Abstract
Repression and sensitization define two cognitive styles for coping with threatening stamuli. In this study differences in reaction times to recognize blurred visual stimuli were investigated. These stimuli were presented on a computer screen in continuously refining grid patterns, which first show totally blurred neutral, pleasant and unpleasant pictures. The person tested is asked to stop the refining, as soon as s/he thinks that they know what is on the picture. This computerized setting was applied to a sample of N = 183 persons who also filled out the Mainz Coping Inventory (Krohne, Egloff, 1999). According to differences in reaction time between pleasant and unpleasant stimuli, groups of repressors and sensitizers can be identified. No relevant correlations between the differences in perception times and the questionnaire were found. This might be: related to the different approaches of the two assessment techniques (perception and reaction modalities). Results are discussed in terms of their practical applicability. Guidelines for further research projects, and further development are given.
Proyer, Rene T