BrainMap

Ștefan Marian

dr.

- UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA

Researcher | Teaching staff

Expertise & keywords

How does the blue sky become gray? Examining the sensitivity of neurotics for processing the negative stimuli in evaluative conditioning Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-1964 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://socpers.psihologietm.ro/grantPCE_1964.html

Abstract:

In this proposal, we will focus on how neuroticism shapes evaluative conditioning. If people scoring high on neuroticism will provide an asymmetric evaluation, by showing a more substantial evaluative conditioning effect when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is paired with the negative unconditional stimulus (US) than when the CS is paired with the positive US, this would suggest a learning bias toward attaching more negative (rather than positive) valence to stimuli. This result would favor the vulnerability account, where neuroticism is seen as an increased risk factor for the development of mental disorders. Three related studies will be conducted. The first study aims to provide evidence in favor of a learning negativity bias in people scoring high on neuroticism by appealing to ambivalent stimuli. The second study will provide clues on the cognitive mechanisms that are responsible for the effect. The third study will address whether the expected bias in the valance appraisal will also impact the way people perceive other features of the stimulus. The three studies will help us getting a whole picture by providing an explanatory mechanism of why emotionally vulnerable people are considered at risk for mental health issues.

Learning in emotionally vulnerable people Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0106 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://socpers.psihologietm.ro/grantH2020_0106.html

Abstract:

Neuroticism is a non-pathological personality trait and is considered a risk factor for emotional problems. However, the mechanism through which neuroticism actions as a risk factor are not clear. The current project aims to clarify through an evaluative conditioning perspective what these mechanisms might be. Additionally, this project will contribute to raising West University of Timișoara (UVT) as one of the top universities involved in the study of this phenomenon. UVT has reached a level of excellence but its research practices should be continuously updated in order to maintain and rise its current level. In this regard, we will establish a communication network between UVT and two other lead international institutions on the subject of Evaluative Conditioning: University of Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB) and Ghent University (UGENT).

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List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
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Peer-review activity for international programs/projects