The Influence of Anxiety on the Initial Selection of Emotional Faces Presented in Binocular Rivalry

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Influence of Anxiety on the Initial Selection of Emotional Faces Presented in Binocular Rivalry
Language: English
Authors: Gray, Katie L. H., Adams, Wendy J., Garner, Matthew
Source: Cognition. Oct 2009 113(1):105-110.
Availability: Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 6
Publication Date: 2009
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Neuropsychology, Epistemology, Anxiety, Influences, Measurement Techniques, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Nonverbal Communication, Selection, Perception Tests, Attention
DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2009.06.009
ISSN: 0010-0277
Abstract: Neurocognitive theories of anxiety predict that threat-related information can be evaluated before attentional selection, and can influence behaviour differentially in high anxious compared to low anxious individuals. We investigate this further by presenting emotional and neutral faces in an adapted binocular rivalry paradigm. We show that the initial selection of emotional faces presented in binocular rivalry is highly influenced by self-reported state and trait anxiety-level. Heightened anxiety was correlated with increased perception of angry and fearful faces, and decreased perception of happy expressions. These results are consistent with recent evidence of involuntary selection of threat in anxiety. (Contains 2 figures.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2009
Accession Number: EJ859185
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Neurocognitive theories of anxiety predict that threat-related information can be evaluated before attentional selection, and can influence behaviour differentially in high anxious compared to low anxious individuals. We investigate this further by presenting emotional and neutral faces in an adapted binocular rivalry paradigm. We show that the initial selection of emotional faces presented in binocular rivalry is highly influenced by self-reported state and trait anxiety-level. Heightened anxiety was correlated with increased perception of angry and fearful faces, and decreased perception of happy expressions. These results are consistent with recent evidence of involuntary selection of threat in anxiety. (Contains 2 figures.)
ISSN:0010-0277
DOI:10.1016/j.cognition.2009.06.009