We present a probabilistic model, based on Dynamic Decision Networks, to assess user affect from possible causes of emotional arousal. The model relies on the OCC cognitive theory of emotions and is designed to assess student affect during the interaction with an educational game. A key element of applying the OCC theory to assess user affect is knowledge of user goals. Thus, in this paper we focus on describing how our model infers these goals from user personality traits and interaction behavior. In particular, we illustrate how we iteratively defined the structure and parameters for this part of the model by using both empirical data collected through Wizard of Oz experiments and relevant psychological findings.

To investigate how time perception may contribute to the symptoms of self-harming Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) patients, 19 self-harming BPD inpatients and 39 normal controls were given measures of time perception, impulsivity, personality, emotion, and BPD characteristics. A test sensitive to orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) function (“Frontal ” Behavior Questionnaire) was also administered, as the OFC has been associated with impulsivity and time perception. BPD patients produced less time than controls, and this correlated with impulsiveness and other characteristics commonly associated with BPD. BPD patients were also less conscientious, extraverted, and open to experience, as well as more impulsive (self-report and behaviorally), emotional, neurotic, and reported more BPD characteristics, compared to controls. The results suggest that some of these core characteristics of BPD may be on a continuum with the normal population and, impulsivity in particular, may be related to time perception deficits (i.e., a faster subjective

Do brand personality scales really measure brand personality?

Three studies examined associations between goal disengagement and goal reengagement tendencies and indicators of physical health (e.g., health problems, cortisol rhythms, sleep efficiency). Based on research showing that goal adjustment tendencies are associated with subjective well-being, the authors predicted that people who are better able to disengage from unattainable goals and reengage with alternative goals also may experience better physical health. Across the three studies, the findings demonstrate that the ability to disengage from unattainable goals is associated with better self-reported health and more normative patterns of diurnal cortisol secretion. Goal reengagement, by contrast, was unrelated to indicators of physical health but buffered some of the adverse effects of difficulty with

Three studies examined associations between goal disengagement, goal reengagement, and subjective well-being.In Study 1, 115 undergraduates reported on the extent to which they were able to abandon unattainable goals and reengage their efforts in alternative goals.Study 2 examined the importance of goal disengagement and goal reengagement in groups of young adults and older adults (N = 120).In Study 3, a sample of parents of children with cancer and parents of medically healthy children was examined (N = 45).The findings confirmed that goal disengagement and goal reengagement can be associated with ratings of high subjective well-being.In addition, the results showed that goal disengagement and goal reengagement can have interactive effects on subjective well-being.The importance of the findings for effective self-regulation and successful development are discussed. Keywords: self-regulation; goal adjustment; disengagement; goals; well-being Research on self-regulation and adaptive human behavior often emphasizes the role played by goal attainment, along with the attendant processes and variables that support the attainment of goals, such as persistence, self-efficacy, or optimism (e.g., Bandura, 1977; Carver & Scheier, 1981; Heckhausen & Schulz, 1995). Indeed, being optimistic, believing in one’s own competencies, and staying persistent have been shown to be related to subjective well-being and good health (e.g., Bandura,