Situational Specificity of Self-Focused Attention in Dysphoric States

Although research has shown that heightenedself-focused attention characterizes dysphoria, fewstudies have examined what factors are linked toincreases in this process. The current study examinedwhether mood states affect the elevation of selffocused attention among dysphoric individuals. A sampleof individuals with elevated dysphoria was compared witha control sample after either a negative or a positive mood induction. Dysphoric individuals showedhigher self-focus than control participants after bothmood conditions. These data suggest a generalizedself-focusing responsivity among dysphoric individuals that may contribute to the intensity andduration of the dysphoria.