Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology Lab

Activities

Studies compatible with trans-diagnostic conceptualizations of psychopathology, focusing on the multimethod examination of basic neurobehavioral systems involved in the aetiology of disorders. Valence, arousal and regulatory processes among others, are investigated.

Scope

Emotion processes, emotion regulation and coping in psychopathology, health and life.

Technologies & Methods

Psychophysiology methods assess emotion, especially the startle reflex, autonomic physiology and facial EMG, and various paradigms to induce emotion, such as imagery, VR, pictures and films. EEG, eye-tracking, and biological markers of stress are used in addition to peripheral psychophysiology and self-report methods. Randomized Control Trials informed by qualitative investigations are also used to test new interventions, especially focused on prevention and the development of socio-emotional skills. Interactions among emotion, cognition (attention biases, inhibition) and personality are also addressed.

Innovation spotlight

Examines individual differences in emotional reactivity, implicit and explicit emotion regulation processes and how these contribute to internalizing and externalizing disorders, as well as social problems like substance addition, gambling, school aggression and risky driving. More recently we have examined how socio-emotional skills, like emotion regulation, values, clarification and communication skills, can contribute to mental health and prevent difficulties.