摘要：According to cognitive theories, internalizing problems are the result of the activation of dysfunctional attitudes (e.g., negative self-thoughts) in memory in response to stressful life events. Dual process models posit that associative and reflective cognitive processes may respond differently to stressful life events and may affect the development of psychopathology. According to these models, self-relevant stimuli activate both associative and reflective processes. However, previous research has focused mainly on reflective processes using explicit assessment instruments. The main aim of the present study was to examine the effect of acute stress on both associative and reflective cognitive processes by using implicit and explicit measures of self-esteem and depression. Participants were 95 university students (M = 23.3 years, SD = .37, 79 females). Implicit and explicit measures of self-esteem and depression were administered before and after a stress-induction procedure. The results showed that acute stress increased implicit depression (p < .01) and decreased implicit self-esteem (p < .05) but did not affect explicit measures of self-esteem and depression (p-values = .44). Together, these findings offer new insights into the relationship of stress with implicit and explicit attitudes and provide experimental support for dual process models.
