PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT OF THE PROCESS OF PERSPECTIVE SHIFT IN THE MENTAL IMAGERY OF TEST ANXIETY

Abstract

Research on the relative effects of imagining an event from a field vs. observer perspective on emotional experience has mostly relied on the subjective and retrospective self-reports. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of the process of perspective shift on the experience of test anxiety by using physiological responses. Forty seven participants were asked to imagine themselves in a test anxiety situation. Once the original perspective (field or observer) was established, they shifted to the other perspective and then back to the original one. Results indicated that heart rate decreased significantly when those starting with a field perspective shifted to an observer perspective and increased significantly when shifted back to the field perspective. Investigation of the relative effects of perspective shift in high vs. low groups in emotional dispositions might further advance understanding whether perspective adherence might be considered as a legitimate trait.

Keywords: Mental imagery; imagery perspective; physiological measures; test anxiety

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