| 271. |
- Kjell, Oscar N. E., et al.
(författare)
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Semantic Similarity Scales: Using Semantic Similarity Scales to Measure Depression and Worry
- 2020
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Ingår i: Statistical Semantics - Methods and Applications. Sikström, Sverker, Garcia, Danilo (Eds.). - Cham, Switzerland : Springer. - 9783030372491 ; , s. 53-72
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This chapter describes how semantic representations based on Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA; Landauer & Dumais, 1997) may be used to measure the semantic similarity between two words, sets of words or texts. Whereas Nielsen and Hansen describe how to create semantic representations in chapters 2 and 3; this chapter focuses on describing how these may be used in research to estimate how similar words/texts are in meaning as well as testing whether two sets of words statistically differ. This approach may be used to detect in and/or between group differences in an experimental design. First, we describe how a single word’s semantic representation may be added together to describe the meaning of several words or an entire text. Second, we discuss how to measure semantic similarity using cosine of the angle of the words’ position in the semantic space. Third, we describe how this procedure of text quantification makes it possible for researchers to use common statistical tests (e.g., semantic t-test) for investigating, for example, differences between freely generated narratives among. Lastly, we carry out a research study building on studies by Kjell, Kjell, Garcia and Sikström (2018) that demonstrated that semantic similarity scales may be used to measure, differentiate and describe psychological constructs, including depression and worry, independent from traditional numerical rating scales.
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| 272. |
- Kjell, Oscar, et al.
(författare)
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Semantic Measures: Using Natural Language Processing to Measure, Differentiate and Describe Psychological Constructs
- 2019
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Ingår i: Psychological Methods. - : American Psychological Association (APA). - 1082-989X .- 1939-1463. ; 24:1, s. 95-115
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Psychological constructs, such as emotions, thoughts and attitudes are often measured by asking individuals to reply to questions using closed-ended numerical rating scales. However, when asking people about their state of mind in a natural context (“How are you?”), we receive open-ended answers using words (“fine and happy!”) and not closed-ended answers using numbers (“7”). Nevertheless, to date it has been difficult to objectively quantify responses to open-ended questions. We develop an approach using open-ended questions in which the responses are analyzed using natural language processing (Latent Semantic Analyses). This approach of using open-ended, semantic questions is compared with traditional rating scales in nine studies (N=92-854), including two different study paradigms. The first paradigm requires participants to describe psychological aspects of external stimuli (facial expressions) and the second paradigm involves asking participants to report their subjective well-being and mental health problems. The results demonstrate that the approach using semantic questions yields good statistical properties with competitive, or higher, validity and reliability compared with corresponding numerical rating scales. As these semantic measures are based on natural language and measure, differentiate and describe psychological constructs, they have the potential of complementing and extending traditional rating scales.
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| 273. |
- Kjell, Oscar, et al.
(författare)
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Semantic Quantifications of Word-Associations to ‘Happiness’ Predict Satisfaction — Not Emotional Well-Being
- 2013
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Ingår i: Third World Congress on Positive Psychology. June 27-30, 2013, Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Little is know n about how participants' view of “happiness” relates to their self- reported subjective well-being. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between the cognitive and emotional components of subjective well-being and participants' word-associations to the term “happiness”. Methods: Participants (N=304) completed the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS; a cognitive scale) and the Emotional Well-Being Scales (EWS; an emotional scale), as well as listed the 10 words they relate the most to “Happiness”. Results: A multiple regression analysis between the semantic content of the 10 words (as quantified in 100 dimensions using Latent Semantic Analyses), and SWLS and EWS revealed that the semantic content significantly predicts SWLS scores, (p=0.002, r=0.166) but not positive (p=0.652) or negative (p=0.703) emotion scores. The word “family” was significantly associated with high SWLS scores and “money” with low SWLS scores (Holm's correction). The most common words were: love, family, friends, joy, and money. Conclusions: It appears that cognitive judgments of one's life are meaningfully associated with the semantic word-associations of “happiness” whilst emotional well-being is not. This study has implications for the distinction between cognitive and emotional well-being, further understanding people's view of “happiness” and methodological techniques for research on what constitutes a “healthy mind”.
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| 274. |
- Lanbeck, Niklas, et al.
(författare)
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Implicit attitudes: Quantitative Semantic Misattribution Procedure
- 2020
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Ingår i: Statistical Semantics - Methods and Applications. Sikström, Sverker, Garcia, Danilo (Eds.). - Cham : Springer. - 9783030372491 - 9783030372507 ; , s. 219-236
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Certain mental processes are suggested to exist beyond conscious awareness and control. These processes have often been categorized as implicit, in contrast to explicit processes, which are readily available to conscious report. Researchers have attempted to measure and assess these implicit processes in a different number of ways. Projective measures, for instance, present ambiguous or unstructured stimuli to respondents, with the assumption that their responses will reveal aspects about their attitudes, personality, and etc. Despite longstanding evidence disfavoring most projective measures, their use in clinical and forensic settings has been remarkably robust . Phrased in terms of modern psychological research, projection might be considered an instance of misattribution, that is, mistaking the source for the effect. People, for example, might misinterpret the transient pleasure of a sunny day as lasting life satisfaction. Such source of confusion is a common feature of events in everyday life; correction to this misattribution demands motivation, awareness, and control of the bias responsible for the misattribution. This complexity makes projective measures hard to design. In the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP, Payne et al. 2005), for example, participants are briefly presented with an ambiguous pictograph (e.g., a Chinese character) preceded by a prime (e.g., photos of Black or White people). Participants are then asked to rate the pleasantness of the pictograph—the assumption in this paradigm is that evaluations of how pleasant the pictograph is perceived to be, are influenced by the individual’s automatic affective reactions that s/he has towards the prime. Despite the fact that the AMP is easily administered, shows good internal consistency, and has demonstrated reliable effects both between groups and in individual score differences; prime-congruent semantic concepts may be activated in working memory and, rather than affective reactions, the valence of these semantic concepts guide the evaluations of the target, that is, the pictograph (Blaison et al. 2012). Even if this semantic route is not the primary mediator, semantic processing is likely to be involved in evaluative responses, or at least, influence the processes leading to them (Storbeck and Clore 2007). Here, we studied misattributions using the AMP by examining freely generated words, which were quantified using natural language processing to investigate whether the semantic content was influenced by the manipulations. We labeled this method Quantitative Semantic Misattribution Procedure (QSMP). More specifically, in the present study we measured implicit attitudes caused by Black and White faces (i.e., primes) on the semantic content of explicit verbal responses to Chinese characters. Since verbal responding relies on both highly automated implicit processes and consciously reportable explicit execution, quantitative semantics allows for studying both implicit and explicit processes. We showed that the semantic representation of participants' verbal responses was significantly different for black and white primes in the un-warned but not the warned group and that the semantically expressed valence was equal for black and white face primes, whereas black target faces had higher semantic valence than white. Clearly, the QSMP can be used to study evaluative and non-evaluative influence of racial attitudes.
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| 275. |
- Lester, Nigel, et al.
(författare)
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The genetic and environmental structure of the character sub-scales of the temperament and character inventory in adolescence.
- 2016
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Ingår i: Annals of General Psychiatry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1744-859X. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The character higher order scales (self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence) in the temperament and character inventory are important general measures of health and well-being [Mens Sana Monograph 11:16-24 (2013)]. Recent research has found suggestive evidence of common environmental influence on the development of these character traits during adolescence. The present article expands earlier research by focusing on the internal consistency and the etiology of traits measured by the lower order sub-scales of the character traits in adolescence.METHODS: The twin modeling analysis of 423 monozygotic pairs and 408 same sex dizygotic pairs estimated additive genetics (A), common environmental (C), and non-shared environmental (E) influences on twin resemblance. All twins were part of the on-going longitudinal Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS).RESULTS: The twin modeling analysis suggested a common environmental contribution for two out of five self-directedness sub-scales (0.14 and 0.23), for three out of five cooperativeness sub-scales (0.07-0.17), and for all three self-transcendence sub-scales (0.10-0.12).CONCLUSION: The genetic structure at the level of the character lower order sub-scales in adolescents shows that the proportion of the shared environmental component varies in the trait of self-directedness and in the trait of cooperativeness, while it is relatively stable across the components of self-transcendence. The presence of this unique shared environmental effect in adolescence has implications for understanding the relative importance of interventions and treatment strategies aimed at promoting overall maturation of character, mental health, and well-being during this period of the life span.
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| 276. |
- Lindskär, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Affective Profiles’ Motivation to Exercise, Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise, and Propensity to Exercise During a Six-Month Period
- 2015
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Ingår i: 4th World Congress on Positive Psychology. Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA..
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Conceptualizing affect as a two system model leads to four profiles: self-fulfilling (high positive affect, low negative affect); high affective (high positive affect, high negative affect); low affective (low positive affect, low negative affect); and self-destructive (low positive affect, high negative affect). Using this model as the framework, we investigated 158 individuals’ training frequency for six months back in time (electronically measured) and its relation to motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2) and basic psychological needs (Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale). Training frequency was not significantly different between profiles. The self-destructive profile’s training motivation was regulated by cohesions from the environment (e.g., “I train because other people say I should”) and both guiltiness (e.g., “I feel guilty when I don’t exercise”) and ability to manage the training program (i.e., competence) predicted their exercise frequency during the six months. The self-fulfilling profile scored higher in all basic psychological needs: autonomy (i.e., feeling training was their own choice), competence (i.e., being able to manage the training program), and relatedness (i.e., feeling comfortable with other people at the gym). Nevertheless, feeling social relatedness at the gym was associated to less frequent exercise for individuals with a high affective profile.
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| 277. |
- Lindskär, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Agency (Self-directedness), Communion (Cooperativeness), and the Positivity Ratio (Empowerment)
- 2014
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Ingår i: 26th Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention. San Francisco, California, USA.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: On basis of the Broaden-and-Build Theory (Fredrickson, 1998), which posits that the function of positive emotions is to build an individual’s resources for survival and well-being, Barbara Fredrickson developed the notion of a positivity ratio (Fredrickson & Losada, 2005). “Flourishing”, which according to Fredrickson goes beyond being happy in that it encompasses both feeling good and doing good, is suggested to be a function of high positivity ratios—a higher rate of positive emotions in comparison to negative emotions (see also Cloninger 2014, 2013). The mathematical basis of a potential flourishing-nonflourishing positivity ratio tipping point has recently been criticized (Brown, Sokal & Friedman, 2013). Nevertheless, Fredrickson has argued that even when the mathematics behind a “magical” precise ratio seem unfounded, higher positivity ratios are predictive of flourishing mental health and other beneficial outcomes (Fredrickson, 2013). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between positivity ratios and agency (e.g., being autonomous, responsible, and having self-control) and communion (e.g., showing empathy, helping behavior, and social tolerance). Method: A total of 439 adolescents (age mean = 17.03, sd = 2.77) participated in the study. Agency and communion were operationalized using the Temperament and Character Inventory (i.e., the character scales Self-directedness and Cooperativeness; Cloninger, Svrakic & Przybeck, 1993) and affect was assessed through the Positive Affect, Negative Affect Schedule (Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988). The Self-directedness and Cooperativeness scores were summarized to form a well-being measure (a composite of agency and communion) and then standardized by transforming the raw scores into T-scores, which implies that the mean of the population is 50 and a difference of 10 from the mean indicates a difference of one standard deviation. With regard to the Self-directedness+Cooperativeness composite, 2 standard deviations below the mean (T-score = 30) are suggested as a measure of immaturity (Cloninger, 2004). The positivity ratio was simply calculated by dividing the positive affect score by the negative affect score. Results: Regression analysis showed that the Self-directedness+Cooperativeness composite predicted high scores of positive affect (b = .25, t(428) = 5.34, p <.001), low scores of negative affect (b = -.25, t(428) = -5.35, p <.001), and high positivity ratios (b = .31, t(428) = 6.65, p <.001). Conclusions: We suggest that agency (Self-directedness) and communion (Cooperativeness) present meta-cognitive principles that we, humans, utilize to guide our behavior towards the self and others, to make exceptional alternatives as indicators of well-being and what actually makes life worthwhile and, in addition to flourishing, to the empowerment of the individual with endowment of high positivity ratios.
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| 278. |
- Lindskär, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Health, Well-Being, and Ill-Being among Swedish Long-Term Unemployed
- 2020
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Ingår i: 32nd Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention. Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In Study 1, 34% of Swedish long-term unemployed self-reported health levels in the lowest 15% of the normal population. In Study 2, compared to the normal population, Swedish long-term unemployed scored lower/higher in well-being/ill-being (e.g., 60% had anxiety scores above levels that might need psychiatric care).
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| 279. |
- Lindskär, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Physical Activity Intervention for Newcomers
- 2018
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Ingår i: 30th APS Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a 10-week training program among a small sample of newcomers, mostly originally from Syria. The preliminary results suggest that physical activity increased the sense of meaning and connectedness to society among this sample of newcomers, especially among women.
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| 280. |
- Lindskär, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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The Effect of Physical Exercise Interventions on Character among Asylum Seekers in Sweden
- 2018
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Ingår i: 9th European Conference on Positive Psychology. Budapest, Hungary.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: During 2015, 162,877 people sought asylum in Sweden [1]. The asylum period, which in some cases may last for several years, may impair the physical, mental and social health of individuals, most likely because this period may lead to inactivity; which might increase the effects of trauma or other mental health problems. In this context, physical inactivity is now identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality [2]. For instance, the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden [3] estimates that 20-30% of the asylum seekers and refugees suffer from mental illness. A comprehensive meta-analysis from 2015 shows that physical activity is an intervention associated with significant improvements in mental health [4]. Further, results from cross-sectional studies as well as a literature review show that physical activity is associated with better health and that physical activity may reduce the risk of non-communicable disease and premature death [2]. Despite of all these evidence, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies investigating the effects of training programs on refugee or newcomer populations. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the effect on mental health of a 10-week training program among a small sample of newcomers, mostly originally from Syria. Method: Participants (33 men, 18 women) answered to the Short Character Inventory [5] and the Satisfaction with Life Scale [6] at the start and at the end of the 10-week training program. Results: Self-directedness, Cooperativeness, and Life Satisfaction had neither increased nor decreased after the physical intervention. Self-transcendence, however, had significantly increased after the intervention (F (1,50) = 7.04, p <.05, partial ƞ2 = 0.12, observed power = 0.74). Worth noticing is that this effect was larger among the women who participated in the intervention. Conclusions: Character is defined as individual differences in values, goals and self-conscious emotions and the ability to adapt and self-regulation. Self-transcendence (i.e., the identification with something bigger than oneself, such as, god, nature, all humanity) [7] was the character dimension that increased the most after the intervention, especially among the female newcomers. In other words, the intervention did not have a negative impact on the mental health of the individuals and, although relatively weak, the effect on Self-transcendence is probably of importance in the participants’ lives. Clinical practice shows that there are three different ways that lead to a downward spiral of mental health [8]. One of them is the decrease in or underdevelopment of Self-transcendence, because low Self-transcendence means that the individual feels disconnected from his environment, impatient, judgmental and sees the world without meaning, which means loss of trust. When we catastrophize, or become impatient and judgmental, we are absorbed in struggling with problems and obstacles that we have no control over, as in post-traumatic stress syndrome [7]. Hence, these preliminary results suggest that physical activity increased the sense of meaning and connectedness to society among this sample of newcomers.
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