A Study on the Effect of Emotional Priming on Interpretation Bias in Shy Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to explore how the emotional priming effects of three specific emotions, namely happiness, neutrality, and anger, affect interpretation bias (positive, neutral, negative) according to the level of shyness (high/low) of adolescents. In particular, we aimed to examine how the interpretation bias of individuals with high shyness varies depending on their emotional state. The subjects were 329 college students, and the experimental design was a mixed design of 2 (shyness: high/low) X 3 (emotion: neutral/happy/angry) X 3 (interpretation bias: positive/neutral/negative). The subjects were divided into high and low shyness groups, and emotional priming for neutrality, happiness, and anger was performed, and three repeated measurements were performed on the interpretation bias. As a result of the study, a repeated-measures MANOVA was performed for this study. As a result of the study, the three-way interaction effect was confirmed, and the differential effect of shyness by emotional condition was confirmed. Individuals with high shyness show greater changes in interpretation bias depending on their emotional state, and negative interpretation is especially strengthened in negative emotional states. According to the research results, an integrated approach of emotional management and cognitive restructuring is needed in counseling and therapeutic intervention for individuals with high shyness. This study provides important data for understanding the interpretation bias of individuals with high shyness.