Covert Attention And Overt Attention
- Date: 2007-02-06 - Word Count: 381
Share This!
Recent studies have acknowledged at least three distinct components of what is often referred to under the blanket term "love".
With advanced technology enabling long distance relationships, the line between the former two can seem blurred; however, it is generally accepted that each member of a couple "in love" will have experienced lust for one another first, followed by romantic interest, and finally attachment.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is characterized by an inability to shift one's attention from a particular thought or action pattern. Those diagnosed with the disorder tend to have difficulty controlling both overt and covert attention due to interference from obsessive images or thoughts. In the field of psychology, overt attention is characterized as visual focus; while covert attention is characterized as mental focus regardless of ocular activity.
An abundance of activity in the anterior cingulate cortexes of participants newly "in love" was similar to that found in patients diagnosed with OCD, suggesting that lust and romantic attraction may similarly affect attention. Though the study is strictly correlational, it raises questions as to exactly how new love interferes with one's life. It is widely acknowledged that breaking up with or losing a loved one can negatively affect an otherwise-healthy person's performance at work or in school; but can a happy relationship in its early stages also distract to the point of reducing productivity?
Of course it would be impossible, not to mention unethical, to keep people from falling in love even if this were the case. However, the mere knowledge that attention can be so affected may prove helpful in keeping new lovers on track with obligations not involving their loved ones. Even OCD patients, after all, frequently understand that their compulsions are arbitrary; which drives many to seek treatment. Similarly, understanding the chemical effects of their condition may benefit new lovers attempting to complete tasks that involve a shift in attention. Therefore, future empirical studies along this line of research should involve task completion performance by participants diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as compared to that of healthy participants at various stages in their romantic relationships.
Kate Gardens is a custom essay writing expert writer and UK customers support consultant at Customessays.co.uk. Get more details for biology dissertation writing, business essay writing and find more tips for business dissertation writing.
With advanced technology enabling long distance relationships, the line between the former two can seem blurred; however, it is generally accepted that each member of a couple "in love" will have experienced lust for one another first, followed by romantic interest, and finally attachment.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is characterized by an inability to shift one's attention from a particular thought or action pattern. Those diagnosed with the disorder tend to have difficulty controlling both overt and covert attention due to interference from obsessive images or thoughts. In the field of psychology, overt attention is characterized as visual focus; while covert attention is characterized as mental focus regardless of ocular activity.
An abundance of activity in the anterior cingulate cortexes of participants newly "in love" was similar to that found in patients diagnosed with OCD, suggesting that lust and romantic attraction may similarly affect attention. Though the study is strictly correlational, it raises questions as to exactly how new love interferes with one's life. It is widely acknowledged that breaking up with or losing a loved one can negatively affect an otherwise-healthy person's performance at work or in school; but can a happy relationship in its early stages also distract to the point of reducing productivity?
Of course it would be impossible, not to mention unethical, to keep people from falling in love even if this were the case. However, the mere knowledge that attention can be so affected may prove helpful in keeping new lovers on track with obligations not involving their loved ones. Even OCD patients, after all, frequently understand that their compulsions are arbitrary; which drives many to seek treatment. Similarly, understanding the chemical effects of their condition may benefit new lovers attempting to complete tasks that involve a shift in attention. Therefore, future empirical studies along this line of research should involve task completion performance by participants diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as compared to that of healthy participants at various stages in their romantic relationships.
Kate Gardens is a custom essay writing expert writer and UK customers support consultant at Customessays.co.uk. Get more details for biology dissertation writing, business essay writing and find more tips for business dissertation writing.
Related Tags: relationships, love, covert, psychology, attention, overt
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- How Hypnotherapy Can be Used on Children
Today Hypnosis can be termed as a branch of medicine which is quite unique, whereas in the past this - Confidence Workshops For Children
Every parent wants their children to be confident, happy, highly motivated and enthusiastic in order - Inspiring Children Using NLP
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is one of the most successful therapies in psychology today. Init - Writing Term Papers
Students often tend to put off a written assignment, considering it to be a chore too formidable to - Naming In Term Paper
Give a descriptive name to each of your concept in the paper. Adhere using terms like "our approach" - Introduction Section of a Research Paper
Your introductions should not exceed more than two pages (typed, double spaced). See again the examp - Getting a Feedback of Your Term Paper is Important!
Get the feedback of your work! Finish your paper, having written it well in advance, so that you hav - The 1950's - Was Life Better?
Iconic TV shows like I Love Lucy, Dennis the Menace and My Three Sons seem to indicate that the 1950 - Online Classroom Systems Makes Home Schooling Even More Attractive
In the past it went without saying that you would send your kids to public schools. With public scho - 8 Helpful Tips For Surviving Military Basic Training
Getting through military basic training takes a lot perseverance. During this training it is best to
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Culinary Cooking Schools and What They Teach
Culinary cooking schools prepare you for a job in the culinary industry by providing you with the kn - How To Learn Spanish Quickly Without Moving To Spain
Learning Spanish is a popular pastime, as well as a serious goal for many individuals. Whether it's - How To Improve Your Life With An Accredited Online College Degree
With the information super highway raring full steam ahead, quality accredited online college degree - Online Bachelor Degree Programs Go Mainstream
The Internet has seen an explosion in online bachelor degree programs in the last five to ten years - Online Degree Program Just A Click Away
You want to go shopping, but your car is low on gas. You want to know your account balance, but do n - Online Paralegal Degree Will Open Doors
An online paralegal degree may offer the possibility of improving your chances in the legal professi - What West Point Military School Looks For In A Candidate
West Point is looking for well rounded young men and women who are good students, good athletes, and - The Importance of Effective Accounting Programs
In the past, small businesses like mom and pop stores were not required to maintain any sort of acco - California Schools Educators Retirement System And Lionstone Group Create Investment Fund
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund i - A Taste of China - Seattle Schools New Guest Teacher Shares Language and Culture of Her Native Hom
The Seattle schools have a new "guest" teacher. Zhu Dan arrived in the Seattle schools in January
