TY - JOUR
T1 - Perceptual asymmetry for chimeric faces and winter disturbances in mood and behavior
AU - Ennis, Edel
AU - McConville, Christopher
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - Different affective disturbances are related to brain activity, and, thus, to perceptual bias in very specific ways (Keller et al., 2000). During the winter months, approximately 90% of people report lowered levels of mood and increased levels of anxiety to varying degrees (e.g., Magnusson, 2000). The current study examines the relationship between such winter mood disturbances and perceptual asymmetry on the chimeric-face task using a nonclinical sample (38 males and 92 females). Because of the suggested influence of symbolic tight on cognitive processing of seasonal depressives (Bouhuys, Meesters, Jansen, & Bloem, 1994), chimeric faces were presented on both symbolic bright and dark backgrounds. Face processing demonstrated the expected left hemifacial perceptual bias. However, the magnitude of individuals' perceptual bias bore no relation to subjectively reported seasonality, depressed mood, or anxiety. This was regardless of whether the faces were displayed on symbolic bright or dark backgrounds. Methodological factors must be considered. However, results are discussed in terms of the importance of clarifying the distinct nature of the psychological and neurobiological profile associated with winter disturbances in mood, and the possible influences of symbolic light on cognitive processing.
AB - Different affective disturbances are related to brain activity, and, thus, to perceptual bias in very specific ways (Keller et al., 2000). During the winter months, approximately 90% of people report lowered levels of mood and increased levels of anxiety to varying degrees (e.g., Magnusson, 2000). The current study examines the relationship between such winter mood disturbances and perceptual asymmetry on the chimeric-face task using a nonclinical sample (38 males and 92 females). Because of the suggested influence of symbolic tight on cognitive processing of seasonal depressives (Bouhuys, Meesters, Jansen, & Bloem, 1994), chimeric faces were presented on both symbolic bright and dark backgrounds. Face processing demonstrated the expected left hemifacial perceptual bias. However, the magnitude of individuals' perceptual bias bore no relation to subjectively reported seasonality, depressed mood, or anxiety. This was regardless of whether the faces were displayed on symbolic bright or dark backgrounds. Methodological factors must be considered. However, results are discussed in terms of the importance of clarifying the distinct nature of the psychological and neurobiological profile associated with winter disturbances in mood, and the possible influences of symbolic light on cognitive processing.
U2 - 10.1027/1016-9040.12.2.130
DO - 10.1027/1016-9040.12.2.130
M3 - Article
VL - 12
SP - 130
EP - 138
JO - European Psychologist
JF - European Psychologist
SN - 1016-9040
IS - 2
ER -