bps psychobiology section annual scientific meeting … · introduction: anticipation of...

BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016

1

Oral Abstracts

#6473

Oral Presentation

Weather to Fly: The psychobiological effects of anticipation of a forthcoming skydive

Dr Mark Wetherell, Northumbria University, Mrs Olivia Craw, Northumbria University & Dr

Michael Smith, Northumbria University

Introduction: Anticipation of forthcoming demand is met with psychobiological activation in

preparation for ensuing demands. Skydiving poses a potential threat to life and is therefore

associated with acute up-regulation of psychobiological resources. Skydives are also subject to

short-notice cancellation, thus providing a unique paradigm for assessing the anticipation of

forthcoming demand that may or may not be experienced.

Method: A sample of 24 healthy participants provided saliva samples (cortisol), and measures of

state mood at several time points from awakening until bedtime the day before and day of a

skydive. Participants either took part in the skydive as planned; knew the night before that the

skydive was cancelled; or were unsure of likelihood of the skydive until just before the scheduled

jump.

Results: The skydive led to acute increases in cortisol; levels increased in the lead up to and

peaked 30 minutes following the jump. Diurnal secretion of cortisol was greater on the day of the

skydive compared with the day before, with greatest secretion in those who jumped as planned.

Participants who were still expecting to skydive had greater cortisol levels following awakening

on the day of the skydive, compared with the day before; however, this was not evident in those

who were no longer expecting to jump.

Conclusion: This is the first study to utilise skydiving as a model of anticipation of met and unmet

demand. These data suggest that cortisol helps to mobilise resources in response to threatening

situations. However, increases in cortisol may also provide a preparatory mechanism in

anticipation of a forthcoming challenge and levels may reflect the perception of likelihood of

experiencing that challenge.


2

#6778

Oral Presentation

Using the Cortisol Awakening Response as an objective biomarker of tinnitus distress: A pilot

study

Dr James Jackson, Leeds Trinity University

Objectives: Tinnitus distress is currently diagnosed by means of self-report. However, tinnitus

has a strong comorbidity with depression (Zöger et al., 2006), resulting in negative attentional

bias which confounds diagnosis (Baert et al., 2010). Since Hebert and Luipen (2007) report

blunted cortical reactivity in tinnitus patients and Canlon, Theorell & Hansson, (2013)

suggest they display 'signs of an impaired HPA-axis’ (p.11), it was hypothesised the

cortisol awakening response could provide an objective measure of tinnitus distress to assist

diagnosis.

Design: Tinnitus sufferers and controls matched for age and gender provided salivary samples to

investigate diurnal cortisol activity. Eligibility criteria were used to control for confounding

variables (e.g. smoking).

Method: Twenty individuals with tinnitus were assigned to one of two groups – habituated or

distressed – based on scores from the Tinnitus Functional Index (Miekle et al., 2012).

Additionally, there were ten matched controls. All participants underwent a hearing test and

completed stress questionnaires to control for outside effects. The Cortisol Awakening Response

was investigated by way of salivary measurement.

Results: Preliminary statistical analysis indicates a significant interaction

[F(6,66)=2.569;p=0.048]. The most distressed individuals tend to possess a flat diurnal cortisol

rhythm.

Conclusions: This pilot suggests some physiological difference between individuals habituated to

tinnitus and those that report distress. Further investigation is suggested to replicate these

findings with a larger sample size. If replicated, this paves the way for objective measurement of

the efficacy of tinnitus interventions by way of randomised controlled trial.


3

#6775

Oral Presentation

Individual differences in negative affectivity and adaptation to social stress

Dr Eimear Lee, Anglia Ruskin University

Objectives: Individual differences in traits related to negative affectivity such as neuroticism and

type D personality have long been associated with poorer cardiovascular adaptation to stressful

situations, with socially oriented stress found to be of particular relevance. While the mechanisms

for this relationship are not yet fully understood, a failure to flexibly manifest appropriate coping

strategies could account for this poor adaptation to stressful situations. Recent research has

shown that greater capacity to employ flexible coping responses to stress may useful in

promoting more healthful stress responses. The current study aimed to investigate

cardiovascular reactivity to, and recovery from repeated social stress, and to examine the

relationship between traits related to negative affectivity and coping flexibility.

Design: The study employed a cross-sectional design.

Methods: 60 male and female participants completed three video recorded social stress tasks

involving inter-personal difficulties, with indices of blood pressure measured at baseline, stress 1,

resting 1, stress 2, rest 2, stress 3, and recovery phases. Psychometric instruments to assess

neuroticism, type D personality, coping styles and flexibility were administered.

Results: Results will be analysed using repeated measures ANCOVA, with appropriate follow-up

tests where appropriate.

Conclusions: The results are expected to elucidate further the relationship between

cardiovascular functioning during stress and individual differences in coping and negative

affectivity. In particular it is hypothesised that coping flexibility will interact with negative affectivity

to produce more adaptive cardiovascular responses to social stress.


4

#7007

Oral Presentation

Facial Mimicry in Sun Bears (Herlarctos Malayanus): A Broader Perspective on Emotional

Behaviours

Mr Derry Taylor, University of Portsmouth

The present study aimed to detect facial mimicry amongst sun bears (Herlarctos malayanus). Facial mimicry has been evidenced amongst primates and canines, although has not hitherto been investigated amongst ursids. Facial mimicry is typically associated with emotional contagion - a means by which animals share internal states. While scholars have suggested, based on neuroanatomical and behavioural evidence, that emotions are common to all mammals, it logically follows that amongst those species that use facial expressions to communicate, facial mimicry may be present. An observational study was conducted wherein 16 sun bears were recorded. Two facial expressions were identified and whether the production of an expression elicited an expression in a recipient was subsequently investigated. This revealed that sun bears exhibit facial mimicry. Present data in tandem with prior theoretical and empirical works in other species suggests that the differential function of these facial expressions may be to communicate nuanced emotional information, which in turn regulates social play of different intensities, although these possibilities require further exploration. This study suggests the complexity of emotional communicative systems in non-human animals may have been hitherto overlooked, and that these behaviours may be common to a multitude of mammalian species.


5

#6871

Oral Presentation

An Observed Duel Tasking Paradigm For Use In Nutrition Intervention Crossover Protocols: A

Pilot Study

Dr Philippa Jackson, Northumbria University, Dr Crystal Haskell-Ramsay, Northumbria

University, Dr Rachel Veasey, Northumbria University, Mrs Julie Khan, Northumbria University,

Ms Joanne Forster, Northumbria University & Prof David Kennedy, Northumbria University

Objectives: A number of different paradigms exist for inducing stress within a laboratory setting

however very few are able to elicit consistent responses following repeated exposure. The

present study aimed to assess the efficacy of an observed duel tasking paradigm following

multiple assessments on subjective mood.

Method: Seventy-two healthy males and females aged 18-38 years attended the lab for two

identical study visits. Assessments took place in a room with a three-person panel. Participants

were fitted with a galvanic skin response (GSR) monitor and then completed the STAI and the

Bond-Lader mood scales. They then completed three 4-minute serial subtractions tasks in a

counterbalanced order (serial 3s, 7s and 17s) whilst also completing a computerised tracking

task. Following this, participants completed the STAI and mood scales once more. The

assessment was repeated at 60, 150 and 240 minutes following completion of the first

assessment. A light lunch was provided between the 150 and 240 minute assessments.

Results: A main effect was detected on selected mood scales with participants reporting feeling

significantly more stressed, less calm and less relaxed after stressor, compared to immediately

prior to it. State anxiety was also higher post-stressor. No effect of assessment nor visit on these

or the GSR measures suggests that participants did not habituate to the stressor.

Conclusions: This paradigm, which combines social evaluation and duel tasking, successfully

induced subjective stress over repeated assessments and would be appropriate for use when

assessing the anxiolytic and performance effect of nutritional interventions.


6

#6836

Oral Presentation

Estimations of food portion size, and recommended daily intake

Dr Derek Larkin, Edge Hill University & Prof Colin Martin, Bucks New University

Objectives: Arguments have been developed which suggest that many individuals are driven to

consume excessive calories as a consequence of their biology and particularly genetics, which

may lead some to become overweigh or obese. Theories have emerged which suggest that

specific components of processed foods may drive addictive behaviours by activating the

hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis (HPA) in much the same way as alcohol or nicotine.

These theories have met with considerable criticism, as they tend to ignore the intimate

relationship most people have with food, and importantly what knowledge individuals require

when making choices about what to consume.

Methods: 71 participants were asked to choose, from a series of photographs, the image that

represented their ideal portion size for everyday foods, and then choose what portion size the

food manufacturers recommended daily intake (RDI) would be.

Results: We found that participants tended to accurately choose the food image that represented

the correct RDI, but many consistently reported consuming in excess of this amount.

Conclusion: In spite of being able to accurately choose the food manufacturers RDI, many

participants reported consuming quantities that exceeded the RDI. Participants appear to use

algorisms for food consumption that include a biological imperative for nutrition (vitamins,

nutrients etc.), but also texture and taste, ease of consumption, and importantly ‘addiction’ to

particular foods. We found that many of our participants demonstrated a good understanding of

nutrition and portion size but nevertheless, appeared to show maladaptive eating behaviours that

appear to mimic addictive behaviours to substances like alcohol and tobacco.


7

#6774

Oral Presentation

The ability to continually apply self-control: the role of both glucose and motivation on self-control

performance.

Miss Claire Kelly, Lancaster University

Objectives: To explore self-control performance over time and specifically address why following

an initial self-control act successive efforts are temporarily impaired. Previous research argued

that this impairment stems from a depletion of energy resources such as glucose. The study

aimed to further investigate this and examine whether factors such as low motivation contribute

to this temporary deficiency in self-control.

Design: The study followed a mixed design, the between factor being drink administration (25g

glucose versus taste-matched placebo) and the within factor being saccade task (prosaccade

& antisaccade). Replicating the methodological design of previous studies, the current study

employed a sequential two-task design, administering two successive self-control tasks.

Methods: Sixty-seven participants (mean age = 21.15years) took part. Participants initially

completed a congruent (control) or incongruent (self-control) Stroop task, consumed glucose or

placebo drink and subsequently performed the saccade tasks. Employing the antisaccade task

within a self-control study was novel and permitted the more precise and accurate measurement

of self-control. Peripheral blood glucose levels were measured before and after the Stroop task

and after the saccade tasks.

Results: The study failed to show any glucose enhancing effects on antisaccade performance or

reduction in blood glucose levels following the initial application of self-control in the Stroop task.

Motivation however influenced self-control performance, those low than high in motivation

committed more erroneous antisaccade responses.

Conclusions: Motivation more powerfully predicted self-control performance, suggesting that

increasing motivation level may counteract a temporary deterioration in self-control performance

by the allocation of resources to both tasks.


8

#6416

Oral Presentation

Facing diabetes: Exploring the mechanisms underpinning face recognition deficits in older adults

with type 2 diabetes

Dr Michael Smith, Northumbria University, Dr Nicola Jones, Liverpool Hope University & Dr

Leigh Riby, Northumbria University

Background: Older adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2) experience accelerated decline in some

domains of cognition. Here, we sought to investigate face recognition performance in this group,

and to explore the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying any observed deficits.

Methods: DM2 older adults (> 60 years; n = 24) completed tests of word, object and face

recognition. Their performance was compared to 13 older adults who exhibited a healthy

glucoregulatory profile, determined via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In a further study,

which aimed to explore the neurocognitive mechanisms associated with glucoregulatory-

mediated face recognition deficits, older adults without diabetes were subjected to an OGTT to

establish a glucoregulatory profile. On a subsequent day, event-related potentials (ERPs) were

obtained while participants completed an oddball task in which they were required to correctly

identify infrequently presented, familiar target faces embedded within a sequence of frequently

presented, unfamiliar foils.

Results: Both the DM2 (Study 1) and poor glucoregulation (Study 2) groups exhibited face

recognition deficits. The ERP findings indicated that these deficits can be attributed to impaired

attentional processing (indicated by a relatively larger P2 ERP component amplitude). No

between-group differences were observed on the P1, N170 or P3 ERP components.

Conclusions: There has been limited previous consideration of DM2-related non-verbal memory

deficits. In the present study, face recognition deficits were observed in older adults with DM2

(and impaired glucoregulation generally). Further, it appears that these deficits are underpinned

by problems with attentional processing, as opposed to early visual or memory

formation/updating mechanisms.


9

#6772

Oral Presentation

What can music preferences tell us about the neuropsychology of memory?

Dr Catherine Loveday, University of Westminster, Dr Trudi Edginton, University of

Westminster, Dr Alison Eardley, University of Westminster & Prof Martin Conway, City

University

Objectives: The ability to recognise and respond to familiar music is often robust in people with

memory impairments, such as dementia and amnesia, and recent research suggests that music

is a good cue for autobiographical remembering. This raises the question of whether musical

memories may be stored or accessed differently to other memories.

Design & Methods: Our study used a free recall approach to investigate memory for music

across the lifespan in people with hydrocephalus and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results: Results showed the presence of a reminiscence bump in these memory impaired

individuals but also revealed that there were significantly reduced specific episodic memories

associated with the music.

Conclusions: We conclude that organization of memory remains intact but that music is more

likely to evoke generic or implicit remembering. We also suggest that music may offer a novel

and interesting way of assessing memory.


10

#6776

Oral Presentation

Inner Selflessness: Interoceptive sensitivity predicts prosocial behaviour

Dr Jane Aspell, Anglia Ruskin University, Ms Daniela Strelchuk, Anglia Ruskin University, Mr

Jake Knights, Anglia Ruskin University & Dr Richard Piech, Anglia Ruskin University

Objectives: We aimed to test the hypothesis that prosocial behaviour (PB) relies, in part, on brain

representations of bodily states of self and others. Superior sensitivity to internal bodily states

(interoceptive sensitivity; IS) is linked to enhanced emotional sensitivity, thus we predicted a

positive relation between IS and PB.

Design: We tested healthy participants in two studies that measured IS and PB.

Methods: IS was measured with a heartbeat discrimination task and PB was measured with two

tasks: in the money distribution task participants chose between real monetary rewards for

themselves or an other participant. Participants were asked to complete a maths task (‘help

task’) after the experiment, to help the experimenter. Materialism and empathy were assessed

with standard questionnaires. In study 1 (n=30) the IS task was completed once, after the money

distribution task. In study 2, one group (n=29) completed the money task first, then the IS task

three times (the second time with feedback), and finally the money task a second time. A control

group (n=28) completed an auditory control task three times, and the IS task once, after the

second money task.

Results: IS and low materialism correlated positively with monetary generosity, while empathy

did not. Low materialism correlated with time spent on the help task in study 1 but not in study 2.

IS feedback improved performance on the IS task but participants did not become more

generous.

Conclusions: IS was the best predictor of monetary generosity. Enhancing IS performance did

not affect PB.


11

#6782

Oral Presentation

An examination of some of the mechanisms that may underlie the psychobiological effects of

swearing

Dr Richard Stephens, Keele University, Mr Kieran Bromley, Keele University & Mr Dominic

Bromley, Keele University

Objectives: Swearing increases pain tolerance, grip strength and anaerobic muscle output but

the mechanism is unclear. Here we assess how swearing affects embarrassment, psychological

flow and state aggression during a cold pressor task. We also assess whether swearing

produces a generalised disinhibition leading to non-specific improvements in task performance.

Method: A repeated measures experimental design employed 61 participants (42 females; mean

age 21.6 years, SD 4.3). The cold pressor task, Minnesota Manual Dexterity Task (MMDT),

postural sway task and Stop Signal Reaction Time task (SSRT) were applied. Participants

repeated swear or neutral words throughout cold pressor hand submersion and for 15s prior to

completing the other tests. Questionnaire assessments of embarrassment, psychological flow

and state aggression were made. Heart rate and facial skin temperature were also assessed.

Results: Swearing produced a mean 12s increase in pain tolerance, F(1,59)=9.22, p=0.004.

However, in separate linear models including state aggression and psychological flow in addition

to swearing as predictors of cold pressor latency, swearing was no longer significant, p>0.23,

but state aggression, F(1,59)=5.693, p=0.02, and psychological flow, F(1,59)=13.210, p<0.001,

were significant. Swearing lead to improved MMDT scores, F(1,59)=22.002, p<0.001. There

were no other significant effects.

Conclusions: We have replicated the hypoalgesic effect of swearing and demonstrated possible

mediating effects of flow and state aggression but not embarrassment. Swearing benefitted

manual dexterity but without evidence of generalised disinhibition.


12

#6649

Oral Presentation

Relations between interoceptive processing and nicotine addiction

Miss Jennifer Todd, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge & Dr Jane E. Aspell, Anglia Ruskin

University, Cambridge

The use of addictive substances is associated with modified bodily states, therefore in the

present study we investigated interoceptive sensitivity (IS) and interoceptive awareness (IA) in

participants with and without an addiction to cigarettes. IS was measured with a heartbeat

tracking task and a heartbeat discrimination task and IA was measured using two sub-scales

from the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) in participants

addicted to cigarettes (n=24), and participants without an addiction (n=26). Participants in the

‘addiction’ group completed the Revised Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence to measure

addiction severity. Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) revealed that the overall interoceptive ability

of control participants was greater than that of participants in the ‘addiction’ group. The difference

in performance on the heartbeat tracking task between groups was significant at the univariate

level. No significant differences were observed for the remaining measures. These same pattern

of results were seen after a MANCOVA (controlling for average heart rate) was conducted.

Multiple regression analysis revealed that addiction severity was positively predicted by

performance on the heartbeat discrimination task and scores on the MAIA ‘noticing’ scale.

However, scores on the heartbeat tracking task and MAIA ‘attention regulation’ scale did not

significantly predict addiction severity. This is the first behavioural demonstration of differences in

interoception in a population with nicotine addiction and builds upon previous research,

suggesting that interoception may play a crucial role in addiction. Furthermore, these findings

suggest that both IS and IA may fluctuate over the course of an addiction.


13

#6786

Oral Presentation

The effects of an acute psychological stressor on subjective and physiological reactivity in

cannabis-smokers, tobacco-smokers, and non-smokers

Mr Jason Round, Leeds Beckett University

Objectives:To investigate the effects of a psychological stressor on psychophysiological reactivity

in non smokers (NS), tobacco smokers (TS), cannabis smokers who smoke tobacco cigarettes

infrequently (CS-T), and cannabis smokers who smoke tobacco cigarettes regularly (CS+T).

Design:A mixed quasi-experimental design was utilised with two independent variables: group as

a between-subject factor and time as a within-subject factor. Dependent variables were

subjective (stress and anxiety) and physiological (heart rate; HR, phasic and tonic electrodermal

activity; EDA) responses to a stressor (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST).

Methods:Participants (NS=15, TS=16, CS-T=11, CS+T=17) were recruited through opportunity

sampling. Individuals underwent the TSST; subjective measures were taken before and after the

TSST, physiology was measured at baseline and during the TSST. Group differences in

subjective and physiological responses to the TSST were assessed by time using mixed

ANOVAs. Physiological reactivity scores were assessed using one-way between-subject

ANOVAs.

Results:In TS HR was elevated at baseline and during the stressor (irrespective of time) relative

to NS. HR reactivity was significantly greater in CS-T relative to TS and CS+T. CS+T showed

significantly greater tonic EDA irrespective of time compared to NS and CS-T; both CS+T and TS

elicited significantly greater phasic EDA relative to NS irrespective of time. There were no group

differences in subjective response to the stressor or EDA reactivity.

Conclusions:Drug users and NS experienced similar subjective reactivity to stress. TS and CS+T

demonstrated heightened basal physiological activity, which was sustained throughout exposure

to psychological stress, suggestive of disruption to the cardiovascular and sympathetic systems.


14

#6784

Oral Presentation

An on-premise study to investigate the effects of mixing alcohol with energy drinks on overall

alcohol consumption and subjective intoxication

Dr C Alford, University of the West of England, Mr Sean Johnson, University of the West

of England, K Stewart, JC Verster, Utrecht University

Objectives: There has been recent debate as to whether combining caffeinated beverages with

alcohol masks the intoxicating effect of alcohol. Therefore the purpose of this on-premise study

was to investigate whether mixing alcohol with energy drinks (AMED) has an effect on objective

and subjective intoxication.

Design: Objective intoxication (BrAC) was determined using a breathalyser and subjective

intoxication rated on a 10-point scale.

Methods: The study was conducted on four nights in Bristol city centre. N = 979 participants

leaving bars and nightclubs (between 10pm and 5am) were interviewed about their alcohol

consumption, both with and without energy drinks, for that particular evening and for other

occasions.

Results: Three groups were identified: AMED-tonight group (15.4%), AMED-other-night group

(39.0%) and no-AMED group (45.6%). Despite the total amount of alcoholic drinks reportedly

consumed by the AMED-tonight group being significantly higher (10.9+4.9) than the AMED-

other-night (9.4+5.6, p=0.007) and no-AMED groups (8.7+5.0, p=<0.001), there were no

significant differences (p=0.098) in objective intoxication. However, the AMED-tonight group

reported higher subjective intoxication (5.4+1.7) compared to the AMED-other-night group

(4.8+2.1, p=0.015) and the no-AMED group (4.8+2.0, p=0.005). Within-subject comparisons

revealed that the majority of people consumed approximately the same, if not less, alcoholic

drinks on AMED occasions (10.8+4.7) compared to alcohol only occasions (11.0+4.9, p=0.619).

Conclusion: In contrast to previous claims these findings suggest that mixing alcohol with energy

drinks may enhance rather than mask subjective intoxication. In addition, the co-consumption of

energy drinks with alcohol appears to have limited impact on total alcohol consumption.


15

#6785

Oral Presentation

Are current binge drinking indicators insufficient at identifying risky drinking behaviour among UK

university students?

Mr Sean Johnson, University of the West of England, Dr C Alford, University of the West

of England, K Stewart, JC Verster, Utrecht University

Objectives: Despite recent research showing that alcohol consumption is decreasing among 18-

24 year-olds, binge drinking remains a persistent source of concern among UK university

students. Students have been consistently shown to drink alcohol at higher levels than the

general population, questioning the utility of applying traditional binge drinking indicators. This

study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of binge drinking (females 6>units,

males 8>units) and extreme binge drinking (females 12>units, males 16>units) among

UK students.

Design: An online survey collected data on the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed,

negative alcohol-related consequences, risk-taking behaviours and demographics.

Methods: The survey was advertised through university student union social media throughout

the UK. Responses (N = 2371) were received from students at institutions from each country.

Results: 46.7% of students did not binge drink, 41% of students engaged in binge drinking and

12.3% engaged in extreme binge drinking. Extreme binge drinkers experienced significantly

more negative alcohol-related consequences in the past year than binge drinkers (P<0.001),

including getting into sexual situations they later regretted (47.3%, 29.2%), waking up in an

unexpected place (35.5%, 19.0%) and getting into a fight (16.6%, 9.4%). Students who were high

risk-takers, consumed alcohol regularly at an earlier age, smoked and used drugs were

significantly (P<0.05) more likely to be extreme binge drinkers.

Conclusion: In order to adequately identify high risk drinkers from the general student cohort new

indicators comprised of multiple levels of binge drinking behaviour and their predictors may be

necessary to develop effective screening and interventions.


16

#6392

Oral Presentation

Investigating the psychobiological mechanisms underpinning the association between Type D

personality and increased physical health complaints

Miss Sarah Allen, Northumbria University, Dr Michael Smith, Northumbria University, Dr Mark

Wetherell, Northumbria University & Dr Brian Lovell, Northumbria University

Objectives: Type D personality; the synergistic effect of social inhibition (SI) and negative

affectivity (NA) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly in cardiac

populations. Links have also been demonstrated between Type D and increased psychological

distress, physical symptoms and maladaptive stress reactivity; however the mechanisms

underpinning these relationships are not fully understood. The aim of the current research is to

elucidate the psychobiological pathways linking Type D personality to physical health complaints

in the general population.

Design: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was conducted in the general

population (N = 535) and subsequent regression analyses demonstrated positive relationships

between Type D and increased health complaints, specifically for cardiac and immune related

symptoms. In light of these findings, a further experimental study was conducted with 75 healthy

adults (aged 18-45) to examine cardiovascular stress reactivity and immune activation in relation

to Type D.

Methods: Salivary α-amylase samples were collected at baseline, pre and post completion of an

acute laboratory-based multitasking stressor, as a biomarker of sympathetic-adrenal medullary

(SAM) axis activity. Beat-to-beat measures of cardiovascular function were also obtained across

the testing session. Additionally, serum C-reactive protein samples were collected as a measure

of immune activation.

Results/Conclusions: Findings are anticipated to broaden our knowledge of the psychobiological

pathways linking Type D personality to adverse health outcomes. Original evidence will be

provided regarding SAM activity, inflammatory processes and previously overlooked aspects of

cardiovascular stress reactivity as potential mechanisms underpinning these relationships.


17

#6781

Oral Presentation

Perceived Moral Value Increases Pain Sensitivity During an Experimental Cold Pressor Task

Dr Philippe Gilchrist, University of Cambridge, Ms Thea Schei, University of Cambridge, Dr

Simone Schnall, University of Cambridge & Dr Whitney Scott, King's College London

Objectives: Cognitive appraisal processes are central to the experience of pain, though little is

known about the role of morality. This study aimed to examine whether pain is affected by

prosocial goals. It was hypothesized that such goals would moderate pain.

Design: An experimental model using the cold-pressor test (CPT) was employed, a well-validated

means to induce tonic pain. Methods: Sixty-nine young adults completed a Moral Identity Scale

(MIS), the CPT and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), followed by a manipulation of either

high or low perceived moral value. In the former condition it was emphasized that the study was

“important to help improve treatments for those who suffer from pain,” whereas in the latter

condition it was presented merely as a pilot test. Next, the participant completed a second CPT

and MPQ. The primary analysis included a MIS(treated as continuous) x 2(high- vs. low-moral

value) x 2(CPT-1, CPT-2) general linear model for pain reports on the MPQ.

Results: High moral value resulted in a relative increase in total pain as well as sensory pain in

particular, F(1,61) = 7.84, p = .007; Ƞ2p = .114, F(1,62) = 7.88, p = .007; Ƞ2p = .113. Moreover,

higher scores on the MIS also predicted increased sensory pain, F(1,61) = 4.41, p = .040; Ƞ2p =

.066.

Conclusions: Painful experiences with a prosocial goal lead to greater pain sensitivity. Practical

applications include health-care contexts in which painful procedures can be introduced at

varying levels of subjective involvement.


18

#6824

Oral Presentation

An International comparison of the measurement characteristics of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-

Revised (BSS-R)

Prof Colin Martin, Buckinghamshire New University, Ms Zoi Vardavaki, University College

London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Prof Caroline Hollins Martin, Edinburgh Napier

University

Objectives: Childbirth represents a complex psychobiology and the psychological component is

becoming increasingly recognised as predictive of a range of physiological as well as

psychological outcomes. Core to the psychological domains of relevance is the concept of birth

satisfaction. The current investigation sought to determine if the measurement characteristics of

the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) were equivalent between the original English-

language version and a translated version of the tool. Evidence for equivalence would facilitate

International comparisons of the construct of birth satisfaction with confidence in measurement

veracity.

Method: A secondary analysis of UK and a Greek-translated version of the BSS-R and

comparisons of the measurement equivalence of the instrument determined using a structural

equation modeling measurement invariance framework. Participants from the two studies used

in this secondary analysis were UK (n=228) and Greek (n=162) postnatal women.

Results: BSS-R data was initially pooled and found to offer and excellent fit to the three-factor

model of the BSS-R. Increasingly constrained models demonstrated excellent equivalence up to

the level of partial scalar invariance. Two items were observed to be non-invariant at the scalar

level and these differences may be accounted for by fundamental differences in service delivery

models and clinical factors.

Conclusions: The current investigation demonstrates that the BSS-R is generally equivalent

between two different language versions and thus meaningful comparisons can be made

between groups, and thus populations with confidence in the measurement veracity and

accuracy of the measure used.


19

Poster Abstracts

#6783

Poster

Studying heart rate differences during social stimuli in infants at risk for ASD

Miss Tessel Bazelmans, King's College London, Prof Tony Charman, King's College London,

Dr Emily Jones, Birkbeck, University of London & Prof Mark Johnson, Birkbeck, University of

London

Objectives: Behavioural difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been linked to

atypical functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is however unclear what the

influence of the ANS is during the period before overt behavioural atypicalities emerge. This

study addresses whether 5-month-old infants at risk for ASD differ from low-risk controls in heart

rate during social and non-social videos.

Design: This preliminary data is part of BASIS (British Autism Study of Infant Siblings), a

longitudinal study following children at familial risk for ASD. Method: 5-month-old infants with an

older sibling with ASD are recruited as high-risk group (N = 21) and compared to low-risk infants

with an older sibling without ASD (N = 15). The participants watch a wildlife video, a happy video,

a sad video and at the end another wildlife video. Heart rate is continuously measured.

Results: There is a significant effect of video (F(3,87) = 8.44, p <.001). Heart rate increases

from the first wildlife video to the happy, sad and second wildlife video. There are no group

differences or interaction effect.

Conclusions: This preliminary data shows that differences do not seem to be present this early in

development. The next steps are (1) to see in the same infants followed-up at 10 and 14 months

show difference in heart rate at a later developmental stage and (2) if heart rate relates to more

continuous measures of social skills to take the high variability of skills in the ASD group into

account.


20

#6840

Poster

Visuospatial memory performance in binge drinking cannabis smoking poly-drug users:

Preliminary finding of a systematic review and Meta-Analysis

Mr Kevin Duggan, Edge Hill University

Visual and spatial aspects of working memory, referred to as Visuospatial working memory, are

assumed to hold and process information related to visual stimuli. It is used in the temporary

storage and manipulation of spatial and visual information, such as remembering shapes and

colours, or the location or speed of objects in space (Baddley 2003). A preliminary search of

literature covering the period up to August 2016 was conducted in order to identify publications

relating to the effects of binge drinking and cannabis consumption on visuospatial performance in

humans. The PsycInfo, Pubmed, cinall and Web of Science databases were searched using

eight terms in which either ‘binge drinking’, cannabis, and poly drug was paired with ‘spatial’,

‘visual’, ‘Visuospatial’ or ‘visuo-spatial’. Of the 442 papers identified, following a 3 level

examination against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 papers were deemed suitable for

inclusion in the analysis. Meta-analyses were conducted using COMPREHENSIVE META-

ANALYSIS (CMA 2.0™ Biostat, Englewood, New Jersey) software. To summarise the main

statistical findings, the 12 studies included in the meta-analysis yielded a relatively small but

statistically significant mean weighted effect size showing poorer task performance by the

cannabis Polydrug users


21

#6777

Poster

A Review of the Literature on Interventions to Encourage University Students to Reduce Harmful

Consumption of Alcohol

Miss Kara Holloway, Keele University & Dr Richard Stephens, Keele University

Background: The UK Government considers high risk drinking as a social and health priority (HM

Government, 2012). Higher education students are at further risk because students have

increased consumption compared with similarly aged adults (White, 2006). The harms of high

risk drinking for students include death, sexual assault and negative academic performance

(WHO, 2011).

Aims: The aim of the review was to determine the types of interventions that have been deployed

at universities and to evaluate their effectiveness.

Method: A review of the literature was conducted; 22 peer review papers were included.

Findings: The review revealed four key types of student alcohol interventions: educational (e.g.

campaigns that raise awareness of consequences of binge drinking), cognitive skills (e.g.

teaching coping skills so that students do not use alcohol as a stress-reliever), feedback (e.g.

receiving personalised feedback about the student’s drinking and comparing to others) or

environmental (e.g. increasing the price of alcohol). The majority of the papers reviewed were

affected by one or more common limitations such as lack of a control group and absence of

behavioural measures.

Conclusion: There is very limited evidence for the use of cognitive based interventions in

reducing alcohol consumption. There is limited evidence for the use of educational or feedback

interventions. Environmental interventions had good evidence to support their effectiveness.


22

#6822

Poster

The development and measurement characteristics of the Perinatal Mental Health Awareness

(PMHA) scale

Prof Colin Martin, Buckinghamshire New University, Prof Julie Jomeen, University of Hull &

Ms Patricia Jarrett, University of Middlesex

Objectives: Perinatal mental health problems impact deleteriously on the child-bearing woman,

her partner and a broad range of maternal, neonatal and infant outcomes. Despite this complex

constellation of potential negative outcomes, the focus within this area remains centred on the

physical and physiological dimensions of care. Consequently, knowledge and practice within the

psychological domains of care remains under-developed. The current investigation sought to

develop and evaluate a brief measure to assess practitioner perinatal mental health knowledge

and confidence deficits to inform clinical curriculum development and enhancement within an

holistic care provision context.

Method: A cross-sectional instrument development and evaluation design for instrument

development and evaluation. The statistical analysis plan used exploratory factor analysis,

internal consistency and known-groups validity testing to develop and evaluate the perinatal

mental health assessment (PMHA) tool. Two-hundred and sixty-six participants took part in the

study all of whom were undertaking a midwifery training course, the sample being drawn from ten

universities across the UK.

Results: Psychometric evaluation of the PMHA tool revealed the instrument to have good

psychometric properties across all domains of evaluation. The instrument comprises three

robust sub-scale assessing domains of (i) mental health symptoms, (ii) physical/medical issues

and (iii) learning disability.

Conclusions: The PMHA tool is a robust measure of clinical perinatal mental health knowledge

and confidence across distinct domains of critical importance to the delivery of contemporary

evidence-based care.


23

#6823

Poster

The development of a shortened indicator version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised, the

Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator (BSS-RI)

Prof Colin Martin, Buckinghamshire New University, Prof Caroline Hollins Martin, Edinburgh

Napier University & Dr Maggie Redshaw, University of Oxford

Objectives: The 10-item Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) has become a widely-used

theoretically anchored measure of birth satisfaction. Developed in the UK, the BSS-R has

become increasingly used Internationally. The current investigation sought to develop a

shortened indicator version for use as a key performance indicator measure for use in evaluating

maternity service care delivery. The focus on the development of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-

Revised Indicator (BSS-RI) was on measurement robustness and validity.

Method: The items comprising the BSS-R were subject to expert review and reduced to six

candidate items for the BSS-RI and embedded, with a simplified scoring system, into the 2014

National Maternity Survey for England. Mothers (N=4201) who had given birth three months

earlier were randomly selected from birth registration for participation in the study by the Office

for National Statistics. The BSS-RI was evaluated using a comprehensive psychometric battery.

Results: Psychometric review of the BSS-RI revealed the instrument to have generally excellent

measurement characteristics across all domains of evaluation including, exploratory factor

analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency evaluation and known-group

discriminant validity. The BSS-RI comprised two sub-scales of (i) stress experienced during

childbearing and (ii) quality of care.

Conclusions: The BSS-RI offers a short (six-items), robust and valid measure of key domains of

birth satisfaction which compliments the longer versions of the tool while offering a measure that

provides a contextually relevant and psychologically coherent measure which may be utilised as

a key performance indicator in the evaluation of maternity services and care delivery.


24

#6999

Poster

Does stimulant misuse impair access to semantic memory? Prof Philip Murphy, Edge Hill University, Dr Derek Larkin, Edge Hill University & Dr Catharine Montgomery, Liverpool John Moores University Background: Previous studies report access to semantic memory changes in stimulant drug

users (e.g. ecstasy (MDMA), cocaine, and amphetamines). However, test performance may not

be significantly different to that of nonusing controls despite brain activity patterns being different,

and the confounding effects of other drugs are difficult to control. Preliminary findings are

presented from a new study concerning stimulant misuse and access to semantic memory.

Method: Group 1 comprised 20 stimulant users (12 female). Group 2 comprised 15 controls (11

female) with some non-stimulant drug use. The semantic association task administered required

judgement of which of three target words had a semantic association with a cue word. Correct

target words represented either high or low levels of semantic association to the cue word.

Dependent variables were the number of correct choices and reaction times (RTs) for each

semantic association level.

Results: Participant groups did not differ significantly in age or on any of the semantic association

task dependent variables. Within Group 1 impaired RT performance was negatively correlated

(i.e. longer RTs) with ecstasy use onset age and weekly cigarette consumption. The number of

correct high association target choices was negatively correlated with several measures of

cannabis consumption within this group.

Conclusions: Consistent with previous research, access to semantic memory may be vulnerable

to impairment related to multiple substances. Data collection for this study is continuing, with

data concerning cortisol awakening responses, dorsolateral prefrontal cortical activity, and a

range of other psychological variables to be analysed.


25

#6852

Poster

The effect of emotion on inhibition: an ERP study.

Dr Aspasia Paltoglou, Oxford Brookes University, Dr Emma Davies, Oxford Brookes University

& Dr Sanjay Kumar, Oxford Brookes University

Objectives: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of emotion on inhibition.

Furthermore, a recent study indicated that alcohol cues have a detrimental effect on the ability to

inhibit responses. Here we investigated the interaction between emotion and inhibition for

alcohol cues.

Design: The study has a within-subjects design: 3(angry/happy/neutral)x2(go/no-

go)x2(alcohol/control). AUDIT was used to measure how much participants drink, and STAI to

measure state and trait anxiety.

Methods: Ten participants were asked to perform an alcohol go/no-go task. In one session that

consisted of nine blocks of 100 trials (75 go, 25 Nogo), participants were asked to respond to

alcohol pictures and withhold their responses to control pictures. In a second session,

participants were asked to do the reverse. Alcohol and control pictures were presented for 200

ms. Pictures of emotional faces were presented continuously in the background, one picture per

block.

Results: Preliminary results revealed the following trends: participants were better at stopping

their responses for the control pictures when angry faces were on the background than when

neutral faces were on the background (p=.035). Furthermore, participants were better at stopping

their responses for control pictures than for alcohol pictures when angry faces were in the

background (p=.055). Amplitude for P300 and N200 components will also be analyzed. State

and trait anxiety and the level of alcohol consumption will be used as covariates.

Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that there is an interaction between emotion and

the ability to inhibit responses in an alcohol go/Nogo task.


26

#6857

Poster

Cognitive resource depletion: a moderating factor of susceptibility to the effects of glucose and

caffeine in combination on cognition.

Mrs Bernadette Robertson, Lancaster University, Dr Barry O'Neill, GSK Human Performance

Lab, Dr Jonathan Farrimond, Suntory Food and Beverage Europe & Dr Sandra Sünram-Lea,

Lancaster University

Objectives: Studies investigating the effects of glucose and caffeine in combination on cognitive

performance have produced somewhat equivocal results. One reason for this might be

methodological differences. Depletion of cognitive resources might be important to demonstrate

beneficial effects. The study aimed to assess the extent to which cognitive resource depletion

affects the cognitive effects of glucose and caffeine in combination compared with placebo.

Design: Using a mixed, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled design, 59 young healthy

adults who were frequent caffeine consumers (≥120mg per day) performed a range of cognitive

tasks and mood assessments either with or without prior depletion. The drinks were a ‘higher

dosage combination’ (60g glucose/40mg caffeine), a ‘lower dosage combination’ (25g

glucose/40mg caffeine) and a taste-matched placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed

using a declarative long-term memory task, a vigilance task and a demanding working memory

task.

Results: The depletion battery successfully induced ‘mental fatigue’ (p<0.01). Moreover,

following depletion, a significant effect of treatment was observed on word recognition accuracy

(p=0.019) and speed (p =0.005). Specifically, the lower dose prevented a decline in accuracy

compared to placebo and the higher dose led to faster speed of recognition. Without prior

depletion the only active treatment effect observed was on working memory following

administration of the lower dosage combination (p=0.004).

Conclusion: The treatment effects on declarative memory following cognitive resource depletion

suggest this might be an important factor for facilitation to occur. In addition the data suggests

that resource depletion might have differential moderating effects on different cognitive domains.


27

#6779

Poster

An investigation into the impact of psychological factors on hangover severity

Dr Sarita Robinson, University of Central Lancashire & Dr Gayle Brewer, University of Central

Lancashire

Objectives: Hangover status has long been thought to correspond to the amount and type of

alcohol imbibed. Typically a hangover occurs between 8-16 hours after ingestion of alcohol with

people experiencing physical, mood and cognitive impairments even though blood alcohol

concentrations have returned to zero.

However, recent studies suggested the severity of hangover could be related to psychological

factors. The current study considered whether the psychological factors of guilt and shame can

influence the severity of a hangover.

Method: A naturalistic experimental design to investigate the impact of alcohol intake, gender

and state levels of shame and guilt relating to their previous night’s drinking behaviour on the

hangover experience. The outcomes measures used were participant scores on the Alcohol

Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS), the NASA workload questionnaire and cognitive performance

measures (letter-digit substitution and the Reys complex image tasks).

Results: Self-reported workload and cognitive impairments were higher in participants who

reported higher levels of hangover severity. Further, participants with higher levels of shame and

guilt reported higher levels of hangover severity.

Conclusions: Hangover status was impacted by participant’s levels of shame and guilt. This

suggests a psychological dimension to hangover severity.

bps psychobiology section annual scientific meeting … · introduction: anticipation of...

Documents