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BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
1
Oral Abstracts
#6473
Oral Presentation
Weather to Fly: The psychobiological effects of anticipation of a forthcoming skydive
Dr Mark Wetherell, Northumbria University, Mrs Olivia Craw, Northumbria University & Dr
Michael Smith, Northumbria University
Introduction: Anticipation of forthcoming demand is met with psychobiological activation in
preparation for ensuing demands. Skydiving poses a potential threat to life and is therefore
associated with acute up-regulation of psychobiological resources. Skydives are also subject to
short-notice cancellation, thus providing a unique paradigm for assessing the anticipation of
forthcoming demand that may or may not be experienced.
Method: A sample of 24 healthy participants provided saliva samples (cortisol), and measures of
state mood at several time points from awakening until bedtime the day before and day of a
skydive. Participants either took part in the skydive as planned; knew the night before that the
skydive was cancelled; or were unsure of likelihood of the skydive until just before the scheduled
jump.
Results: The skydive led to acute increases in cortisol; levels increased in the lead up to and
peaked 30 minutes following the jump. Diurnal secretion of cortisol was greater on the day of the
skydive compared with the day before, with greatest secretion in those who jumped as planned.
Participants who were still expecting to skydive had greater cortisol levels following awakening
on the day of the skydive, compared with the day before; however, this was not evident in those
who were no longer expecting to jump.
Conclusion: This is the first study to utilise skydiving as a model of anticipation of met and unmet
demand. These data suggest that cortisol helps to mobilise resources in response to threatening
situations. However, increases in cortisol may also provide a preparatory mechanism in
anticipation of a forthcoming challenge and levels may reflect the perception of likelihood of
experiencing that challenge.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6778
Oral Presentation
Using the Cortisol Awakening Response as an objective biomarker of tinnitus distress: A pilot
study
Dr James Jackson, Leeds Trinity University
Objectives: Tinnitus distress is currently diagnosed by means of self-report. However, tinnitus
has a strong comorbidity with depression (Zöger et al., 2006), resulting in negative attentional
bias which confounds diagnosis (Baert et al., 2010). Since Hebert and Luipen (2007) report
blunted cortical reactivity in tinnitus patients and Canlon, Theorell & Hansson, (2013)
suggest they display 'signs of an impaired HPA-axis’ (p.11), it was hypothesised the
cortisol awakening response could provide an objective measure of tinnitus distress to assist
diagnosis.
Design: Tinnitus sufferers and controls matched for age and gender provided salivary samples to
investigate diurnal cortisol activity. Eligibility criteria were used to control for confounding
variables (e.g. smoking).
Method: Twenty individuals with tinnitus were assigned to one of two groups – habituated or
distressed – based on scores from the Tinnitus Functional Index (Miekle et al., 2012).
Additionally, there were ten matched controls. All participants underwent a hearing test and
completed stress questionnaires to control for outside effects. The Cortisol Awakening Response
was investigated by way of salivary measurement.
Results: Preliminary statistical analysis indicates a significant interaction
[F(6,66)=2.569;p=0.048]. The most distressed individuals tend to possess a flat diurnal cortisol
rhythm.
Conclusions: This pilot suggests some physiological difference between individuals habituated to
tinnitus and those that report distress. Further investigation is suggested to replicate these
findings with a larger sample size. If replicated, this paves the way for objective measurement of
the efficacy of tinnitus interventions by way of randomised controlled trial.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6775
Oral Presentation
Individual differences in negative affectivity and adaptation to social stress
Dr Eimear Lee, Anglia Ruskin University
Objectives: Individual differences in traits related to negative affectivity such as neuroticism and
type D personality have long been associated with poorer cardiovascular adaptation to stressful
situations, with socially oriented stress found to be of particular relevance. While the mechanisms
for this relationship are not yet fully understood, a failure to flexibly manifest appropriate coping
strategies could account for this poor adaptation to stressful situations. Recent research has
shown that greater capacity to employ flexible coping responses to stress may useful in
promoting more healthful stress responses. The current study aimed to investigate
cardiovascular reactivity to, and recovery from repeated social stress, and to examine the
relationship between traits related to negative affectivity and coping flexibility.
Design: The study employed a cross-sectional design.
Methods: 60 male and female participants completed three video recorded social stress tasks
involving inter-personal difficulties, with indices of blood pressure measured at baseline, stress 1,
resting 1, stress 2, rest 2, stress 3, and recovery phases. Psychometric instruments to assess
neuroticism, type D personality, coping styles and flexibility were administered.
Results: Results will be analysed using repeated measures ANCOVA, with appropriate follow-up
tests where appropriate.
Conclusions: The results are expected to elucidate further the relationship between
cardiovascular functioning during stress and individual differences in coping and negative
affectivity. In particular it is hypothesised that coping flexibility will interact with negative affectivity
to produce more adaptive cardiovascular responses to social stress.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#7007
Oral Presentation
Facial Mimicry in Sun Bears (Herlarctos Malayanus): A Broader Perspective on Emotional
Behaviours
Mr Derry Taylor, University of Portsmouth
The present study aimed to detect facial mimicry amongst sun bears (Herlarctos malayanus). Facial mimicry has been evidenced amongst primates and canines, although has not hitherto been investigated amongst ursids. Facial mimicry is typically associated with emotional contagion - a means by which animals share internal states. While scholars have suggested, based on neuroanatomical and behavioural evidence, that emotions are common to all mammals, it logically follows that amongst those species that use facial expressions to communicate, facial mimicry may be present. An observational study was conducted wherein 16 sun bears were recorded. Two facial expressions were identified and whether the production of an expression elicited an expression in a recipient was subsequently investigated. This revealed that sun bears exhibit facial mimicry. Present data in tandem with prior theoretical and empirical works in other species suggests that the differential function of these facial expressions may be to communicate nuanced emotional information, which in turn regulates social play of different intensities, although these possibilities require further exploration. This study suggests the complexity of emotional communicative systems in non-human animals may have been hitherto overlooked, and that these behaviours may be common to a multitude of mammalian species.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6871
Oral Presentation
An Observed Duel Tasking Paradigm For Use In Nutrition Intervention Crossover Protocols: A
Pilot Study
Dr Philippa Jackson, Northumbria University, Dr Crystal Haskell-Ramsay, Northumbria
University, Dr Rachel Veasey, Northumbria University, Mrs Julie Khan, Northumbria University,
Ms Joanne Forster, Northumbria University & Prof David Kennedy, Northumbria University
Objectives: A number of different paradigms exist for inducing stress within a laboratory setting
however very few are able to elicit consistent responses following repeated exposure. The
present study aimed to assess the efficacy of an observed duel tasking paradigm following
multiple assessments on subjective mood.
Method: Seventy-two healthy males and females aged 18-38 years attended the lab for two
identical study visits. Assessments took place in a room with a three-person panel. Participants
were fitted with a galvanic skin response (GSR) monitor and then completed the STAI and the
Bond-Lader mood scales. They then completed three 4-minute serial subtractions tasks in a
counterbalanced order (serial 3s, 7s and 17s) whilst also completing a computerised tracking
task. Following this, participants completed the STAI and mood scales once more. The
assessment was repeated at 60, 150 and 240 minutes following completion of the first
assessment. A light lunch was provided between the 150 and 240 minute assessments.
Results: A main effect was detected on selected mood scales with participants reporting feeling
significantly more stressed, less calm and less relaxed after stressor, compared to immediately
prior to it. State anxiety was also higher post-stressor. No effect of assessment nor visit on these
or the GSR measures suggests that participants did not habituate to the stressor.
Conclusions: This paradigm, which combines social evaluation and duel tasking, successfully
induced subjective stress over repeated assessments and would be appropriate for use when
assessing the anxiolytic and performance effect of nutritional interventions.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
6
#6836
Oral Presentation
Estimations of food portion size, and recommended daily intake
Dr Derek Larkin, Edge Hill University & Prof Colin Martin, Bucks New University
Objectives: Arguments have been developed which suggest that many individuals are driven to
consume excessive calories as a consequence of their biology and particularly genetics, which
may lead some to become overweigh or obese. Theories have emerged which suggest that
specific components of processed foods may drive addictive behaviours by activating the
hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis (HPA) in much the same way as alcohol or nicotine.
These theories have met with considerable criticism, as they tend to ignore the intimate
relationship most people have with food, and importantly what knowledge individuals require
when making choices about what to consume.
Methods: 71 participants were asked to choose, from a series of photographs, the image that
represented their ideal portion size for everyday foods, and then choose what portion size the
food manufacturers recommended daily intake (RDI) would be.
Results: We found that participants tended to accurately choose the food image that represented
the correct RDI, but many consistently reported consuming in excess of this amount.
Conclusion: In spite of being able to accurately choose the food manufacturers RDI, many
participants reported consuming quantities that exceeded the RDI. Participants appear to use
algorisms for food consumption that include a biological imperative for nutrition (vitamins,
nutrients etc.), but also texture and taste, ease of consumption, and importantly ‘addiction’ to
particular foods. We found that many of our participants demonstrated a good understanding of
nutrition and portion size but nevertheless, appeared to show maladaptive eating behaviours that
appear to mimic addictive behaviours to substances like alcohol and tobacco.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6774
Oral Presentation
The ability to continually apply self-control: the role of both glucose and motivation on self-control
performance.
Miss Claire Kelly, Lancaster University
Objectives: To explore self-control performance over time and specifically address why following
an initial self-control act successive efforts are temporarily impaired. Previous research argued
that this impairment stems from a depletion of energy resources such as glucose. The study
aimed to further investigate this and examine whether factors such as low motivation contribute
to this temporary deficiency in self-control.
Design: The study followed a mixed design, the between factor being drink administration (25g
glucose versus taste-matched placebo) and the within factor being saccade task (prosaccade
& antisaccade). Replicating the methodological design of previous studies, the current study
employed a sequential two-task design, administering two successive self-control tasks.
Methods: Sixty-seven participants (mean age = 21.15years) took part. Participants initially
completed a congruent (control) or incongruent (self-control) Stroop task, consumed glucose or
placebo drink and subsequently performed the saccade tasks. Employing the antisaccade task
within a self-control study was novel and permitted the more precise and accurate measurement
of self-control. Peripheral blood glucose levels were measured before and after the Stroop task
and after the saccade tasks.
Results: The study failed to show any glucose enhancing effects on antisaccade performance or
reduction in blood glucose levels following the initial application of self-control in the Stroop task.
Motivation however influenced self-control performance, those low than high in motivation
committed more erroneous antisaccade responses.
Conclusions: Motivation more powerfully predicted self-control performance, suggesting that
increasing motivation level may counteract a temporary deterioration in self-control performance
by the allocation of resources to both tasks.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
8
#6416
Oral Presentation
Facing diabetes: Exploring the mechanisms underpinning face recognition deficits in older adults
with type 2 diabetes
Dr Michael Smith, Northumbria University, Dr Nicola Jones, Liverpool Hope University & Dr
Leigh Riby, Northumbria University
Background: Older adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2) experience accelerated decline in some
domains of cognition. Here, we sought to investigate face recognition performance in this group,
and to explore the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying any observed deficits.
Methods: DM2 older adults (> 60 years; n = 24) completed tests of word, object and face
recognition. Their performance was compared to 13 older adults who exhibited a healthy
glucoregulatory profile, determined via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In a further study,
which aimed to explore the neurocognitive mechanisms associated with glucoregulatory-
mediated face recognition deficits, older adults without diabetes were subjected to an OGTT to
establish a glucoregulatory profile. On a subsequent day, event-related potentials (ERPs) were
obtained while participants completed an oddball task in which they were required to correctly
identify infrequently presented, familiar target faces embedded within a sequence of frequently
presented, unfamiliar foils.
Results: Both the DM2 (Study 1) and poor glucoregulation (Study 2) groups exhibited face
recognition deficits. The ERP findings indicated that these deficits can be attributed to impaired
attentional processing (indicated by a relatively larger P2 ERP component amplitude). No
between-group differences were observed on the P1, N170 or P3 ERP components.
Conclusions: There has been limited previous consideration of DM2-related non-verbal memory
deficits. In the present study, face recognition deficits were observed in older adults with DM2
(and impaired glucoregulation generally). Further, it appears that these deficits are underpinned
by problems with attentional processing, as opposed to early visual or memory
formation/updating mechanisms.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6772
Oral Presentation
What can music preferences tell us about the neuropsychology of memory?
Dr Catherine Loveday, University of Westminster, Dr Trudi Edginton, University of
Westminster, Dr Alison Eardley, University of Westminster & Prof Martin Conway, City
University
Objectives: The ability to recognise and respond to familiar music is often robust in people with
memory impairments, such as dementia and amnesia, and recent research suggests that music
is a good cue for autobiographical remembering. This raises the question of whether musical
memories may be stored or accessed differently to other memories.
Design & Methods: Our study used a free recall approach to investigate memory for music
across the lifespan in people with hydrocephalus and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Results: Results showed the presence of a reminiscence bump in these memory impaired
individuals but also revealed that there were significantly reduced specific episodic memories
associated with the music.
Conclusions: We conclude that organization of memory remains intact but that music is more
likely to evoke generic or implicit remembering. We also suggest that music may offer a novel
and interesting way of assessing memory.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
10
#6776
Oral Presentation
Inner Selflessness: Interoceptive sensitivity predicts prosocial behaviour
Dr Jane Aspell, Anglia Ruskin University, Ms Daniela Strelchuk, Anglia Ruskin University, Mr
Jake Knights, Anglia Ruskin University & Dr Richard Piech, Anglia Ruskin University
Objectives: We aimed to test the hypothesis that prosocial behaviour (PB) relies, in part, on brain
representations of bodily states of self and others. Superior sensitivity to internal bodily states
(interoceptive sensitivity; IS) is linked to enhanced emotional sensitivity, thus we predicted a
positive relation between IS and PB.
Design: We tested healthy participants in two studies that measured IS and PB.
Methods: IS was measured with a heartbeat discrimination task and PB was measured with two
tasks: in the money distribution task participants chose between real monetary rewards for
themselves or an other participant. Participants were asked to complete a maths task (‘help
task’) after the experiment, to help the experimenter. Materialism and empathy were assessed
with standard questionnaires. In study 1 (n=30) the IS task was completed once, after the money
distribution task. In study 2, one group (n=29) completed the money task first, then the IS task
three times (the second time with feedback), and finally the money task a second time. A control
group (n=28) completed an auditory control task three times, and the IS task once, after the
second money task.
Results: IS and low materialism correlated positively with monetary generosity, while empathy
did not. Low materialism correlated with time spent on the help task in study 1 but not in study 2.
IS feedback improved performance on the IS task but participants did not become more
generous.
Conclusions: IS was the best predictor of monetary generosity. Enhancing IS performance did
not affect PB.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6782
Oral Presentation
An examination of some of the mechanisms that may underlie the psychobiological effects of
swearing
Dr Richard Stephens, Keele University, Mr Kieran Bromley, Keele University & Mr Dominic
Bromley, Keele University
Objectives: Swearing increases pain tolerance, grip strength and anaerobic muscle output but
the mechanism is unclear. Here we assess how swearing affects embarrassment, psychological
flow and state aggression during a cold pressor task. We also assess whether swearing
produces a generalised disinhibition leading to non-specific improvements in task performance.
Method: A repeated measures experimental design employed 61 participants (42 females; mean
age 21.6 years, SD 4.3). The cold pressor task, Minnesota Manual Dexterity Task (MMDT),
postural sway task and Stop Signal Reaction Time task (SSRT) were applied. Participants
repeated swear or neutral words throughout cold pressor hand submersion and for 15s prior to
completing the other tests. Questionnaire assessments of embarrassment, psychological flow
and state aggression were made. Heart rate and facial skin temperature were also assessed.
Results: Swearing produced a mean 12s increase in pain tolerance, F(1,59)=9.22, p=0.004.
However, in separate linear models including state aggression and psychological flow in addition
to swearing as predictors of cold pressor latency, swearing was no longer significant, p>0.23,
but state aggression, F(1,59)=5.693, p=0.02, and psychological flow, F(1,59)=13.210, p<0.001,
were significant. Swearing lead to improved MMDT scores, F(1,59)=22.002, p<0.001. There
were no other significant effects.
Conclusions: We have replicated the hypoalgesic effect of swearing and demonstrated possible
mediating effects of flow and state aggression but not embarrassment. Swearing benefitted
manual dexterity but without evidence of generalised disinhibition.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
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#6649
Oral Presentation
Relations between interoceptive processing and nicotine addiction
Miss Jennifer Todd, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge & Dr Jane E. Aspell, Anglia Ruskin
University, Cambridge
The use of addictive substances is associated with modified bodily states, therefore in the
present study we investigated interoceptive sensitivity (IS) and interoceptive awareness (IA) in
participants with and without an addiction to cigarettes. IS was measured with a heartbeat
tracking task and a heartbeat discrimination task and IA was measured using two sub-scales
from the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) in participants
addicted to cigarettes (n=24), and participants without an addiction (n=26). Participants in the
‘addiction’ group completed the Revised Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence to measure
addiction severity. Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) revealed that the overall interoceptive ability
of control participants was greater than that of participants in the ‘addiction’ group. The difference
in performance on the heartbeat tracking task between groups was significant at the univariate
level. No significant differences were observed for the remaining measures. These same pattern
of results were seen after a MANCOVA (controlling for average heart rate) was conducted.
Multiple regression analysis revealed that addiction severity was positively predicted by
performance on the heartbeat discrimination task and scores on the MAIA ‘noticing’ scale.
However, scores on the heartbeat tracking task and MAIA ‘attention regulation’ scale did not
significantly predict addiction severity. This is the first behavioural demonstration of differences in
interoception in a population with nicotine addiction and builds upon previous research,
suggesting that interoception may play a crucial role in addiction. Furthermore, these findings
suggest that both IS and IA may fluctuate over the course of an addiction.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
13
#6786
Oral Presentation
The effects of an acute psychological stressor on subjective and physiological reactivity in
cannabis-smokers, tobacco-smokers, and non-smokers
Mr Jason Round, Leeds Beckett University
Objectives:To investigate the effects of a psychological stressor on psychophysiological reactivity
in non smokers (NS), tobacco smokers (TS), cannabis smokers who smoke tobacco cigarettes
infrequently (CS-T), and cannabis smokers who smoke tobacco cigarettes regularly (CS+T).
Design:A mixed quasi-experimental design was utilised with two independent variables: group as
a between-subject factor and time as a within-subject factor. Dependent variables were
subjective (stress and anxiety) and physiological (heart rate; HR, phasic and tonic electrodermal
activity; EDA) responses to a stressor (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST).
Methods:Participants (NS=15, TS=16, CS-T=11, CS+T=17) were recruited through opportunity
sampling. Individuals underwent the TSST; subjective measures were taken before and after the
TSST, physiology was measured at baseline and during the TSST. Group differences in
subjective and physiological responses to the TSST were assessed by time using mixed
ANOVAs. Physiological reactivity scores were assessed using one-way between-subject
ANOVAs.
Results:In TS HR was elevated at baseline and during the stressor (irrespective of time) relative
to NS. HR reactivity was significantly greater in CS-T relative to TS and CS+T. CS+T showed
significantly greater tonic EDA irrespective of time compared to NS and CS-T; both CS+T and TS
elicited significantly greater phasic EDA relative to NS irrespective of time. There were no group
differences in subjective response to the stressor or EDA reactivity.
Conclusions:Drug users and NS experienced similar subjective reactivity to stress. TS and CS+T
demonstrated heightened basal physiological activity, which was sustained throughout exposure
to psychological stress, suggestive of disruption to the cardiovascular and sympathetic systems.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
14
#6784
Oral Presentation
An on-premise study to investigate the effects of mixing alcohol with energy drinks on overall
alcohol consumption and subjective intoxication
Dr C Alford, University of the West of England, Mr Sean Johnson, University of the West
of England, K Stewart, JC Verster, Utrecht University
Objectives: There has been recent debate as to whether combining caffeinated beverages with
alcohol masks the intoxicating effect of alcohol. Therefore the purpose of this on-premise study
was to investigate whether mixing alcohol with energy drinks (AMED) has an effect on objective
and subjective intoxication.
Design: Objective intoxication (BrAC) was determined using a breathalyser and subjective
intoxication rated on a 10-point scale.
Methods: The study was conducted on four nights in Bristol city centre. N = 979 participants
leaving bars and nightclubs (between 10pm and 5am) were interviewed about their alcohol
consumption, both with and without energy drinks, for that particular evening and for other
occasions.
Results: Three groups were identified: AMED-tonight group (15.4%), AMED-other-night group
(39.0%) and no-AMED group (45.6%). Despite the total amount of alcoholic drinks reportedly
consumed by the AMED-tonight group being significantly higher (10.9+4.9) than the AMED-
other-night (9.4+5.6, p=0.007) and no-AMED groups (8.7+5.0, p=<0.001), there were no
significant differences (p=0.098) in objective intoxication. However, the AMED-tonight group
reported higher subjective intoxication (5.4+1.7) compared to the AMED-other-night group
(4.8+2.1, p=0.015) and the no-AMED group (4.8+2.0, p=0.005). Within-subject comparisons
revealed that the majority of people consumed approximately the same, if not less, alcoholic
drinks on AMED occasions (10.8+4.7) compared to alcohol only occasions (11.0+4.9, p=0.619).
Conclusion: In contrast to previous claims these findings suggest that mixing alcohol with energy
drinks may enhance rather than mask subjective intoxication. In addition, the co-consumption of
energy drinks with alcohol appears to have limited impact on total alcohol consumption.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
15
#6785
Oral Presentation
Are current binge drinking indicators insufficient at identifying risky drinking behaviour among UK
university students?
Mr Sean Johnson, University of the West of England, Dr C Alford, University of the West
of England, K Stewart, JC Verster, Utrecht University
Objectives: Despite recent research showing that alcohol consumption is decreasing among 18-
24 year-olds, binge drinking remains a persistent source of concern among UK university
students. Students have been consistently shown to drink alcohol at higher levels than the
general population, questioning the utility of applying traditional binge drinking indicators. This
study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of binge drinking (females 6>units,
males 8>units) and extreme binge drinking (females 12>units, males 16>units) among
UK students.
Design: An online survey collected data on the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed,
negative alcohol-related consequences, risk-taking behaviours and demographics.
Methods: The survey was advertised through university student union social media throughout
the UK. Responses (N = 2371) were received from students at institutions from each country.
Results: 46.7% of students did not binge drink, 41% of students engaged in binge drinking and
12.3% engaged in extreme binge drinking. Extreme binge drinkers experienced significantly
more negative alcohol-related consequences in the past year than binge drinkers (P<0.001),
including getting into sexual situations they later regretted (47.3%, 29.2%), waking up in an
unexpected place (35.5%, 19.0%) and getting into a fight (16.6%, 9.4%). Students who were high
risk-takers, consumed alcohol regularly at an earlier age, smoked and used drugs were
significantly (P<0.05) more likely to be extreme binge drinkers.
Conclusion: In order to adequately identify high risk drinkers from the general student cohort new
indicators comprised of multiple levels of binge drinking behaviour and their predictors may be
necessary to develop effective screening and interventions.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
16
#6392
Oral Presentation
Investigating the psychobiological mechanisms underpinning the association between Type D
personality and increased physical health complaints
Miss Sarah Allen, Northumbria University, Dr Michael Smith, Northumbria University, Dr Mark
Wetherell, Northumbria University & Dr Brian Lovell, Northumbria University
Objectives: Type D personality; the synergistic effect of social inhibition (SI) and negative
affectivity (NA) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly in cardiac
populations. Links have also been demonstrated between Type D and increased psychological
distress, physical symptoms and maladaptive stress reactivity; however the mechanisms
underpinning these relationships are not fully understood. The aim of the current research is to
elucidate the psychobiological pathways linking Type D personality to physical health complaints
in the general population.
Design: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study was conducted in the general
population (N = 535) and subsequent regression analyses demonstrated positive relationships
between Type D and increased health complaints, specifically for cardiac and immune related
symptoms. In light of these findings, a further experimental study was conducted with 75 healthy
adults (aged 18-45) to examine cardiovascular stress reactivity and immune activation in relation
to Type D.
Methods: Salivary α-amylase samples were collected at baseline, pre and post completion of an
acute laboratory-based multitasking stressor, as a biomarker of sympathetic-adrenal medullary
(SAM) axis activity. Beat-to-beat measures of cardiovascular function were also obtained across
the testing session. Additionally, serum C-reactive protein samples were collected as a measure
of immune activation.
Results/Conclusions: Findings are anticipated to broaden our knowledge of the psychobiological
pathways linking Type D personality to adverse health outcomes. Original evidence will be
provided regarding SAM activity, inflammatory processes and previously overlooked aspects of
cardiovascular stress reactivity as potential mechanisms underpinning these relationships.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
17
#6781
Oral Presentation
Perceived Moral Value Increases Pain Sensitivity During an Experimental Cold Pressor Task
Dr Philippe Gilchrist, University of Cambridge, Ms Thea Schei, University of Cambridge, Dr
Simone Schnall, University of Cambridge & Dr Whitney Scott, King's College London
Objectives: Cognitive appraisal processes are central to the experience of pain, though little is
known about the role of morality. This study aimed to examine whether pain is affected by
prosocial goals. It was hypothesized that such goals would moderate pain.
Design: An experimental model using the cold-pressor test (CPT) was employed, a well-validated
means to induce tonic pain. Methods: Sixty-nine young adults completed a Moral Identity Scale
(MIS), the CPT and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), followed by a manipulation of either
high or low perceived moral value. In the former condition it was emphasized that the study was
“important to help improve treatments for those who suffer from pain,” whereas in the latter
condition it was presented merely as a pilot test. Next, the participant completed a second CPT
and MPQ. The primary analysis included a MIS(treated as continuous) x 2(high- vs. low-moral
value) x 2(CPT-1, CPT-2) general linear model for pain reports on the MPQ.
Results: High moral value resulted in a relative increase in total pain as well as sensory pain in
particular, F(1,61) = 7.84, p = .007; Ƞ2p = .114, F(1,62) = 7.88, p = .007; Ƞ2p = .113. Moreover,
higher scores on the MIS also predicted increased sensory pain, F(1,61) = 4.41, p = .040; Ƞ2p =
.066.
Conclusions: Painful experiences with a prosocial goal lead to greater pain sensitivity. Practical
applications include health-care contexts in which painful procedures can be introduced at
varying levels of subjective involvement.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
18
#6824
Oral Presentation
An International comparison of the measurement characteristics of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-
Revised (BSS-R)
Prof Colin Martin, Buckinghamshire New University, Ms Zoi Vardavaki, University College
London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Prof Caroline Hollins Martin, Edinburgh Napier
University
Objectives: Childbirth represents a complex psychobiology and the psychological component is
becoming increasingly recognised as predictive of a range of physiological as well as
psychological outcomes. Core to the psychological domains of relevance is the concept of birth
satisfaction. The current investigation sought to determine if the measurement characteristics of
the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) were equivalent between the original English-
language version and a translated version of the tool. Evidence for equivalence would facilitate
International comparisons of the construct of birth satisfaction with confidence in measurement
veracity.
Method: A secondary analysis of UK and a Greek-translated version of the BSS-R and
comparisons of the measurement equivalence of the instrument determined using a structural
equation modeling measurement invariance framework. Participants from the two studies used
in this secondary analysis were UK (n=228) and Greek (n=162) postnatal women.
Results: BSS-R data was initially pooled and found to offer and excellent fit to the three-factor
model of the BSS-R. Increasingly constrained models demonstrated excellent equivalence up to
the level of partial scalar invariance. Two items were observed to be non-invariant at the scalar
level and these differences may be accounted for by fundamental differences in service delivery
models and clinical factors.
Conclusions: The current investigation demonstrates that the BSS-R is generally equivalent
between two different language versions and thus meaningful comparisons can be made
between groups, and thus populations with confidence in the measurement veracity and
accuracy of the measure used.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
19
Poster Abstracts
#6783
Poster
Studying heart rate differences during social stimuli in infants at risk for ASD
Miss Tessel Bazelmans, King's College London, Prof Tony Charman, King's College London,
Dr Emily Jones, Birkbeck, University of London & Prof Mark Johnson, Birkbeck, University of
London
Objectives: Behavioural difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been linked to
atypical functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is however unclear what the
influence of the ANS is during the period before overt behavioural atypicalities emerge. This
study addresses whether 5-month-old infants at risk for ASD differ from low-risk controls in heart
rate during social and non-social videos.
Design: This preliminary data is part of BASIS (British Autism Study of Infant Siblings), a
longitudinal study following children at familial risk for ASD. Method: 5-month-old infants with an
older sibling with ASD are recruited as high-risk group (N = 21) and compared to low-risk infants
with an older sibling without ASD (N = 15). The participants watch a wildlife video, a happy video,
a sad video and at the end another wildlife video. Heart rate is continuously measured.
Results: There is a significant effect of video (F(3,87) = 8.44, p <.001). Heart rate increases
from the first wildlife video to the happy, sad and second wildlife video. There are no group
differences or interaction effect.
Conclusions: This preliminary data shows that differences do not seem to be present this early in
development. The next steps are (1) to see in the same infants followed-up at 10 and 14 months
show difference in heart rate at a later developmental stage and (2) if heart rate relates to more
continuous measures of social skills to take the high variability of skills in the ASD group into
account.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
20
#6840
Poster
Visuospatial memory performance in binge drinking cannabis smoking poly-drug users:
Preliminary finding of a systematic review and Meta-Analysis
Mr Kevin Duggan, Edge Hill University
Visual and spatial aspects of working memory, referred to as Visuospatial working memory, are
assumed to hold and process information related to visual stimuli. It is used in the temporary
storage and manipulation of spatial and visual information, such as remembering shapes and
colours, or the location or speed of objects in space (Baddley 2003). A preliminary search of
literature covering the period up to August 2016 was conducted in order to identify publications
relating to the effects of binge drinking and cannabis consumption on visuospatial performance in
humans. The PsycInfo, Pubmed, cinall and Web of Science databases were searched using
eight terms in which either ‘binge drinking’, cannabis, and poly drug was paired with ‘spatial’,
‘visual’, ‘Visuospatial’ or ‘visuo-spatial’. Of the 442 papers identified, following a 3 level
examination against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 papers were deemed suitable for
inclusion in the analysis. Meta-analyses were conducted using COMPREHENSIVE META-
ANALYSIS (CMA 2.0™ Biostat, Englewood, New Jersey) software. To summarise the main
statistical findings, the 12 studies included in the meta-analysis yielded a relatively small but
statistically significant mean weighted effect size showing poorer task performance by the
cannabis Polydrug users
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
21
#6777
Poster
A Review of the Literature on Interventions to Encourage University Students to Reduce Harmful
Consumption of Alcohol
Miss Kara Holloway, Keele University & Dr Richard Stephens, Keele University
Background: The UK Government considers high risk drinking as a social and health priority (HM
Government, 2012). Higher education students are at further risk because students have
increased consumption compared with similarly aged adults (White, 2006). The harms of high
risk drinking for students include death, sexual assault and negative academic performance
(WHO, 2011).
Aims: The aim of the review was to determine the types of interventions that have been deployed
at universities and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Method: A review of the literature was conducted; 22 peer review papers were included.
Findings: The review revealed four key types of student alcohol interventions: educational (e.g.
campaigns that raise awareness of consequences of binge drinking), cognitive skills (e.g.
teaching coping skills so that students do not use alcohol as a stress-reliever), feedback (e.g.
receiving personalised feedback about the student’s drinking and comparing to others) or
environmental (e.g. increasing the price of alcohol). The majority of the papers reviewed were
affected by one or more common limitations such as lack of a control group and absence of
behavioural measures.
Conclusion: There is very limited evidence for the use of cognitive based interventions in
reducing alcohol consumption. There is limited evidence for the use of educational or feedback
interventions. Environmental interventions had good evidence to support their effectiveness.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
22
#6822
Poster
The development and measurement characteristics of the Perinatal Mental Health Awareness
(PMHA) scale
Prof Colin Martin, Buckinghamshire New University, Prof Julie Jomeen, University of Hull &
Ms Patricia Jarrett, University of Middlesex
Objectives: Perinatal mental health problems impact deleteriously on the child-bearing woman,
her partner and a broad range of maternal, neonatal and infant outcomes. Despite this complex
constellation of potential negative outcomes, the focus within this area remains centred on the
physical and physiological dimensions of care. Consequently, knowledge and practice within the
psychological domains of care remains under-developed. The current investigation sought to
develop and evaluate a brief measure to assess practitioner perinatal mental health knowledge
and confidence deficits to inform clinical curriculum development and enhancement within an
holistic care provision context.
Method: A cross-sectional instrument development and evaluation design for instrument
development and evaluation. The statistical analysis plan used exploratory factor analysis,
internal consistency and known-groups validity testing to develop and evaluate the perinatal
mental health assessment (PMHA) tool. Two-hundred and sixty-six participants took part in the
study all of whom were undertaking a midwifery training course, the sample being drawn from ten
universities across the UK.
Results: Psychometric evaluation of the PMHA tool revealed the instrument to have good
psychometric properties across all domains of evaluation. The instrument comprises three
robust sub-scale assessing domains of (i) mental health symptoms, (ii) physical/medical issues
and (iii) learning disability.
Conclusions: The PMHA tool is a robust measure of clinical perinatal mental health knowledge
and confidence across distinct domains of critical importance to the delivery of contemporary
evidence-based care.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
23
#6823
Poster
The development of a shortened indicator version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised, the
Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator (BSS-RI)
Prof Colin Martin, Buckinghamshire New University, Prof Caroline Hollins Martin, Edinburgh
Napier University & Dr Maggie Redshaw, University of Oxford
Objectives: The 10-item Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) has become a widely-used
theoretically anchored measure of birth satisfaction. Developed in the UK, the BSS-R has
become increasingly used Internationally. The current investigation sought to develop a
shortened indicator version for use as a key performance indicator measure for use in evaluating
maternity service care delivery. The focus on the development of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-
Revised Indicator (BSS-RI) was on measurement robustness and validity.
Method: The items comprising the BSS-R were subject to expert review and reduced to six
candidate items for the BSS-RI and embedded, with a simplified scoring system, into the 2014
National Maternity Survey for England. Mothers (N=4201) who had given birth three months
earlier were randomly selected from birth registration for participation in the study by the Office
for National Statistics. The BSS-RI was evaluated using a comprehensive psychometric battery.
Results: Psychometric review of the BSS-RI revealed the instrument to have generally excellent
measurement characteristics across all domains of evaluation including, exploratory factor
analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency evaluation and known-group
discriminant validity. The BSS-RI comprised two sub-scales of (i) stress experienced during
childbearing and (ii) quality of care.
Conclusions: The BSS-RI offers a short (six-items), robust and valid measure of key domains of
birth satisfaction which compliments the longer versions of the tool while offering a measure that
provides a contextually relevant and psychologically coherent measure which may be utilised as
a key performance indicator in the evaluation of maternity services and care delivery.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
24
#6999
Poster
Does stimulant misuse impair access to semantic memory? Prof Philip Murphy, Edge Hill University, Dr Derek Larkin, Edge Hill University & Dr Catharine Montgomery, Liverpool John Moores University Background: Previous studies report access to semantic memory changes in stimulant drug
users (e.g. ecstasy (MDMA), cocaine, and amphetamines). However, test performance may not
be significantly different to that of nonusing controls despite brain activity patterns being different,
and the confounding effects of other drugs are difficult to control. Preliminary findings are
presented from a new study concerning stimulant misuse and access to semantic memory.
Method: Group 1 comprised 20 stimulant users (12 female). Group 2 comprised 15 controls (11
female) with some non-stimulant drug use. The semantic association task administered required
judgement of which of three target words had a semantic association with a cue word. Correct
target words represented either high or low levels of semantic association to the cue word.
Dependent variables were the number of correct choices and reaction times (RTs) for each
semantic association level.
Results: Participant groups did not differ significantly in age or on any of the semantic association
task dependent variables. Within Group 1 impaired RT performance was negatively correlated
(i.e. longer RTs) with ecstasy use onset age and weekly cigarette consumption. The number of
correct high association target choices was negatively correlated with several measures of
cannabis consumption within this group.
Conclusions: Consistent with previous research, access to semantic memory may be vulnerable
to impairment related to multiple substances. Data collection for this study is continuing, with
data concerning cortisol awakening responses, dorsolateral prefrontal cortical activity, and a
range of other psychological variables to be analysed.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
25
#6852
Poster
The effect of emotion on inhibition: an ERP study.
Dr Aspasia Paltoglou, Oxford Brookes University, Dr Emma Davies, Oxford Brookes University
& Dr Sanjay Kumar, Oxford Brookes University
Objectives: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of emotion on inhibition.
Furthermore, a recent study indicated that alcohol cues have a detrimental effect on the ability to
inhibit responses. Here we investigated the interaction between emotion and inhibition for
alcohol cues.
Design: The study has a within-subjects design: 3(angry/happy/neutral)x2(go/no-
go)x2(alcohol/control). AUDIT was used to measure how much participants drink, and STAI to
measure state and trait anxiety.
Methods: Ten participants were asked to perform an alcohol go/no-go task. In one session that
consisted of nine blocks of 100 trials (75 go, 25 Nogo), participants were asked to respond to
alcohol pictures and withhold their responses to control pictures. In a second session,
participants were asked to do the reverse. Alcohol and control pictures were presented for 200
ms. Pictures of emotional faces were presented continuously in the background, one picture per
block.
Results: Preliminary results revealed the following trends: participants were better at stopping
their responses for the control pictures when angry faces were on the background than when
neutral faces were on the background (p=.035). Furthermore, participants were better at stopping
their responses for control pictures than for alcohol pictures when angry faces were in the
background (p=.055). Amplitude for P300 and N200 components will also be analyzed. State
and trait anxiety and the level of alcohol consumption will be used as covariates.
Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that there is an interaction between emotion and
the ability to inhibit responses in an alcohol go/Nogo task.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
26
#6857
Poster
Cognitive resource depletion: a moderating factor of susceptibility to the effects of glucose and
caffeine in combination on cognition.
Mrs Bernadette Robertson, Lancaster University, Dr Barry O'Neill, GSK Human Performance
Lab, Dr Jonathan Farrimond, Suntory Food and Beverage Europe & Dr Sandra Sünram-Lea,
Lancaster University
Objectives: Studies investigating the effects of glucose and caffeine in combination on cognitive
performance have produced somewhat equivocal results. One reason for this might be
methodological differences. Depletion of cognitive resources might be important to demonstrate
beneficial effects. The study aimed to assess the extent to which cognitive resource depletion
affects the cognitive effects of glucose and caffeine in combination compared with placebo.
Design: Using a mixed, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled design, 59 young healthy
adults who were frequent caffeine consumers (≥120mg per day) performed a range of cognitive
tasks and mood assessments either with or without prior depletion. The drinks were a ‘higher
dosage combination’ (60g glucose/40mg caffeine), a ‘lower dosage combination’ (25g
glucose/40mg caffeine) and a taste-matched placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed
using a declarative long-term memory task, a vigilance task and a demanding working memory
task.
Results: The depletion battery successfully induced ‘mental fatigue’ (p<0.01). Moreover,
following depletion, a significant effect of treatment was observed on word recognition accuracy
(p=0.019) and speed (p =0.005). Specifically, the lower dose prevented a decline in accuracy
compared to placebo and the higher dose led to faster speed of recognition. Without prior
depletion the only active treatment effect observed was on working memory following
administration of the lower dosage combination (p=0.004).
Conclusion: The treatment effects on declarative memory following cognitive resource depletion
suggest this might be an important factor for facilitation to occur. In addition the data suggests
that resource depletion might have differential moderating effects on different cognitive domains.
BPS Psychobiology Section Annual Scientific Meeting 2016
27
#6779
Poster
An investigation into the impact of psychological factors on hangover severity
Dr Sarita Robinson, University of Central Lancashire & Dr Gayle Brewer, University of Central
Lancashire
Objectives: Hangover status has long been thought to correspond to the amount and type of
alcohol imbibed. Typically a hangover occurs between 8-16 hours after ingestion of alcohol with
people experiencing physical, mood and cognitive impairments even though blood alcohol
concentrations have returned to zero.
However, recent studies suggested the severity of hangover could be related to psychological
factors. The current study considered whether the psychological factors of guilt and shame can
influence the severity of a hangover.
Method: A naturalistic experimental design to investigate the impact of alcohol intake, gender
and state levels of shame and guilt relating to their previous night’s drinking behaviour on the
hangover experience. The outcomes measures used were participant scores on the Alcohol
Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS), the NASA workload questionnaire and cognitive performance
measures (letter-digit substitution and the Reys complex image tasks).
Results: Self-reported workload and cognitive impairments were higher in participants who
reported higher levels of hangover severity. Further, participants with higher levels of shame and
guilt reported higher levels of hangover severity.
Conclusions: Hangover status was impacted by participant’s levels of shame and guilt. This
suggests a psychological dimension to hangover severity.