Mazzietti, A. & Koenig, O.
Université Lumière Lyon 2
The aim of the present study was to build an emotional induction paradigm using mental imagery in order to investigate the effect of perspective modulation on the performance of a detection task. In the first phase, participants were asked to evaluate various pictures representing emotional elements so as to determine which elements evoked the most emotions for them. These elements were inserted into a standardized scenario in which perspective was manipulated. Perspective could be internal (participant as actor) or external (participant as witness). In the second phase, participants were presented with these personalized induction scenarios to imagine for thirty seconds. A detection task was given to them immediately afterwards. Mental images were then evaluated in terms of valence, relevance, intensity, impact and quality. Results showed a significant effect of perspective modulation only for pleasant scenarios. Reaction times were faster for external perspective compared to internal perspective in pleasant condition. Pleasant stimuli presented in an external perspective were rated (valence, etc.) as less emotional than other stimuli. Unpleasant stimuli were both considered as equally emotional regardless the perspective. Results were explained using the appraisal theory and the concept of relevance, which perspective seems to modulate differently depending on the valence.