Hanna Brycz

Effects of Information Content and Evaluative Extremity on Positivity and Negativity Biases

This article extends models that assume that the integration of mixed (positive and negative) information results in a negativity bias in the morality domain but a positivity bias in the competence domain. Using functional analysis, this study predicted a positivity bias for moderately evaluated information and a negativity bias for extremely evaluated information. Content domain (competence vs. morality) and evaluative extremity produced main effects in a 2 x 2 experiment where 108 Ss were provided with descriptions of negative and positive behaviors of fictitious targets. As expected, the negativity effect in the morality domain was strong for extremely evaluated information but weak or nonexistent for moderately evaluated information. In contrast, the positivity effect in the competence domain was stronger for moderately than for extremely evaluated information. We suggest that positive and negative evaluations serve as approach and avoidance cues in interpersonal perception.

CROSS-CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN METACOGNITIVE SELF

Th e main aim of this study is to investigate the diff erences between levels of metacognitive self among cul- tural groups. Metacognitive self is a new concept meaning the level of insight into own biases. We focus on individual versus collective societies as well as the core characteristics of the metacognitive self. Our results indicate better self - insight among collectivistic nations such as Vietnam, Japan, China and India in comparison to individualistic countries (USA, England, Spain). We also studied the level of meta- cognitive self among participants from Poland, the country undergoing socio - economic transition from collectivistic to individualistic society. Future studies should expand the investigation to include more collectivistic and individualis- tic nations, and countries undergoing transitions.

Construct and Concurrent Validity of the Positive Metacognitions and Positive Meta-Emotions Questionnaire in the Polish Population:

The Positive Metacognitions and Positive Meta-Emotions Questionnaire (PMCEQ) of Beer and Moneta measures adaptive metacognitive beliefs when facing challenging situations. The psychometric properties of a Polish version of the PMCEQ are reported. The cultural adaptation of the instrument was conducted in a representative sample of adult Poles (n = 600). The original three-factor structure of the PMCEQ was corroborated by confirmatory factor analysis. Further psychometric analyses indicated that the instrument produces valid and reliable measurements of adaptive metacognitive beliefs in the Polish population.

The Role of Motivation to Reduce Obesity among Elderly People: Response to Priming Temptation in Obese Individuals

The risk of obesity-related disorders is increased among the elderly, so changing eating habits can be an important element of prevention. The main aim of this article is to consider whether looking at pictures that present either fattening food or healthy food may motivate elderly people to change their nutrition habits. Might priming different kinds of food influence the attractiveness of the food for people in late adulthood undergoing obesity therapy? Based on priming theories, we analysed the effects of the conscious processing of stimuli associated with dietary habits in individuals aged with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Our experiments confirmed the influence of a higher-priority goal of “slimming” on the perception and internalization of nutrition-related stimuli. In response to such stimuli, individuals who are actively involved in weight reduction and health-oriented programs use strategies for resisting temptation and to effectively “slim”. We present our findings in the context of their theoretical background and practical application.