The Role of Attentional Bias on the Relationship between Rumination and Anxiety: A Modified Dot Probe Task Investigation

Graham, Lucy (2023) The Role of Attentional Bias on the Relationship between Rumination and Anxiety: A Modified Dot Probe Task Investigation. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Objectives: Recent literature has been interested in examining the relationship between rumination and its associations to anxiety. Likewise, research has suggested cognitive functions, particularly attentional biases to impact this relationship however, the evidence is incomplete. The current study utilized a dot probe task measure to examine if negative attentional bias had a mediating impact within the relationship between rumination and anxiety. Method: Data was collected from an online sample of 94 participants, through use of questionnaire measures to examine levels of rumination (brooding and reflective pondering), trait, and state anxiety. Inquisit Web software was used to assess levels of negative emotional biases. The current study employed linear multiple regression analyses and mediational analyses using PROCESS macro extension model 7, v4.2. Results: Results indicated brooding to be positively predict both state and trait anxiety while reflective pondering negatively predicted both state and trait anxiety. No mediational impact of negative attentional bias was observed as demonstrated by the insignificant indirect effects. Conclusion: The current study found evidence to support the adaptive qualities of rumination through reflective pondering. Although no mediational effect was observed, future research must further examine this whilst focusing on reliable attentional bias measures.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mothersill, David UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2023 11:48
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2023 11:48
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6702

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