ORCID Profile
0000-0002-7048-4093
Current Organisation
University of Oxford
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Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-04-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-01-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ACP.3628
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1037/ABN0000623
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S40359-019-0342-8
Abstract: Adolescence is a time of considerable social, cognitive, and physiological development. It reflects a period of heightened risk for the onset of mental health problems, as well as heightened opportunity for flourishing and resilience. The CogBIAS Longitudinal Study (CogBIAS-L-S) aims to investigate psychological development during adolescence. We present the cohort profile of the s le ( N = 504) across three waves of data collection, when participants were approximately 13, 14.5, and 16 years of age. Further, we present descriptive statistics for all of the psychological variables assessed including (a) the self-report mood measures, (b) the other self-report measures, and (c) the behavioural measures. Differential and normative stability were investigated for each variable, in order to assess (i) measurement reliability (internal consistency), (ii) the stability of in idual differences (intra-class correlations), and (iii) whether any adolescent-typical developmental changes occurred (multilevel growth curve models). Measurement reliability was good for the self-report measures ( .70), but lower for the behavioural measures (between .00 and .78). Differential stability was substantial, as in idual differences were largely maintained across waves. Although, stability was lower for the behavioural measures. Some adolescent-typical normative changes were observed, reflected by (i) worsening mood, (ii) increasing impulsivity, and (iii) improvements in executive functions. The stability of in idual differences was substantial across most variables, supporting classical test theory. Some normative changes were observed that reflected adolescent-typical development. Although, normative changes were relatively small compared to the stability of in idual differences. The development of stable psychological characteristics during this period highlights a potential intervention window in early adolescence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-08-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S00426-018-1081-9
Abstract: Attentional bias to threat cues is most adaptive when the dangers they signal can readily be controlled by timely action. This study examined whether heightened trait anxiety is associated with impaired alignment between attentional bias to threat and variation in the controllability of danger, and whether this is moderated by executive functioning. Participants completed a task in which threat cues signalled money loss and an aversive noise burst (the danger). In 'high control' blocks, attending to the threat cue offered a high chance of avoiding this danger. In 'low control' blocks, attending to the threat cue offered little control over the danger. The task yielded measures of attentional monitoring for threat, and attentional orienting to threat. Results indicated all participants showed greater attentional orienting to threat cues in high control relative to low control blocks (indicative of proper alignment), however, high trait-anxious participants showed no difference in attentional monitoring for threat between block types, whereas low trait-anxious participants did. This effect was moderated by N-Back scores. These results suggest heightened trait anxiety may be associated with impaired alignment of attentional monitoring for threat cues, and that such alignment deficit may be attenuated by high executive functioning.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-09-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S10802-020-00694-9
Abstract: The development of negative cognitive biases, together with symptoms of anxiety and depression, has yet to be investigated longitudinally. Using a three-wave design, the present study examined developmental trajectories of anxiety and depressive symptoms and the co-occurrence of cognitive biases, in a large normative s le of adolescents ( N = 504). Data was drawn from the CogBIAS Longitudinal Study (CogBIAS-L-S), which assessed a wide range of psychological variables, including cognitive biases and self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms, when adolescents were approximately 13, 14.5, and 16 years of age. The results showed that overall levels of anxiety were low and stable, while levels of depression were low but increased slightly at each wave. Growth mixture modeling identified four distinct developmental classes with regard to anxiety and depressive symptoms. Multiple group analysis further showed that class membership was related to the development of cognitive biases. The majority of the s le (75%) was characterised by ‘Low symptoms’ of anxiety and depression and showed low interpretation and memory biases for negative stimuli at each wave. A second class (11%) displayed ‘Decreasing anxiety symptoms’ and showed decreasing interpretation bias, but increasing memory bias. A third class (8%) displayed ‘Comorbid increasing symptoms’ and showed increasing interpretation and memory biases. While the fourth class (6%) displayed ‘Comorbid decreasing symptoms’ and showed decreasing interpretation and memory biases. This longitudinal study sheds light on healthy and psychopathological emotional development in adolescence and highlights cognitive mechanisms that may be useful targets for prevention and early interventions.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 29-04-2022
Abstract: When experimental tasks require intermittent switching between easy and hard trials, people exhibit switch cost asymmetry. This is a tendency to be slower to switch over from a hard task to an easier task than vice versa. Previously, Gustavson and colleagues (2007) found that people higher on trait-anxiety exhibit a stronger switch cost asymmetry. We replicated this task, which was emotionally neutral, in an online experiment with a larger number of participants (N=212 vs. original N = 91), and extended the findings to an affective version of the same task. We found evidence of switch cost asymmetry in both experiments, with only the emotionally neutral one showing a relation to trait anxiety as well as depression. As opposed to the original study, we found that people lower, not higher, on anxiety were driving the effect, by being slower to disengage from the hard trials regardless of whether they needed to switch tasks or not on the following trial. We interpret these results in the context of the effects of anxiety and depression on allostasis, with direct consequences on available energy levels for task performance.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-02-2018
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-11-2019
Abstract: Psychological science relies on behavioral measures to assess cognitive processing however, the field has not yet developed a tradition of routinely examining the reliability of these behavioral measures. Reliable measures are essential to draw robust inferences from statistical analyses, and subpar reliability has severe implications for measures’ validity and interpretation. Without examining and reporting the reliability of measurements used in an analysis, it is nearly impossible to ascertain whether results are robust or have arisen largely from measurement error. In this article, we propose that researchers adopt a standard practice of estimating and reporting the reliability of behavioral assessments of cognitive processing. We illustrate the need for this practice using an ex le from experimental psychopathology, the dot-probe task, although we argue that reporting reliability is relevant across fields (e.g., social cognition and cognitive psychology). We explore several implications of low measurement reliability and the detrimental impact that failure to assess measurement reliability has on interpretability and comparison of results and therefore research quality. We argue that researchers in the field of cognition need to report measurement reliability as routine practice so that more reliable assessment tools can be developed. To provide some guidance on estimating and reporting reliability, we describe the use of bootstrapped split-half estimation and intraclass correlation coefficients to estimate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. For future researchers to build upon current results, it is imperative that all researchers provide psychometric information sufficient for estimating the accuracy of inferences and informing further development of cognitive-behavioral assessments.
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 24-03-2022
DOI: 10.5334/JOPD.56
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1037/ABN0000406
Abstract: Considerable effort and funding have been spent on developing Attention Bias Modification (ABM) as a treatment for anxiety disorders, theorized to exert therapeutic effects through reduction of a tendency to orient attention toward threat. However, meta-analytical evidence that clinical anxiety is characterized by threat-related attention bias is thin. The largest meta-analysis to date included dot-probe data for n = 337 clinically anxious in iduals. Baseline measures of biased attention obtained in ABM RCTs form an additional body of data that has not previously been meta-analyzed. This article presents a meta-analysis of threat-related dot-probe bias measured at baseline for 1,005 clinically anxious in iduals enrolled in 13 ABM RCTs. Random-effects meta-analysis indicated no evidence that the mean bias index (BI) differed from zero (k = 13, n = 1005, mean BI = 1.8 ms, SE = 1.26 ms, p = .144, 95% confidence interval [-0.6, 4.3]. Additional Bayes factor analyses also supported the point-zero hypothesis (BF10 = .23), whereas interval-based analysis indicated that mean bias in clinical anxiety is unlikely to extend beyond the 0 to 5 ms interval. Findings are discussed with respect to strengths (relatively large s les, possible bypassing of publication bias), limitations (lack of control comparison, repurposing data, specificity to dot-probe data), and theoretical and practical context. We suggest that it should no longer be assumed that clinically anxious in iduals are characterized by selective attention toward threat. Clinically anxious in iduals enrolled in RCTs for Attention Bias Modification are not characterized by threat-related attention bias at baseline. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 26-06-2016
DOI: 10.5127/JEP.053415
Abstract: Resilience is considered to be the process by which in iduals demonstrate more positive outcomes than would be expected, given the nature of the adversity experienced. We propose that a cognitive approach has the potential to guide studies investigating the relationships between adversity, stress, and resilience. We outline a preliminary cognitive model of resilience in order to facilitate the application of cognitive approaches to the investigation of resilience in the face of adversity. We argue that the situationally appropriate application of flexibility or rigidity in affective-cognitive systems is a key element in promoting resilient responses. We propose that this mapping of cognitive processing can be conceptualised as being undertaken by an overarching mapping system, which serves to integrate information from a variety of sources, including the current situation, prior experience, as well as more conscious and goal-driven processes. We propose that a well-functioning mapping system is an integral part of the cognitive basis for resilience to adversity. Our preliminary model is intended to provide an initial theoretical framework to guide research on the development of cognitive functions that are considered to be important in the resilience process.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 06-07-2018
Abstract: Background: Considerable effort and funding have been spent on developing Attention Bias Modification (ABM) as a treatment for anxiety disorders, theorized to exert therapeutic effects through reduction of a tendency to orient attention towards threat. However, meta-analytical evidence that clinical anxiety is characterized by threat-related attention bias is thin. The largest meta-analysis to date included dot-probe data for n=337 clinically anxious in iduals. Baseline measures of biased attention obtained in ABM RCTs form an additional body of data that has not previously been meta-analyzed. Method: This paper presents a meta-analysis of threat-related dot-probe bias measured at baseline for 1005 clinically anxious in iduals enrolled in 13 ABM RCTs.Results: Random-effects meta-analysis indicated no evidence that the mean bias index (BI) differed from zero (k= 13, n= 1005, mean BI = 1.8 ms, SE = 1.26 ms, p = .144, 95% CI [-0.6 - 4.3]. Additional Bayes factor analyses also supported the point-zero hypothesis (BF10 = .23), whereas interval-based analysis indicated that mean bias in clinical anxiety is unlikely to extend beyond the 0 to 5 ms interval. Discussion: Findings are discussed with respect to strengths (relatively large s les, possible bypassing of publication bias), limitations (lack of control comparison, repurposing data, specificity to dot-probe data), and theoretical and practical context. We suggest that it should no longer be assumed that clinically anxious in iduals are characterized by selective attention towards threat. Conclusion: Clinically anxious in iduals enrolled in RCTs for Attention Bias Modification are not characterized by threat-related attention bias at baseline.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 05-04-2018
Abstract: Psychological science relies on behavioural measures to assess cognitive processing however, the field has not yet developed a tradition of routinely examining the reliability of these behavioural measures. Reliable measures are essential to draw robust inferences from statistical analyses, while subpar reliability has severe implications for the measures’ validity and interpretation. Without examining and reporting the reliability of cognitive behavioural measurements, it is near impossible to ascertain whether results are robust or have arisen largely from measurement error. In this paper we propose that researchers adopt a standard practice of estimating and reporting the reliability of behavioural assessments. We illustrate this proposal using an ex le from experimental psychopathology, the dot-probe task although we argue that reporting reliability is relevant across fields (e.g. social cognition and cognitive psychology). We explore several implications of low measurement reliability, and the detrimental impact that failure to assess measurement reliability has on interpretability and comparison of results and therefore research quality. We argue that the field needs to a) report measurement reliability as routine practice so that we can b) develop more reliable assessment tools. To provide some guidance on estimating and reporting reliability, we describe bootstrapped split half estimation and IntraClass Correlation Coefficient procedures to estimate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. For future researchers to build upon current results it is imperative that all researchers provide sufficient psychometric information to estimate the accuracy of inferences and inform further development of cognitive behavioural assessments.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 23-12-2021
DOI: 10.1037/STL0000307
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 18-09-2017
Abstract: In response to recommendations to redefine statistical significance to p ≤ .005, we propose that researchers should transparently report and justify all choices they make when designing a study, including the alpha level.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 16-07-2020
DOI: 10.1017/S0954579420000668
Abstract: Resilience is a dynamic process depicted by better than expected levels of functioning in response to significant adversity. This can be assessed statistically, by taking the residuals from a model of psychological functioning regressed onto negative life events. We report the first study to investigate multiple cognitive factors in relation to this depiction of resilient functioning. Life events, internalizing symptoms, and a range of cognitive risk and protective factors were assessed in a large s le of adolescents ( N = 504) across three waves spaced 12–18 months apart. Adolescents who displayed fewer symptoms than expected, relative to negative life events, were considered more resilient. Adolescents who displayed more symptoms than expected, relative to negative life events, were considered less resilient. All cognitive factors were associated with resilient functioning to differing degrees. These included memory bias, interpretation bias, worry, rumination, self-esteem, and self-reported trait resilience. Regression models showed that memory bias was a key factor explaining unique variance in prospective resilient functioning. In a subsequent cross-lagged panel model, memory bias and resilient functioning were reinforcing mechanisms across time points, supporting cognitive models of emotional resilience. This study adds to the literature, by highlighting key cognitive mechanisms as potential intervention targets
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S40337-021-00444-2
Abstract: Recent years have witnessed an increasing prevalence of binge eating tendencies in adolescence—warranting a clearer understanding of their underlying predisposing and precipitating factors. The current study investigated whether the interaction between high levels of anxiety and stress predicted increased levels of binge eating tendencies in a prospective cohort of adolescents ( N = 324). Measurements were taken over three waves ( M ages: 13.33, 14.48, 15.65) as part of the CogBIAS Longitudinal Study. Longitudinal associations between levels of anxiety and stress with binge eating tendencies were estimated using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), which calculates within-person fluctuations over time while accounting for in idual trait-like stability and between-person variations. Binge eating tendencies were measured by the Cognitive Restraint, Uncontrolled Eating, and Emotional Eating styles from the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18. Two models were created for each binge eating tendencies variable: (1) a basic model with anxiety and stress as independent variables (2) an interaction model with an additional anxiety*stress interaction term. Model fit was assessed by SEM fit indices: X 2 , CFI, NFI, TLI, RMSEA, SRMR. Superior model fit was ascertained by a chi-square difference test ( p .05). For Cognitive Restraint, the interaction model demonstrated superior fit to the data ( p .05). The anxiety*stress interaction at Waves 1 and 2 was significantly negatively associated with Cognitive Restraint at Waves 2 ( β = −0.18, p = .002) and 3 ( β = −0.14, p = .002)—suggesting that anxiety and stress interacted to predict increased binge eating tendencies linked with cognitive restraint over and above their independent effects. In contrast, the interaction term between anxiety*stress did not predict levels of Uncontrolled Eating or Emotional Eating over time. The results highlight the importance of increasing awareness of the interaction between concurrently high anxiety and stress as a potential risk factor for binge eating tendencies in young people. Not applicable.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 27-12-2022
Abstract: Background: Little is understood about the development of cognitive biases, despite their influential role in psychopathology and wellbeing. The Cognitive Bias (CogBIAS) hypothesis proposes that cognitive biases develop as a function of environmental influences (which determine the valence of biases), and the genetic susceptibility to those influences (which determines the potency of biases). The current study employed adolescent data from the CogBIAS Longitudinal Study to examine the CogBIAS hypothesis, using a polygenic-by-environment approach. Methods: Measures of life experiences and polygenic scores for depression were used to examine the development of memory and interpretation biases in a three-wave s le of adolescents (12-16 years). Mixed effects modeling was used to examine whether (negative and positive) life experiences, polygenic scores, and their interaction predicted various forms of the memory and interpretation biases. Results: Positive life experiences were shown to, respectively, diminish and enhance the negative and positive forms of memory recall and interpretation biases. Against expectation, negative life experiences and depression polygenic scores were not significant predictors of any cognitive outcomes, upon adjusting for psychopathology. Nonetheless, the interaction between polygenic risk and positive life events predicted a stronger positive social interpretation bias. Conclusions: These results provide the first line of polygenic evidence to support the CogBIAS and vantage sensitivity hypotheses, by demonstrating that polygenic risk for depression could interact with positive environmental influences to produce positive psychological outcomes during adolescence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2022
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: Netherlands
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Sam Parsons.