Physiologic reactivity to racially rejecting images was assessed in 35 young adults (10 males, 25 female) from African-American backgrounds using the startle probe paradigm. In a laboratory setting, participants viewed 16 images depicting racial rejection, racial acceptance, nonracial negative, and nonracial positive themes. While viewing these images, startling bursts of noise were presented and the magnitude of the eyeblink responses were measured. Results supported an attentional mechanism which suggests that, while viewing both racially rejecting and nonracial positive images, individuals may be so absorbed in processing the images that they appear less distracted by the startling noise. However, these patterns were only found for participants low in racial regard. Young adults who felt positively about their racial background did not exhibit differential processing of startle stimuli as a function of slide themes. Race-rejection sensitivity did not moderate startle reactivity. Developmental implications, particularly in light of coping with racial discrimination, are discussed.
Aim of the studyThe present study aimed to determine if there is indeed a relationship between coping flexibility, defined as an ability to use a greater variety of coping strategies, and depression scores in patients suffering from major depressionSubject or material and methodsThe participants of this study were clinical patients undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The sample was taken from the cognitive-behavioural therapy arm of Jacobson’s landmark study (1996, 2008). Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Beck, Rush, Shaw & Emery, 1979), coping strategies were identified using the Coping Patterns Rating Scale (CPRS; Perry, Drapeau, & Dunkley, 2005), and coping flexibility was calculated using Gini’s C concentration measure.ResultsNo significant association was found between flexibility in coping and severity of depression.DiscussionNo correlation was found between BDI scores and flexibility scores, suggesting that coping flexibility is not related to depression severity. However, while flexibility in coping, or lack thereof, is not associated with depression severity, it remains to be seen if decreased flexibility in coping is different in individuals suffering from depression when compared to non-depressed individuals.ConclusionsThe absence of a significant association between coping flexibility and depression severity does to some extent call into question theories about flexibility in mental health, or at the very least, it circumscribes them. While mental illness may be related to increased cognitive and behavioral rigidity, it appears that the severity of the illness is unrelated to rigidity.
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