Effects of motivationally significant stimuli on the regulation of dominant responses.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
In 4 experiments, Ss responded as quickly as possible to indicate whether character strings consisted of letters or numbers. Following a warning stimulus that was or was not designed to trigger a motivational-emotional response in particular subgroups (viz., those with high anxiety, discrepant self-concepts, and eating disorders), strings were presented in a central (dominant) location on 75% of the trials or in 1 of 4 peripheral (nondominant) locations. Consistent with hypotheses, response times to peripherally located strings were significantly slower following motivationally significant than following neutral warning stimuli. Contrary to hypotheses, such stimuli did not facilitate responding to centrally located strings. It is proposed that motivationally significant stimuli engender a temporary reduction in control processing that hinders regulation of dominant responses.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Newman, JP; Wallace, JF; Strauman, TJ; Skolaski, RL; Oreland, KM; Mattek, PW; Elder, KA; McNeely, J
Published Date
- July 1993
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 65 / 1
Start / End Page
- 165 - 175
PubMed ID
- 8355138
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1939-1315
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0022-3514
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1037//0022-3514.65.1.165
Language
- eng