Empra-Poster

Limited Future Time Perspective attenuates the "Sad, thus true"-Effect: An experimental study

Titel

Limited Future Time Perspective attenuates the "Sad, thus true"-Effect: An experimental study

AutorInnen

Ott, V., Keller, K., Leerssen, H., Fiederer, N., Maliszewski, C., Popescu, A.

Abstract

In previous studies, a negativity bias in truth judgements has been observed. Individuals are more likely to judge negatively (vs. positively) framed statements as true; which is also known as the "Sad, thus true"-Effect (STT-Effect). In contrast, individuals with a limited Future Time Perspective (FTP), e.g. those with threatened health, tend to focus more cognitive resources on positive instances than on negative ones. This positivity bias results from the goal to optimize general well-being. The current study explored, whether a limited FTP influences the STT-Effect, and the following hypothesis was made: Limited FTP will decrease the size of the STT-Effect. To manipulate FTP, participants in two experimental conditions (vs. one control condition) read about the economic fallout or the health threat due to the COVID-19 virus. Results were in line with the hypothesis. The effect of negative framing could be replicated in the expected direction. In addition, there was a Framing x FTP interaction: Participants with limited FTP showed an attenuated negativity bias. Implications and limitations of methods, results, and additional noticeable findings are discussed.

Schlagworte

Framing, Future Time Perspective, Truth Judgements