Abstracts Category : Other

Processing Mode and Vantage Perspective: Understanding their Relationship in Depression

by Ly Huynh

Depressed individuals possess tendencies to engage in abstract ruminative processing and to recall emotional material from an observer perspective, which have both been associated with decreased emotional intensity and negative outcomes. In comparison, there is evidence that concrete processing and adopting a field perspective are adaptive responses. This thesis investigated the relationship between processing mode and vantage perspective in the context of depression in order to inform and improve treatments for depression. Studies 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b examined the relationship between processing mode and vantage perspective bidirectionally in high and low dysphoric samples. A unidirectional relationship was found, whereby processing mode causally influences vantage perspective. Study 3 examined the relationship between abstract processing and adopting an observer perspective in negative and positive memories and imagined future events. Abstract processing was positively associated with adopting an observer perspective for positive memories only. Accordingly, Study 4 examined the relationship between observer recall of positive memories and a range of cognitive processes that influence the experience of positive affect. Observer recall of positive memories was positively associated with anhedonia. In combination, these findings suggest that abstract processing of a positive memory is associated with recalling that memory from an observer perspective, which may contribute to a general deficit in positive affect. Building on prior findings, Studies 5a and 5b examined whether inducing concrete processing while instructing participants to shift from observer to field recall of a positive memory would increase memory-related positive affect. In Study 5a, emotional intensity and positive mood increased after this manipulation, but did not change in a control condition consisting of an observer to field perspective shift only. In Study 5b, the active condition increased positive mood in a number of clinically depressed individuals. These studies indicate that it is possible to address the decreased positive affect associated with abstract processing and observer recall of positive memories by inducing concrete processing alongside field recall. Thus, this thesis provides an initial indication that targeting observer recall of positive memories may make an important contribution towards ameliorating depressed individuals deficit in experiencing positive affect.Advisors/Committee Members: Moulds, Michelle, Psychology, Faculty of Science, UNSW.