Attitudes Toward Monsters

The concept of monsters is ubiquitous across cultures, but there has been little research on monsters themselves and what factors shape people’s attitudes toward them. Kennesaw State University undergraduate psychology students (N = 450) read unbiased, positively biased, or negatively biased reports of one of 15 fictional monsters before all participants read identical stories about an encounter with the monster. Questionnaire responses indicated that reading a negatively biased report results in significantly more negative attitudes toward a monster than reading an unbiased report, that attitudes toward animals positively correlate with attitudes toward monsters, and that attitudes toward monsters differ depending on what real-life animals they most resemble. The results provide a greater understanding of how humans perceive and react to unfamiliar nonhumans, specifically those with characteristics of various animals, and suggest that research on animal-like monsters can elucidate human perceptions of real-life animals. Applications include identifying the best methods to counteract negative media images of animals, discovering a culture’s views on animals through the monsters in its folklore, and identifying in advance which unfamiliar endangered animals likely need the most publicity in order to engender public support

Structural Relations among Negative Affect, Mate Value, and Mating Effort

We compared the ability of models based on evolutionary economic theory and Life History (LH) Theory to explain relations among self-reported negative affect, mate value, and mating effort. Method: Two hundred thirty-eight undergraduates provided multiple measures of these latent constructs, permitting us to test a priori predictions based on Kirsner, Figueredo, and Jacobs (2003). We compared the fit of the initial model to the fit of five alternative theory-driven models using nested model comparisons of Structural Equations Models. Rejecting less parsimonious and explanatory models eliminated the original model. Two equally parsimonious models explained the data pattern well. The first, based on evolutionary economic theory, specified that Negative Affect increases both Personal Mate Value and Mating Effort via the direct effects specified in the original model. The second, based on LH Theory, specified that Negative Affect, Personal Mate Value, and Mating Effort relate spuriously through a common latent construct, the LH Factor. The primary limitation of the present study is generalizability. We used self-reports taken from a young, university-based sample that included a spectrum of affective states. We cannot know how well these models generalize to an older population or to actual behavior. Both models predict the presence of a rich pattern of mate acquisition and retention behaviors, including an alarming set of behavioral tactics often not considered or targeted during treatment. Moreover, each model suggests a unique set of problems may arise after an effective intervention. We describe several ways to distinguish these models empirically

Structural relations among negative affect, perceived mate values and mating strategies

Clinically it is well known that negative affect influences the quality of human social, romantic, and sexual relationships. Conversely, it is well accepted that the quality of these relationships influences both positive and negative affect in humans. Few studies, however, have attempted to formally characterize--or to examine the clinical implications--of this phenomenon. Hence, the present study used a Structural Equations Model (SEM) approach to examine relations among self-reported Negative Affect, Mate Values, and Mate Retention Behaviors. Multiple measures of these latent constructs were taken from 238 undergraduates males (N=99) and females (N=139). An extant model (Kirsner, Figueredo, & Jacobs, 2003) was used to generate a priori predictions upon which an initial SEM was based. The fit of the initial model to the data was compared to that of seven alternative theory-driven models using Chi-squared difference tests and practical indices of fit. These comparisons were used to eliminate the least parsimonious of the models. Among the models eliminated were the original model, which claimed both indirect (Kirsner et al., 2003) and direct effects of negative affect (e.g., anxiety and depression) on mate retention behaviors, those claiming only indirect effects among the latent variables, and those claiming that negative affect have a 'general suppressive effect' on the outcome variables (e.g., Beck, 1967). The model that explained the data pattern most parsimoniously claimed that negative affect directly increases mate retention behaviors, decreases personal mate value, and indirectly, by way of personal mate value, decreases partner mate values. This model is useful at two levels. Theoretically, the model provides a basis for an ultimate (functional) explanation for causal relations between negative affect and reproductive behavior in humans. Clinically, the model predicts the occurrence of a rich pattern of specific mate retention behaviors, including retention behaviors that may disrupt ongoing social function, in response to spontaneous or clinically induced changes in negative affect