Discrepancies of Implicit and Explicit Self-Esteem as Predictors of Attributional Bias and Paranoia

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine the association of implicit self-esteem, explicit self-esteem and their interaction with paranoia and attributional bias. The relationship of the size and the direction of the discrepancy between implicit and explicit self-esteem with paranoia and attributional bias was examined. METHODS: A total of 128 female college students participated. We administered the Implicit Association Test to assess implicit self-esteem, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to measure explicit self-esteem. Paranoia Scale was used, and the attributional bias was assessed using the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire. RESULTS: Results showed that explicit but not implicit self-esteem was negatively associated with paranoia, blame bias and hostility perception bias in ambiguous situations. The interaction of implicit and explicit self-esteem was associated with hostility perception in ambiguous situations. As for the discrepancy, the size of the discrepancy between implicit and explicit self-esteem was positively associated with hostility perception in ambiguous situations. Moreover, the direction of the discrepancy was specifically relevant: damaged self-esteem (high implicit and low explicit self-esteem) was associated with increased levels of paranoia, blame bias and hostility perception in ambiguous situations. CONCLUSION: These findings provide new insights into the role of the implicit and explicit self-esteem in attributional bias and paranoia and point to damaged self-esteem as a possible vulnerability marker for illogical attribution of blaming others and perceiving hostility in social situations.

Usage Status and Characteristics of Mobile Devices for the Geriatric Population

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the current usage status and identify the needs of mobile devices in the geriatric population, thus grasping the accessibility and possibility of mobile devices which can be positively used to allow them to obtain health information and manage their mental health. METHODS: All self-reported questionnaires, such as demographics, mobile phone usage, and several mental health-related scales, were completed by two elderly groups (14 males ; aged over 60, mean=73) who visited Seodaemun-gu center for dementia: 1) 54 feature phone and 2) 57 smartphone users. RESULTS: The results revealed that they have had the need to receive health information and healthcare particularly on psychiatric disorders such as dementia, geriatric depression, and anxiety. The relation between wireless calling plan and the two groups was significant. The two groups showed a significant difference only in the Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS) score; The feature phone group had significantly higher SGDS score than the smartphone group did. CONCLUSION: As the elderly mobile phone users showed a high level of need for health information and healthcare via their own mobile phones, the data of this study are expected to serve as a foundation for the development of elderly-friendly mobile applications and programs.