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Individual differences in affect-related cognitive operations elicited by experimental stimuli
1Medical Research Council, Applied Psychology Unit, Cambridge, UK.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
This study found that individuals with high affect intensity and neuroticism show more cognitive distortions like overgeneralization and personalization. These cognitive processing styles may explain persistent differences in emotional event responses.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Aaron Beck's cognitive model highlights cognitive distortions in depression.
- Overgeneralization and personalization are key cognitive distortions.
- Larsen et al. (1987) developed a method to measure these distortions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between cognitive operations (overgeneralization, personalization) and personality dimensions.
- Investigate the role of affect intensity, neuroticism, and extraversion.
- Explore cognitive processing styles in relation to personality traits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Larsen et al.'s (1987) method for measuring cognitive operations.
- Assessed normal subjects' reactions to experimentally presented visual stimuli.
- Correlated cognitive operation scores with measures of affect intensity, neuroticism, and extraversion.
Main Results:
- High scorers on affect intensity showed more overgeneralization and personalization.
- Neuroticism also correlated positively with these cognitive distortions.
- Findings replicated Larsen et al.'s (1987) results regarding affect intensity.
Conclusions:
- Affect intensity and neuroticism may be mediated by specific cognitive processing styles.
- These cognitive styles could explain individual differences in emotional event responses.
- Suggests a link between personality traits and cognitive distortions in non-clinical populations.