Negative Affect Reduction Research Articles

The impact of demoralization on the stability of personality traits in a clinical sample.

This study examined whether reductions in the severity of personality disorders (PD) mainly reflect changes in personality traits or rather an alleviation of a demoralized state involving nonspecific unpleasant affect. We used 4 years of longitudinal data from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, in which patients (N = 419) completed the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R) three times over 4 years (at baseline and at 6-month and 4-year follow-up assessments). We compared the NEO Demoralization scale with NEO-PI-R domain scales adjusted for demoralization-related items to determine whether changes in demoralization are more pronounced than changes in adjusted personality traits. Results showed that adjusted Neuroticism and Demoralization changed at similar rates and both changed more than other traits. These changes were most pronounced in the first 6 months and tapered thereafter. Rank-order correlations were somewhat lower for Demoralization than adjusted traits. Our findings suggest that decreases in PD symptoms over time have to do with reductions in negative affect and that Demoralization as assessed via a subset of NEO-PI-R items is limited in its ability to distinguish negative affect from trait Neuroticism. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Moderating Role of Discrimination in the Association between Same-Race/Ethnicity Friends and Negative Ethnic-Racial Identity Affect over Time

The current study assessed the moderating role of perceived discrimination on the association between same-race/ethnicity friends and negative ethnic-racial identity (ERI) affect among Asian, Black, and Latinx students of color over time. Diverse college students ages 18-25 (73.7% female) provided self-reports of same-race/ethnicity friends, racial discrimination, and negative ERI affect at the beginning of a semester (T1) and end of a semester 4 months later (T2). Results indicated that T1 discrimination was a significant moderator of the relations between T1 same-race/ethnicity friends and T2 negative ERI affect (controlling for T1 negative ERI affect). Specifically, having same-race/ethnicity friends predicted an decrease in negative ERI affect over time, but only when discrimination was low. When discrimination was high, the relation between same-ethnicity friends and negative ERI affect was not significant over time. In other words, discrimination acted as a disrupter of same-race/ethnicity friends being associated with a reduction in negative ERI affect over time.

State affect and body image effects of body positive social media content within a female chronic illness sample

Body positivity refers to a movement, popularized on social media, that encourages the normalization and acceptance of bodies diverging from sociocultural ideals, specifically within marginalized communities. Previous studies suggest that briefly viewing body positive social media content may lead to increased body satisfaction and positive affect in young women relative to thin-ideal and appearance-neutral content. Diminished body functionality and appearance change due to chronic illness poses a unique challenge to positive body image in young adults living with chronic illness. Typical body positive social media content may not be useful for this community since chronic illnesses are often not outwardly depicted, so the current study aimed to examine the state effects before and after viewing body positive social media content in a sample of young women (N=201) with at least one self-reported chronic illness. Participants (Mage = 29.4, SD = 6.74; 79.2 % white) were randomly assigned to view one of two sets of 10 images: chronic illness body positive and typical body positive. Participants completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pre- and post-stimuli exposure. Findings from repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant interaction between time and group for negative affect (F(1198) = 4.402, p =.037) and broad conceptualization of beauty (F(1199) = 4.288, p =.040), such that those exposed to the chronic illness stimuli reported a larger reduction in negative affect and an increase in conceptualization of beauty beyond the non-chronically ill ideal post-exposure. Thus, exposure to body positive social media content inclusive of chronic illness may be more useful in stabilizing affect and promoting greater positive body image within the community. These findings highlight the importance of inclusive body positive portrayals in terms of dimensions beyond weight and shape to account for the effects of diminished body functionality.

The Indirect Effects of Negative Affect Reduction Motives on the Relationship Between Sex and Severity of Problems When Trying to Quit Among Black Adults Who Smoke

Background. African American/Black (hereafter referred to as Black) persons who smoke constitute a tobacco disparities group in the United States. Within the Black population, female smokers experience a disproportionate percentage of these disparities and are less likely to quit cigarettes than their male counterparts. Two factors implicated in female smokers’ relatively worse quit success are (1) motives to smoke to reduce negative affect and (2) expectancies that smoking will reduce negative affect. Objectives. The present study sought to test sex differences in these two clinically relevant cognitive constructs and evaluate the indirect effects of sex and severity of problems when trying to quit via smoking motives and expectancies for negative affect reduction among Black adults who smoke. Participants included 103 Black adults who smoke daily (72% male; Mage = 44.5 years, SD = 11.5 years). Results. Results revealed sex differences in both negative affect reduction motives and expectancies, as well as a partial indirect effect for sex on the severity of problems when trying to quit through negative affect reduction motives (a1b1 = 0.18, 95% CI [0.04, 0.38]) but not negative affect reduction expectancies (a2b2 = −0.01, 95% CI [-0.11, 0.09]) in a simultaneous model of indirect effects. Conclusions. These findings shed light on the complex relationship between race, sex, and severity of problems when trying to quit, particularly when complicated by smoking motives and expectancies. Current data should be considered when developing sex-specific, tailored smoking cessation interventions for Black women.

Web-Based Coping Skills Training and Coach Support for Women Living With a Partner With an Alcohol Use Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Individuals living with a partner with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) can experience significant psychological distress and use health care more than those without a partner with an AUD. However, the prevailing treatment system's focus on the partner and personal barriers limit these individuals from getting help for themselves. Preliminary work on a self-directed, web-based coping skills training program, Stop Spinning My Wheels (SSMW), shows promise in broadening available treatments for this population. In this study, we conducted a robust evaluation of SSMW primary outcomes. The study aims to test whether women with a partner with an AUD assigned to SSMW experienced a greater reduction in negative affect (depression and anger) (1) than a usual web care (UWC) control and (2) with brief phone coach support (SSMW+coach) rather than without (SSMW only) and (3) whether baseline negative affect moderated treatment effects. Women (mean age 45.7, SD 10.8 years; Black: 17/456, 3.7%; White: 408/456, 89.5%) were randomized to SSMW only, SSMW+coach, or UWC. Depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II) and anger (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2-State Anger) were assessed at baseline, 12-week posttest, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Participants in all conditions decreased in depression from baseline to posttest and from baseline to follow-up; SSMW-only and SSMW+coach participants decreased in anger, but UWC participants did not. Compared to UWC participants, SSMW-only participants experienced greater anger reduction (P=.03), and SSMW+coach participants experienced a greater reduction in depression (P<.001) from baseline to posttest. However, from baseline to follow-up, only a greater, but not statistically significant (P=.052), reduction in anger occurred in SSMW+coach compared to UWC. Although the SSMW conditions did not differ from each other in negative affect outcomes (P=.06-.57), SSMW+coach had higher program engagement and satisfaction (all P<.004). Baseline negative affect did not moderate effects, although remission from baseline clinically relevant depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory≥14) was higher in SSMW only (33/67, 49%; odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.05-4.30; P=.03) and SSMW+coach (46/74, 62%; odds ratio 3.60, 95% CI 1.79-7.23; P<.001) than in UWC (21/67, 31%); remission rates did not differ between the SSMW conditions (P=.12). The results partially supported the hypotheses. The SSMW conditions had earlier effects than UWC, but positive change in UWC mitigated the hypothesized long-term SSMW-UWC differences. The results highlight the importance of incorporating active controls in web-based clinical trials. Although SSMW+coach showed benefits over SSMW only on engagement and satisfaction measures and in the number needed to treat (5.6 for SSMW only; 3.2 for SSMW+coach), the SSMW conditions were comparable and superior to UWC on depressive symptom remission levels. Overall, SSMW with or without a coach can reduce clinically meaningful distress and add to available treatment options for this large, underserved group. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02984241; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02984241.

“The very process made me happier!” Is pleasure research an affective intervention?

ABSTRACT Participating in research on aversive topics can produce discomfort. However, the affective consequences of taking part in hedonic research are unknown. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) harness personal strengths, values, beliefs, and emotions to promote optimal functioning. A growing body of evidence suggests they can be effective in addressing a range of mental health conditions and promoting well-being. Savoring is one of the more potent classes of PPIs, and even brief interventions can shift positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) in directions conducive to greater well-being. In a study of 1,804 Australian adults, we found that responding to an online survey asking about pleasure produced a small but significant increase in PA and a substantial reduction in NA. The magnitude of the effects was comparable with other published PPIs. We briefly discuss this finding in the context of emotional sensibility and consider the nexus between intervention and research.

Preliminary Efficacy of the Transdiagnostic EMDR-Negative Affect Protocol

First responders and their dependents must cope with the stress from their occupational duties. Those who present for treatment can be overwhelmed by their affective display. In this study, we used a mixed methods design with two first responders and the widow of a first responder. We used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule measure to identify the negative affect and tested the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing-Negative Affect protocol, which directly targets the negative affect. From baseline to the end of treatment, all three clients had a clinically significant reduction in negative affect, and at 3-month follow-up, the two first responders had a significant reduction in negative affect. There was also a decrease in scores on attachment, depression, generalized anxiety, suicidality, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as an increase in scores on resilience. The findings show promising results; however, the protocol needs randomized controlled trials with first responders and veteran populations in larger sample sizes to prove its efficacy.

Effects of mindfulness and movement on affect and vitality.

Increasing levels of distress and barriers to healthcare have coincided with increasing use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). While mindfulness and movement interventions may improve wellbeing, little research has compared the effectiveness of these two approaches. This single intervention study aimed to (1) explore the effects of two brief, online, self-administered mindfulness and movement interventions on affect and vitality, and (2) establish whether changes in affect and vitality could be predicted by age, gender, general distress, previous CAM experience and enjoyment of the intervention. Participants (n = 62) were randomly allocated to follow a brief online mindfulness or movement intervention. Levels of affect (using PANAS) and subjective vitality (using the Subjective Vitality Scale) were measured pre and post intervention. Demographics, experience with CAM and general distress (using the DASS-21) were collected pre intervention, while level of enjoyment (using the ENJOY scale) was measured post intervention. Open-text responses gathered qualitative data on participant experience. Participants completing the mindfulness intervention reported increased vitality and decreased positive and negative affect. Those completing the movement intervention reported increased vitality and positive affect and decreased negative affect. Higher DASS-21 levels were predictive of greater reductions in negative affect. Higher levels of enjoyment were predictive of greater increases in positive affect and vitality. Differences between mindfulness and movement interventions may indicate that they could have targeted applications. While further research is necessary, these brief, online interventions may provide a sustainable, accessible self-management and wellbeing intervention.

Examining the Psychological Measures and Feasibility of Recreational Trail Rides in Reducing Cravings for Addictive Substances among Veterans: A Replication Pilot Study.

Equine-assisted services have been gaining popularity as complementary therapies for a variety of populations with a diversity of diagnoses. Interventions using equines might benefit the military Veteran population through building therapeutic alliance as well as reducing symptoms. This pilot observational study is primarily aimed to investigate safety, feasibility, and acceptability of equine-assisted services for Veterans with substance abuse disorders. It is the second pilot observational study, the first being completed in 2022. Secondary outcomes included recording the impact of trail riding on psychological measures among Veterans at a large Veterans Administration medical center. The study included a total of 32 Veterans who participated in trail riding sessions from May 4, 2022 to August 31, 2022. The study utilized the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Adult Hope Scale, and Craving Experience Questionnaire to assess changes in positive affect, negative affect, hope components, and substance craving. The results indicated significant reductions in negative affect and substance craving after the first session, with positive effects observed in subsequent sessions. However, demographic and diagnostic variables did not predict significant changes in psychological instruments. Overall, the study demonstrated that trail riding was a safe and feasible intervention and may have potential benefits for improving emotional well-being and reducing substance cravings among Veterans. It is recommended that future studies research mechanisms of action, as well as conduct more rigorous investigations, including controlled trials using larger sample sizes and longitudinal research, to best determine lasting effects of these types of complementary therapies.

Musical mood induction: The relative influences of music type and the importance of music preference

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of music type on mood and the influence of music preference for predicting mood induction. Ninety undergraduate participants ( Mage = 22.19 years, SD = 6) completed a music preference inventory prior to listening to heavy metal and classical music stimuli, presented in counterbalanced order. Participants completed the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale inventory to measure baseline mood and then re-completed the inventory after each music stimulus presentation. Multivariate analysis of variance on repeated measures evaluated the effects of music type on mood, whereas multiple regression analysis tested the influence of preference on mood following music exposure. Heavy metal music induced a state of high arousal/negative mood via increases in hostility, whereas classical music induced a state of low arousal/positive mood via increases in serenity. Preferences for heavy metal music predicted significant reductions in negative affect and hostility following heavy metal music, coupled with increases in serenity, joviality, and positive affect. Likewise, classical music preference predicted significant increases in joviality and PA following classical music listening. The results of the current study demonstrate how differential music exposures influence mood and reveal the importance of listener preferences for predicting mood change.

Lifetime stressor exposure is associated with greater rewarding effects of stress-related eating

Acute stressors tend to shift preferences toward comfort foods, yet they do not ubiquitously increase the amount of food consumed. Moreover, although many individuals eat more under stress, others eat less or show no change. Although the precise mechanisms explaining this variability in stress-related eating are unknown, they may be driven by individual differences in the rewarding effects of comfort eating, which are enhanced by greater lifetime stressor exposure. To investigate this possibility, we examined whether differences in lifetime stressor exposure predicted reductions in negative affect following snacking (i.e., negative reinforcement) and if this effect was specific to stress-related snacking or snacking in general. Participants were 26 women (23 % non-White) between 20 and 45 years old (M = 31), with a mean body mass index of 26, who completed three laboratory visits. Participants completed an assessment of lifetime stressor exposure (i.e., STRAIN) on the first visit and, on two subsequent laboratory visits in counterbalanced order, were given snacks after an acute social stress task (i.e., TSST) or rest period. Greater lifetime stressor exposure was related to greater post-ingestive decreases in negative affect following the acute social stressor but not following the rest period. If stress-related eating is more comforting for women with greater lifetime stressors and contributes to a stronger stress-eating association, then this may inform obesity-related clinical treatments that target behaviors and cognitions related to reward-based learning.

A Novel Experimental Approach to Identifying the Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Loneliness

BackgroundCurrent models of loneliness emphasise the role of maladaptive cognitions in causing and/or maintaining loneliness. However, standardised paradigms to experimentally examine the role of maladaptive cognition in loneliness are lacking, making it difficult to establish causality. This paper tested a mock online chat paradigm designed to induce changes in negative affect (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and strength of belief in lonely thoughts, by manipulating comparative and normative fit.MethodsParticipants (N = 59) were randomised into either the loneliness arm (i.e., loneliness induction chat followed by a social connectedness induction chat), or the social connectedness arm (i.e., two separate social connectedness induction chats), and subsequently completed outcome measures.ResultsThe experimental paradigm significantly and specifically increased lonely affect; however, this was associated with non-significant changes in strength of belief in lonely thoughts. The social connectedness induction chat led to significant reductions in broad negative affect for both groups, with these effects accruing across chats for participants in the social connectedness arm.ConclusionExperimentally manipulating comparative and normative fit to either emphasise differences or similarities between an individual and group members is an effective paradigm for increasing lonely affect or decreasing general negative affect, respectively.

The longitudinal relationship between levels of leisure-time physical activity and positive and negative affect among older foreign-born adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal impact of different levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation on positive and negative affect among older foreign-born adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study used 2012 to 2020 data from the Health and Retirement Study data (n = 1206) that was analyzed using repeated measured multivariate analysis of covariance. The high-level participation LTPA group reported higher positive affect and lower negative affect than the mid and low-level participation groups. The mid-level LTPA group also reported higher positive and lower negative affect than the low-level LTPA group. This study provides evidence that high levels of LTPA participation contribute to an increase in positive affect and a reduction of negative affect among older foreign-born adults with MCI. The findings of this study will help fill the gap in research on the longitudinal relationship between levels of LTPA participation and positive and negative affect among older foreign-born adults.

Enhancing body image satisfaction and well-being among early adolescents: Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the mind. body. voice. program

Although most research has emphasized high-school and college-aged women, body dissatisfaction and eating disorder behavior are also a concern for middle-school girls. We partnered with Girls Inc., a community-based organization to explore feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the mind. body. voice. (m.b.v.) program with a middle-school-aged cohort. The program was collaboratively designed with youth, focusing on body image satisfaction, disordered eating risk factors, and mental health and well-being. The work occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a unique opportunity to assess the promise of the program under difficult extenuating circumstances. In an open-trial design, we assessed change from pre- to post-program administered with two cohorts, one delivered remotely in 2020 (n = 17) and one in-person in 2021 (n = 13). Findings indicated that participation in the m.b.v. program was associated among both cohorts with significant decreases in negative body judgment and adherence to cultural appearance biases, and significant increases in body awareness, agency, and positive self-regard, as well as significant reductions in negative affect. Results support the feasibility and promise of both remote and in-person administration of the program targeting young adolescents, and in partnership with a well-established community-based organization.

The influence of interactions with pet dogs on psychological distress.

Many people, including nearly half of American households, own a pet dog. Previous work has found that therapy dog interactions reduce distress, but little work to date has empirically established the mood-enhancing effects of interaction with one's own pet dog. In this study, dog owners (N = 73; 86.3% female, 13.7% male; age 25-77 years) underwent a stress-inducing task followed by random assignment to either (a) interacting with their dog (n = 24), (b) an expectancy control (n = 25; "stress-reducing" coloring books), or (c) a waiting control (n = 24). We compared the effects of each condition on affect and state anxiety. Participants assigned to the dog interaction showed greater increases in positive affect, as well as greater reductions in anxiety compared to both expectancy and waiting controls (ds > 0.72, ps < .018). No significant reductions in negative affect were detected. Second, we found that self-reported experiences with animals, attitudes toward animals, or bondedness with their dog did not differentially predict the condition's impact on the owner's mood. Finally, we coded participants' degree of engagement (e.g., time spent playing) with the dog and found that higher engagement predicted reduced negative affect. Overall, interacting with one's own pet dog reduced owners' distress. Such interactions, which occur commonly in daily life, may have the potential to alleviate distress at a large scale. Precisely how this works and for whom it is especially well suited remain intriguing open questions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Perceived effects of teleworking on adaptive performance: a moderated mediation model of leadership effectiveness and negative affect

Purpose Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study aims to explore how individuals’ perceptions of telework effects associate with their adaptive performance by shaping their negative emotional experiences, with perceived leadership effectiveness acting as a critical moderator in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design was used, with data collected from a final sample of 209 teleworkers via an online survey. Findings The results demonstrated a significant indirect effect of the perceived effects of teleworking on adaptive performance through negative affect. Furthermore, leadership effectiveness moderated the indirect effect, in a way that the indirect effect was only significant for those who had ineffective leaders and moderate effective leaders; therefore, the indirect effect was strengthened for those who had less effective leaders (versus effective leaders). Originality/value This study examines the positive link between teleworking perceptions and adaptive performance through the reduction of negative affect, in line with the conservation of resources theory. Moreover, a reduction in negative emotions among employees during telework is associated with enhanced performance. Notably, the study reveals that leadership effectiveness moderates this connection as playing a crucial role in moderating these effects, particularly when leaders are perceived as less effective, offering insights for organizations considering telework strategies.

Virtual reality mindfulness training for veterans in residential substance use treatment: Pilot study of feasibility and acceptability

BackgroundMindfulness training is effective in recovery from substance use disorders; however, adoption can be difficult due to environmental and personal distractions. Virtual reality (VR) may help overcome these challenges by providing an immersive environment for practicing mindfulness, but there is currently limited knowledge regarding patient and provider perceptions of VR-based tools. ObjectiveThe present study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of VR mindfulness training for veterans in residential substance use treatment as well as potential benefits of VR mindfulness interventions in this population. We conducted a pilot feasibility/acceptability study as a first step toward conducting a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). MethodsThe study recruited participants (N = 32) from a 30-day residential substance use program and collected both qualitative and quantitative feedback on the VR mindfulness intervention using a mixed-methods approach. Patients (n = 20) and providers (n = 12) rated the acceptability, usability, and satisfaction of the intervention. Using a within-subjects design, patients provided pre-post emotion ratings and reported on state mindfulness and VR presence after completing a single-session self-guided VR mindfulness intervention. Patients provided qualitative interview data on their overall impressions, while providers gave the same information via survey. ResultsBoth patients and providers reported high satisfaction and confidence in the intervention. Moreover, within subjects t-tests showed that patients experienced significant reductions in negative affect and significant increases in positive affect from pre-post, along with high levels of state mindfulness and presence. Results of thematic analysis revealed that the intervention facilitated focused attention on the present moment, induced a state of calm and relaxation, and reduced negative thoughts and emotions. Participants requested improvements such as better integration of audiovisual elements, a more personalized and longer intervention, and more comfortable fitting headset. Finally, the intervention presented with several advantages compared to other mindfulness experiences including reduced distractions and a sense of safety and privacy. ConclusionsSelf-guided VR mindfulness intervention is feasible and acceptable to patients and providers. VR mindfulness training provides an immersive experience that uplifts mood and reduces distractions. VR may provide a scaffolding tool to set the stage for deepening mindfulness skills. Results of the present study could inform further development and tailoring for future interventions.

Outcomes of a Remotely Delivered Complementary and Integrative Health Partnered Intervention to Improve Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nonpharmacological interventions for veterans are needed to help them manage chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Complementary and integrative health (CIH) interventions such as Mission Reconnect (MR) seek to provide veterans with the option of a partnered, self-directed intervention that teaches CIH skills remotely to support symptom management. The purpose of this study was to describe the physical, psychological, and social outcomes of a self-directed mobile- and web-based CIH intervention for veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD and their partners and qualitatively examine their MR user experience. A sample of veteran-partner dyads (n=364) were recruited to participate in a mixed methods multisite waitlist control randomized controlled trial to measure physical, psychological, and social outcomes, with pain as the primary outcome and PTSD, depression, stress, sleep, quality of life, and relationships as secondary outcomes. Linear mixed models were constructed for primary and secondary patient-reported outcomes. The quantitative analysis was triangulated using qualitative interviews from a subsample of dyads (n=35) to examine participants' perceptions of their program experience. Dyads were randomized to 2 groups: intervention (MR; 140/364, 38.5%) and waitlist control (136/364, 37.4%). No significant change was observed in overall pain, sleep, PTSD, quality of life, relationship satisfaction, overall self-compassion, or compassion for others. A significant reduction in pain interference in mood (P=.008) and sleep (P=.008) was observed among the veteran MR group that was not observed in the waitlist control group. We also observed a positive effect of the MR intervention on a reduction in negative affect associated with pain (P=.049), but this effect did not exceed the adjusted significance threshold (P=.01). Significant improvements were also observed for partners in the affection (P=.007) and conflict (P=.001) subdomains of the consensus and satisfaction domains. In contrast to quantitative results, qualitative data indicated that intervention impacts included improved sleep and reduced pain, anxiety, and stress and, in contrast to the survey data, overall improvement in PTSD symptoms and social relationships. Participants' overall impressions of MR highlight usability and navigation, perceptions on packaging and content, and barriers to and facilitators of MR use. Adjunctive CIH-based modalities can be delivered using web and mobile apps but should be developed and tailored using established best practices. MR may be beneficial for veterans with pain and PTSD and their partners. Further pragmatic trials and implementation efforts are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03593772; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03593772. RR2-10.2196/13666.

Nicotine Vaping Expectancies: Organization and Activation in Memory Based on Vaping Use Patterns.

The prevalence of smoking combustible cigarettes has decreased, but rates of nicotine vaping among adolescents and young adults have increased dramatically. Vaping is associated with acute health problems and exposes users to toxic metals with unknown long-term consequences. Research on factors influencing vaping is needed to inform the development of effective prevention and intervention methods. Nicotine vaping expectancies, or expected effects related to vaping, may be an important target as they can predict vaping behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine nicotine expectancy activation patterns with corresponding nicotine vaping behaviors. Using methods from alcohol expectancy research, we applied a memory model approach to identifying nicotine vaping expectancies and modeling organization and activation patterns concerning the frequency of nicotine vaping. We created a memory model-based nicotine expectancy measure based on information from 200 adolescents in 8th and 12th grades, and college students. Our expectancy measure was completed by a second sample of 862 college students. We mapped expectancies into network format using Individual Differences Scaling (INDSCAL) and we modeled likely paths of expectancy activation using Preference Mapping (PREFMAP). Nonusers primarily emphasized a positive-negative expectancy dimension and were more likely to activate expectancies of negative internal experiences about vaping. Students who vaped nicotine daily or almost daily primarily emphasized an external appearance-internal experience expectancy dimension and were more likely to activate expectancies of negative affect reduction and withdrawal relief. Our results identify specific targets for expectancy-based prevention and intervention methods that have the potential to be as effective as similar approaches to preventing and reducing alcohol use.

The Effects of the Processing of Positive Memories Technique on Posttrauma Affect and Cognitions Among Survivors of Trauma: Protocol for a Daily Diary Study.

The Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) is a promising new treatment approach for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves detailed narration and processing of specific positive autobiographical memories. Indeed, preliminary case-series studies have found reductions in PTSD symptoms, negative affect, and negative cognitions among survivors of trauma who have received PPMT. However, PPMT's effects have not been investigated at the daily level. In this study, we describe the protocol for a study that will examine the daily-level impacts of PPMT in a trauma-exposed, nonclinical community sample. This study uses an innovative research protocol that combines case-series design and daily diary approaches to examine changes in daily affect, daily cognitions, and daily PTSD symptoms pre- and post-PPMT. We hypothesize that at the daily level, in comparison to their own pre-PPMT levels, following the PPMT intervention, participants will report (1) a lower count of endorsed daily PTSD symptoms, (2) increases in daily positive affect and decreases in daily negative affect, (3) increases in positive affect reactivity to daily positive events, and (4) decreases in daily posttrauma cognitions. We are currently recruiting participants (target n=70) from a metroplex in the southwest United States. Following a screening survey, eligible participants complete a preintervention baseline survey, followed by 21 daily surveys in their natural environments. Then, they receive 4 PPMT sessions on a weekly basis. After the conclusion of the PPMT intervention, participants complete a postintervention outcome survey and 21 daily surveys. To compare daily affect, daily cognitions, and daily PTSD symptoms before and after PPMT, we will use the daily diary report data and conduct multilevel random intercepts and slopes linear regression models. Data collection was initiated in March 2022 and is expected to end by June 2024. As of November 28, 2023, a total of 515 participants had consented to the study in the screening phase. No analyses will be conducted until data collection has been completed. Study findings could clarify whether deficits in positive autobiographical memory processes may also characterize PTSD alongside deficits in traumatic memory processes. Furthermore, PPMT could be an additional therapeutic tool for clinicians to help clients reduce posttraumatic distress in their everyday lives. DERR1-10.2196/51838.