Testing Contrast Avoidance Model Using a Computer-Based Analysis of Emotional Facial Expressions
Open Access
- Author:
- Kim, Hanjoo
- Graduate Program:
- Psychology
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- May 27, 2020
- Committee Members:
- Michelle Gayle Newman, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Michelle Gayle Newman, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Ginger A Moore, Committee Member
Reginald Adams, Jr., Committee Member
Jennifer Elise Graham-Engeland, Outside Member
Kristin Ann Buss, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- worry
rumination
repetitive negative thinking
contrast avoidance model
emotional facial expression
generalized anxiety disorder
major depressive disorder - Abstract:
- Recent studies suggest that contrast avoidance may function in both worry and rumination. However, the mechanism of contrast avoidance in worry and rumination has only been tested for subjective and physiological experience. Although facial expression is another strong indicator of one’s affective experience, emotional contrast avoidance has never been tested in this regard, and only a few studies have attempted to assess facial expression in the processes of worry and rumination. Advances in computer technology allow a more accurate measurement of facial expression. Using FaceReader, which was developed based on machine learning in artificial neural networks, we tested whether the emotional contrast avoidance phenomenon was found in the processes of worry and rumination. In addition, we also attempted to test whether relaxation enhanced positive emotional contrast. Results showed that sad facial expression in response to rumination supported a Contrast Avoidance Model. Findings of the current study are expected to contribute to better understanding of the underlying mechanism of repetitive negative thought.