Mixed Feelings Research Articles

P-499 Long term psychological health of gestational surrogates in a low-income setting: five years after birth

Abstract Study question How does psychological health and experiences of surrogates in a cross-border commercial surrogacy setting change from pregnancy, 4-6 months, and five years post-birth? Summary answer Longitudinally surrogates’ psychological health did not significantly change. Majority had still not met the parents, continued hiding surrogacy, and reported mixed feelings for the child. What is known already Commercial surrogacy was banned in India in 2017 due to concerns related to exploitation and psychological harm. Power differentials between surrogates and intending parents and commercialization raised concerns regarding the psychological health of surrogates in low-income settings. Post the ban, surrogacy hotspots moved to countries like Mexico and Georgia embroiled in similar practices. There is however no academic literature on long-term psychological health of surrogates from low-income settings. Previous research showed that surrogacy pregnancy and prenatal attachment did not significantly contribute psychological harm post-birth. Instead, socio-cultural practices related to support during pregnancy and stigma increased depression scores post-birth. Study design, size, duration The fieldwork was administered in Mumbai, India, where international cross-border, gestational, and commercial surrogacy was being practiced. Data was collected over three phases: 1) during pregnancy 2) 4-6 months post-birth and 3) 5-6 years after surrogacy. Being a mixed-method design, findings include quantitative data on psychological health of surrogates from all three phases and qualitative data from phase 3 of the research. The study spans from 2014 to 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods In-depth semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires (anxiety, depression, stress scale) were administered to 50 surrogates during pregnancy, 45 surrogates 4-6 months post-birth, and 19 surrogates 5-6 years post-birth. In phase III, mothers also responded to the perceived social support scale. Interviews included questions related to narratives and feelings about the baby, intending parents, surrogate hostel, fertility clinic, potential financial gain, perceptions of stigma, and the new law banning surrogacy. Fieldwork was administered at the clinic. Main results and the role of chance Three one-way repeated measures ANOVA were administered which showed that anxiety, depression, and stress of surrogates did not significantly differ over the three time-points, suggesting that practicing surrogacy did not significantly contribute to psychological harm. It is important to note that financial gain did not significantly improve their psychological over time. Non-parametric tests also did not show significant differences. Mean scores show a downward trend for anxiety and depression, but an upward trend for stress. The perceived social support scale showed that participants received support from family and significant other and least support from friends. However, support from family positively correlated with the stress scores of surrogates. Perhaps an overwhelming involvement of family adds to stress. Most surrogates were not in touch with friends from the surrogate hostel. Majority reported still thinking about the baby frequently, had mixed feelings, and were still hiding surrogacy. Most of them had not met the parents and child, did not know if intending parents should disclose to the child about surrogacy. Majority did not appreciate the new law and wouldn’t consider becoming surrogates without a payment. Prenatal bonding from phase 1 did not have any relationship with psychological health observed in phase 3. Limitations, reasons for caution The study’s sample size raises generalizability concerns. Diminishing sample sizes and potential social bias may affect robustness. Limited psychological measures and homogeneity assumptions suggest a need for caution in interpreting results. Wider implications of the findings This is the first longitudinal study on surrogate mothers from low-income settings practicing commercial surrogacy. Findings advocate policy reassessment, enduring support structures for surrogates, educational initiatives for transparency, international collaboration on best practices, and future research exploring cultural nuances and the perspectives of intending parents in cross-border commercial surrogacy. Trial registration number N/A

‘What seems to be missing is actual reality’ Why don’t postdocs engage with career-focused professional development?

Background The relationship dynamics between postdoctoral researchers and their managers – typically Principal Investigators (PIs) - can directly and indirectly impact the professional development activities that postdocs participate in. Although career and development (C&D) conversations can be a platform through which both parties communicate about the postdoc’s development needs and career aspirations, it is unclear how frequently postdocs are having these types of conversations. Evidence from across the UK indicates that this group receive little feedback on their performance. Methods To explore interventions that could empower postdocs to initiate C&D conversations, we conducted a pilot study at the University of Cambridge where current postdocs were offered workshops utilizing two widely available professional development tools. Both workshops included 360-degree feedback interventions, and we hypothesized that the feedback gathered through these tools could give postdocs both a launching pad for facilitating a conversation with their PI and address the aforementioned feedback shortfall. Results Although most of the participant sample reported already having C&D conversations, those who did not report as such demonstrated mixed feelings about whether facilitating these types of discussions is even part of the PI role. Insights from participants’ engagement with the 360-degree feedback tools also show that participants were mindful of time constraints when seeking feedback, indicating that the usefulness of such interventions may be inhibited by wider cultural issues in the sector. Conclusions Through the development of what we call ‘the researcher development framework, this study highlights the shortcomings of using professional development interventions to address cultural issues.

Parenting during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Family Changes, Challenges and Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented measures and restrictions that disrupted families' lives, forcing them to reorganize their routines. This study investigated the parenting experiences in terms of changes and challenges, including positive effects and family resilience indicators. Unlike most studies which have limited their focus to the first period of lockdown or are based on questionnaires, this study covers the period from the first to the fifth wave of the pandemic in France (March 2020-November 2021) and relies on a large qualitative survey. 282 French parents living at home with at least one child under 18 years of age participated in the study. On an online platform, parents were asked to answer two open-ended questions. A thorough coding of the verbatim was carried out according to an empirical-inductive approach by two independent raters. The qualitative results were completed by quantitative analyses. Four major themes emerged from the responses to the first question (perceived improvement, perceived deterioration, no perceived change, and mixed feelings), and five challenges were identified for the second question (organizational challenges, family challenges, psychological challenges, health challenges, and no challenge). Parents reported more improvements in their parenting experience than deteriorations. Organizational challenges were mentioned more than twice as often as health challenges. Nearly a quarter of participants declared no perceived change in their lives as parents. It appears that French parents were able to tap into their resources without reducing their parenting abilities, and for many of them, this also resulted in improved parenting. After the severe lockdowns, the pandemic's progression revealed ongoing challenges and opportunities to strengthen family resilience. Despite initial relief, the pandemic left lasting impacts on family dynamics, with studies noting improvements in organization and reduced stress, but also ongoing difficulties in readjusting routines and concerns about children's well-being.

The Impact of Coaching Style on Basketball Players’ Performance Satisfaction in Hunan, China

This study examines the impact of coaching style on basketball players' performance satisfaction at Hunan Normal University, Hunan University of Technology, Hunan University of Science and Technology, and Hunan First Normal University. Employing a descriptive comparative correlational research design, the study involved 483 basketball athletes from these universities. Utilizing a purposive sampling technique, the research targeted athletes based on their participation and experience in basketball. Data was collected through a questionnaire adapted from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and scales derived from Self-Determination Theory. The questionnaire assessed demographic profiles, coaching styles, and athletes' performance satisfaction. Findings reveal that the majority of respondents are male and predominantly 17 years old with 3-4 years of basketball experience. Coaches were generally effective in inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation but showed gaps in individualized consideration, role modeling, and effective communication. Gender differences significantly influenced perceptions of coaching styles, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive coaching approaches. Performance satisfaction showed general dissatisfaction with skill development and mixed feelings about autonomy and team cohesion. Psychological well-being was moderately positive, but stress management and mental readiness required more focus. The study found a strong positive correlation between various coaching styles and performance satisfaction dimensions. Effective coaching in inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, role modeling, and communication positively impacted athletes' satisfaction in skill development, autonomy, team cohesion, psychological well-being, and overall satisfaction. The study concludes that tailored coaching strategies, enhanced communication skills, gender-sensitive approaches, and a focus on mental readiness are crucial for improving basketball players' performance satisfaction in Hunan, China.

Rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in hospital settings during the pandemic: a phenomenological study of Finnish physiotherapists’ perspective

Introduction The subjective experiences of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic have been extensively studied; however, little research has focused on the experiences and perspectives of physiotherapists’, especially in the Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in hospital settings during the COVID-19-pandemic in Finland. Methods Hermeneutic phenomenology was employed as a methodology. Ten physiotherapists were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified: (1) pragmatic development of sensitive rehabilitation practices in a new and confusing working environment; (2) becoming a member of a cohesive team; (3) mixed feelings and reactions when facing the brutality of an unknown disease; and (4) being supported by colleagues but lacking support from the healthcare organisation. Conclusion The results may benefit healthcare organisations in improving organisational processes for ensuring the wellbeing of physiotherapists during future crises. Concrete actions to support employees could be developed by arranging resources for professional counselling and reflection during and after such crises, and by developing appropriate systems for recognising professional conduct in spite of difficult circumstances.

Is the ambiguity of emotion multidimensional? The ambiguous valence, activation and origin of emotions

Mixed emotions remain a fascinating, yet still understudied phenomenon. All of the previous research has focused solely on ambivalence, studying only the mix of positivity and negativity in emotions (the dimensions of valence). We sum up the already existing knowledge about the dimensional approach to ambivalence and its consequences. Based directly on this knowledge, we introduce a new theoretical model describing ambiguity in four additional dimensions (apart from valence), grouped into two bivariate spaces: origin (dimensions of automaticity and reflectiveness) and activation (arousal and subjective significance). Both of these spaces have never been studied before in the context of ambiguity and mixed feelings. Future implications of the new model are discussed, including any potential impact on the methodology of research and the possible advantages in understanding and describing emotional experiences.

Remote feedback in endovascular simulation training: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundThere is an increasing need to increase simulation-based learning opportunities for vascular surgery residents in endovascular skills training. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of remote expert instructional feedback of endovascular simulation-based education, as a means of increasing training opportunities in this area for vascular surgery residents.MethodsA mixed-methods study design was adopted. Twelve vascular surgery residents from Ireland were tasked with completing two endovascular renal artery procedures: one with in-person expert feedback and the other with remote instruction. Participants ranged in experience levels from second year to final year of residency. Following the training activities, interviews and a questionnaire were employed to gather information on the usefulness of remote feedback.ResultsThere was no significant difference reported by participants using a post-event validated questionnaire between remote and in-person feedback. During the interviews, participants expressed mixed feelings about the presence of the educator while practicing, but they eventually saw no limiting factors to their practice when the trainer provided remote feedback. When receiving performance feedback remotely, clear communication and a shared knowledge of the task development are critical to success.ConclusionsWe believe these findings can inform the design and development of remote learning and assessment of endovascular skills training and ultimately provide increased opportunities for more skills practice for vascular surgical residents.

Danish citizens' perspectives on the preventive medication recommended after screen-detected cardiovascular disease: A qualitative study.

The rationale for screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is debated as a prevention strategy. However, research shows that when preventive medication is initiated after screening for CVD, mortality rates decrease, especially among men. When implementing screening programmes, facilitating citizens' informed decisions and empowering their autonomy in the decision-making process are crucial. We therefore aimed to explore citizens' perspectives on and decisions regarding initiating cardiovascular preventive medication for screen-detected CVD. We employed an exploratory qualitative design using semi-structured interviews to investigate participants' perspectives on and decisions regarding initiating cardiovascular preventive medication for screen-detected CVD. Twelve interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-step approach. We found one overall theme, Being on a continuum between wellness and illness, with two underlying sub-themes. Sub-theme (1) Navigating mixed feelings and pathways reflects participants' perspectives on CVD preventive medication, which were positioned on a continuum with shifting perspectives. The state between wellness and illness was experienced as liminal and characterised by uncertainty and concerns about CVD risk. (2) Navigating medication decisions: a negotiated process. Pivotal medical decisions hinged on trust in authorities or own judgement, influenced by attitudes towards the need for medication, perception of meaningfulness, asymptomatic condition, age, family responsibility and predisposition. Participants' medical decisions were supported and impacted by significant others. We uncovered a continuum of shifting perspectives ranging from feeling improved health to experiencing fear of CVD. For certain citizens, it is like navigating between these contrasting feelings. The perceived necessity and meaningfulness, in particular, shape medical decisions. Providing support for informed decisions is crucial and includes significant others. Shared decision-making with healthcare professionals as facilitators is needed. Future research is warranted to investigate how to embrace the various perspectives on initiating CVD preventive medication in clinical practice.

Standardized patients’ experience of participating in medical students’ education: a qualitative content analysis

BackgroundStandardized patients are considered a significant educational method in medical sciences and have been successfully employed for many years. This study was conducted with the aim of explaining the experience of standardized patients participating in the education of medical student.MethodA qualitative content analysis approach was used. This study was conducted at Standardized Patient Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, May to February 2022. Fifteen standard patients were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with standard patients. The average duration of the interviews was 60 to 90 min. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman approach.ResultsA passport for the future and duality of feelings were the two main themes identified in this study with six subthemes. One of the main themes was passport for the future with subthemes creative, participation in educating future generation, reflection and another theme was duality of feeling with subthemes feeling of value, guilty conscience, and fear of judgment by others.ConclusionThe participants expressed having mixed feelings about their role as standard patients. They felt conflicted because they were compensated for their participation, which made them worry about being judged by others and feel guilty about taking the fee. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct further studies in this area.

Teachers as ‘Powerless Elites’: Emotions and Transformative Learning

This research uses narrative analysis to examine the emotional experiences of five schoolteachers, teaching in five different schools in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. The analysis shows the paradoxical perceptions about the (ir)replaceability of the teaching profession in the digital era. Findings include i. the strong mixed feelings experienced by teachers regarding the future of education that is embedded with digitalisation; ii. Meaning-making in teaching lies on the emotional engagement of teachers and quality teacher-student-relationship; iii. intense self-doubts on the roles of teachers in a virtual classroom were experienced in the beginning of the pandemic, but it has transformed into a refined roles upon critical self-reflection. This research investigates the emotionality of teachers in the virtual classroom, transformative learning has been the key to teachers’ refined roles despite society’s increasing reliance on artificial intelligence.

Impact of Social Distancing in the Lives of Individuals with Vision Impairments

ABSTRACT Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are likely to be one of the most vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19 because of the circumstances, such as requiring close contact with care providers, difficulty in maintaining social distancing from other people. Utilising semi-structured interviews and a thematic content analysis technique, this paper analysed the impact of COVID-19 and the corresponding social distancing measures on individuals with visual impairments in Nepal. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 individuals employed in various sectors. In relation to difficulties arising from social distancing, participants experienced challenges, particularly in mobility, shopping for daily goods, participation in social and cultural functions, and banking services. While participants reported mixed feelings on the behaviour from their families, they experienced avoidance from friends without disabilities and pedestrians, which was perceived by them as biases and stigma that PWDs may infect others with COVID-19. Additionally, participants were anxious about their daily living, partly due to the spread of COVID-19, inadequate awareness of market owners on the needs, and restriction measures without any assistance for PWDs.

Say what you want: Evaluation and engagement with YouTube broadcasts on ChatGPT

ChatGPT caused a worldwide sensation upon its launch, as evidenced by the extensive coverage across traditional and new media. This paper delves into the diverse evaluative discourses about this AI chatbot both in YouTube news videos (originally, television broadcasts) and in user comments facilitated by YouTube’s interactivity. The qualitative-quantitative discourse analysis probes diversified evaluations within YouTube broadcast talk, together with their impact on viewers’ perceptions of the broadcasts’ stance and viewers’ evaluations of ChatGPT and the broadcasts, as reflected by user comments. The findings present balanced effects, speaking to polarised opinions and mixed feelings about this AI development, but point to a potential boomerang effect in users’ evaluation of the new AI bot relative to the broadcasts considered to be biased. The study also reports low user engagement with the broadcasts. This challenges the notion of user engagement with broadcast content as lying at the heart of user interactivity on YouTube.

Mixed Feelings About Supervisors: The Effect of LMX Ambivalence on Supervisor-Directed Behaviors

Mixed Feelings About Supervisors: The Effect of LMX Ambivalence on Supervisor-Directed Behaviors

From Divorce to Remarriage: Understanding the Experience of Remarried Women in a Collectivist Society

ABSTRACT This study explores the subjective experiences of remarriage among five divorced Malay Muslim women with children from their first marriages, who have since remarried. Using semi-structured interviews, their remarriage journeys were analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four main themes – internal process, adjusting to a new marriage, relationships with others, and marital satisfaction – along with ten sub-themes were identified. These themes encompass emotional struggles post-divorce, acceptance of reality and fate, mixed feelings pre-remarriage, decision-making in remarriage, dynamics within couple roles and interactions, and relationships with children, in-laws, extended family, and ex-spouses, culminating in the joy and gratitude experienced in their current marriages. This study was informed by Carter & McGoldrick’s Remarried Family Formation Framework and Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model of Human Development, which together provided a robust theoretical lens for understanding the complexities of remarriage in a culturally rich setting. The findings offer significant implications for practitioners working with remarried individuals and highlight areas for future research.

Blended Learning Environments and Student Satisfaction at Kyambogo University

Student satisfaction (SS) is vital for a positive learning environment, fostering academic success, personal development, and overall well-being. It significantly contributes to longterm success and fulfilment in both chosen careers and beyond. In this study, we focussed our investigation on Kyambogo University (KyU), exploring the influence of a blended learning environment (BLE) on SS, specifically examining the influence of collaboration with peers and learner-centred instructional approaches in BLE. This study was conducted through the theoretical lens of the Community of Inquiry framework by Garrison et al. (2000). The study employed a correlational design with a quantitative approach. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 619 second-, third-, and fourth-year students. Data analysis utilised descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling in SPSS 20 and Smart PLS 4. The findings suggest that students at Kyambogo University express uncertainty regarding collaboration and learner-centred approaches, alongside mixed feelings about their overall satisfaction. However, the study revealed that collaboration and learner-centred instruction had a positive and significant influence on SS, with the BLE contributing substantially (32.23%, adjusted R2 = 0.323) to overall satisfaction. We recommend that KyU prioritises and enhances collaborative learning strategies and learnercentred instructional approaches within its BLE, with the aim to significantly improve SS and overall educational outcomes.

The effects of a self-developed virtual reality environment on college EFL learners’ vocabulary learning

ABSTRACT In second language acquisition (SLA), vocabulary learning can be a great challenge for some English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has unleashed its potential in language education, but insufficient attention has yet been paid to its impact on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. To bridge this gap, we conducted a quasi-experiment based on a self-developed VR platform, in order to investigate the effects of VR on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. A total of 68 college students participated in this study and were assigned to either the experimental (VR players) or the comparison (video watchers) group. The results revealed that the VR players significantly outperformed the video watchers in terms of vocabulary learning. The VR environment contextualized vocabulary learning by providing an authentic language learning experience, a strong sense of presence, and instant interaction and feedback, whereas the VR players’ learning motivation still needed to be strengthened. Analysis of semi-structured interviews further demonstrated that most of the students valued the potential of the VR-assisted learning approach, while some of them still held mixed feelings about it. This study provides some suggestions for both language instructors and technical experts in terms of task design, platform optimization, and material development.

Emerging Ideas: Personal identity and mother–child relationship: Experiences of young adults raised by single mothers by choice

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis qualitative study examined the experiences of young adults raised by single mothers by choice and the way the circumstances of their upbringing have modeled their personal identity and mother–child relationships.BackgroundBeing conceived through anonymous sperm donation may create uncertainty among children and young adults. However, there is little research on the implications of this situation from the perspective of young adults.MethodIn‐depth narrative interviews were conducted with 21 young Israeli adults born to single mothers by choice as a result of anonymous sperm donation.ResultsThe findings revealed several themes regarding the relationship with the mother, including her image as influential, exclusive, and deeply invested in the relationship. The interviews highlighted anxiety of abandonment and dependency on the mother, who was presented as both powerful and vulnerable or dependent on her child. Participants expressed mix of appreciation and anger toward their mothers' decision. They often conveyed that their mothers had openly and transparently discussed the circumstances surrounding their birth.ConclusionThe experience of children of single mothers by choice conceived by sperm donation is complex, including mixed feelings regarding their relationship with their mother and the effects of the father's absence on their life and identity.ImplicationsThe findings underscore the importance of considering anonymity in sperm donation within policy and bioethical research. Additionally, they carry implications for interventions aimed at supporting single‐mother‐by‐choice families.

Psychology of Abortion: A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Quality of Life after Termination of Pregnancy Service Provision

BackgroundAlthough safe abortion is a human right, some research indicates that abortion can be considered a life event that could trigger an adverse psychological reaction, including mental ill health, particularly in vulnerable women. Unplanned pregnancies and abortions affect women’s mental and physical health while increasing psychological risk; hence, measures are needed to improve the quality of life (QoL) of women post termination of pregnancy (ToP). The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological effects of abortion on women provided with this service in Rwanda, and factors surrounding QoL after service provision.MethodsAn interpretive description design was used. Focus group discussions were used to hear the voices of 30 women and girls who had sought ToP services. The six steps of interpretive description together with framework analysis guided the analysis.ResultsFrom responses provided by the participants with experience of ToP services five themes and six sub-themes were generated, (1) Ambivalence with mixed feelings and uncertainty, anger, wonder, and frustration; (2) Insecurity and abortion stigma, with judgement and inadequacy; (3) Personalized care with respectful care and dignity and self-reliance; (4) Lack of connection with relationships, coping, and a sense of belonging; (5) Wellness and preferences for care with hope and positive physical health. ConclusionThe lack of psychological support post ToP negatively affects QoL and indicates an opportunity to include a psychological support package in the ToP service provision, which is the predictor of positive mental health to improve QoL in Rwanda.Rwanda J Med Health Sci. 2024;7(1):116-130

The ‘US Factor’ in the Satō Administration’s Diplomacy in the Indonesia-Malaysia Conflict, 1964-1966

ABSTRACT Peace efforts to resolve the Indonesia-Malaysia conflict (1963–1966) became an important agenda in Japan’s Southeast Asia policy under Prime Minister (PM) Eisaku Satō. After a cautious start, the Satō government sought to create conditions for the Indonesians and Malaysians to end their armed confrontation (confrontation), which had become a source of destabilisation in Southeast Asia. Japan’s peace efforts began under PM Hayato Ikeda (1960–1964), marking the first time after World War II that Tokyo became involved in attempts to mediate a conflict. These endeavours were carried out in a region where mixed feelings lingered towards Japan for its wartime occupation. This paper investigates the factors that shaped the Satō administration’s engagement in efforts to resolve the confrontation and sheds light on how Japan’s relations with the United States (US) influenced its peace-making role – an aspect on which little has been written in previous studies. The findings indicate that considerations related to Japanese relations with the US were an important driver, although not the only one, of the Satō administration’s diplomatic initiatives to resolve the Indonesia-Malaysia armed confrontation. Furthermore, Japan’s peace efforts contributed to the US policy in Asia.

Neural patterns associated with mixed valence feelings differ in consistency and predictability throughout the brain.

Mixed feelings, the simultaneous presence of feelings with positive and negative valence, remain an understudied topic. They pose a specific set of challenges due to individual variation, and their investigation requires analtyic approaches focusing on individually self-reported states. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan 27 subjects watching an animated short film chosen to induce bittersweet mixed feelings. The same subjects labeled when they had experienced positive, negative, and mixed feelings. Using hidden-Markov models, we found that various brain regions could predict the onsets of new feeling states as determined by self-report. The ability of the models to identify these transitions suggests that these states may exhibit unique and consistent neural signatures. We next used the subjects' self-reports to evaluate the spatiotemporal consistency of neural patterns for positive, negative, and mixed states. The insula had unique and consistent neural signatures for univalent states, but not for mixed valence states. The anterior cingulate and ventral medial prefrontal cortex had consistent neural signatures for both univalent and mixed states. This study is the first to demonstrate that subjectively reported changes in feelings induced by naturalistic stimuli can be predicted from fMRI and the first to show direct evidence for a neurally consistent representation of mixed feelings.