DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/ESYC-FK45
Defense Date
2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Kirk Warren Brown
Second Advisor
Dr. Joy Hirsch
Third Advisor
Dr. Daniel Berry
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Christopher Reina
Fifth Advisor
Dr. Maureen Mathews
Sixth Advisor
Dr. Jeffrey Green
Abstract
The U.S. continues to show an upward trend in political polarization, perceived as a moral divide between liberal and conservative ideological groups. This moralization of political identity has contributed to the escalation of negative emotions (e.g., fear, anger, and hatred) directed towards political outgroup members. Although negative emotions are potent motivators of political intolerance, these emotions are nevertheless subject to regulation. Mindfulness offers a promising yet understudied emotion regulation strategy which may facilitate open receptivity towards opposing partisans. The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the effects of short-term mindfulness training (MT) vs structurally equivalent Cognitive Reappraisal training (CT) on the regulation of political intergroup negative affect using an ecologically-situated naturalistic neuorimaging paradigm. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neural synchrony effects coupled with emotion reactivity ratings reveal an ostensible pathway for the mindful regulation of negative intergroup emotion.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-11-2022