How Social Psychological Factors May Modulate Auditory and Cognitive Functioning During Listening

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Audiology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• The Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening (FUEL) integrates cognitive and motivational theories.
• Effortful listening involves allocating mental resources to overcome listening challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the FUEL by incorporating social-cognitive psychology theories.
• To explore how social factors influence listening effort and stress.

Main Methods:

• Relating social-cognitive psychology theories to the FUEL framework.
• Defining listening effort based on mental resource allocation and goal pursuit.

Main Results:

• Listening effort is influenced by hearing difficulties, task demands, and listener motivation.
• Social factors impact self-perceived abilities, stress appraisal, and coping strategies.
• Negative self-perceptions and stereotypes can lower ability appraisal and increase stress.

Conclusions:

• Social-cognitive theories offer insights into reducing listening effort.
• Health-promoting rehabilitation approaches can be informed by these extended FUEL principles.
• Understanding social influences is crucial for managing listening effort and its consequences.