PsychNotes October-November 2010
by Monica A. Frank, Ph.D.
Clinical and Sport Psychologist

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NOVEMBER 16, 2010

NOVEMBER 9, 2010 When individuals have an overly positive view of their performance, they are likely to engage in future "self-handicapping" which involves strategies to protect the self-esteem. For example, not studying enough for a test so as to blame future poor performance on the lack of preparation rather than the lack of ability. However, an overly negative view of performance also affects future performance by causing self-doubt. Such individuals are also likely to engage in "self-handicapping." In addition, both types of misperceptions are associated with increased anxiety and lower levels of life satisfaction (Kim, et.al, 2010).

Individuals who have accurate perceptions of their performance are likely to be more motivated, less likely to engage in "self-handicapping," and are more satisfied in general (Kim, et.al, 2010).

NOVEMBER 7, 2010 Researchers Kron et.al. (2010) found through a series of studies that the more an individual's mind is occupied with mental activities, the less intense the emotional experience. Interestingly, even if the assigned task is to focus on the emotions themselves, the individual still experiences a reduction in the emotional intensity.

This may suggest a mechanism by which mindfulness impacts the emotional experience. During a mindful state, an individual focuses completely on the emotions and often experiences a greater tolerance of the emotional state and a decrease in intensity of the emotions. Therefore, when faced with difficult emotions, a focus on emotions may be more effective than an avoidance of emotions.


ALSO READ: Why Are Meditative Relaxation and Mindfulness Important?

OCTOBER 17, 2010
Much research has been conducted regarding what characteristics attract the opposite sex. Researcher Andrew Elliott and colleagues (2010) examined the effect of men wearing red on women's perceptions of attraction. They found that women tended to be more attracted to men wearing red or even standing in front of a red background. In addition, this effect was consistent in three different countries.

They suggest this effect may be due to the perception of dominance that the color red portrays. In addition, a man who wears red (such as a red tie) may also perceive himself with greater status which may increase his self-confidence and assertiveness, and thus, women.

OCTOBER 8, 2010 Often, grief during bereavement may appear similar to depression and sometimes individuals who are grieving may be treated for depression. However, in spite of the similarities, grief and depression are not the same.

A significant difference between the two found by researchers Coifman and Bonanno (2010) is that individuals who are grieving have more variability in emotional responses, particularly the ability to experience positive emotions depending upon the circumstances. For example, while grieving they may be able to share a funny story about their loved one. Those with depression were less able to do engage in this type of positive emotional response.

OCTOBER 7, 2010 Massage therapy has generally been overlooked in psychological research as a tool to assist with managing conditions, both physical and mental, that are effected by stress. However, Grant Rich (2010) reviewed the studies that have been conducted and has drawn conclusions about the usefulness of massage therapy.

He indicates that research suggests that even a single session of massage therapy can reduce the immediate symptoms of anxiety such as heart rate and blood pressure and that multiple sessions can impact depression and anxiety on a long-term basis. Although a single session of massage therapy does not impact pain, multiple sessions have shown a reduction in pain including fibromyalgia, PMS, arthritis, back conditions, and migraine headaches.

OCTOBER 3, 2010 Conflict usually causes physical effects of stress such as increased heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension. These effects often lead to greater negative perception and feelings of dissatisfaction in the marriage. However, researcher Joyce Yuan and colleages (2010) found that positive emotion during the course of a tense situation leads to a reduction in these physical effects.

Thus, couples who are able to laugh or respond positively to one another even when discussing a difficult topic are able to reduce the stress of a tense situation. As a result, they are likely to experience more satisfaction, in general, regarding their marriage.

OCTOBER 1, 2010 Why would group members get rid of a member who contributes significantly to the group goal without asking much in return? It seems silly to sacrifice the group goals to remove a contributing member.

Researchers Craig Parks and Asako Stone (2010) examined this common phenomena and suggest that people don't want group members who exceed the norm and make the others look bad if they don't meet the standard that is set. In addition, some group members may perceive the unselfish member as a rule-breaker, and thus, a threat to the cohesiveness of the group.

The problem with this attitude is that the group may lose a productive member either through removal, the member quitting, or the member reducing productivity in order to meet the group norm.