Perceptual consequences of an illness-concern induction and its relation to hypochondriacal tendencies.

Full Abstract

This article examines the perceptual consequences of activating illness concern as a function of hypochondriacal tendencies. In 2 independent samples, hypochondriacal tendencies were associated with slower reaction times on a modified emotional Stroop task when the stimulus words were illness related, but only when illness concern was activated. Moreover, these findings emerged when hypochondriacal tendencies were defined as a sensitivity to bodily sensations. When defined as illness preoccupation and fear, hypochondriacal tendencies were associated with a generalized pattern of perseveration to all stimuli when health concern was activated. Finally, the results persisted even after statistically controlling for state anxiety. Findings are discussed within the context of an activation hypothesis and highlight the importance of the operational definition and assessment of hypochondriacal tendencies when examining perceptual biases.

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Author information

Author/s: Lecci, Len (L); Cohen, Dale J (DJ);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 28403-5612, USA. leccil(-atsign-)uncwil.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association (Health Psychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Mar; vol 21 (issue 2) : pp 147-56

Dates: Created 2002/04/12; Completed 2002/10/16; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 11950105, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Female
Humans
Hypochondriasis - psychology

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