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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Martin Tovee
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BACKGROUND: There is considerable interest in factors which may influence the efficacy of emotional disclosure. To date, a range of demographic and psychological variables have been considered. However, consideration has not yet been given to cognitive factors known to influence emotional processing such as attentional bias (AB). PURPOSE: We present the results from an exploratory study examining the role of AB in influencing mood outcomes following emotional disclosure. METHOD: Individuals with negative and avoidant ABs (i.e., individuals vigilant for and individuals avoidant of negative emotional material, respectively) were identified by asking 105 individuals to complete a standardized AB task. Individuals in the bottom quartile of AB scores were categorized as having a negative AB and individuals in the top quartile were categorized as having an avoidant AB. These participants (n = 38) completed the emotional disclosure intervention and mood was assessed at 1, 4, and 8 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: Negative AB individuals showed greater improvements in depression, anger, fatigue, and total mood disturbance. These results were unrelated to alexithymia. CONCLUSION: These results provide preliminary support for the proposal that AB may influence the effects of emotional disclosure on mood.
Author(s): Vedhara K, Brant H, Adamopoulos E, Byrne-Davis L, Mackintosh B, Hoppitt L, Tovee M, Miles J, Pennebaker JW
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Behavioural Medicine
Year: 2010
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
Pages: 195-206
Print publication date: 01/01/2010
ISSN (print): 1070-5503
ISSN (electronic): 1532-7558
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12529-009-9072-2
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-009-9072-2
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