{"title":"Animal-Assisted Intervention in Dementia: Effects on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and on Caregivers’ Distress Perceptions","authors":"Isabelle Tournier, M. Vives, V. Postal","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000191","url":null,"abstract":"The present work assesses the efficacy of an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program in the reduction of neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with medium to severe dementia. Performed in an Alzheimer’s disease/dementia care unit, the intervention included 11 elderly residents aged 71 to 93 years (mean age = 82.91 years; mean Mini-Mental State Examination score = 7.8/30). Behaviors during the AAT sessions as well as pre/post intervention neuropsychiatric symptoms were examined during this 5-month weekly intervention conducted by an AAT-certified psychologist along with her dog. AAT had a positive effect on total score and caregiver distress score for several neuropsychiatric symptoms (i.e., delusion, depression, disinhibition, euphoria, and aberrant motor activity). Moreover, the ratings of the various behaviors during each session suggest that the beneficial effects of AAT appear during the first few sessions. These results support the notion that regular and long-term AAT sessions are an effective alternative to pharmacological interventions for the reduction of neuropsychiatric symptoms.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"51–58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46011939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Raquel Bertoldo, S. Guignard, L. Dany, T. Apostolidis
{"title":"Health is in the Eye of the Beholder: The Impact of Social Norms on Perceived Health Dispositions","authors":"Raquel Bertoldo, S. Guignard, L. Dany, T. Apostolidis","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000192","url":null,"abstract":"The field of health practices is one in which broader cultural ideologies are expressed as well as one subjected to social regulations legitimized through widely valued and shared standards taken from mundane perceptions. In this research, we investigated how cultural ideologies, here operationalized as social norms, influence people’s perceptions of the state of health and health behavior of others. These perceptions were investigated in two independent studies using impression-management tasks. The participants were asked to judge a target with respect to socially valued characteristics that were not directly related to health: attractiveness (Study 1) and future orientation (Study 2). We found that broader and implicit ideologies indeed had an influence on the participants’ perceptions of the targets’ general state of health and participants’ attributions of health behaviors to the targets. Our results invite a more systematic analysis of the relationships between dominant sets of values and norms and health-related perceptions of others.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"59–70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57225741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hélène Maire, R. Brochard, J. Kop, Vivien Dioux, D. Zagar
{"title":"Effect of Emotions in a Lexical Decision Task: A Diffusion Model Analysis","authors":"Hélène Maire, R. Brochard, J. Kop, Vivien Dioux, D. Zagar","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000193","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000193","url":null,"abstract":"This study measured the effect of emotional states on lexical decision task performance and investigated which underlying components (physiological, attentional orienting, executive, lexical, and/or strategic) are affected. We did this by assessing participants’ performance on a lexical decision task, which they completed before and after an emotional state induction task. The sequence effect, usually produced when participants repeat a task, was significantly smaller in participants who had received one of the three emotion inductions (happiness, sadness, embarrassment) than in control group participants (neutral induction). Using the diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978) to resolve the data into meaningful parameters that correspond to specific psychological components, we found that emotion induction only modulated the parameter reflecting the physiological and/or attentional orienting components, whereas the executive, lexical, and strategic components were not altered. These results suggest that emotional states have an impact on the low-level mechanisms underlying mental chronometric tasks.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"71–79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45926607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Control Beliefs and Dehumanization: Targets with an Internal Locus of Control are Perceived as being More Human than External Targets","authors":"Benoît Testé","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000194","url":null,"abstract":"The present research examined the impact of the expression of internal versus external control beliefs on attributions of humanness. Building on previous findings on the cultural norm of internality and the dehumanization of others in social perceptions, we hypothesized that, in a Western society, an individual’s expression of an internal locus of control (i.e., internality) results in a greater degree of humanization of that individual by others than an individual’s expression of an external locus of control (i.e., externality). Two studies examined the effect of a target’s expression of internality (vs. externality) on the attribution or denial of humanness to that target. We measured the targets’ degree of humanization via the mentalization of each target, assessed using the Mind Attribution Scale, and via attributions of uniquely vs. nonuniquely human characteristics (emotions in Study 1, traits in Study 2). Participants also judged the target’s likability. In line with our hypothesis, the target’s expression of internality (compared to externality) consistently resulted in the participants making stronger attributions of humanness to the target. In addition, covariance analyses showed that the participants ascribed more humanness to targets with an internal than with an external locus of control, independent of the target’s likability.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"81–86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47797020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Cognitive Style on Prospective-Retrospective Memory Slips: Unipolar Approach","authors":"P. Mefoh, Valentine C Ezeh","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000190","url":null,"abstract":"We examined the effect of cognitive style on prospective and retrospective memory slips using the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) and the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). A group of 233 undergraduate students (55% women) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose mean age was 19.66 years (SD = 3.02), participated in this study. Using bivariate linear regression to analyze the data, we found that cognitive style accounted for 7% of the variation in prospective memory slips and 21% of the variation in retrospective memory slips. The findings demonstrated that cognitive style significantly negatively predicted prospective and retrospective memory slips: As field independence increased, prospective and retrospective memory slips decreased.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"43–46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57225729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Relationships Between Social Networks and Mental Health: An Exponential Random Graph Model Approach Among Romanian Adolescents","authors":"S. Baggio, Victorin Luisier, Cristina Vlădescu","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000186","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000186","url":null,"abstract":"Social networks have an important effect on health, and social network analysis has become essential for understanding human behavior and vulnerability. Using exponential random graph models (ERGM), this study explores the associations between mental health and network structure (or more specifically, mental health homophily) and the association between poor mental health and social isolation. Two classes of Romanian adolescents aged 12–14 years participated in the study (n = 26 in each class). We assessed school network, sociodemographic covariates, and mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). ERGM was first used to test the presence of sex and mental health homophily and then to test whether mental health was a predictor of social isolation. The results showed homophily patterns regarding sex and mental health. Moreover, participants with a higher SDQ score had a lower probability of a tie. Overall, this study showed how social networks are structured with different forms of homophily and that adolescents with poor mental health are more likely to be social isolates. Thus, prevention and interventions should focus on these vulnerable adolescents. Methodological advances like ERGM constitute a promising avenue for further research.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"5–11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57226059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychometric Qualities of the Creative Process Engagement Scale in a Malaysian Undergraduate Sample","authors":"Chee-Seng Tan, T. Teo","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000189","url":null,"abstract":"The present study examines the psychometric properties of the Creative Process Engagement Scale (CPES) among Malaysian undergraduates. A total of 377 undergraduates whose ages ranged from 18 to 43 years participated in the study and were presented with the CPES and self-perceived creativity. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the hierarchical four-factor structure of the CPES, which consisted of three first-order factors and one second-order factor. In addition, we found that the CPES has sound internal consistency as well as criterion-related validity. Furthermore, the results of measurement invariance testing supported the hypothesis of equivalent factor loading and intercepts for this hierarchical four-factor structure across gender. Latent mean analysis revealed that female students showed less engagement in creativity-related activities than male students. The findings shed light on the psychometric qualities of the CPES and confirm that the CPES measures involvement in creative activities across gender in undergraduate students.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"35–42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57225680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Memory Self-Efficacy and Memory Performance in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Task Persistence","authors":"Marine Beaudoin, O. Desrichard","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000188","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000188","url":null,"abstract":"The present research examined the role persistence plays in mediating the positive impact of memory self-efficacy (MSE, i.e., one’s confidence in one’s own memory abilities) on older adults’ memory performance. In three studies, 81 to 264 older adults completed an MSE scale and carried out an explicit episodic memory task, during which we recorded their study time as an indicator of task persistence. We found that higher MSE was indirectly related to better memory performance through greater persistence during encoding, as measured by longer study time. Indirect effects were of medium size, with point estimates ranging from 0.64 to 0.85. This mediation effect was independent of factors that could be confounded with study time: chronological age, memory span, prior level of memory performance, episodic memory ability, and use of learning strategies (encoding strategies and self-testing). When confronted with difficult memory tasks, older adults who lack confidence in their memory abilities cease their efforts prematurely, which contributes to a decrease in their performance. Encouraging older adults to persist in the face of difficulties during encoding and retrieval may help alleviate the negative impact of low MSE on memory performance and allow researchers and clinicians to more accurately estimate older adults’ true memory abilities.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"23–33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57225640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Impact of Cosmetic Surgery Advertising on Swiss Women’s Body Image and Attitudes Toward Cosmetic Surgery","authors":"Eleni-Marina Ashikali, H. Dittmar, S. Ayers","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/a000187","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/a000187","url":null,"abstract":"International concern has been expressed about advertising for cosmetic surgery (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons [BAAPS], 2005, 2008). A recent study showed that exposure to such advertising resulted in a more negative body image and attitudes toward surgery among women living in the UK (Ashikali, Dittmar, & Ayers, 2015). This study investigates the impact of cosmetic surgery advertising on women living in Switzerland, a country with relatively little advertising for cosmetic surgery. A group of 145 women (mean age 23.07) were exposed to advertising for cosmetic surgery containing either discount incentives, risk information, no additional information, or to the control condition. Exposure to advertising for cosmetic surgery resulted in increased dissatisfaction with both bodyweight and appearance. Highly materialistic women perceived such surgery as being less beneficial to their image when exposed to advertising for cosmetic surgery as well as when exposed to risk information rather than discount incentives. Moreover, appearance-dissatisfied women considered surgery to a lesser extent when exposed to risk information compared to discount incentives. Our findings highlight the need for research examining the impact of cosmetic surgery media, the content of advertising for cosmetic surgery as well as cultural variability.","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"76 1","pages":"13–21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57226075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Attitudes Toward Gender Equality and Opposition to Muslim Full-Face Veils","authors":"Oriane Sarrasin","doi":"10.1024/1421-0185/A000181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185/A000181","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract. Often presented and perceived as incompatible with Western values, Muslim full-face veils meet strong opposition. Despite antiveil discourses often being based on concerns for gender equality, it is unclear whether those championing the equal treatment of men and women are also those who oppose full-face veils. Through two online studies conducted in French-speaking Switzerland, the present research aims to shed light on the complex relationship between attitudes toward gender equality and reactions to Muslim full-face veils. Study 1 showed that, as expected, people concerned about gender equality were less opposed to the public wearing of full-face veils because they supported Muslim minorities to a greater extent. Study 2 further revealed that people who believed that gender equality could be reached only by being enforced by all means opposed the wearing of full-face veils to a greater extent. Taken together, these results highlight both the complex underpinnings of attitudes toward the Musli...","PeriodicalId":46193,"journal":{"name":"Swiss Journal of Psychology","volume":"75 1","pages":"153-160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2016-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"57225911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}