beneficial for childrenâs outcomes than others.