Publications by year
2022
Pechtel P, Harris J, Karl A, Clunies-Ross C, Bower S, Moberly NJ, Pizzagalli DA, Watkins ER (2022). Emerging ecophenotype: reward anticipation is linked to high-risk behaviours after sexual abuse.
Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci,
17(11), 1035-1043.
Abstract:
Emerging ecophenotype: reward anticipation is linked to high-risk behaviours after sexual abuse.
Adolescents frequently engage in high-risk behaviours (HRB) following childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Aberrant reward processes are implicated in HRB, and their underlying fronto-striatal networks are vulnerable to neurodevelopmental changes during adversity representing a promising candidate for understanding links between CSA and HRB. We examined whether fronto-striatal responses during reward anticipation and feedback (i) are altered in depressed adolescents with CSA compared to depressed, non-abused peers and (ii) moderate the relationship between CSA and HRB irrespective of depression. Forty-eight female adolescents {14 with CSA and depression [CSA + major depressive disorder (MDD)]; 17 with MDD but no CSA (MDD); 17 healthy, non-abused controls} completed a monetary reward task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. No differences in fronto-striatal response to reward emerged between CSA + MDD and MDD. Critically, high left nucleus accumbens activation during reward anticipation was associated with greater HRB in CSA + MDD compared to MDD and controls. Low left putamen activation during reward feedback was associated with the absence of HRB in CSA + MDD compared to MDD. Striatal reward responses appear to play a key role in HRB for adolescents with CSA irrespective of depression, providing initial support for a CSA ecophenotype. Such information is pivotal to identify at-risk youth and prevent HRB in adolescents after CSA.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2021
Vassilopoulos SP, Vlachou E, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ, Misailidi P, Diakogiorgi K (2021). Ability to distinguish genuine from non-genuine smiles in children aged 10- to 12-years: Associations with peer status, gender, social anxiety and level of empathy. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 18, 1-18.
Richards J (2021). Police Officer Beliefs and Attitudes towards Intimate Partner Violence: a Systematic Review. “If it goes horribly wrong the whole world descends on you”. Police Officers’ Fear, Vulnerability, and Powerlessness when Responding to Head Injury in Domestic Violence.
Abstract:
Police Officer Beliefs and Attitudes towards Intimate Partner Violence: a Systematic Review. “If it goes horribly wrong the whole world descends on you”. Police Officers’ Fear, Vulnerability, and Powerlessness when Responding to Head Injury in Domestic Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) has a high global prevalence with a range of consequences including death and serious injuries for victims. Police officers are often the first professional group to come into contact with IPV victims and have a number of roles in supporting victims. Significant changes to policing practice and policy have been made in the last three decades, yet little is known about how these changes may have influenced police attitudes. This systematic review aimed to summarise and synthesise the literature across three databases, exploring police attitudes to IPV in several Western countries. Nine papers met the search criteria and were included within the review. A narrative synthesis of the findings found themes of frustration, victim blaming attitudes, stress in IPV policing and focus on prosecution in IPV cases. Findings suggest reflective practice and interventions for compassion fatigue could support officers in policing IPV. Future research is needed to explore the experiences of female police officers, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) police officers.
Domestic violence (DV) victims face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. This is particularly concerning in cases of brain injury (BI), which is difficult to diagnose and risks severe long-term consequences for DV victims. Police may be able to identify head injury (HI) and signpost victims to healthcare. This research investigated potential barriers to police supporting victim health needs by exploring police attitudes towards DV and considering how police interpret and respond to stories of HI in DV victims. Individual interviews were conducted with 12 police officers from forces in South and Central England. This included the use of a clinical vignette. Thematic analysis highlighted three global themes: ‘seesaw of emotions’, ‘police vulnerability’, and ‘head injury is fearful’. Police officers’ vulnerability to external blame was the predominant influence in their responses to HI. Recommendations suggest integrating psychological approaches in police training to improve police/victim relationships and promote police officer resilience and wellbeing.
Abstract.
Coy L (2021). Self-Compassion, Depression and Anxiety in a Cancer Population: a Systematic. Review. Does Self-Compassion Facilitate Disengagement from Unachievable Goals?.
Abstract:
Self-Compassion, Depression and Anxiety in a Cancer Population: a Systematic. Review. Does Self-Compassion Facilitate Disengagement from Unachievable Goals?
Literature Review
Objectives: Individuals with a cancer diagnosis can experience many difficulties, including anxiety and depression. One construct found to be related to anxiety and depression is self-compassion. This review aimed to examine studies that explored these relationships in adults who have received a cancer diagnosis.
Methods: a literature search was conducted using five databases. Studies that had examined adults who had received any cancer diagnosis and any form of treatment were included.
Results: Ten studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of these studies provided support for the existence of inverse relationships between self-compassion and both anxiety and depression (effects ranging from small-large).
Conclusion: Overall, the strength and direction of the cross-sectional relationships between self-compassion and depression/anxiety in this population appeared to be in line with those reported in other populations (Macbeth & Gumley, 2012). Knowledge of these relationships may allow earlier detection of anxiety and depression in this population. Further experimental and longitudinal research is needed to establish causality. Different factors may mediate (e.g. illness perceptions) and moderate (e.g. lymphedema status) these relationships. Further exploration is required of any cognitive factors or cancer characteristics that could
play an influential role, to enable the appropriate design and administration of interventions.
Empirical Paper
The ability to disengage from goals that can no longer be achieved is suggested to form an important part of self-regulation (Wrosch et al. 2003b). This study aimed to experimentally examine the influence of one potential facilitator of goal disengagement (GD): self-compassion. It was hypothesised that participants who had completed a self-compassion induction (loving-kindness meditation for self) would be less likely to non-optimally persist on both solvable and unsolvable anagrams, compared to a control group. 119 students completed the study using an online methodology. Results showed no differences between conditions on either task performance (number of correct anagrams) or non optimal persistence on solvable or unsolvable anagrams. Thus, self compassion was not found to have a facilitative effect on optimal GD. To produce more ecologically valid results, future longitudinal and experimental
research should examine the role of self-compassion in optimal disengagement (both behavioral and cognitive) from more ‘everyday’ goals, using more extensive self-compassion interventions and more clinically relevant samples.
Abstract.
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ, Preece D, Dodd A, Huntley CD (2021). Self-regulatory goal motivational processes in sustained New Year resolution pursuit and mental wellbeing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, 3084-3084.
Perry E (2021). Systematic Review: Are third wave approaches efficacious in reducing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in older adults?. Empirical Paper: Exploring the relationship between attitudes to ageing, subjective health status and health-related quality of life in an international sample of older adults.
Abstract:
Systematic Review: Are third wave approaches efficacious in reducing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in older adults?. Empirical Paper: Exploring the relationship between attitudes to ageing, subjective health status and health-related quality of life in an international sample of older adults.
Systematic Review Abstract
Objective: Due to the changing demographics within society, more people are getting older than ever before. The effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults needs to be better understood. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health difficulties that older adults experience. Although the evidence base indicates that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective for late-life depression/anxiety, it is important to explore other approaches to provide older adults with greater choice in their treatment. This review seeks to explore whether third-wave approaches are efficacious in reducing depression and/or anxiety symptoms in older adults.
Methods: Guided by PRISMA-P, a systematic review was completed, with relevant articles identified using PsycINFO, Medline, Ageline, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Scopus. Quality of included articles was assessed using the Randomised Control Trial of Psychotherapy Quality Rating Scale.
Results: a total of eight articles met criteria for inclusion, reporting on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based therapies, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Overall, it appears that third-wave approaches are efficacious in reducing depression and/or anxiety symptoms in older adults, when compared to control conditions, in addition to two studies showing similar levels of symptom reduction when compared to CBT.
Conclusions: Third wave approaches appear to be acceptable approaches for later-life depression and anxiety. More research needs to substantiate these findings, comparing against active therapies, whilst further exploring how efficacious these approaches are in the oldest-old.
Empirical Paper Abstract
Objectives: People are living longer than ever before, meaning the experiences and challenges of older adults need to be further explored. Older adults have a relationship to their own ageing experience which can influence their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Evidence indicates that negative attitudes towards ageing are associated with poor physical and psychological outcomes and that poorer health is associated with lower quality of life (QOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Thus, research should further investigate the relationship between ageing attitudes, health status, and HRQOL.
Methods: a secondary data analysis (N=5144) of a cross-sectional international database explored the relationship between the attitudes to ageing questionnaire (AAQ), subjective health status, and HRQOL, in addition to exploring the contribution of depression status to this. Missing data was managed using multiple imputation. Data was analysed using logistic regression, independent t-tests, and mediation analyses.
Results: Jointly, AAQ domains, HRQOL, and depression status correctly predict health status in 79% of cases. Those who consider themselves healthy have a statistically different AAQ profile (lower Psychosocial Loss scores, and higher Physical Change and Psychological Growth scores). Mediation analyses indicate statistically significant partial mediations between health status and HRQOL, with and without covariates including age, gender, depression, and recruitment centre. Effect sizes indicate very small magnitudes for the Psychological Growth domain, and when all covariates were included all domain effect sizes were small.
Conclusions: This study provides further support for the relationship between ageing attitudes, health status, and HRQOL, suggesting that positive attitudes are associated with better subjective health. Clinical implications are presented, both for clinicians working with older adults and on a broader societal level, alongside areas for future research.
Abstract.
Kelsey S (2021). The Effects of a Remote Security Attachment Prime, and Subsequent Repeated Primes, upon Perceptions of Social Support in a Healthy Student Sample.
Abstract:
The Effects of a Remote Security Attachment Prime, and Subsequent Repeated Primes, upon Perceptions of Social Support in a Healthy Student Sample
Objective: the current study investigated the effects of both single and repeated security attachment primes, compared to neutral attachment primes, on increasing state perceptions of social support, positive affect and decreasing perceived stress in a healthy student sample.
Methods: the study employed a mixed between- and within-subjects design, with participants (N = 118) remotely receiving either a security attachment prime or a neutral attachment prime followed by daily repeated security attachment primes or neutral attachment primes, over a five day period. Baseline self-report measures included dispositional attachment style, perceived social support, stress and the impact of COVID-19. Self-report state measures of felt security (manipulation check), perceived social support, positive affect and stress were measured pre prime, post prime and on four subsequent days.
Results: Findings suggest that, during a global pandemic, participants receiving a remote (one-off) security attachment prime reported significantly higher levels of state felt security post prime when compared to participants receiving a (one-off) neutral attachment prime. However, no significant differences were found with regard to the other assessed variables - state perceived social support, positive affect or perceived stress. During the repeated aspect of the study, no significant differences were found, between conditions, for state perceived social support, positive affect or felt security, though some evidence was found to suggest that with repeated security attachment primes, participants report less perceived state stress than those receiving repeated neutral attachment primes.
Conclusions: Though findings are mixed, the research does highlight the possible utility of remote security attachment primes in experimentally manipulating state felt security and, in addition, the potential use of repeated security attachment primes in reducing state perceived stress. Though further research is required, and recommendations for this are provided, the findings are relevant to models of attachment theory and the future delivery of remote clinical interventions.
Keywords: Attachment, security priming, repeated priming, perceived social support, stress, positive affect.
Abstract.
Roberts H, Mostazir M, Moberly NJ, Watkins ER, Adlam A-L (2021). Working memory updating training reduces state repetitive negative thinking: Proof-of-concept for a novel cognitive control training. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 142, 103871-103871.
Richards J, Smithson J, Moberly NJ, Smith A (2021). “If it Goes Horribly Wrong the Whole World Descends on You”: the Influence of Fear, Vulnerability, and Powerlessness on Police Officers’ Response to Victims of Head Injury in Domestic Violence.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
18(13).
Abstract:
“If it Goes Horribly Wrong the Whole World Descends on You”: the Influence of Fear, Vulnerability, and Powerlessness on Police Officers’ Response to Victims of Head Injury in Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (DV) victims face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. This is particularly concerning in cases of brain injury (BI), which is difficult to diagnose and risks severe long-term consequences for DV victims. Police may be able to identify head injury (HI) and signpost victims to healthcare. This research investigated potential barriers to police supporting victim health needs by exploring police attitudes towards DV and considering how police interpret and respond to stories of HI in DV victims. Individual interviews were conducted with 12 police officers from forces in South and Central England. This included the use of a clinical vignette. Thematic analysis highlighted three global themes: ‘seesaw of emotions’, ‘police vulnerability’, and ‘head injury is fearful’. Police officers’ vulnerability to external blame was the predominant influence in their responses to HI.
Abstract.
2020
Granville S (2020). Systematic Review: Emotion regulation interventions in autism. Empirical Paper: Evaluating a goal-setting intervention for children and young people with executive dysfunction: a single-case experimental design.
Abstract:
Systematic Review: Emotion regulation interventions in autism. Empirical Paper: Evaluating a goal-setting intervention for children and young people with executive dysfunction: a single-case experimental design.
Systematic Review abstact:
Background: Emotion regulation (ER) impairments are a common feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is believed that by targeting ER difficulties directly, individuals with ASD might be better able to manage their difficult emotions and consequently improve their quality of life. Emerging research has begun to explore interventions aimed at treating ER difficulties in ASD, however, it remains unclear which approaches are most effective.
Objectives: This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions targeting ER impairments in ASD.
Method: Studies evaluating interventions targeting ER impairments in individuals under 18 years with ASD were included. 772 papers were identified across four databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Global Health. A systematic screening process led to the inclusion of nine papers in the review.
Results: This review found promising evidence to suggest that behavioural and CBT-informed approaches, if appropriately adapted, can be effective at improving ER abilities in children with ASD. One study focused solely on mindfulness techniques with adolescents, demonstrating similarly encouraging findings for its application in ER treatment.
Conclusions: Most studies comprised small sample sizes and thus, all results are interpreted with caution. Preliminary evidence indicates that ER impairments can be treated using a range of CBT, behavioural and mindfulness approaches. Larger randomised control trials are needed to determine confidently the efficacy of such treatments in this population.
Empirical Paper abstract:
Objective: Research shows that structured goal-setting enables goal progress and engenders well-being; however, it is not clear the extent to which this is true in executive dysfunction (EDF) populations. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a goal-setting intervention, supported by the Brain in Hand (BiH) app, on goal progress and well-being in individuals under 18 years with EDF.
Methods: Using a multiple-baseline single-case experimental design, six participants (mean age = 14.8 years; SD = 1.94; male: female 2:1) underwent structured goal-setting sessions, during which goals were identified and broken down into achievable steps. Potential challenges to reaching these goals, along with suggested solutions were also considered. This information was uploaded to participants’ personalised BiH accounts on their smartphones, with scheduled prompts/reminders to encourage progress. Repeated measurements of “happiness” and goal satisfaction ratings were taken each weekday over a period of seven weeks. Outcome measures were administered pre- and post-intervention to determine if there were reliable changes in overall functioning and well-being.
Results: Statistically significant improvements were found for goal progress, at a group level. No statistically significant changes were observed in participants’ “happiness” ratings. Two participants demonstrated reliable improvements in everyday functioning, with one showing reductions in negative affect.
Conclusion: the findings suggest that structured goal-setting supported by the BiH app has the potential to aid young people with EDF progress towards their goals. Future recommendations are made, including extending the data collection period and investigating gender differences. Clinical implications are also described.
Abstract.
Laszczynska A (2020). Systematic review: Are Compassion-Focused Interventions Effective in Reducing Feelings of Shame, Negative Cognitions of the Self, and/or Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Adults with PTSD?
Empirical paper:. Immediate Psychophysiological Effects of Induced Self-compassion State on Experience of Shame Following a Psychosocial Stress Test.
Abstract:
Systematic review: Are Compassion-Focused Interventions Effective in Reducing Feelings of Shame, Negative Cognitions of the Self, and/or Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Adults with PTSD?
Empirical paper:. Immediate Psychophysiological Effects of Induced Self-compassion State on Experience of Shame Following a Psychosocial Stress Test.
Systematic review:
Background: Despite growing evidence showing links between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and shame, and the protective role of self-compassion in relation to shame and self-criticism, there is no systematic review of the existing literature investigating whether Compassion Focused Interventions (CFI) reduce shame in people with PTSD.
Objectives: This review addresses this gap and evaluates the research investigating the impact of CFIs on shame and negative cognitions of the self in adults with PTSD.
Method: a systematic review, with no time restrictions, was completed using PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, PILOTS and PubMed. Additionally, relevant websites with articles by key authors in the field of interest were checked. References of included articles were screened to identify other relevant research studies.
Results: in identifying only four articles, the review revealed research in this area is scarce. There is evidence that CFIs can lead to reductions in PTSD symptoms, shame and negative cognitions of the self (e.g. self-blame, guilt) in people with PTSD. However, due to a small number of studies included in this review, with mainly weak methodologies, it is impossible to reliably establish the effect of CFIs on people with PTSD.
Conclusions: CFIs have a potential to reduce shame and negative cognitions of the self in adults with PTSD. However, due to limited research in this area and existing studies having weak methodologies, further research is needed with more studies incorporating stronger methodologies (e.g. Randomised Controlled Trials comparing CFIs with an active control group).
Keywords: self-compassion, post-traumatic stress disorder, shame, negative cognitions, self-criticism
Empirical paper:.
Despite emerging evidence indicating that self-compassion can have protective effects against shame and self-criticism, there is a lack of studies investigating direct effects of self-compassion on state shame and self-criticism when exposed to social stress. This study addressed this gap and investigated, in 62 healthy individuals, whether a brief Loving Kindness Meditation to self (LKM-S, n = 32), known to temporarily increase state self-compassion, can attenuate psychophysiological responses to a psychosocial stress test (Montreal Imaging Stress Task [MIST]) as compared to a neutral emotion induction (NEU, n = 30). An experimental design was used with self-report measures of shame, self-criticism and self-compassion as well as physiological measures of heart rate (HR), skin conductance level (SCL) and heart rate variability (HRV). It was investigated whether LKM-S has a protective effect in terms of reducing state shame and self-criticism when participants were exposed to MIST as compared to NEU. It was hypothesized that participants from LKM-S will have lower scores on state shame and self-criticism post MIST and higher self-compassion levels post MIST in LKM-S as compared to NEU. Additionally, the research used markers of sympathetic and parasympathetic variables to investigate whether LKM-S attenuated physiological responses to MIST. None of the described hypothesis were confirmed. The findings suggest that a brief one-off self-compassion intervention, although it temporarily increased self-reported self-compassion, is not sufficient to protect against shame and self-criticism in the context of a psychosocial stressor.
Keywords: Self-compassion, shame, self-criticism, physiology, Heart Rate Variability, the Montreal Imaging Stress Task
Abstract.
Griffiths N (2020). Systematic review: External shame in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder: a systematic review. Empirical paper: Does poverty-related shame mediate the link between
poverty and depression and poverty and aggression in young adults?.
Abstract:
Systematic review: External shame in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder: a systematic review. Empirical paper: Does poverty-related shame mediate the link between
poverty and depression and poverty and aggression in young adults?
Systematic review
Background: Research has highlighted the link between shame and eating disorders (EDs). However, broad definitions of shame used within the literature make it difficult to identify specific shame-based mechanisms that might play a key role in EDs. Specifically, research has highlighted the social evaluative aspect of ED, however, little attention has been paid to external shame. This systematic review collated research to investigate the relationship between EDs and external shame.
Method: Electronic databases were searched for studies on external shame within clinical populations of individuals with an ED published prior to 30th March 2020. A total of 2610 titles were retrieved. of these, 11 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.
Results: the results suggested a medium to large effect size in the relationship between external shame and EDs. The association of external shame to specific ED presentations were mixed, with some indication that external shame may be specifically related to anorexia nervosa.
Conclusion: External shame appears to be associated with EDs. However, further research is needed to assess the role external shame has across ED diagnoses. Understanding the role of external shame in EDs could help to improve interventions to target key processes that contribute to and maintain EDs.
Empirical paper
The association between childhood poverty and mental health difficulties has been well established. However, the mechanisms by which poverty leads to mental health difficulties are less understood. This study examines the role of poverty-related shame in poverty. Specifically, this study looks at the mediating role of poverty-related shame between child poverty and depressive symptoms and aggression in young adults. While the results suggest that high levels of child poverty are associated with increased rates of poverty-related shame, this was not related to depressive symptoms or aggression. However, methodological issues limit the conclusions that can be made. To the best of my knowledge, this study is the first to quantitatively measure poverty-related shame and highlights the need for further research to improve our understanding of the impact of poverty-related shame, protective factors and early interventions.
Abstract.
Fosbraey J (2020). The longitudinal relationship between compulsive exercise, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and eating psychopathology in an adolescent inpatient sample with anorexia nervosa.
Abstract:
The longitudinal relationship between compulsive exercise, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and eating psychopathology in an adolescent inpatient sample with anorexia nervosa
Systematic Review Abstract
Background: Ambivalence about change is a significant barrier in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). Better understanding of the perceptions that patients hold about AN could help inform interventions to overcome these barriers. The Self-Regulation Model (SRM) of Illness may provide a method with which to better understand illness perceptions in AN, but its use in mental health has been questioned.
Objectives: This systematic review summarises and synthesises the qualitative literature investigating the perceptions of AN held by people with the diagnosis and the extent to which these perceptions were explained by the SRM.
Method: a search protocol based on PRISMA1 guidelines was developed prior to commencing the review. Four databases were searched (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL), alongside grey literature sources (Open Grey, UK Clinical Trials Gateway, Ethos, and Grey Literature Report) and forwards and backwards citation chasing. Screening was conducted by one reviewer using predetermined criteria; a sample was checked by a second reviewer. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist, with a sample checked by a second reviewer. Framework synthesis was used to synthesise the data.
Results: the search returned 817 results. 753 were excluded following title and abstract screening, and a further 46 were excluded after full-text screening. The final sample consisted of 18 journal articles and one unpublished Masters thesis.
Five themes were identified from the framework synthesis. These were ‘Identity’, ‘Cause’, ‘Consequences’, ‘Timeline’, and ‘Efficacy’.
Conclusions: Findings from this review suggest refinements to the SRM, which may improve its utility when working with people with AN. The findings of the review are limited by the under-representation of certain demographic groups, e.g. men. Exploration of the relationships between different aspects of IPs, stigma, clinical outcomes, and stages of change will be an important focus for future research.
Empirical Paper Abstract
Objective: Compulsive exercise is associated with poor clinical outcomes in anorexia nervosa (AN). The mechanisms underlying this relationship are still not well understood, neither is the prospective longitudinal relationship between compulsive exercise and eating pathology through the course of treatment. This research therefore aimed to test the hypothesis that compulsive exercise at admission would predict eating pathology at discharge in an adolescent inpatient setting, controlling for baseline eating pathology and potential confounding factors. It also aimed to test the hypothesis that change in affect from admission to mid-way through treatment would mediate the relationship between compulsive exercise and residual eating pathology.
Methods: Routine outcome measures (the Compulsive Exercise Test, the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Children’s Depression Inventory) were obtained from adolescent inpatients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (N = 50) at admission, 85% ideal body weight (IBW), and discharge. The data was analysed using hierarchical multiple regression.
Results: Compulsive exercise at admission significantly predicted residual eating pathology at discharge after controlling for eating pathology at admission, age, and treatment duration. This effect was not mediated by change in affect, as compulsive exercise at admission did not significantly predict change in anxiety and depressive symptoms between admission and 85% IBW. Change in anxiety between admission and 85% IBW did significantly predict residual eating pathology independently of compulsive exercise.
Conclusion: the unique predictive ability of the CET provides support for a separate theoretical model of compulsive exercise, as there appear to be factors specific to compulsive exercise that maintain eating pathology. The findings suggest that assessing compulsive exercise at the start of treatment may be helpful in identifying individuals at risk of residual symptoms of AN following treatment. This could offer services a different method of identifying at-risk individuals and tailoring interventions accordingly.
Abstract.
2019
White R (2019). A Qualitative Investigation of the Co-Construction of Therapeutic Goals in a CBT Framework.
Abstract:
A Qualitative Investigation of the Co-Construction of Therapeutic Goals in a CBT Framework
Objective: to examine the discourses used by therapist-client dyads when co-constructing therapy goals in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and how these discourses influence the process of goal-setting.
Methods: Therapy tapes for five therapist-client dyads were examined and goal setting discourse were transcribed. From this, five representative excerpts were selected then analysed using a Discourse Analysis approach.
Results: Discourses related to power, collaboration, expectations of the CBT model and positioning of therapist and client with regards to the task of goal setting were identified. The use of language as a tool for both creation of shared understanding and as a way of undertaking social action was also identified. There was an emphasis within the excerpts on the micro-process within therapy such as positioning, alliance building and showing a shared understanding of different topics, while narratives on what goals should be or look like informing the macro-process within the co-construction process and forming a wider narrative shaping the process undertaken by therapist and client.
Conclusion: Ensuring that therapists have an awareness of the different discourses in use within goal setting and how they influence the process of goal co-construction is important in ensuring an effective goal setting process. Consideration of the different discourses in the goal setting process is not well represented in the research literature with the majority of research investigating the form and content of goals. Explicit discussion of therapy process in manuals of therapy and therapy teaching could be an important factor in ensuring effective goal setting. Future research could further investigate and how these may impact practice is important.
Abstract.
Corrigan E (2019). Conditional Goal Setting and Flexible Goal Adjustment in Depression.
Abstract:
Conditional Goal Setting and Flexible Goal Adjustment in Depression
Problematic goal adjustment in response to unattainable goals has been implicated in depression. This study aimed to investigate flexible goal adjustment and conditional goal setting in depressed individuals (n = 12) compared with a never-depressed group (n = 32). Participants were recruited through primary care settings and advertisements placed in community locations and online. Following self-referral, participants completed a telephone eligibility assessment and if eligible, completed self-report measures relating to conditional goal setting, goal expectancies and how they adjusted their goals. Depressed individuals were more pessimistic about goal attainment, exerted less effort towards personal goals and reported being less likely to reengage in alternative goals relative to never-depressed individuals. Depressed individuals were more likely to view the attainment of goals as necessary for a sense of happiness. The groups did not differ with respect to the number of goals generated, rumination and tendencies to disengage from unattainable goals. These findings suggest that goals and motivations are relevant to understanding depression, highlighting potential targets for intervention.
Abstract.
MOBERLY N (2019). DEAD SEA ZINE ANTHOLOGY 1995-1998.
Dunn BD, Widnall E, Reed N, Taylor R, Owens C, Spencer A, Kraag G, Kok G, Geschwind N, Wright K, et al (2019). Evaluating Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT): Study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 27, 63-63.
Bachu M (2019). Goal Flexibility as a Predictor of Depression, Rumination and Homesickness in Students.
Abstract:
Goal Flexibility as a Predictor of Depression, Rumination and Homesickness in Students
Objective: Theoretical and empirical evidence in the field of self-regulation and goal adjustment posits that being able to disengage from goals that are no longer attainable and reengage with new ones is related to improved wellbeing. Transition to university involves being able to successfully disengage from previous goals that have become unattainable and identify and engage in meaningful new goals, however research in this area is sparse. The current study therefore predicted that greater difficulties with goal disengagement in students would be associated with increased depressive symptoms, rumination and homesickness at the beginning of term. Difficulties with goal adjustment was further predicted to be associated with increased depressive symptoms at the end of term and this would partly be mediated by increased homesickness from the beginning to middle of term.
Methods: New undergraduates completed self-report assessments on goal adjustment capacities, depressive symptoms, rumination and homesickness at baseline (N = 221) and a four-month follow up (N = 198). Data was analysed using hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis.
Results: Goal disengagement was not significant in predicting depressive symptoms, rumination or homesickness at baseline in students. Goal reengagement was also not significant in predicting rumination or homesickness at baseline; however, it was significant in predicting depressive symptoms at baseline. Only goal reengagement was found to significantly predict fewer reported symptoms of depression at time 3. Further analysis revealed that residualised change in homesickness from baseline to time 2 did not mediate goal adjustment and depressive symptoms at the end of term.
Conclusion: Despite the lack of support for goal disengagement, findings indicate that identifying and engaging in meaningful and attainable goals may be beneficial for depressive symptoms among university students during the first term.
Abstract.
Jenkin R (2019). LITERATURE REIVIEW: Metacognition in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review
EMPIRICAL PAPER: Metacognition in Children: How do the emergent awareness abilities of prediction, error detection and evaluation change by age?.
Abstract:
LITERATURE REIVIEW: Metacognition in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review
EMPIRICAL PAPER: Metacognition in Children: How do the emergent awareness abilities of prediction, error detection and evaluation change by age?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Objective: Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may struggle with their metacognition due to having poor theory of mind; i.e. their lack of awareness of how others are feeling may also mean they lack self-awareness of their own cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This systematic review collated research that investigated metacognitive skills of emergent awareness (specifically prediction, error detection, and evaluation of own performance on a task) in children with and without ASD. The review addressed the question: do children with ASD have diminished emergent awareness compared to neuro-typical children?
Method: Systematic searches were conducted in PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases with specific search terms. Studies were published before December 2018. A total of 1,247 records were identified, which reduced to 620 once duplicates were removed. Screening these by title and abstract resulted in 24 full-text articles being assessed for eligibility. Fourteen were excluded and so ten articles were included in the review.
Results: No included articles explored the emergent awareness ability of error detection in children with ASD. The studies suggested children with ASD did not have diminished prediction ability compared to those without ASD, but results were more mixed for the emergent awareness skill of evaluation.
Conclusions: Not all components of emergent awareness appear to be diminished in children with ASD compared to typically developing children. Further research is required to address limitations of the lack of valid and reliable measures and experimenter blinding.
EMPIRICAL PAPER
Objective: Metacognition can be defined as an individual’s knowledge and beliefs about their thinking abilities (metacognitive knowledge) as well as the cognitive processes that monitor and regulate their actions (metacognitive skills). The current study explored children’s metacognitive skills of prediction, error detection, and evaluation (known as emergent awareness), and how these relate to their subjective metacognitive knowledge, in younger (M = 7.55, SD = 0.56) and older children (age M = 11.14, SD = 0.35).
Methods: 135 participants (68 in the younger group), recruited from one Secondary School and two Primary Schools, were individually tested on measures of prediction, error detection and evaluation. They also completed a metacognitive knowledge questionnaire measuring their subjective awareness about their learning.
Results: Independent t-tests found significant differences between younger and older participants’ predictive, error detecting, and evaluative emergent awareness. The differences suggested older children were more accurate than younger children on tasks of prediction and error detection but not evaluation. Older participants also scored significantly lower on the subjective metacognitive knowledge questionnaire, suggesting younger participants were more confident in their skills and strategies for learning. Correlation analysis found no relationships between the three emergent awareness abilities and metacognitive knowledge at either age, and only a significant difference between the prediction and evaluation correlation coefficients between age groups, suggesting the relationship between these abilities becomes weaker as children get older.
Conclusion: This study provides support for the hypotheses that emergent awareness skills become more accurate as children get older, but only for error detection and prediction tasks. Younger children are more confident in their learning and the strategies they use to learn. The results also suggest that all of these abilities are different from each other and may become more differentiated as children get older.
Abstract.
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ, Huntley CD (2019). Rumination selectively mediates the association between actual-ideal (but not actual-ought) self-discrepancy and anxious and depressive symptoms. Personality and Individual Differences, 149, 94-99.
Sewter E (2019). Self-Compassion, Goal Pursuit and Well-Being.
Abstract:
Self-Compassion, Goal Pursuit and Well-Being
This study explored associations between trait self-compassion, goal motives, goal progress and well-being (life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect) in an undergraduate sample. Self-compassion has been associated with many indices of well-being. However, surprisingly little research has investigated the pathways through which self-compassion and well-being are connected. Exploring the process of goal pursuit could provide a viable way of understanding how self-compassion may translate to well-being, as goals are important for providing purpose and direction in life. Thus, this study examined how self-compassion might help students adjust to the challenges of starting university. It set out to test two proposed mediation models: i) whether intrinsic and identified motives and goal progress mediate self-compassion’s relationship with change in life satisfaction and positive affect from the beginning to the end of the first term and ii) whether introjected and external motives mediate self-compassion’s relationship with change in negative affect from the beginning to the end of the first term. First-year undergraduates completed self-report questionnaires online at the beginning, middle and end of their first term of university. Results indicated that higher levels of self-compassion were associated with higher levels of life satisfaction and positive affect and lower levels of negative affect at the beginning, middle and end of the first term. The study did not find support for prospective associations between self-compassion and changes in life satisfaction or positive affect. Self-compassion significantly predicted relative reductions in negative affect at the middle of term but was not significantly related to change in negative affect at the end of term. Self-compassion was negatively associated with introjected and external motives but no relationships were found between self-compassion and intrinsic and identified motives or goal progress. No support was found for the proposed mediation models. Conceptually, the non-significant findings suggest that self-compassion is more relevant to understanding negative experiences than to goal striving itself. Future research could investigate the negative association between self-compassion and introjected and external motives in more detail, with future experimental work determining whether self-compassionate manipulations could reduce people pursuing goals for controlled reasons.
Abstract.
Roberts H, Moberly NJ, Cull T, Gow H, Honeysett M, Dunn B (2019). Short-term affective consequences of specificity of rumination about unresolved personal goals. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
Gillan N (2019). Social Anxiety in Adult Autism.
Abstract:
Social Anxiety in Adult Autism
Background: Adults with autism experience high rates of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Cognitive models of suggest that anticipatory (AP) and post-event processing (PEP) develop and maintain SAD symptoms. These models underpin gold standard treatment. It is unclear if the cognitive model for SAD applies to an autism population. In addition, there is little understanding of how these symptoms are experienced by adults with autism.
Aims: to examine whether the cognitive model of SAD is relevant for adults with autism, as indicated by correlations between SAD and cognitive maintenance factors. The second aim was to explore how adults with autism describe their experience of anxiety in social situations.
Design: a mixed method approach was used. Participants (n = 30) completed questionnaires about characteristics of autism, SAD, AP and PEP. Bivariate correlations were used to investigate the relationship between cognitive processes and SAD. Partial correlations were used to explore relationships between SAD and cognitive processes while controlling for autism-specific language difficulties. Participants (n = 8) also completed a semi-structured interview about their social experience, associated anxiety and how any anxiety was managed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse responses.
Results: Participants reported high levels of SAD, AP and PEP. There was no significant relationship between SAD and autism symptoms. While AP and autism were significantly positively correlated, exploratory analysis did not indicate a clear relationship between AP, PEP, SAD and autism. Results of thematic analysis indicate anxiety in social situations causes significant impairment, with distressing thoughts before and after social interaction.
Conclusions: Results provide qualitative evidence that the Clark and Wells (1995) model of SAD is relevant for adults with autism. Further research is necessary to investigate the relationship between cognitive styles, such as intolerance of uncertainty, with SAD and autism. Adults with autism may benefit from CBT for SAD alongside strategies to structure interactions and the environment.
Abstract.
O'Mahen HA, Moberly NJ, Wright KA (2019). Trajectories of Change in a Group Behavioral Activation Treatment for Severe, Recurrent Depression.
Behavior Therapy,
50(3), 504-514.
Abstract:
Trajectories of Change in a Group Behavioral Activation Treatment for Severe, Recurrent Depression
Depression is a common and costly problem. Behavioral Activation (BA)is an effective treatment for depression when delivered 1:1, but group treatments often do not perform as well as 1:1 treatments. One way to begin to understand how group treatments perform is to assess the process of change during treatment. This study examined trajectories of change across 10-session group BA for individuals with severe, chronic, or recurrent forms of depression. We also tested whether individuals who had associated sudden gains or depression spikes had better outcomes than those who did not have these change patterns. We examined psychological and sociodemographic predictors of the patterns of change. Participants were 104 individuals who met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and participated in one of 10 BA groups, provided over a 2-year period. A linear, but not quadratic or cubic, rate of change fit the data and the effect size for the change in mood symptoms from baseline to posttreatment was large, Cohen's d = 1.25. Although 34% (26 of the 77 who provided outcome data)of individuals had a sudden gain and 10% (7/77)had a depression spike, neither sudden gains nor depression spikes predicted posttreatment outcomes. None of the demographic or psychological factors (rumination, behavioral activation)predicted the pattern of change. These results suggest that although group BA may help to reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with severe, recurrent, and/or chronic forms of depression, the overall linear pattern of change is different from quadratic patterns of change reported for 1:1 BA.
Abstract.
Jelinek T (2019). Using Cognitive Reappraisal and Helping Behaviour to Improve Well-being: a Single-Case Design Study.
Abstract:
Using Cognitive Reappraisal and Helping Behaviour to Improve Well-being: a Single-Case Design Study
The use of cognitive reappraisal (CR) has been linked with improved emotional wellbeing in populations with a history of traumatic stress. Whilst research suggests that the extent to which individuals master CR (CR ability) moderates the relationship between depression and stress, studies have not attempted to improve CR ability in individuals experiencing stress due to everyday events or test for potential health benefits of this intervention. Past experimental studies using CR have largely employed group designs in which the effects of intervention are averaged across participants, leading to potentially valuable information being disguised. To this end, this study employed a single case experimental design to investigate the impact of repeated use of CR on affect, perceived stress, and depression in a female adult sample with high stress. The study also included an aspect of helping behaviour in the intervention to investigate whether there are additive benefits to using CR for self and to help others compared to using CR for oneself only.
Twelve adult females were recruited from the community (university staff and students) to take part in the study lasting 21 days. Daily measures were collected over the course of the study and pre-post study measures were taken at baseline, CR intervention, and follow-up stages. At the beginning of the intervention phase, participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Group 1 completed 10 days of the daily CR Task whereby daily stressors were described in writing, reappraised and then described again giving the event a newly acquired meaning. Group 2 completed five days of the CR Task followed by five days of using CR to help reappraise written accounts of daily stressful events written by others (CR Helping Task).
At the group level, using randomisation tests, no significant improvements in emotional affect and daily stress were found in response to the intervention. At the individual level, using the reliable change index, depressive symptoms decreased reliably in three out of five participants for whom a decrease was possible and for whom CR Ability increased with the intervention. Perceived stress decreased reliably in five out of 10 participants for whom CR Ability increased. Finally, changes in depressive symptoms did not differ between groups, but, contrary to expectations, perceived stress decreased reliably in a larger number of participants in group 1 compared to group 2.
The CR intervention showed promise as a feasible short-term stand-alone intervention and demonstrated the utility of targeting specific aspects within psychological care to clarify mechanisms of change and theory. Further research is needed to explore how to optimise the intervention, particularly in terms of length and the design of the CR Helping Task.
Abstract.
2018
Vassilopoulos SP, Diakogiorgi K, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ, Chasioti M (2018). A problem-oriented group approach to reduce children’s fears and concerns about the secondary school transition. Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 28, 84-101.
Psychogiou L, Kallitsoglou A, Dimatis K, Parry E, Russell AE, Yilmaz M, Kuyken W, Moberly NJ (2018). Children's emotion understanding in relation to attachment to mother and father. British Journal of Developmental Psychology
Moberly NJ, Dickson JM (2018). Goal conflict, ambivalence and psychological distress: Concurrent and longitudinal relationships. Personality and Individual Differences, 129, 38-42.
2017
Psychogiou L, Moberly N, Parry E, Russell A, Nath S, Kallitsoglou A (2017). Does fathers’ and mothers’ rumination predict emotional symptoms in their children?. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56, 431-442.
Vassilopoulos SP, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ, Spyropoulou M (2017). Linking shyness to social anxiety in children through the Clark and Wells cognitive model. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 14, 1-19.
Psychogiou L, Moberly NJ, Parry E, Nath S, Kallitsoglou A, Russell G (2017). Parental depressive symptoms, children’s emotional and behavioural problems, and parents’ expressed emotion - critical and positive comments. PLoS ONE, 12, e0183546-e0183546.
Vassilopoulos SP, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ (2017). The predictors of anticipatory processing before a social-evaluative situation. Journal of Experimental Psychopathology, 8, 443-454.
2016
Read R, Moberly NJ, Salter D, Broome MR (2016). Concepts of mental disorder in trainee clinical psychologists.
Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy,
24, 441-450.
Abstract:
Concepts of mental disorder in trainee clinical psychologists
Background. The models of mental disorders held by all mental health professionals are implicit in their attitudes and inform all aspects of theory and practice. The present study aims to explore the attitudes of trainee clinical psychologists towards mental disorders by building on a study conducted by Harland et al. (2009) with psychiatrists. In so doing, the present study contributes to an evidence base that can inform the development of clinical training programs and multidisciplinary working. Methods. The Maudsley Attitude Questionnaire was administered in an online survey of trainee clinical psychologists (N = 288). Results. Analyses of variance revealed main effects of model, and of diagnostic category, and a significant interaction effect between model and diagnostic category. Principal components analysis revealed a biological-psychosocial continuum, and cognitive/behavioural and psychodynamic/spiritual dimensions. Comparisons with Harland et al.’s (2009) psychiatrists revealed large differences, particularly in biological and social constructionist model endorsement. Conclusion. Results suggest that the attitudes of psychologists and psychiatrists continue to sit at opposite ends of a biological-psychosocial continuum. However, an area of consensus regarding psychotherapeutic models was indicated. Training courses can be reassured that strong opinions tended to reflect the evidence base. Future research with similarly large representative samples from different disciplines would allow findings of the current study to be better contextualised.
Abstract.
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ, O'Dea C, Field M (2016). Goal fluency, pessimism and disengagement in depression. PLoS One, 11, e0166259-e0166259.
Moberly NJ, Dickson JM (2016). Rumination on personal goals: Unique contributions of organismic
and cybernetic factors. Personality and Individual Differences, 99, 352-357.
2015
Lowenstein JAS, Wright K, Taylor A, Moberly NJ (2015). An investigation into the effects of different types of exercise on the maintenance of approach motivation levels.
Mental Health and Physical Activity,
9, 24-34.
Abstract:
An investigation into the effects of different types of exercise on the maintenance of approach motivation levels
Background This study looked to investigate the interaction between exercise and approach motivation (AM) levels in a non-clinical sample as a first step towards investigating the impact of acute exercise upon hypomanic states within Bipolar Disorder. The Behavioural Activation System (BAS) dysregulation theory proposes that AM levels in individuals with Bipolar Disorder, are hyper-reactive to relevant cues and prone to fluctuation such that excessive levels underpin hypomania/mania. We hypothesise that exercise may interact with high AM levels to further increase AM levels in both the general population and individuals with BD, with this effect being exacerbated in the latter group. As an initial test of this theory we explore the impact of moderate and vigorous exercise and sedentary activity upon AM in an unselected student sample. We also tested the extent to which hypomania vulnerability predicts the impact of exercise. Method Participants were recruited from a University student population. After completing a measure of hypomanic personality traits, 61 participants completed a task designed to induce higher levels of AM before taking part in one of three 15 min activities (sedentary, moderate exercise or vigorous exercise). AM levels as well as variables relevant to hypomanic symptoms were measured prior to and post AM induction, at 5 min intervals during the activities and twice during a recovery period. Results Vigorous exercise significantly increased individuals' AM levels in comparison to moderate or no exercise. No association was found between hypomania vulnerability and exercise impact. Conclusions These results provide a first step in investigating the possible risks associated with engaging in different intensities of exercise during a hypomanic episode. Any recommendations within this study should however be taken in light of the limitations identified. Further research replicating these results with a larger sample and among individuals with Bipolar Disorder is recommended.
Abstract.
Vassilopoulos SP, Moberly NJ, Lau JYF (2015). Cognitive bias modification training in children affects anxiety during anticipatory processing of social evaluation. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 8, 318-333.
Vassilopoulos SP, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ, Tsiligiannis G (2015). Development and evaluation of a short anger management group for special education teachers in Greece: a preliminary study. International Journal of School and Educational Psychology, 3, 107-116.
Vassilopoulos SP, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ, Tsorbatzoudis H, Tziouma O (2015). Generalization of the Clark and Wells cognitive model of social anxiety to. children’s athletic and sporting situations. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 45, 1-15.
Vassilopoulos SP, Brouzos A, Moberly NJ (2015). The relationships between metacognition, anticipatory processing, and social anxiety. Behaviour Change, 32, 114-126.
2014
Vassilopoulos SP, Moberly NJ, Tsoumanis P (2014). Social anxiety, anticipatory processing and negative expectancies for an interpersonal task in middle childhood. Journal of Experimental Psychopathology, 5, 151-157.
O'Mahen, HA, Karl A, Moberly N, Fedock G (2014). The association between childhood maltreatment and emotion regulation: Two different mechanisms contributing to depression?. Journal of Affective Disorders, 174, 287-295.
Winch A, Moberly NJ, Dickson JM (2014). Unique associations between anxiety, depression. and motives for approach and avoidance goal pursuit. Cognition and Emotion, 29, 1295-1305.
2013
Vassilopoulos SP, Moberly NJ (2013). Cognitive bias modification in pre-adolescent children: Inducing an interpretation bias affects self-imagery. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 37, 547-556.
Vassilopoulos SP, Moberly NJ, Zisimatou G (2013). Experimentally modifying interpretations for positive and negative social scenarios in children: a preliminary investigation.
Behav Cogn Psychother,
41(1), 103-116.
Abstract:
Experimentally modifying interpretations for positive and negative social scenarios in children: a preliminary investigation.
Past research suggests that socially anxious individuals display a tendency to interpret ambiguous and clearly valenced information in a threatening way. Interpretation training programs, in which individuals are trained to endorse benign rather than negative interpretations of ambiguous social scenarios, have proven effective for reducing anxiety-related cognitive biases. However, it is not clear whether the same paradigms are effective in modifying interpretation biases for clearly valenced social information.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ (2013). Goal internalization and outcome expectancy in adolescent anxiety. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 41, 389-397.
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ (2013). Reduced specificity of personal goals and explanations for goal attainment in major depression. PLoS One, 8
2012
Vassilopoulos SP, Blackwell SE, Moberly NJ, Karahaliou E (2012). Comparing imagery and verbal instructions for the experimental modification of interpretation and judgmental bias in children.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychopathology,
43, 594-601.
Abstract:
Comparing imagery and verbal instructions for the experimental modification of interpretation and judgmental bias in children
und and Objectives: Using an interpretation training paradigm, previous research has demonstrated that it is possible to modify interpretation biases in socially anxious children and that trained interpretation bias affects important aspects of social anxiety (Vassilopoulos, Banerjee & Prantzalou, 2009). The current experiment was designed to replicate and extend the results reported by Vassilopoulos et al. (2009).
Methods: in a benign interpretation training paradigm, descriptions of ambiguous hypothetical events were presented in a form requiring participants to endorse the more benign of two interpretations. Ninety-four primary school children aged between 10-12 years were asked to either imagine these hypothetical events or to read the same descriptions while thinking about their verbal meaning.
Results: Participants in the verbal instructions condition showed greater decreases in negative interpretations and negative consequences of ambiguous events from pre-training to post-training than did those in the imagery instructions condition. Additionally, children in the verbal instructions condition reported a significant decrease in trait social anxiety as well as in their self-reported tendency to discount positive information compared with children in the imagery instructions condition.
Limitations: the results should be considered in the light of the exclusive use of self-report measures and the small effect sizes observed in some analyses.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that interpretation training in children can be effective with verbal instructions and highlight the need for further investigation of how to optimize the effectiveness of interpretation training in children.
Abstract.
Vassilopoulos SP, Moberly NJ, Douratsou K-M (2012). Social anxiety and the interaction of imagery and interpretations in children: an experimental test of the combined cognitive biases hypothesis. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36, 548-559.
2011
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ, Marshall Y, Reilly J (2011). Attachment style and its relationship to working alliance in the supervision of clinical trainees. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 18, 322-330.
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ, Kinderman P (2011). Depressed people are not less motivated by personal goals but are more pessimistic about attaining them.
J Abnorm Psychol,
120, 975-980.
Abstract:
Depressed people are not less motivated by personal goals but are more pessimistic about attaining them.
Despite its theoretical importance, personal goal motivation has rarely been examined in clinical depression. Here we investigate whether clinically depressed persons (n = 23) differ from never-depressed persons (n = 26) on number of freely generated approach and avoidance goals, appraisals of these goals, and reasons why these goals would and would not be achieved. Participants listed approach and avoidance goals separately and generated explanations for why they would (pro) and would not (con) achieve their most important approach and avoidance goals, before rating the importance, likelihood, and perceived control of goal outcomes. Counter to hypothesis, depressed persons did not differ from never-depressed controls on number of approach or avoidance goals, or on the perceived importance of these goals. However, compared to never-depressed controls, depressed individuals gave lower likelihood judgments for desirable approach goal outcomes, tended to give higher likelihood judgments for undesirable to-be-avoided goal outcomes, and gave lower ratings of their control over goal outcomes. Furthermore, although controls generated significantly more pro than con reasons for goal achievement, depressed participants did not. These results suggest that depressed persons do not lack valued goals but are more pessimistic about their likelihood, controllability, and reasons for successful goal attainment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).
Abstract.
Watkins ER, Moberly NJ, Moulds ML (2011). When the Ends Outweigh the Means: Mood and Level-of-construal in Depression.
Cognition and EmotionAbstract:
When the Ends Outweigh the Means: Mood and Level-of-construal in Depression
Research in healthy controls has found that mood influences cognitive processing via level-of-construal: happy moods are associated with global and abstract processing; sad moods are associated with local and concrete processing. However, this pattern seems inconsistent with the high level of abstract processing observed in depressed patients, leading Watkins (2008) to hypothesize that the association between mood and construal level is impaired in depression. We tested this hypothesis by measuring level-of-construal on the Behavioral Identification Form after happy and sad mood inductions in never-depressed controls and currently depressed patients. Participants used increasingly concrete construals as they became sadder, but this effect was moderated by depression status. Consistent with Watkins’ (2008) hypothesis, increases in sad mood were associated with shifts towards the use of more concrete construals in never-depressed individuals, but not in depressed patients. These findings suggest that the putatively adaptive association between sad mood and level-of-construal is impaired in major depression.
Abstract.
2010
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ (2010). Depression, anxiety, and reduced facilitation in. adolescents’ personal goal systems.
Cognitive Therapy and Research,
34, 576-581.
Abstract:
Depression, anxiety, and reduced facilitation in. adolescents’ personal goal systems
The study investigated whether symptoms of anxiety and depression are independently associated with reduced goal facilitation in a school sample of adolescents (N = 119). Participants listed their goals and rated the extent to which they facilitated or inhibited each other. Anxious and depressive symptoms were both associated with reduced levels of goal facilitation, although regression analyses revealed that depressive symptoms but not anxious symptoms were independently associated with reduced levels of goal facilitation. Similarly, ratings of distress and repetitive thinking associated with participants’ most conflicting goals were independently associated with depressive symptoms but not anxious symptoms. There was no association between the number of goals listed and anxious or depressive symptoms. Results suggest that depression, but not anxiety, is independently associated with reduced coherence in personal goal systems and a negative preoccupation with conflicting goals.
Abstract.
Moberly NJ, Watkins ER (2010). Negative affect and ruminative self-focus during everyday goal pursuit.
Cogn Emot,
24(4), 729-739.
Abstract:
Negative affect and ruminative self-focus during everyday goal pursuit.
Models of self-regulation propose that negative affect is generated when progress towards goals is perceived to be inadequate. Similarly, ruminative thinking is hypothesised to be triggered by unattained goals (Martin & Tesser, 1996). We conducted an experience-sampling study in which participants recorded their negative affect, ruminative self-focus, and goal appraisals eight times daily for one week. Negative affect and ruminative self-focus were each associated with low levels of goal success and (with the exception of sadness) high levels of goal importance. As predicted, the combination of low goal success and high goal importance was associated with the highest levels of negative affect, and this interaction was marginally significant for ruminative self-focus. Decomposition of the ruminative self-focus measure revealed that the success by importance interaction was significantly associated with focus on problems but not focus on feelings. Findings did not differ for individuals reporting high versus low levels of depressive symptoms or trait rumination. These results suggest that self-regulatory models of goal pursuit provide a useful explanatory framework for the study of affect and ruminative thinking in everyday life.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2009
Dickson JM, Moberly NJ, Hannon EM, Bates GW (2009). Are repressors so special after all? Specificity of negative personal events as a function of anxiety and defensiveness.
Journal of Research in Personality,
43(3), 386-391.
Abstract:
Are repressors so special after all? Specificity of negative personal events as a function of anxiety and defensiveness
Repressors have been characterized as individuals scoring high on defensiveness and low on self-reported anxiety [Weinberger, D. A. Schwartz, G. E. & Davidson, R. J. (1979). Low-anxious, high-anxious, and repressive coping styles: Psychometric patterns and behavioral and physiological responses to stress. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 88, 369–380]. Using regression analyses, we tested whether repressors report negative personal events at reduced levels of specificity, as suggested by affect regulation accounts. Participants (N = 82) wrote brief descriptions of personal memories and imagined future experiences as prompted by emotionally negative cues. Participants rated these events for emotional intensity and importance before completing measures of defensiveness, trait anxiety and depressive symptoms. Defensiveness was associated with reduced accessibility of negative self-relevant material but, contrary to Weinberger et al.’s typology, this effect was not moderated by self-reported anxiety. Defensiveness functioned as a suppressor variable such that its inclusion in regression analyses yielded significant negative relationships between anxiety or depressive symptoms and event specificity, even though zero-order correlations between these variables and specificity were non-significant. Results suggest that research based on Weinberger et al.’s classification may underestimate the role of defensiveness in repressive coping and that researchers should consider measuring defensiveness when investigating the relationship between psychopathology and self-relevant cognition.
Abstract.
Watkins ER, Moberly NJ (2009). Concreteness training reduces dysphoria: a pilot proof-of-principle study.
Behav Res Ther,
47(1), 48-53.
Abstract:
Concreteness training reduces dysphoria: a pilot proof-of-principle study.
We hypothesized that a tendency towards abstract, general and decontextualized processing is a cognitive distortion that causally contributes to symptoms of depression. This hypothesis predicts that training dysphoric individuals to become more concrete and specific in their thinking would reduce depressive symptoms. To test this prediction, participants with stable dysphoria (scoring > or =14 on BDI-II at 2 consecutive weekly assessments) were randomly allocated in an additive design either to an active intervention control consisting of relaxation training or relaxation training plus concreteness training. Concreteness training involved repeated mental exercises designed to encourage more concrete and specific thinking about emotional events. Both interventions involved a training session and then repeated daily use of compact disc recordings for 7 days. Relaxation training plus concreteness training resulted in significantly greater decreases in depressive symptoms and marginally significantly greater decreases in state rumination than relaxation training alone. These findings suggest the potential value of concreteness training as a guided self-help intervention for mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2008
Watkins E, Moberly NJ, Moulds ML (2008). Processing mode causally influences emotional reactivity: Distinct effects of abstract versus concrete construal on emotional response.
Emotion,
8(3), 364-378.
Abstract:
Processing mode causally influences emotional reactivity: Distinct effects of abstract versus concrete construal on emotional response
Three studies are reported showing that emotional responses to stress can be modified by systematic prior practice in adopting particular processing modes. Participants were induced to think about positive and negative scenarios in a mode either characteristic of or inconsistent with the abstract-evaluative mind-set observed in depressive rumination, via explicit instructions (Experiments 1 and 2) and via implicit induction of interpretative biases (Experiment 3), before being exposed to a failure experience. In all three studies, participants trained into the mode antithetical to depressive rumination demonstrated less emotional reactivity following failure than participants trained into the mode consistent with depressive rumination. These findings provide evidence consistent with the hypothesis that processing mode modifies emotional reactivity and support the processing-mode theory of rumination.
Abstract.
Moberly NJ, Watkins ER (2008). Ruminative self-focus and negative affect: an experience sampling study.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology,
117(2), 314-323.
Abstract:
Ruminative self-focus and negative affect: an experience sampling study.
The authors conducted an experience sampling study to investigate the relationship between momentary ruminative self-focus and negative affect. Ninety-three adults recorded these variables at quasi-random intervals 8 times daily for 1 week. Scores on questionnaire measures of dispositional rumination were associated with mean levels of momentary ruminative self-focus over the experience sampling week. Concurrently, momentary ruminative self-focus was positively associated with negative affect. Cross-lagged analyses revealed that whereas ruminative self-focus predicted negative affect at a subsequent occasion, negative affect also predicted ruminative self-focus at a subsequent occasion. Decomposition of the dispositional rumination measure suggested that brooding, but not reflective pondering, was associated with higher mean levels of negative affect. Though broadly consistent with Nolen-Hoeksema's (1991) response styles theory, these results suggest that a reciprocal relationship exists between ruminative self-focus and negative affect.
Abstract.
Moberly NJ, Watkins ER (2008). Ruminative self-focus, negative life events, and negative affect.
Behav Res Ther,
46(9), 1034-1039.
Abstract:
Ruminative self-focus, negative life events, and negative affect.
Ruminative thinking is believed to exacerbate the psychological distress that follows stressful life events. An experience-sampling study was conducted in which participants recorded negative life events, ruminative self-focus, and negative affect eight times daily over one week. Occasions when participants reported a negative event were marked by higher levels of negative affect. Additionally, negative events were prospectively associated with higher levels of negative affect at the next sampling occasion, and this relationship was partially mediated by momentary ruminative self-focus. Depressive symptoms were associated with more frequent negative events, but not with increased reactivity to negative events. Trait rumination was associated with reports of more severe negative events and increased reactivity to negative events. These results suggest that the extent to which a person engages in ruminative self-focus after everyday stressors is an important determinant of the degree of distress experienced after such events. Further, dispositional measures of rumination predict mood reactivity to everyday stressors in a non-clinical sample.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2006
Wills AJ, Noury M, Moberly NJ, Newport M (2006). Formation of category representations.
Memory and Cognition,
34, 17-27.
Abstract:
Formation of category representations
Many formal models of categorization assume, implicitly or explicitly, that categorization results in the formation of direct associations from representations of the presented stimuli to representations of the experimentally provided category labels. In three categorization experiments employing a polymorphous classification structure (Dennis, Hampton, & Lea, 1973) and a partial reversal, optional shift procedure (Kendler, Kendler, & Wells, 1960), we provide evidence consistent with the hypothesis that learning a new classification problem results in the creation of category representations that mediate between representations of the stimulus and the label. This hypothesis can be instantiated through the AMBRY model (Kruschke, 1996).
Abstract.
Moberly NJ, MacLeod AK (2006). Goal pursuit, goal self-concordance, and the accessibility of autobiographical knowledge.
Memory,
14(7), 901-915.
Abstract:
Goal pursuit, goal self-concordance, and the accessibility of autobiographical knowledge.
Recent theory suggests that personal goals influence the accessibility of autobiographical knowledge. We suggest that this effect is moderated by goal self-concordance: the extent to which a goal is pursued for autonomous rather than controlling reasons. Cueing paradigms were used to measure the accessibility of autobiographical knowledge relating to (i) goals that participants were and were not pursuing, and (ii) currently pursued goals that were high and low in self-concordance. As predicted, autobiographical knowledge relating to currently pursued goals was more accessible than autobiographical knowledge relating to non-pursued goals. General event knowledge relating to self-concordant goals was more accessible than general event knowledge relating to non-self-concordant goals, but a corresponding relationship did not emerge for event-specific knowledge.
Abstract.
Moberly NJ, Watkins ER (2006). Processing mode influences the relationship between trait rumination and emotional vulnerability.
Behav Ther,
37(3), 281-291.
Abstract:
Processing mode influences the relationship between trait rumination and emotional vulnerability.
Watkins (2004) found that the mode of processing adopted during expressive writing following a failure influenced emotional recovery from the failure as a function of level of trait rumination. At higher levels of trait rumination, negative mood 12 hours after the failure was greater, but only in an abstract, evaluative writing condition and not in a concrete, process-focused condition. The current study examined whether this interaction of trait rumination with processing mode would generalize to emotional vulnerability to a subsequent negative stressor. Participants repeatedly focused on both positive and negative scenarios in either a concrete, process-focused or an abstract, evaluative mode, before a failure experience. As predicted, after the failure experience, higher levels of trait rumination were associated with lower levels of positive affect, but only for participants in the abstract, evaluative condition and not for participants in the concrete, process-focused condition. This finding is consistent with processing mode influencing the relationship between trait rumination and emotional vulnerability.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2003
Langham MP, Moberly NJ (2003). Pedestrian conspicuity research: a review.
Ergonomics,
46(4), 345-363.
Abstract:
Pedestrian conspicuity research: a review.
This review sets out to evaluate the ways in which pedestrian conspicuity has been defined and measured and to consider the various scenarios in which studies of pedestrian conspicuity have been conducted. Research from the psychological and human factors literature is reviewed, in addition to relevant studies on conspicuity that fall outside the scope of applied psychology. Methodological differences between these studies are compared and their ecological validity in terms of the real-world context of pedestrians at risk from vehicles is discussed. The authors argue that there have been many methodological differences in pedestrian conspicuity studies, but that this may not necessarily be problematic when investigating a phenomenon with multiple causal factors. However, suggestions are made for improving ecological validity and establishing a more unified framework for future research in this area.
Abstract.
2002
Moberly NJ, Langham MP (2002). Pedestrian conspicuity at night: Failure to observe a biological motion advantage in a high-clutter environment.
Applied Cognitive Psychology,
16(4), 477-485.
Abstract:
Pedestrian conspicuity at night: Failure to observe a biological motion advantage in a high-clutter environment.
Using recent accident data to simulate a common collision environment, a 10-minute car journey was filmed in which a moving or stationary pedestrian wearing one of two types of retroreflective clothing appeared in an environment with high visual clutter. It was hypothesized that moving pedestrians would be detected at greater distances when wearing retroreflective aids in biological motion configuration ('biomotion' clothing), but not when wearing a standard retroreflective vest. Participants viewed films of the journey, pressed a button when they detected the pedestrian and rated the difficulty of the task. Biomotion clothing did not significantly increase detection distance for either moving or stationary pedestrians compared to the vest. However, moving pedestrians were detected significantly further away than stationary pedestrians with both clothings. The results do not support the hypothesis that biological motion clothing affords recognition at greater distances than standard conspicuity aids in environments with high visual clutter.
Abstract.
