Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:30:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5153.pdf: 1533597 bytes, checksum: 4d50c160cb28cf78883c1c4b06d79d88 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-15 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Counterfactual thinking (CT) corresponds to the idea of mental constructions of alternatives for past event and serves an important function in an individual s adaptation and emotional coping. The aims of this study were to: (1) produce material to access and evaluate the counterfactual thinking of adults and (2) investigate the counterfactual thinking of depressed and non-depressed people, in order to determine if there are differences in how these two groups think about alternatives to reality. Five stories were prepared, using materials extracts from studies of counterfactual thinking, newspaper report and magazines articles. For each story, we formulated questions about thoughts related to the content read and about how these stories might have been different. The alternatives were formulated using aspects of reality most commonly modified by people, according to the literature: action or inaction, obligation, time and unusual events. Judges evaluated the texts and the questions, and ranked the alternatives provided according to aspects of reality that were modified. These materials were then used with 42 adults (85% female, mean age of 43 years). Subjects belonged one of two groups: depressed and non-depressed. Individual interviews were conducted. Initially, participants indicated their reactions to the stories then indicated modifications they would make, and then selected one of a pre-determined list of possible changes. The verbal responses of both groups were categorized using content analysis, and the frequency of responses, for each category, was compared using Student s t-Test. There were similarities in the CT for both groups. The majority of the CT was categorized as upward, subtractive, self-directed and refered to modifications in action or inactions. Few differences between the two groups were observed, mostly found through directed modifications. / O pensamento contrafactual corresponde à ideia de construções mentais de alternativas para eventos passados e apresenta uma importante função adaptativa e de elaboração de sentimentos. Este estudo teve como objetivos: (1) elaborar um material para acessar e avaliar o pensamento contrafactual de adultos e (2) investigar os pensamentos contrafactuais de pessoas com indicativos de depressão e sem indicativos de depressão, a fim de verificar se há diferenças na forma como essas pessoas buscam alternativas para a realidade vivenciada. Para a elaboração do material buscou-se estórias retiradas de estudos da literatura e de jornais e revistas, tendo sido selecionadas cinco estórias. As estórias foram adaptadas e, para cada uma, foram formuladas questões abertas sobre pensamentos evocados pela leitura e, ainda, quatro alternativas de modificações do curso da estória. As alternativas foram formuladas a partir dos aspectos da realidade mais comumente modificados pelas pessoas, de acordo com a literatura: ação/inação, obrigação, tempo e evento não usual. Após a composição do material, foi feita uma avaliação de juízes, quanto à redação e classificação das alternativas de acordo com os aspectos da realidade. Em seguida foi realizada a coleta de dados, sendo a amostra de participantes composta por 42 adultos, 85% do gênero feminino e com idade média de 43 anos. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: com indicativos de depressão e sem indicativos de depressão, sendo cada grupo composto por 21 pessoas. A coleta foi realizada com cada participante individualmente. As modificações a respeito das estórias foram feitas, em um primeiro momento, por meio de relato livre, em seguida por meio de modificações direcionadas e, por fim, por meio de escolha de alternativas previamente elaboradas. As respostas abertas foram categorizadas por meio da análise de conteúdo e as frequências de pensamentos contrafactuais entre os grupos com e sem indicativos de depressão foram comparadas por meio do Teste-t de Student. Os resultados apontam estilos similares entre pensamentos contrafactuais de pessoas com e sem indicativos de depressão. A maioria dos pensamentos encontrados foram categorizados como ascendentes, subtrativos, autorreferentes e modificavam um aspecto referente à ação/inação. Foram observadas poucas diferenças significativas entre os grupos, sendo a maioria encontrada por meio de modificações direcionadas.

A utilização do valor justo, na avaliação de ativos biológicos, decorrentes da adoção de padrões internacionais de contabilidade, tem provocado efeitos econômicos significativos sobre o valor das empresas e, consequentemente, nos seus resultados correntes e futuros. Dessa maneira, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar se os usuários da informação contábil reconhecem a relevância do uso do valor justo na mensuração de ativos biológicos. Por meio de experimentos com alunos de MBA, sob a perspectiva da Teoria do Pensamento Contrafactual, foram considerados os seguintes estímulos sobre o julgamento da relevância do uso do valor justo para ativos biológicos: (i) se o resultado (perdas ou ganhos) decorrentes da avaliação a valor justo, (ii) se o tipo de ativo biológico (com ou sem liquidez) e (iii) se a decisão gerencial (manter o ativo até o vencimento ou disponibilizar para a venda) interferem no julgamento da relevância do uso do valor justo. Os resultados apontam que, mesmo com a presença dessas variáveis, o uso do valor justo é relevante para mensuração dos ativos biológicos. / The use of fair value in the measurement of biological assets resulting from the adoption of international accounting standards, has caused significant economic effect on the value of firms and hence on their current and future results. Thus, this study aims to examine whether users of accounting information recognize the relevance of the use of fair value measurement of biological assets. Through experiments with MBA students from the perspective of the Theory of Counterfactual Thinking, we considered the following stimuli on the trial of the relevance of the use of the fair value of biological assets: (i) if the result (gain or loss) arising from measurement at fair value, (ii) the type of biological assets (with or without liquid) and (iii) if the decision management (maintaining the asset to maturity or available for sale) interfere with the judgment of the relevance of the use of value fair. The results show that, even with the presence of these variables, the use of fair value is relevant for measurement of biological assets.

Firefighters respond to a wide range of critical incidents in which they face exposure to multiple stressors. Previous studies have reported prevalence rates of various symptomatology and identified some risk factors for firefighters, but accord has not been reached across studies on the extent of vulnerability or resilience and potential predictors of each have not all been identified. Studies with firefighters in the United Kingdom are comparatively rare. The purpose of this series of studies was, therefore, to investigate the prevalence of PTSD symptomatology and that of its associated comorbid conditions (depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse) in UK firefighters. On the basis of a literature review, the role of thought control, counterfactual thinking and humour style in predicting symptoms was examined. Study I examined this together with the demographic, occupational, event-specific and cognitive factors associated with these conditions in a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of multiple exposure in firefighters. Results indicated that these firefireghters demonstrated high levels of resilience, recording relatively low rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse symptomatology. No DSM-IV Criterion A1 exposure variable independently predicted symptomatology of PTSD, but A2 responses of fear and helplessness predicted PTSD symptomatology, and A2 fear predicted alcohol misuse. Individual aspects of A1 exposure did predict symptomatology of depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse; one operating schedule predicted symptomatology of depression and anxiety; and both previous divorce and previous psychiatric diagnosis predicted symptomatology of alcohol misuse. Of the three cognitive predictors, nonreferent counterfactual thinking and self-defeating humour independently predicted higher levels of PTSD symptomatology, whilst self-enhancing humour predicted lower symptomatology of depression. Results were essentially the same in both regression models, indicating no difference between the predictive power of these cognitive constructs between the models where humour was used at work and when used with the person closest to the participant. Study 2 evaluated the same symptomatology in a longitudinal investigation of firefighters exposed to a single critical incident in which the casualty's life could not be saved, again addressing the cognitive factors of thought control strategies, counterfactual thinking and humour style. Results showed high levels of resilience with firefighters recording relatively low rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse symptomatology, although symptomatology of depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse increased over time for a small number. Factors associated with development of symptomatology were firefighter type and rank, A2 horror, body recovery, and the use of thought suppression and 'if only' counterfactuals). However, these were not long-lasting. Similarly, associations between depression/anxiety symptomatology and A2 helplessness; anxiety and previous psychiatric diagnosis also had a short term effect on symptoms. Those who were younger and who had not been involved in body handling had higher depression scores at T2 although the sample size was small and these results may be anomalies. Study 3 explored the firefighters' responses to the same critical incident in greater depth in order to draw out any aspects of it which caused distress and any factors which were found to be helpful in coping with such distress. This qualitative exploration was designed to identify the meaning attached to aspects of critical incidents and how firefighters individually experienced such a critical incident response in comparison with other critical incidents. Results showed positive emotions, professional pride and a strong sense of duty were expressed far more than 'negative' emotions, suggesting a high degree of resilience. Identification with the dying or dead is a marker for distress because meaning has been attributed to the event through recognition of the deceased's humanity. Dissonance arose because of the struggle between this recognition and the desire to protect colleagues and it appears that it is this dissonance which adversely affects those with responsibility for making decisions. Feelings of helplessness arose through operational limitations and are also a marker for distress. Avoidance techniques were utilised, but thought suppression was not identified as such, although the transposition of distressing images through humour was reported. Downward counterfactuals were reported more frequently than upward, and the latter related to decision making and operational difficulties. The type of humour commonly used is banter which includes 'taking the piss' out of colleagues and situations although it was not experienced the same way by all firefighters. The purpose of banter is to cope with the stressors inherent in the job of firefighting and to facilitate bonding through its use as a private language. This study identified three 'rules of banter': it is reciprocal, the timing of it is critical, and it has contextual restrictions. Adaptive banter may be expressed as the self-enhancing or affiliative styles of humour and maladaptive as self-defeating, or banter may itself be a separate style of humour. Together, the studies' findings show that these firefighters were resilient to exposure to a range of stressors but that suffering may be seen on a spectrum. This has implications for theory and further research, and for the development of psychoeducational interventions to increase resilience in those first responders who may be at risk of developing symptoms.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Psychology / James C. Shanteau / A training protocol was developed to teach an implicit reasoning strategy to encourage the consideration of alternatives, specifically in behavioral trap decision environments. Engaging the strategy would thereby decrease the effect of focusing on traps, resulting in more rational behavior. In two studies, training was delivered in an instructor-less environment using paper-pencil and multimedia examples. The main training components consisted of analogical problem solving and counterfactual thinking. The potential moderators between training and performance outcomes consisted of an information processing disposition Need for Cognitive Closure, an individualized approach to decisions, Decision-Making Style, and a capacity to process information Working Memory Capacity. Arousal and mood were also measured before, during, and after the training as both have been linked with learning. In Study 1, participants engaged in analogical problem solving, additive counterfactual thinking, subtractive counterfactual thinking, or none of these (i.e., control group). Results revealed that the training was minimally effective, although some comparisons revealed a large shift from pre- to post-training in commitment score away from trap options. Likewise, the Need for Cognitive Closure was the best predictor of decision behavior revealing that a predisposition for amount of information processed during decision making is indicative of behavioral outcomes in this decision environment. Based on results from Study 1, the training was reformatted in Study 2 to obtain the maximum potential benefit. Analogical problem solving was coupled with each form of counterfactual thinking so participants engaged in both critical thinking processes. When training was effective, the two forms were differentially effective as related to behavioral trap problem type. Forward-looking training assisted problem types that force explicit cost recognition and immediate decision outcomes. Past-looking training assisted problem types that force little cost recognition and delayed decision outcomes. Results of this project could be used to enhance the acquisition of critical thinking as well as improve educational practices. Both information processing disposition and decision approach style predicted learning whereas capacity to process information and training manipulations did not. Future projects will examine how long the training effects last and if critical thinking training can be successfully applied to other decision environments.

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Functional Theory, the prevailing perspective on the function of counterfactual thinking, posits that the primary purpose of this form of mental simulation is to prepare individuals for the future. However, recent findings have presented challenges to this dominant view. The debate on this topic has recently centered around the possibility that these contradictory results may have arisen from the use of tasks that are inadequate to observe the preparatory function of counterfactuals. Moreover, it has been stressed the importance of considering also more spontaneous (or, at least, more intrinsically motivated) instances of counterfactual thinking when reflecting over its function. In this thesis, Experiments 1 to 3 investigated questions related to the content of counterfactual modifications and their beneficial effects on future performance, utilizing a novel task designed specifically to address previous limitations advanced by the proponents of the Functional Theory. Nonetheless, most of our results did not align with what would have been expected if counterfactual thoughts were produced mainly in a preparatory fashion. Experiments 4 to 6, instead, explored individuals’ inclination to look for non-instrumental counterfactual information, which pertains to information about the outcome of forgone options that does not contribute to improving future outcomes. This type of information seeking, involving the comparison between an actual and a forgone outcome, can represent a proxy of an underlying, genuine process of counterfactual analysis, and thus provides valuable insights for the debate on the function of counterfactual thinking. Indeed, results indicated that individuals readily look for counterfactual information even when it cannot serve any preparatory goal, challenging the notion that the consideration of alternatives to past events is strictly tied to the presence of such goals. These findings, along with prior research, raise questions about the extent to which counterfactual thoughts are produced to prepare for the future, prompting a reevaluation of its underlying functions.

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This paper explores the possibility and relevance of theological study of backward time travel and its consequences. An examination of current research on backward time travel reveals a number of interdisciplinary topics which are not handled within physics. Some of these topics, mainly concerning free will and determination, are of interest to philosophers, whereas topics such as meaning and responsibility are left aside.   In theology, there is a general dismissal of the idea of backward time travel. This study claims that this negative stance may be the result of taking science and its methods too seriously. The result of the study is that the interdisciplinary questions connected to backward time travel makes the subject very relevant for theological reflection. Thought experiments on backward time travel can provide valuable insights on how we deal with our lives, our world, time, and God today. / Denna explorativa studie utforskar möjligheten och relevansen av teologiska studier av tidsresor till det förflutna och deras konsekvenser. En undersökning av det aktuella forskningsläget visar på förekomsten av interdisciplinära frågeställningar som inte hanteras inom fysiken. Vissa frågor, framförallt knutna till den fria viljan och determinism, intresserar filosofer, medan andra områden som mening och ansvar inte behandlas vidare. Teologer ställer sig generellt negativa till tanken på resor till det förflutna. Denna studie hävdar att denna negativa inställning kan vara resultatet av en alltför stark respekt för vetenskapens fynd och metoder.  Resultatet av studien är att de interdisciplinära frågeställningar som är kopplade till tidsresor till det förflutna gör ämnet högst lämpligt för teologisk begrundan. Tankeexperiment kring ämnet kan ge värdefulla insikter om hur vi hanterar våra liv, vår värld, tiden och Gud idag.