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No Effects of Verbal Versus Imaginal Cognitive Strategies on Emotional Responses to Aversive Slides

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Harald Merckelbach ,
Arie Dijkstra ,
Peter J. de Jong  and
Peter Muris
Harald Merckelbach
Affiliation:
University of Limburg, The Netherlands
Arie Dijkstra
Affiliation:
University of Limburg, The Netherlands
Peter J. de Jong
Affiliation:
University of Limburg, The Netherlands
Peter Muris
Affiliation:
University of Limburg, The Netherlands
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Abstract

A number of studies have indicated that the right hemisphere is specialized for (negative) emotions. Some authors have suggested that this specialization stems from the cognitive characteristics of this hemisphere. More specifically, the verbal and analytic approach that characterizes left hemisphere functioning would inhibit emotional reactions, whereas the imaginal and global approach that characterizes right hemisphere functioning would facilitate emotional reactivity. The present study examined whether these two cognitive strategies have, indeed, different effects on emotional responsivity. Subjects were exposed to a series of aversive slides. One group (n = 14) was instructed to process the slides in a verbal/analytic manner. The second group (n = 14) employed an imaginal/global strategy while viewing the slides. The third group (n = 14) was a control group that received no explicit instructions. Self-reported emotions, skin conductance responses, heart rate frequency, and eye blink startles were recorded. There were no differences between the three groups with regard to any of these variables. Thus, no evidence was obtained to support the idea that processing modes (i.e., verbal/analytic versus imaginal/global) have a differential impact on emotional reactivity. The implications for theories about lateralization of emotions and for cognitive therapy are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 22 , Issue 3 , July 1994 , pp. 199 - 209
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1994

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