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The economy of probabilistic stress: Interplay of controlling activity and threat reduction
Author(s) -
Morrison Maxine S.,
Neufeld Richard W. J.,
Lefebvre Lorraine A.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
british journal of mathematical and statistical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.157
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 2044-8317
pISSN - 0007-1102
DOI - 10.1111/j.2044-8317.1988.tb00894.x
Subject(s) - probabilistic logic , control (management) , reduction (mathematics) , salient , preference , relation (database) , appeal , cognitive psychology , cognition , event (particle physics) , econometrics , psychology , computer science , risk analysis (engineering) , economics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , statistics , political science , medicine , database , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics , neuroscience , law
In this paper, we examine salient properties of control in stressing situations; the degree of control varies with the number of alternatives available to an individual within a situation. Simulated conditions of control indicate that as alternatives become more available, so does potential reduction of the probability that aversive events will occur. The simulations indicate, further, that realizing this potential rests on predictive judgements surrounding the alternatives; such judgements represent ‘cognitive demands’ which are regarded as stressing in their own right. After being demonstrated quantitatively, the inverse relation between aversive‐event probability and requisite predictive judgements is examined empirically. Mathematical models of preference and choice are then used to identify implications of the inverse relation for the relative ‘appeal’ held by alternate conditions of control. Both strengths and limitations of the current formulation and its supporting evidence are noted. Finally, the present type of control regarding stressing events is compared to other types, followed by discussion of their respective roles.