Date of Award

Spring 2019

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Sponsor

Dr. Andrew Luchner

Committee Member

Dr. Stacey Tantleff Dunn

Committee Member

Dr. Paul Harris

Abstract

Mentalization, the ability to reflect upon and revalue emotions and thoughts, is of increasing interest to clinicians and researchers alike due to its predictive and moderating effects for adaptive behavior and positive outcomes. Mentalized affectivity, reflecting upon and revaluing one’s emotions and emotional process, has only recently been made measurable through the Mentalized Affectivity Scale (Greenberg et al., 2017). The present study sought to investigate the unexplored relationship between mentalization, more specifically mentalized affectivity, selfacceptance, and self-criticism. I hypothesized higher mentalized affectivity to correlate positively with self-acceptance and negatively with self-criticism. Participants (N = 193) were recruited through an online platform through which they were administered the survey and compensated monetarily. The survey included Informed Consent, demographic information, a manipulation check, and three questionnaires: Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS), Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ), and Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassurance Scale (FSCRS). There was a positive correlation between MAS and USAQ. A negative correlation was found between MAS and FSCRS. The findings supported the original hypothesis. Exploratory analysis of the processing component of mentalized affectivity was conducted.

Rights Holder

Elizabeth Berry

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