The effects of mindfulness, fear-inducing stimuli, and fear of emotion on avoidance behavior
by Fritz, Elisabeth C., M.A., AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, 2011, 53 pages; 1491385

Abstract:

Previous research has shown that those with PTSD may fear their emotions, which in turn may increase avoidance behavior and help to maintain PTSD symptoms. The current study used an analogue laboratory design to investigate whether engaging in a brief mindfulness induction may result in decreased avoidance behavior following a fear-inducing stimulus. Undergraduate students were randomly assigned to listen to a brief mindfulness induction (or control) and were then shown a fear-inducing or neutral film clip. Avoidance behavior was measured by likelihood of quitting and persistence length on a frustrating math task. Of those participants watching the fear-inducing film clip, those in the mindfulness group persisted longer and were less likely to quit the frustrating task than those in the control audio group. Contrary to predictions, there was no significant effect of reported fear of emotion on avoidance behavior. Limitations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.

 
AdviserAnthony H. Ahrens
SchoolAMERICAN UNIVERSITY
SourceMAI/ 49-05, p. , May 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsBehavioral sciences; Clinical psychology
Publication Number1491385
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1491385
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.