Psychology ETDs

Alisha Wray

Publication Date

8-31-2011

Abstract

Many researchers have devoted attention to the human tendency to find coherence or make sense of events in the environment. Until recently, however, there was no direct empirical evidence that making sense could function as a reinforcer. Wray, Dougher, and Bullard (2008) provided preliminary evidence that solvable conditions are preferred over unsolvable conditions indicating that making sense is reinforcing. Results from the current study replicate these findings with two additional behavioral measures. Results further indicate that both solvable and neutral conditions are preferable to unsolvable conditions. However, results show there is little difference in preference for solvable over neutral conditions. All findings held across both concurrent and forced choice procedures. Results suggest that avoiding conditions that cannot be solved is negatively reinforcing, and that, for some participants, engaging in sense-making is positively reinforcing. This evidence suggests that it may be useful to define making sense functionally, as two distinct behaviors, according to whether it is being maintained by positive versus negative reinforcement.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Perkins, Rick

Second Committee Member

Matthews, Dan

Third Committee Member

Smith, Bruce

Fourth Committee Member

Yeater, Elizabeth

Language

English

Keywords

Sense of coherence, Meaning (Psychology), Reinforcement (Psychology), Acceptance and commitment therapy.

Document Type

Dissertation

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