Dysphoria and self-focused attention: Effects of failure feedback on task performance and goal setting

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kari Eddington (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of dysphoria and self-focused attention (SFA) on task performance and goal adjustment following negative performance feedback. Participants (70dysphoric and 70 nondysphoric) set a performance goal and completed an attention task before and after receiving performance feedback. SFA was induced using mirror exposure in half the sample. Consistent with motivational theories of depression, during the first task the dysphoric participants' response pattern reflected a cautious, vigilant approach. When the task was repeated following negative feedback, all groups improved overall performance, but the dysphoric participants in the low versus high SFA condition showed differential changes in rates of omission errors. An interaction between gender and dysphoria on goal adjustment also was found. Implications for the role of SFA and dysphoria in self-regulation are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology
Language: English
Date: 2012
Keywords
dysphoria, performance feedback, self-focused attention, SFA, self-regulation

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