Processes of cognitive adaptation, mood, and depressive symptoms: A test of moderation
LE3 .A278 2009
2009
Horvath, Peter
Acadia University
Bachelor of Science
Honours
Psychology
A quasi-experimental design was employed to investigate the self-regulatory aspects of vulnerability for and resistance to negative affect. Validation-seeking, growth-seeking, and cognitive adaptation, were examined as forms of motivational orientations which regulate the evaluation of self-worth, and predict changes in state affect. Participants included 75 undergraduate students (16 male, 59 female) who completed three experimental stages, and were subjected to manipulation to test for response to feedback. Significant interactions between cognitive adaptation, self-determination, and perceived control with feedback predicted decreases in state dysphoria and anxiety. Results were supportive of perceived control and self-determination as mediators and moderators of cognitive adaptation on mental health. These orientations also share similar mechanisms with validation-seeking, thus providing support of validation-seeking as a form of cognitive adaptation.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:627