Social Appraisal Research Articles

The Differences in Anger Expressions Between Males and Females Among Qassimi Adolescents in the Context of Football Match: A Social Appraisal Perspective

Most studies that focus on studying male and female behavior have not found any gender differences in the expression of anger. Even the claim that men express anger more frequently than women has only been discussed in a few studies. Some studies have found that women express anger more than men or show no gender differences. In this regard, the researcher aimed to explore the gender differences between males and females from a social appraisal perspective in expressing their anger and what males and females use these anger expressions among Qassimi adolescents in the context of football matches. The researcher hypothesises that men and women differ in their social evaluations of expressing and interpreting anger. The present study's findings are significant in exploring the anger expressions used by females and males and their differences in the context of Saudi football matches among Qassimi adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Results from this study were collected using observation and thematic analysis as a research tool to achieve the overall purpose of this study. The results reveal that males were more likely to use violent, bullying, and idiomatic, sarcastic expressions of anger while watching the Saudi football match, specifically in the scene of their favourite team losing, than females. In addition, both male and female participants expressed the extent to which they were aware of social appraisal and the extent of their influence on their actions and words in expressing anger.

Social support and health behaviors of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a moderated mediation model of loneliness and economic income

BackgroundThe literature shows that social support is an important factor influencing health behaviors. This study aimed to explore the relationships and intrinsic pathways of social support, loneliness, economic income, and health behaviors among older adults during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of health behaviors interventions for older adults.MethodsA cluster-random-sampling survey was adopted within two towns in Dongguan, China. Demographic characteristics, social support, loneliness, economic income and health behaviors were measured. The Social Support Appraisals scale (SS-A), the ULS-8 Loneliness Scale, and the Self-rated abilities for health practice scale (SRAHPS) were used to measure social support, loneliness, and health behaviors in older adults, respectively. A moderated mediation model was built to examine the relationships among social support, loneliness, economic income, and health behaviors using the SPSS PROCESS 4.0 macro. We conducted bootstrapping of regression estimates with 5000 samples and a 95% confidence interval.Results621 older adults completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female, accounting for 75.0%, and the average age was 81.11 years (SD = 8.11). The median (interquartile range) of the participants’ average monthly economic income was 800 (500–1000)RMB. The results of the mediation analysis showed that loneliness partly mediated the relationship between social support and health behaviors (B = 0.024, 95%CI: 0.007, 0.042), with the mediating effect accounting for 4.56% of the total effect. The moderation mediation analysis revealed a positive moderating role of economic income in the relationship between social support and loneliness (B = 0.114, 95%CI: 0.054, 0.174). Specifically, the relationship between social support and loneliness was found to be weaker for older adults with a high economic income compared to those with a lower economic income.ConclusionThe provision of enhanced social support and the alleviation of loneliness among older adults during an epidemic can facilitate the development of healthy behaviours, particularly among those who are economically disadvantaged.

Infectious Confidence: Unraveling the Effects of Confidence Contagion on Overfunding in Equity Crowdfunding

Equity crowdfunding campaign overfunding occurs when a campaign generates funds in excess of the funding goal and has hence been touted as the mark of an extraordinarily successful campaign. However, a novel theoretical lens is needed to comprehend funders’ enthusiasm in their support of such campaigns. Building on the extant literature on contagion effect, we constructed a research model that posits confidence contagion invoked by confidence cues embedded in campaign materials as a key driver of overfunding. Our hypotheses were validated in two complementary empirical studies. In Study 1, we manipulated confidence cues in a controlled experiment to verify the activation of confidence contagion at the individual level. Analytical results indicate that individual funders detect self-confidence traits from confidence cues embedded in campaign materials and assimilate the fundraiser’s confidence via a spontaneous social appraisal mechanism. In turn, confidence contagion drives funders to congregate and invest in campaigns. In Study 2, we analyzed a secondary dataset collected from a leading equity crowdfunding platform to discern how confidence contagion drives overfunding at the collective level. By modeling funding activities as a Hawkes process, we derived three key metrics that govern the emergence and magnitude of funding surges. We demonstrated that these metrics of funding surges mediate the impact of confidence cues on the level of overfunding for equity crowdfunding campaigns. The findings from this study could inform future research seeking to untangle the interdependencies between individual and collective mechanisms underlying crowd phenomena, provide strategic guidance to fundraisers interested in promoting the overfunding of their campaigns, and help crowdfunding platforms predict the potential extent of overfunding and advise fundraisers accordingly.

Exploring stigma, shame, and safety behaviours in social anxiety and paranoia amongst people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Social anxiety and paranoia are connected by a shared suspicion framework. Based on cognitive-behavioural approaches, there is evidence for treating social anxiety and psychosis. However, mechanisms underlying the relationship between social anxiety and paranoia remain unclear. To investigate mediators between social anxiety and paranoia in schizophrenia such as negative social appraisals (i.e. stigma or shame; Hypothesis 1), and safety behaviours (i.e. anxious avoidance or in situ safety behaviours; Hypothesis 2). A cross-sectional study was conducted among Asian out-patients with schizophrenia (January-April 2020). Data on social anxiety, paranoia, depression, shame, stigma, anxious avoidance, and in situ behaviours were collected. Associations between social anxiety and paranoia were investigated using linear regressions. Mediation analysis via 10,000 bias-corrected bootstrap samples with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to test the indirect effects (ab) of mediators. Participants (n=113, 59.3% male) with a mean age of 44.2 years were recruited. A linear relationship between social anxiety and paranoia was found. In multiple mediation analyses (co-varying for depression), stigma and shame (Hypothesis 1) did not show any significant indirect effects with ab=.004 (95%CI=-.013, .031) and -.003 (-.023, .017), respectively, whereas in situ behaviours (Hypothesis 2) showed a significant effect with ab=.110 (.038, .201) through the social anxiety-paranoia relationship. Social anxiety and paranoia are positively correlated. In situ safety behaviours fully mediated the social anxiety and paranoia relationship. Targeted interventions focusing on safety behaviours could help reduce paranoia in psychosis. Symptom severity should be measured to help characterise the participants' characteristics.

Predicting psychological well-being based on attitudes toward aging and social support mediated by hope in life

ABSTRACT Given the increasing size and share of older population and the various mental and psychological challenges that individuals face with on the path of life to reach old age, it is crucial to investigate the factors affecting psychological well-being. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict psychological well-being based on attitudes toward aging and social support by meditating on hope in life. This study employed a correlational design with path analysis to explore the relationships between the variables of focus. The sample comprised 468 individuals aged 15 or older residing in Qom, Iran. Participants were recruited randomly using a systematic approach from 2021 to 2022. The participants completed the demographic profile questionnaire, Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Older People Scale, Snyder’s Adult Hope Scale, Vaux et al. Social Support Appraisals Scale, and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests of Spearman’s correlation and the structural equation model in SPSS24 and AMOS24. The hypothesized research model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data (CMIN = 0.424, GFI = 1.000, CFI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.001). Moreover, the variables of attitudes toward aging (β = 0.178, p < .01) and social support (β = 0.366, p < .001) jointly accounted for 19.3% of the variance in hope in life. Additionally, social support (β = 0.356, p < .001) and hope in life (β = 0.214, p < .001) collectively explained 23.6% of the variance in psychological well-being. The mediating role of hope in life in the relationship between attitudes toward aging and social support with individuals’ psychological well-being should be emphasized. Positive education programs appear to be essential for improving attitudes toward aging, increasing hope in life, and ultimately promoting psychological well-being in society.

Going Viral: Sharing of Misinformation by Social Media Influencers

This paper tackles the issue of health and well-being misinformation, the dissemination of false or misleading information related to medical treatments, diseases, mental health, nutrition, exercise or general well-being, propagated by social media influencers. It investigates the virality of misinformation posts by TikTok and Instagram influencers exploring users’ appraisals and their sharing tendencies. Grounded in social influence and cognitive appraisal theories (CAT), three online experimental studies dissect the dynamics of virality, user comments and their effects on perceived deception, parasocial interaction and sharing intent. The results of Study 1 demonstrate heightened post virality reduces perceived deception, fostering stronger parasocial connections and sharing intentions. Conversely, lower virality levels heighten deception perceptions. In Study 2, critical comments are shown to enhance deception in high virality posts. Whereas supportive comments are shown to enhance the indirect effect of low virality posts on sharing intentions, via deception and parasocial interaction. The study contributes by demonstrating how social influence theory and CAT together explain how social media influencer misinformation posts based on their virality and user responses are likely to be shared and what consumer appraisals explain this effect. It provides directions of how marketers can tackle this issue.

Development and validation of two shortened anxiety sensitive index-3 scales based on item response theory

Anxiety sensitivity refers to an individual’s belief that anxiety symptoms adversely affect physical, cognitive, and social appraisals, thereby exacerbating the fear of these symptoms. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) has been widely used to measure anxiety sensitivity. To provide researchers with more flexibility in selecting scale lengths, this study developed two shortened versions of the ASI-3 via item response theory analysis: one containing 12 items and the other containing six items. Given the overall good quality of the original scale, this study primarily achieved scale shortening by retaining items that could provide a substantial amount of item information, namely, items of high measurement precision. Compared to the original scale, the two shortened versions demonstrate good reliability while maintaining the same three-dimensional latent structure, robust inter-construct relationships, and highly correlated latent traits.

Gendered implications for climate change adaptation among farmers in Madagascar

ABSTRACT Climate change is impacting farmers worldwide; none more so than the millions of smallholder farmers who rely entirely on rain-fed agriculture. Adapting agricultural practices is an important strategy to mitigate climate change’s harmful impacts to food security and livelihoods. Researchers have increasingly sought to understand the factors influencing farmer decision-making on adaptation practices but application of important theories in low-income country contexts is lacking. Therefore, we apply the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to examine farmer intention to adopt agricultural practices in response to climate change based on a survey of 328 smallholder farmers in rural Madagascar. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) to describe the relationship between social connectedness (e.g., interactions with others about farming-related issues), PMT constructs (threat and coping appraisal), and intention to adapt agricultural practices to climate change, we find that coping appraisal is a stronger predictor of intention to adapt than threat appraisal. Further, SEM results show a significant negative relationship between social connectedness and threat appraisal – farmers with greater social connectedness perceive climate change to be less of a threat. Additionally, as female farmers are significantly less socially connected than male farmers, this study provides further evidence of the gendered vulnerabilities to climate change among smallholders. This research has implications for the design of policies and interventions that consider farmer social networks, critical for reducing threat and building coping capacity, in supporting adaptation to climate change among vulnerable farmer populations.

Does Host-Guest Interaction Stimulate Tourists’ Citizenship Behavior? A Combination of Social Exchange Theory and Cognitive Appraisal Theory

This study delved into the intricate ways in which host-guest interaction influences tourist citizenship behavior (TCB), focusing specifically on two key dimensions: interaction quantity and interaction quality. By drawing on social exchange theory and cognitive appraisal theory, we constructed an integrated model that illustrates the relationship between host-guest interaction and TCB, with experiential value and place attachment serving as mediating factors. Our data were gathered from 499 visitors to Mount Taishan national forest park, and the analysis was conducted using Spss and Amos software. The results revealed that the quality of host-guest interaction has a significant and positive influence on tourists’ overall experiential value, which in turn fosters TCB. Additionally, the evaluation of experiential value triggers a deeper sense of place attachment among tourists towards the destination, further encouraging TCB. The quantity of host-guest interaction did not exert a significant influence on tourist citizenship behavior. These findings offer practical insights for destinations seeking to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability by optimizing host-guest interactions.

Objectivity, Criticism and Dialogue

Abstract This article critically evaluates the idea that the division between objectivity and subjectivity can illuminate the relationship between social scientific and lay perspectives on the social world. It examines a conceptualization which associates objectivity with a grasp of the features of the object of investigation and associates subjectivity with the potential for lay actors to suffer from misapprehensions. The article explores how this division is used in critical social science, such that the critical perspective of the sociologist is seen as objective, whereas the perspectives of lay actors are seen as subjective and always potentially problematic. The article explores Michael Burawoy’s analysis of objectivity and subjectivity within the context of a critical social scientific appraisal of the labour process. Contrary to Burawoy’s approach, this article postulates that a meaningful dialogue between sociologists and lay actors can only be achieved if the objectivity of social scientific accounts is not assumed.

Factors influencing marine ecological environment governance toward sustainability: a case study of Zhejiang Province

At present, the marine ecological environment is facing enormous pressure from human activities, and there is an urgent need for coordinated governance by multiple entities to ensure that the marine ecological environment can continuously meet the needs of sustainable development. Marine ecological environmental governance plays multiple roles in the sustainable development of the ocean characteristics. Most existing studies have explored this field from the perspective of the government and public, while failing to adequately account for the factors influencing enterprises’ participation in marine ecological environmental governance. This paper is an effort to provide some empirical research on the influencing factors of enterprises’ participation in marine ecological environmental governance. Based on existing literature, empirical research (213 middle managers were surveyed from 68 coastal enterprises in Zhejiang, China), this study extracts eight core factors that influence corporate participation in marine ecosystems and uses the Fuzzy Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory approach (Fuzzy DEMATEL). Furthermore, experts from Chinese backgrounds elucidated the complex interdependencies among the factors, based on which key influencing factors were identified. The empirical results indicate that government attention and support, legal and regulatory requirements, and cost-benefit accounting have a positive net effect on corporate participation in marine ecosystem management; when these factors are improved, they drive improvements in other factors(Corporate Capital Capability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Government Enforcement and Appraisal, The Attention of Corporate Leaders, Corporate Internal Management System). Additionally, interviews with Chinese business people support the robustness of the findings and suggest that policymakers cannot ignore government enforcement and assessment efforts. Overall, the study findings can help advance corporate participation in marine environmental governance.

Contextual and individual factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in deprived 12-year-old schoolchildren: A cohort study.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among children and adolescents have been acknowledged as of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between contextual and individual characteristics and TDIs in 12-year-old schoolchildren. A cohort study was conducted with 355 schoolchildren living in deprived communities in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Contextual factors (place of residence and socio-economic indicators) and individual characteristics, including sex, family income, parents/guardians years of schooling, overjet and open bite (Dental Aesthetic Index), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), sense of coherence (Sense of Coherence Scale), oral health beliefs, social support (Social Support Appraisals) were assessed at baseline. TDIs were measured at baseline and at 2-year follow-up using the O'Brien Index. Data were analysed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The baseline prevalence of TDIs was 17.6% and the incidence of TDIs at 2-year follow-up was 26.8%. Better psychosocial status had a direct protective effect on the incidence of TDIs (β = -.184). Better contextual characteristics (β = -.135) and greater overjet (β = -.203) were directly associated with poor psychosocial status. Higher schooling of parents/guardians directly predicted better psychosocial status (β = .154). Psychosocial status mediated the relationship of greater overjet (β = .036), contextual factors (β = .024) and parental/guardian schooling (β = -.027) with TDIs. Contextual factors and individual characteristics predicted TDIs. Psychosocial status was a relevant individual attribute in the causal network of TDIs, due to the direct effect on the incidence of TDIs as well as a mediator on the influence of contextual factors, overjet and parents/guardians schooling on the incidence of TDIs.

Changing the narrative: Loneliness as a social justice issue

AbstractLoneliness is most often understood as resulting from individual deficits that shape poor social engagement and unsatisfying interactions. As a consequence, interventions to address loneliness most often focus on fixing the lonely individual, for example, by modifying their social appraisals and skills, or encouraging them to get out more. In this paper, we characterize and contribute to changing this dominant narrative by arguing that it is both unhelpful and incomplete. We explain that this dominant narrative (1) increases loneliness and makes people feel worse about this experience, (2) does not account for important predictors of loneliness, (3) guides us to interventions that do not produce sufficiently effective or sustainable change, and (4) hinders broader understandings of the societal impact of loneliness. In this way, we argue that the dominant narrative around loneliness contributes to further setting those who feel lonely apart from the rest of society. We propose that attention to individual factors needs to be complemented by the acknowledgement that loneliness is heavily determined by social and structural conditions that render it unequally distributed in society, a situation that qualifies loneliness as a social justice issue.

Development of an intervention for reducing infant bathing frequency.

Bathing babies less frequently and intensively in the first six months of life may prevent eczema, but this has not yet been definitively tested in a randomised controlled trial. Such a trial would require evidence-based support to help parents engage with a minimal bathing routine. The present study reports the development of this support. We adopted a four-stage design process: (i) Pregnant women and their families (n = 31) were interviewed to ascertain key barriers and facilitators towards following the minimal bathing intervention. (ii) These barriers and facilitators were mapped to behaviour change techniques, focussing on the intervention types of education, persuasion and environmental restructuring, alongside appropriate modes of delivery, and prototype intervention materials were developed. (iii) We iteratively refined these materials in a workshop with multidisciplinary experts and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) representatives (n = 13) and an (iv) intervention walkthrough with families (n = 5). The design process was informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel, Theoretical framework of acceptability and the Template for intervention description and replication. Social influences and motivational factors are likely to influence both uptake and adherence to the intervention. Anticipated emotional reward from participating in research for the benefit of others was indicated to be a strong facilitator for intervention uptake. Alternatives to bathing, having fun with the baby and the night-time routine, alongside family support, were notable facilitators suggested to aid adherence to the intervention. Barriers included hygiene concerns and anticipated negative social appraisal. Barriers and facilitators were mapped to thirty-six behaviour change techniques, focussing on the intervention types of education, persuasion and environmental restructuring, all of which were embedded into the package of support. The prototype intervention materials received positive feedback from the expert workshop and study walkthrough with families. The final package of support comprises printed and digital prompts and cues, a study booklet, video, and digital tool for self-monitoring. The intervention design process incorporated the 'real world' views and experiences of families, experts and PPIE representatives, alongside criteria for designing behavioural interventions. The effectiveness of the package of support will be tested in a feasibility trial and embedded process evaluation.

Residents’ emotional and behavioral responses to visiting Maras (Varosha) as a dark tourism spot

ABSTRACT Drawing upon evolutionary explanations of emotions and social appraisal theory, the present study investigated the emotional and behavioral responses exhibited by residents of Varosha during their visits to this specific dark tourism destination located in Famagusta, North Cyprus. To accomplish this objective, a qualitative research design was employed, involving interviews conducted with a select group of these residents. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was developed. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, the researchers proposed a framework that delineates four sequential stages encompassing background emotions, pre-visit emotions, emotions experienced during the visit, and subsequent behavioral outcomes. Furthermore, various external factors prevalent within society that influence the emotional and behavioral outcomes of the residents were also identified. The findings of this study demonstrated that dark tourism sites possess the potential to symbolize notions of peace, hope, and interdependent relationships, and serve as a vehicle for educating future generations about past acts of inhumanity.

Leveraging adversity during pandemics: the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals of self and others in mental health outcomes among students

Researchers have paid limited attention to the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals in conferring resilience. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of positive appraisals of problem-solving ability and social support on mental health outcomes. A random sample of students at a university in South Africa ( n = 322) participated in the study. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mediation analysis found that problem-solving appraisal and social support jointly and separately mediated the effects of perceived stress on hopelessness. The combined effect of social support and problem-solving appraisal on life satisfaction was significant; however, only social support was found to mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that adaptive appraisals of self and others are potential sources of resilience that can buffer individuals from the adverse impact of stressful life events.

Can traditional festivals held during pandemics induce happiness for residents? Testing four alternative models

This study highlights areas of importance for psychological well-being in the pandemic era, aiming to explain how participants psychological well-being can be enhanced through traditional festival events, and further analyzes the impact of the antecedents of psychological well-being. Data were collected from the racers in the 2021 Macau International Dragon Boat Race using online panels (n = 356). Four alternative models were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that the restorative quality of a traditional festival is the crucial predictor of psychological well-being, and within the structures of social exchange theory and cognitive appraisal theory, emotional healing and satisfaction are also important components of an individuals' psychological well-being. The results contribute to the design, organization and management of traditional festival events and this will help organizers to improve participants’ psychological well-being and their relationships during a pandemic.

Seeing others suffer and enjoying it? The Model of Individual and Social Appraisals of Misfortunes of others in media reception.

Suffering and misfortunes of other people are often portrayed in the media. Recipients react to these portrayals with different emotions. This article elucidates and clarifies schadenfreude (pleasure at the misfortune of others) and sympathy (feeling concern or sorrow over another person's distress) in media experiences. A thorough literature review provides in-depth insights into the formation of affective dispositions and schadenfreude from various psychological perspectives. This conceptual analysis leads to the "Model of Individual and Social Appraisals of Misfortunes of Others" (MISAM) which first reveals the determining intrapersonal factors within the emotional experience of schadenfreude and sympathy. Second, it discloses the social component vital for understanding the construction and regulation of these emotions. The model combines individual and social appraisal processes and identifies the factors involved in the elicitation and regulation of schadenfreude and sympathy in the media reception of misfortunes. With the aim of integrating different perspectives, we incorporated Affective Disposition Theory and recent work from social psychology and used an appraisal framework. The MISAM opens the path for further investigation of schadenfreude and sympathy in media reception, beyond entertainment experiences.

Threatened by others or by everything? The effects of momentary and trait loneliness on daily appraisals of social company and being alone in young adults.

Theoretical accounts of loneliness suggest that it may lead to psychopathological consequences by increasing the perception of social threat. However, it is unclear whether the real-life effects of both trait and state loneliness are specific to social situations. To answer this question, two experience sampling studies were conducted with prestratified samples of young adults (18-35) with moderate (Study 1, N = 64) or low and high (Study 2, N = 103) levels of loneliness. Participants were asked to report their emotional states and appraisals of social and nonsocial situations. Multilevel modelling of momentary and time-lagged associations revealed that trait loneliness was associated with less positive (Study 1) and more negative (Study 2) company appraisals. Importantly, in Study 2, trait loneliness was also related to less positive and more negative appraisals of being alone. Momentary loneliness was related to less positive and more negative appraisals of both types and predicted negative social appraisals over time in both studies. In Study 2, time-lagged interaction effects on social appraisals were found between the two levels. The results suggest that in highly lonely individuals, both levels of loneliness may lead to a general negativity bias and have a synergistic effect.

5 Social perception and ability to evaluate sincerity of speech impacted by childhood hemispherectomy

Objective:Hemispherectomy (HE) is a surgical intervention to treat intractable epilepsy. It involves disconnecting or removing the right or left cerebral hemisphere, depending on the location of the pathological substrate or epileptogenic activity. HE impacts neural functions related to social cognition (Fournier et al., 2008). This study investigates the effects of childhood HE on social deception and sarcasm using the Thames Awareness of Social Inferences Task (TASIT; McDonald, Flanagan, &amp; Rollins, 2010) to explore emotion identification and social inference appraisal as adults.Participants and Methods:Fifteen adults with hemispherectomy and 16 neurotypical controls completed the TASIT. All HE patients underwent hemispherectomy (right-HE = 10) during childhood (age of surgery = 3 months to 16 years) and had FSIQ &gt; 70 at the time of study. HE and control groups were matched for age (HE M = 25.7, SD = 5.4; control M = 27.1, SD = 10.7) and education (HE M = 14.0, SD = 1.88; control M = 13.3, SD = 1.8). FSIQ was significantly lower in the HE group than control group (HE M= 90.8, SD = 9.4; control (M = 100.4, SD = 7.1). TASIT uses videotaped vignettes to assess aspects of social perception: emotion recognition (Part 1), social inference regarding sincerity, simple sarcasm, and paradoxical sarcasm (Part 2) and social inference regarding sincerity of speech (lie vs sarcasm) in the presence of additional text or visual cues (Part 3).Results:For Part 1, MANCOVA (covarying FSIQ) found no group difference in emotion identification. Analysis of data from Part 2 was conducted using repeated measures ANCOVA accounting for 2 groups x 3 conditions (sincere, simple sarcasm, and paradoxical sarcasm) and revealed only a significant overall group effect, F (1, 28) = 5.72, p = .024, np2 = .170. Likewise, analysis of Part 3 using repeated measures ANCOVA accounting for 2 groups x 2 cue types (visual, text) and 2 actor intentions (lie, sarcasm) revealed only a significant overall group effect, F (1,28) = 11.35, p = .002, np2 = .288, with no interaction of group by condition.Conclusions:HE patients exhibited no difficulty identifying basic emotional expressions. Performance was significantly impaired when additional social information was added to the context (i.e., detecting sarcasm or deception). HE patients begin to struggle with the complexity of new social information or how it changes the meaning of a conversation. Even simple sarcastic exchanges are difficult to interpret. When a visual or textual cue was introduced to reveal the true state of affairs, HE patients could not could integrate the information into their interpretations of the scenario. There are unique contributions of the left and right hemispheres to cognitive processes for complex social behavior, and absence of an entire hemisphere results in deficits in social language comprehension. Future research should investigate performance differences in left vs. right HE patients.