Neuroscience
Difficulties in disengaging attentional resources from self-generated thoughts moderate the link between dysphoria and maladaptive self-referential thinking
Cogn Emot. 2011 Oct 5;
Rochat L, Billieux J, Van der Linden M
Abstract
Negative emotions increase self-focused attention, a core feature of depression and anxiety-related disorders. However, the cognitive mechanisms associated with the tendency to self-focus-and, conversely, with the ability to voluntarily disengage attentional resources from the self and direct them towards the external environment-remain poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether a specific cognitive control mechanism that directs attention between self-generated thoughts and external information might moderate the relationship between dysphoria and maladaptive self-referential thinking. Results showed that dysphoria increases the frequency of rumination, self-blame, and catastrophising, especially for participants who have more difficulty in switching from self-generated thoughts to information provided by the environment. These results shed new light on the cognitive mechanisms underlying maladaptive self-referential thinking associated with dysphoria. More specifically, this specific cognitive mechanism might play a key role in the maintenance or amplification of a depressed mood.
PMID: 21972982 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Neuroscience
Neuropsychology Abstract of the Day: Cognition of Depressed Mood
Difficulties in disengaging attentional resources from self-generated thoughts moderate the link between dysphoria and maladaptive self-referential thinking
Cogn Emot. 2011 Oct 5;
Rochat L, Billieux J, Van der Linden M
Abstract
Negative emotions increase self-focused attention, a core feature of depression and anxiety-related disorders. However, the cognitive mechanisms associated with the tendency to self-focus-and, conversely, with the ability to voluntarily disengage attentional resources from the self and direct them towards the external environment-remain poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether a specific cognitive control mechanism that directs attention between self-generated thoughts and external information might moderate the relationship between dysphoria and maladaptive self-referential thinking. Results showed that dysphoria increases the frequency of rumination, self-blame, and catastrophising, especially for participants who have more difficulty in switching from self-generated thoughts to information provided by the environment. These results shed new light on the cognitive mechanisms underlying maladaptive self-referential thinking associated with dysphoria. More specifically, this specific cognitive mechanism might play a key role in the maintenance or amplification of a depressed mood.
PMID: 21972982 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
- Don't Suppress Negative Thoughts About Yourself
Most of us have those horrible nagging thoughts of self-doubt that begin ‘I wish I weren’t so…’ or ‘I hate that I’m so…’ but apparently the worst thing we can do is push them out of mind. According to Jennifer Borton and Elizabeth Casey...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Apathy In Traumatic Brain Injury
A Multidimensional Approach to Apathy after Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuropsycholology Review 2013 Aug 7; Arnould A, Rochat L, Azouvi P, & Van der Linden MAbstractApathy is commonly described following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is associated with...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Assessment
Variability in performance: Identifying early signs of future cognitive impairment. Neuropsychology. 2012 Jul;26(4):534-540. Authors: Gamaldo AA, An Y, Allaire JC, Kitner-Triolo MH, Zonderman AB. Abstract Objective: The current study examined whether...
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Narrative accounts like this are not common, but still excellent reading for students of neuropsychology: A Mind "Surrounded by a Moat": A First-person Account of Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Cogn Behav Neurol. 2011 Nov 29; Anonymous , Stern...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Mild Cognitive Impairment (mci) And Neuropsychological Testing
Belleville S, Chertkow H, & Gauthier S. Working memory and control of attention in persons with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Neuropsychology. 2007 Jul; 21(4): 458-469. Research CenterInstitut Universitaire de Geriatrie de Montreal,...