Psychology - Collected Works

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    Phenotypic Association Analyses With Copy Number Variation in Recurrent Depressive Disorder
    (Elsevier, 15-02-20) Rucker, James J H ; Tansey, Katherine E ; Rivera, Margarita ; Pinto, Dalila ; Cohen-Woods, Sarah ; Uher, Rudolf ; Aitchison, Katherine J ; Craddock, Nick ; Owen, Michael J ; Jones, Lisa ; Jones, Ian ; Korszun, Ania ; Barnes, Michael R ; Preisig, Martin ; Mors, Ole ; Maier, Wolfgang ; Rice, John P ; Rietschel, Marcella ; Holsboer, Florian ; Farmer, Anne E ; Craig, Ian W ; Scherer, Stephen W ; Scherer, Peter ; Breen, Gerome
    Background Defining the molecular genomic basis of the likelihood of developing depressive disorder is a considerable challenge. We previously associated rare, exonic deletion copy number variants (CNV) with recurrent depressive disorder (RDD). Sex chromosome abnormalities also have been observed to co-occur with RDD. Methods In this reanalysis of our RDD dataset (N = 3106 cases; 459 screened control samples and 2699 population control samples), we further investigated the role of larger CNVs and chromosomal abnormalities in RDD and performed association analyses with clinical data derived from this dataset. Results We found an enrichment of Turner’s syndrome among cases of depression compared with the frequency observed in a large population sample (N = 34,910) of live-born infants collected in Denmark (two-sided p = .023, odds ratio = 7.76 [95% confidence interval = 1.79–33.6]), a case of diploid/triploid mosaicism, and several cases of uniparental isodisomy. In contrast to our previous analysis, large deletion CNVs were no more frequent in cases than control samples, although deletion CNVs in cases contained more genes than control samples (two-sided p = .0002). Conclusions After statistical correction for multiple comparisons, our data do not support a substantial role for CNVs in RDD, although (as has been observed in similar samples) occasional cases may harbor large variants with etiological significance. Genetic pleiotropy and sample heterogeneity suggest that very large sample sizes are required to study conclusively the role of genetic variation in mood disorders.
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    Daily exercise can shift the endogenous circadian phase.
    ( 1988) Lack, Leon Colburn ; Piercy, Julie
    Body temperature is elevated during and for a short time following strenuous exercise. The general question of interest is whether habitual exercise can have an entraining effect on the circadian rhythm of body temperature and other rhythms of the circadian system. It is important to evaluate the relative strengths of potential circadian zeitgebers for their possible use in treating the effects of shift work, jet lag and delayed sleep phase syndrome. Bright light appears to be an effective zeitgeber. (1,2) Can physical exercise be one as well?
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    The affective primacy hypothesis: Affective or cognitive processing of optimally and suboptimally presented primes?
    (Ubiquity Press, 1996) Kemps, Eva Bertha ; Erauw, K ; Vandierendonck, Andre
    The aim of the present study was to pursue the research on the affective primacy hypothesis, which claims that positive and negative affective reactions can be evoked with minimal stimulus input and virtually no cognitive processing (Zajonc, 1980). In line with Murphy and Zajonc (1993) a priming paradigm was used. The present work is basically a replication of their study in which the effects of affective priming under very brief (suboptimal - 4 ms) and longer (optimal - 1000 ms) exposure durations were compared, but using two additional exposure durations: 30 ms and 100 ms. Like Murphy and Zajonc, facial expressions were used as affective primes in addition to pictures which portrayed scenes and situations of everyday life. These were obtained in a preliminary study. Contrary to Murphy and Zajonc's results, the affective primes only produced significant shifts in subjects' preferential judgements of novel stimuli at longer exposure durations. At suboptimal exposures the novel stimuli were not judged differentially when primed with positive or negative affect. This was true for both facial expressions and pictures. Facial expressions influenced the liking ratings of the ideographs only at exposure durations of 30 ms and longer; pictures not until they were exposed for at least 100 ms. Thus, pictures depicting daily events require longer exposure durations than facial expressions in order to elicit an affective reaction. These results however do not provide any clear-cut evidence in support of the affective primacy hypothesis. Instead, they seem to suggest that affective stimuli do not evoke an affective reaction without additional cognitive processing, a conclusion that is supported by LeDoux’s theory of affective-cognitive interaction in the brain.
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    Concreteness and emotional valence ratings of 399 Dutch nouns
    (Ubiquity Press, 1999) Van Der Goten, K ; De Vooght, G ; Kemps, Eva Bertha
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    Effects of Complexity on Visuo-spatial Working Memory
    (Taylor and Francis, 1999) Kemps, Eva Bertha
    Four experiments are reported in which the effect of complexity on short-term retention of visuo-spatial material was explored. The determinants of complexity can be separated into a quantitative factor, which sets an upper bound on complexity, and a structural factor, which reduces complexity. Variants of the Corsi blocks task were administered across the various experiments. Quantitative complexity was manipulated through the number of blocks on the board. Structural complexity was induced through the positioning of the blocks. Visuo-spatial span was found to be susceptible to both measures of complexity. Performance was inversely related to the number of blocks. Recall was also better when the blocks were positioned in a matrix than in a random fashion. Moreover, the effect of complexity was shown to be moderated by an interaction between structure and amount of information presented. These results demonstrate that complexity is an important characteristic of visuo-spatial working memory. This phenomenon may be used to further explore the properties of the visuo-spatial sketch pad, and advance its theoretical development.
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    The Role of Working Memory in a Double Span Task
    (Ubiquity Press, 1999) Martein, Regine ; Kemps, Eva Bertha ; Vandierendonck, Andre
    This paper introduces a double span task to activate all three components of A. D. Baddeley and G. J. Hitch's (1974) working memory model simultaneously. 40 Ss were presented with sequences of words or pictures which appeared one by one at a different, randomly chosen location on a 4 × 4 grid. Subsequently they were asked for the serial recall of content, location or both. A dual task paradigm was used to investigate the effects of articulatory suppression, visuo-spatial tapping and a central executive suppression task on the three types of recall. In addition to classical interference effects of verbal and visuo-spatial suppression on recall of content and location respectively, a triple dissociation between all three working memory subsystems was found. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
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    Effects of Complexity on Visuo-spatial Working Memory
    (Taylor & Francis Group, 2000-09-21) Kemps, Eva Bertha
    Four experiments are reported in which the effect of complexity on short-term retention of visuo-spatial material was explored. The determinants of complexity can be separated into a quantitative factor, which sets an upper bound on complexity, and a structural factor, which reduces complexity. Variants of the Corsi blocks task were administered across the various experiments. Quantitative complexity was manipulated through the number of blocks on the board. Structural complexity was induced through the positioning of the blocks. Visuo-spatial span was found to be susceptible to both measures of complexity. Performance was inversely related to the number of blocks. Recall was also better when the blocks were positioned in a matrix than in a random fashion. Moreover, the effect of complexity was shown to be moderated by an interaction between structure and amount of information presented. These results demonstrate that complexity is an important characteristic of visuo-spatial working memory. This phenomenon may be used to further explore the properties of the visuospatial sketch pad, and advance its theoretical development.
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    The Development of Working Memory: Exploring the Complementarity of Two Models
    (Elsevier, 2000-10) Kemps, Eva Bertha ; De Rammelaere, Stijn ; Desmet, T
    The aim of the paper was to further explore the complementarity of the working memory models postulated by Pascual-Leone and Baddeley. Five-, six-, eight- and nine-year-old children were assessed on two working memory tasks, which have frequently been used within the respective streams of research: the Mr. Peanut task and the Corsi blocks task. Results indicated a developmental increase in spatial short-term memory for both tasks. Concurrent spatial suppression reduced performance on the two tasks in all four age groups. By contrast, articulatory suppression only interfered with recall on the Mr. Peanut task, and only in the older children. The two models were shown to make their own specific contribution to the interpretation of the data, attesting to their complementarity. Pascual-Leone’s theory offered a clear explanation of the results concerning the central aspects of working memory, i.e. the stepwise age-related increase in performance, whereas Baddeley’s model provided a convincing account of the findings regarding the peripheral phonological and visuo-spatial components, i.e. the effects of articulatory and spatial suppression. Key Words: short-term memory; spatial memory; information processing capacity; memory development; working memory models; rehearsal strategies; cognitive development.
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    Complexity effects in visuo-spatial working memory: Implications for the role of long-term memory
    (Taylor and Francis, 2001) Kemps, Eva Bertha
    Several studies have shown that the capacity of visuo-spatial working memory is limited by complexity. Using a variant of the Corsi blocks task, this paper investigated the effect of complexity of the to-be-remembered path on visuo-spatial memory span. Redundancy was determined by three Gestalt principles: symmetry, repetition and continuation. Experiment 1 revealed an effect of path complexity. The subsequent experiments explored whether the superiority for recall of structured over complex paths can be attributed solely to the operation of visuo-spatial working memory, or whether it also reflects the use of long-term knowledge. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the effect of complexity remained, even when the mechanisms for visuo-spatial coding were removed by a secondary visuo-spatial task. In Experiments 3 and 4 subjects were trained in the recall of complex paths. This led to the creation of long-term memory representations for these paths, as shown by an improvement in their span, and a concomitant lack of transfer to new paths. Finally, Experiment 5 showed that one prior repetition of a complex path was sufficient to produce specific and long-term learning effects. These results point to the involvement of long-term memory processes in the temporary retention of visuo-spatial material for which representations exist in long-term memory. They also suggest that the effect of complexity may provide a tractable technique for investigating the mechanisms underlying the limits of visuo-spatial short-term storage.
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    Illusory correlation and stereotype formation: making sense of group differences and cognitive biases
    (Cambridge University Press, 2002) Berndsen, Mariette ; Spears, Russell ; van der Pligt, Joop ; McGarty, Craig
    Women are more romantic than men. Scientists are duller than artists. We often make such judgements about groups. Some of these judgements are based on folklore, others are based on observation or experience. When we do rely on observed data, how good are we at detecting relationships between group membership and behaviour? Do we find it easy to detect differences between groups? Are our judgements biased? This chapter deals with these issues and focuses on the paradigm that has dominated research on the formation of stereotypic differences between groups over the last three decades: the illusory correlation paradigm.
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    Behavioural measurements of sleep onset: A comparison of two devices.
    ( 20042004) Connelly, Liam
    Daytime fatigue as a result of reducing nocturnal sleep in order to work longer hours is a common problem in modem societies. Recent research has shown that a nap of 10 minutes in length can increase people's awareness and subsequent performance. However, the problem arises of how to undertake a 10 minute nap without over-sleeping. Behavioural measurements of sleep onset may provide the answer, as they are an inexpensive and convenient way to measure sleep onset. This study examined which out of a passive and active behavioural device was the best measure of sleep onset as defined by polysornnograhic sleep onset. The present study used a repeated measures design which involved six participants who were measured using both the active and passive devices, each for three days. On each occasion the participants were measured, they undertook a total of nine sleep onset sessions. Six of the sleep onset sessions involved participants falling asleep whilst using the device, while three sessions involved them falling asleep without the device (control condition). The results revealed no significant difference between the active and passive device both for their discrepancy magnitude from polysornnograhic sleep onset and for their discrepancy standard deviations. In addition there were no learning effects for the devices, and the devices did not prolong sleep onset compared to the control condition. The results obtained suggested that both devices were effective measures of sleep onset. However, further research will need to be undertaken to address the limitations of this study and provide a more detailed analysis of the two devices before the full extent of their effectiveness can be determined.
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    The role of perspective taking in anger arousal
    (Elsevier, 2007) Mohr, Philip ; Howells, Kevin ; Gerace, Adam ; Day, Andrew ; Wharton, Michelle
    Although there are strong grounds to expect that perspective taking deficits are associated with anger arousal following an interpersonal provocation, there has been little research directly testing this hypothesis. In this study, 636 volunteers were asked to rate their likely reactions to two brief video representations of potentially anger arousing social transgressions. Results confirm the relationship between dispositional perspective taking and the likelihood of anger arousal following an interpersonal provocation. Perspective taking was also predictive of trait anger (negatively) and of the means of control and expression of anger. Associations between personal distress and anger measures indicate the possible influence of the intensity, regulation, and direction of emotion on anger.
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    Can the Theory of Planned Behaviour improve our understanding of the influence of organisational factors on workers’ behaviour?
    (The Australian Psychological Society, 2007) Freeman, Toby ; Roche, Ann Marie ; Williamson, Paul ; Pidd, Kenneth John
    Understanding and changing workers’ behaviour are key goals of Organisational Psychology. The Theory of Planned Behaviour has the potential to make an important contribution to our understanding of how organisational factors influence workers’ behaviour and of ways to achieve behaviour change with workers. According to the Theory of Planned Behaviour, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are the most proximal predictors of behaviour. Any distal variables, such as organisational factors, only influence behaviour through the theoretical predictors. Though a substantial body of research has applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour to the organisational setting, no research to-date has examined whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour accounts for the influence of organisational variables on workers’ behaviour. This paper presents the results of a survey of 273 dental hygienists which applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour to the behaviour of assisting their patients to quit smoking. The findings indicated that organisational factors like the presence of a policy and education or training influenced behaviour only through subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. These results inform understanding of the pathways through which organisational factors influence workers’ behaviour. Practical implications of applying the theory to a wide range of work behaviours are highlighted.
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    Promoting forgiveness in violent offenders: a more positive approach to offender rehabilitation?
    (Elsevier, 2008) Day, Andrew ; Gerace, Adam ; Wilson, Catherine ; Howells, Kevin
    In this paper we suggest that the effectiveness of many offender rehabilitation programs may be further enhanced by the inclusion of interventions that build on existing motivation to change. Taking the example of anger management interventions delivered within the context of violent offender rehabilitation, we propose that the emphasis on positive personal change implicit in therapies designed to promote forgiveness may hold some promise. Such therapies may be useful in so far as they facilitate the development of perspective-taking skills, and assist in the therapeutic management of shame and guilt in ways that are likely to be engaging for violent offenders.
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    Treatment of adult post-traumatic stress disorder using a future-oriented writing therapy approach
    (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, 2009) Nixon, Reginald David ; Kling, Leonard Wayne
    The aim of this pilot study was to test whether a future-oriented expressive writing intervention is able to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder severity and associated symptoms such as depression and unhelpful trauma-related beliefs.
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    Association between dietary saccharide intake and self-reported memory performance in middle-aged adults
    (Cambridge University Press, 2009) Best, Talitha Marie ; Kemps, Eva Bertha ; Bryan, Janet
    The aims of the present study were to assess dietary intake of saccharides in middle-aged adults, and to determine whether intakes of these sugar nutrients were related to self-reported memory performance. A population-based sample of 1183 men and women (aged 40-60 years) completed questionnaires assessing everyday memory function. Dietary intake status of saccharides was estimated using a self-completed, quantified FFQ. After controlling for demographic and health measures (for example, time spent exercising, smoking and alcohol consumption), saccharide intake was related to better self-reported memory functioning. Thus, longer-term intakes of saccharides through the usual diet may be positively related to perceived memory performance in mid-life.
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    Cohort profile: the Dynamic Analyses to Optimize Ageing (DYNOPTA) project
    (Oxford University Press, 2009) Anstey, Kaarin Jane ; Byles, Julie E ; Luszcz, Mary Alice ; Mitchell, Paul ; Steel, David ; Booth, Heather ; Browning, Colette ; Butterworth, Peter ; Cumming, Robert G ; Healy, Judith ; Windsor, Timothy D ; Ross, Lesley ; Bartsch, Lauren ; Burns, Richard A ; Kiely, Kim ; Birrell, Carole L ; Broe, Gerald A ; Shaw, Jonathan ; Kendig, Hal
    Self-medication among the study respondents ranged from 18% to 36% between 1992 and 2004. The most frequent classes of complementary and alternative medicines were vitamins and minerals, herbal medicines and nutritional supplements, with younger individuals and women more likely to use them. For over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, the most commonly used were analgesics, laxatives and low-dose aspirin. Use of OTC medicines seemed to be done in accord with indications officially approved by the Australian medicine agency. Future work should examine risks associated with the concomitant use of complementary and alternative medicines, prescription and OTC medicines.
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    Self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and complementary medications in South Australia's elderly population
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2009) Goh, Lynn Yeen ; Vitry, Agnes I ; Semple, Susan J ; Esterman, Adrian Jeffrey ; Luszcz, Mary Alice
    A number of surveys have examined use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in Australia. However, there are limited Australian data on use of CAM and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in the elderly population. The main aims of this study were to examine self-medication practices with CAM and OTC medicines among older Australians and variables associated with their use. Participants seemed to self-medicate in accordance with approved indications, suggesting they were informed consumers, actively looking after their own health. However, use of analgesics and aspirin are associated with an increased risk of adverse drug events in the elderly. Future work should examine how self-medication contributes to polypharmacy and increases the risk of adverse drug reactions.
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    The processing of thin ideals in fashion magazines: a source of social comparison or fantasy?
    (The Guilford Press, 2009) Tiggemann, Marika ; Polivy, Janet ; Hargreaves, Duane A
    The present study aimed to investigate the role of processing in women’s responses to thin idealized images of beauty. A sample of 144 women viewed magazine advertisements containing either thin ideal or product images. Instructional set was manipulated with three levels: control, social comparison, and fantasy instructions. It was found that exposure to thin ideal images led to increased negative mood and body dissatisfaction, while instructional set had its effect on positive mood and body dissatisfaction. For thin ideal images, social comparison instructions led to greater negative mood and body dissatisfaction, while fantasy instructions led to improved positive mood. Importantly, regression analyses indicated that both comparison processing (negatively) and fantasy processing (positively) were associated with women’s response to thin ideal images. It was concluded that the nature of the processing women engage in is crucial to their response to thin ideal images.