Effects of self-directed attention on performance and persistence among persons high and low in test anxiety

Carver, Charles S.; Peterson, Linda N.; Follansbee, Donna; Scheier, Michael F.

doi:10.1007/bf01177556

Cited by 121 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Self-focused attention has been found to play a maintaining role in test anxiety. [87] That is, high test-anxious subjects showed deteriorated performance in a self-focus condition (manipulated by a mirror), whereas low test-anxious subjects'' performance improved in the self-focus condition. Similar effects of heightened self-focus are reported in SAD.…”

Section: Is Test Anxiety a Form Of Sad?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Social anxiety disorder: questions and answers for the DSM-V

et al. 2010

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Background: This review evaluates the DSM-IV criteria of social anxiety disorder (SAD), with a focus on the generalized specifier and alternative specifiers, the considerable overlap between the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for SAD and avoidant personality disorder, and developmental issues. Method: A literature review was conducted, using the validators provided by the DSM-V Spectrum Study Group. This review presents a number of options and preliminary recommendations to be considered for DSM-V. Results/Conclusions: Little supporting evidence was found for the current specifier, generalized SAD. Rather, the symptoms of individuals with SAD appear to fall along a continuum of severity based on the number of fears. Available evidence suggested the utility of a specifier indicating a ''predominantly performance'' variety of SAD. A specifier based on ''fear of showing anxiety symptoms'' (e.g., blushing) was considered. However, a tendency to show anxiety symptoms is a core fear in SAD, similar to acting or appearing in a certain way. More research is needed before considering subtyping SAD based on core fears. SAD was found to be a valid diagnosis in children and adolescents. Selective mutism could be considered in part as a young child's avoidance response to social fears. Pervasive test anxiety may belong not only to SAD, but also to generalized anxiety disorder. The data are equivocal regarding whether to consider avoidant personality disorder simply a severe form of SAD. Secondary data analyses, field trials, and validity tests are needed to investigate the recommendations and options. Depression and Anxiety 27:168-189, 2010. Key words: DSM-V; social anxiety disorder; social phobia; subtypes; classification; interpersonal; performance; test anxiety; selective mutism; avoidant personality disorder INTRODUCTIONThis review evaluates several issues pertaining to the diagnostic criteria for social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD) (Table 1), in light of empirical evidence gathered since DSM-IV. The review was guided by questions posed in the DSM-IV Sourcebook (Vol. 2), chapters titled ''Social phobia'' [1] and ''Social phobia subtypes,''[2] a review conducted as part of the DSM-V Stress Induced and Fear Circuitry Disorders Workgroup Conference, titled ''Social Phobia: Towards DSM V, '' [3] by questions posed by the DSM-V Anxiety, OC Spectrum, Posttraumatic, and Dissociative Disorder Work Group and by issues raised by consulted experts and advisors. The main issues to be addressed are the generalized specifier and its alternatives, the overlap with avoidant personality disorder, and developmental issues including the relationship that SAD shows in childhood with selective mutism (SM) and test anxiety. STATEMENT OF THE ISSUESThis review addresses the following questions, using the validators provided by the DSM-V Task Force: (1) What is the evidence/utility of the DSM-IV generalized specifier? If there is insufficient evidence/utility for a generalized specifier, what is the utility/evidence for alternative sub...

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Section: Is Test Anxiety a Form Of Sad?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Social anxiety disorder: questions and answers for the DSM-V

et al. 2010

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“…This person' s attention is focused on perceived deficits, salient doubts, and the possible larger ramifications of being unable to proceed toward his or her goal. In many ways, this conceptualization parallels that used in research on test anxiety suggesting facilitation occurs for individuals if their expectancies are favorable (Carver, Peterson, Follansbee, & Scheier, 1983;Rich & Woolever, 1992). That is, subjects about to take a test are all equally physiologically aroused.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Yet, from a self-regulatory framework, self-focus is implicit in task focus (Carver, Blaney, & Scheier. 1979;Scheier & Carver, 1983). That is, in order to monitor behavior in task performance, one must be focused on oneself.…”

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confidence: 99%

The Effects of False Physiological Feedback on Sexual Arousal in Sexually Dysfunctional and Functional Males

Stone¹

1999

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According to a recent model of psychogenic erectile dysfunction (Sbrocco & Barlow, 1996), dysfunctional performance results from focusing on negative outcome expectancy and low confidence following a discrepancy between expected and actual performance. The purpose of the current study was to manipulate the experience of sexually functional and dysfunctional males to produce a discrepancy between expected and actual performance. Fifty-six sexually functional and 57 sexually dysfunctional men were assigned to one of four groups (negative feedback, neutral feedback. inflated feedback, or no feedback). Penile tumescence was recorded while viewing two 5-minute erotic videotapes. All participants viewed film 1 without feedback. Next. the feedback subjects were told the average score for an erection and were asked to predict the score they would receive during film 2 and how confident they were. While viewing film 2, the negative feedback group received feedback that their scores were below their prediction, the neutral feedback group received feedback that their scores were what they predicted. and the inflated feedback group was shown their scores were higher than predicted. After film 2, they were again asked to predict their scores on a subsequent (bogus) film and rate their confidence.Contrary to the Sbrocco and Barlow model, positive feedback decreased tumescence for both the dysfunctionals and functionals. This occurred. despite an increase in expectancy, confidence, and self-reported arousal. Also in contrast with the Sbrocco and Barlow model, ii negative feedback resulted in decreased outcome expectancy but did not induce a change in tumescence for the dysfunctionals. Finally, negative feedback unexpectedly resulted in decreased tumescence for the functionals.The only variable that predicted changes in tumescence was the self-reported level of surprise concerning the feedback. For both the dysfunctionals and functionals, the feedback groups that experienced a decrease in tumescence were more surprised by the feedback than the groups that experienced no change in tumescence.In conclusion, the present study found that positive expectations for and confidence in functional sexual performance may be necessary but not sufficient factors for successful tumescence. Positive outcome expectancies and confidence may only be useful if the man is not surprised by his performance. LIST OF FIGURESCross section of male pelvic region and cross section of penis Barlow's (1986Barlow's ( , 1988 model of sexual dysfunction Barlow, Sakheim, and Beck's (1983) shock threat paradigm Abrahamson, Barlow, Sakheim, Beck, and Athanasiou's (1985) What we do know is that a sexual situation involves the integration of information from various sensory modalities and sources. Information is internally and externally generated and cognitively processed in order to produce a sexual response. Obtaining and maintaining an erection is a complex process that requires not only normal physiological responding, but also functional cognitive a...

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“…Além disso, o uso moderado de estratégias de evitamento, que normalmente é visto como inadequado, contribui para o ajustamento psicológico, ajudando a minimizar estímulos angustiantes após experiências traumáticas. No entanto, a manutenção prolongada de evitamento pode levar ao aumento do sofrimento e pode impedir o uso de outras estratégias de coping mais eficazes (Carver et al, 1983;Mattlin et al, 1990).…”

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