robert hitlan | University of Northern Iowa (original) (raw)
Papers by robert hitlan
North American Journal of Psychology, 2020
Numerous studies have supported the finding that being socially excluded is psychologically and p... more Numerous studies have supported the finding that being socially excluded is psychologically and physically aversive. The current research examined if existing levels of social support buffer the relation between exclusion and psychological and physical health. Participants completed measures of social support, social exclusion, psychological distress, and physical health as part of a larger survey examining social and nutritional correlates of health (N = 183). For both men and women, social exclusion and social support were related to psychological and physical health correlates. Additionally, perceived family support moderated the relation between exclusion and psychological distress and physical health symptoms among women. Results are discussed in terms of their implications and directions for future research
InTech eBooks, Mar 6, 2013
Encyclopedia of Gender and Society
North American Journal of Psychology, 2021
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2022
Cultural change is theorized to generate intergroup hostility. Three experiments apply the Cultur... more Cultural change is theorized to generate intergroup hostility. Three experiments apply the Cultural Inertia Model to test the effects of change on intergroup relations. Two predictions of cultural inertia were tested: (a) cultures at rest tend to stay at rest and (b) individual difference variables function as psychological anchors. In static societies, perceived change leads to greater threat (Experiment 1), endorsement of anti-immigration legislation (Experiment 1), and collective angst (Experiments 1 and 2). Perceptions of change in static societies lead to more fear-related emotional reactions (Experiment 3). Framing cultural change as continuous rather than abrupt may be a solution for reducing negative reactions caused by cultural change (Experiments 2 and 3). Individual difference factors function as anchors that cement individuals in a state of uniformity (Experiment 2). The findings demonstrate that social interactions rely on perceptions toward change and individual differ...
Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, 2016
Persons in developed countries are getting large amounts of folates in the form of folic acid. Fo... more Persons in developed countries are getting large amounts of folates in the form of folic acid. Folates are now ingested in three ways: as natural folates from food, as synthetic folic acid added to processed grains, and synthetic vitamin supplements. As a result of the supplementation, the circulating level of unmetabolized folic acid as well as total folates has greatly increased over the past generation, probably to levels largely unprecedented in human history. Folic acid has been shown to be able to epigenetically alter the functioning of the genome and to have long term effects on gene expression. The Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Safety Datalink data set compared children with autism to control children on several variables. Here, we report that folic acid supplementation during gestation is associated with an increased risk for autism. The effect remains even when health seeking behaviors and other variables are controlled.
Journal of Applied Psychology, 2000
Electronic mail may be sent to kschneid@mail. utep.edu.
The function of emotion is often viewed as a guide to the selection of appropriate behavioral res... more The function of emotion is often viewed as a guide to the selection of appropriate behavioral responses. Moreover, it has been convincingly argued that emotions exist to focus attention on those aspects of the environment that are most salient to navigating a complex situation effectively (Campbell, 2005). Neuroendocrine responses (including hormonal changes in testosterone and cortisol) underlie these emotional states, focus attention, and likely alter behavioral tendencies (see Nelson, 2011, or Buss, 2005 for overviews). Relatively little is known about how characteristics of perpetrators influence neuroendocrine responses to exclusionary behavior. This research serves to extend previous work in this area which has found that testosterone levels fluctuate depending on whether men believe they are working with others who were either similar or dissimilar to themselves (DeSoto, Hitlan, Doel & McAdams, 2010). Using previously unanalyzed data from the same data set, the current report...
North American Journal of Psychology, 2006
Research examining the nature and consequences of social exclusion indicates that such behavior i... more Research examining the nature and consequences of social exclusion indicates that such behavior is multifaceted and has deleterious effects on the intended targets. However, relatively little research has specifically assessed the impact of such behavior on employees who perceive of themselves as being excluded within their place of work. Even less has examined gender differences in relation to exclusionary behavior. The current research investigated the moderating effect of gender on the relation between perceived exclusion at work and work-related attitudes and psychological health. Participants included 223 working students (64 men and 159 women). Hierarchical moderated regression analyses on work attitudes (supervisor satisfaction, coworker satisfaction) and psychological health supported initial predictions. At higher levels of perceived exclusion men indicated lower satisfaction and psychological health compared to women. Findings are discussed in terms of potential workplace ...
Encyclopedia of Social Psychology
The current research examined some of the person and situation factors that contribute to counter... more The current research examined some of the person and situation factors that contribute to counterproductive work behavior (CWB). More specifically, this research examined the unique and interactive effects of perceived workplace exclusion and personality, as measured via the NEO-FFI, on two types of CWB: interpersonal and organizational. Participants included 105 employees from a mid-sized Midwestern utility company in the U.S. All employees completed a Workplace Experiences Survey. As predicted, exclusion via coworkers was related to interpersonal forms of CWB; whereas, exclusion by supervisors was related to organizational CWB. Support was also obtained for several of the predicted interactions between workplace exclusion and personality on CWB such that the relation between exclusion and CWB was strongest for employees whose personality exhibited less behavioral constraint. Results are discussed in terms of their implications, limitations, and directions for future research.
Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant ... more According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant route of mercury exposure, and the concern is greatest for women of childbearing age due to the potential for neurodevelopmental effects on a developing fetus. Rates of developmental disorders vary. But in 2008 it was demonstrated that the rate of autism is higher near industries that emit heavy metals. Furthermore past research findings can be taken to show that where a pregnancy occurred may predict later autism likelihood in the offspring more than where diagnosis occurs. If mercury plays any role in developmental disabilities, the rate of disability should relate to any reliable direct measure of contamination. The current research focuses on one index of environmental mercury contamination. Specifically, mercury-related fish advisories are found to be a surprisingly strong predictor of a state's autism rate, r = 0.48, p < 0.001. The relationship remains strong after controlling for student to teacher ratio and per pupil spending. It is argued that a secular increase in autism has been occurring and that prenatal exposure to heavy metal toxins may play a significant role. Because we suspect this finding may be of some interest, the full data set is provided in the appendix so that researchers can independently analyze the key findings which rely on CDC, EPA and IDEA data sets.
The Journal of Social Psychology, 2015
This research investigated the effects of linguistic ostracism, defined as any communication sett... more This research investigated the effects of linguistic ostracism, defined as any communication setting in which a target individual (or group) is ostracized by another individual (or group) in a language that the target has extremely limited ability to understand. Participants were included or ostracized by their group members during a computer-mediated group discussion. Half of the ostracized participants were linguistically ostracized via their group members conversing with one another in a language the participant did not know well (Spanish Ostracism: SO), or in a language the participant did know well (English Ostracism: EO). SO participants reported feeling less similar than both included and EO participants. SO participants also reported being angrier and expressed more prejudice than included participants (and EO participants using effect size estimates). Results also provided support for the hypothesized serial mediation model. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for intergroup relations.
Evolutionary Psychology, 2010
The current study investigated young men&amp;#39;s testosterone level changes as a result... more The current study investigated young men&amp;#39;s testosterone level changes as a result of interacting with other men. Male participants (n = 84) were led to believe that a group they would be interacting with was either similar to them or not similar. The interaction was then one of two types: the other group members were inclusive, or the others excluded the participant during the group interaction. Participants provided saliva samples before and after the interaction. Results suggest that interacting with highly similar men increases circulating testosterone whereas interacting with highly dissimilar men actually lowers testosterone. The nature of the interaction was less important than similarity. Considering that testosterone surges may relate to attempts to gain status within one&amp;#39;s group, the results are interpreted as consistent with viewing hormonal changes as a mechanism to alter current behavioral propensities in ways that are likely to be most adaptive. Exploratory analyses suggest a methodologically interesting suppressor effect of the self-report items in predicting testosterone changes.
North American Journal of Psychology
North American Journal of Psychology, 2020
Numerous studies have supported the finding that being socially excluded is psychologically and p... more Numerous studies have supported the finding that being socially excluded is psychologically and physically aversive. The current research examined if existing levels of social support buffer the relation between exclusion and psychological and physical health. Participants completed measures of social support, social exclusion, psychological distress, and physical health as part of a larger survey examining social and nutritional correlates of health (N = 183). For both men and women, social exclusion and social support were related to psychological and physical health correlates. Additionally, perceived family support moderated the relation between exclusion and psychological distress and physical health symptoms among women. Results are discussed in terms of their implications and directions for future research
InTech eBooks, Mar 6, 2013
Encyclopedia of Gender and Society
North American Journal of Psychology, 2021
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2022
Cultural change is theorized to generate intergroup hostility. Three experiments apply the Cultur... more Cultural change is theorized to generate intergroup hostility. Three experiments apply the Cultural Inertia Model to test the effects of change on intergroup relations. Two predictions of cultural inertia were tested: (a) cultures at rest tend to stay at rest and (b) individual difference variables function as psychological anchors. In static societies, perceived change leads to greater threat (Experiment 1), endorsement of anti-immigration legislation (Experiment 1), and collective angst (Experiments 1 and 2). Perceptions of change in static societies lead to more fear-related emotional reactions (Experiment 3). Framing cultural change as continuous rather than abrupt may be a solution for reducing negative reactions caused by cultural change (Experiments 2 and 3). Individual difference factors function as anchors that cement individuals in a state of uniformity (Experiment 2). The findings demonstrate that social interactions rely on perceptions toward change and individual differ...
Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, 2016
Persons in developed countries are getting large amounts of folates in the form of folic acid. Fo... more Persons in developed countries are getting large amounts of folates in the form of folic acid. Folates are now ingested in three ways: as natural folates from food, as synthetic folic acid added to processed grains, and synthetic vitamin supplements. As a result of the supplementation, the circulating level of unmetabolized folic acid as well as total folates has greatly increased over the past generation, probably to levels largely unprecedented in human history. Folic acid has been shown to be able to epigenetically alter the functioning of the genome and to have long term effects on gene expression. The Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Safety Datalink data set compared children with autism to control children on several variables. Here, we report that folic acid supplementation during gestation is associated with an increased risk for autism. The effect remains even when health seeking behaviors and other variables are controlled.
Journal of Applied Psychology, 2000
Electronic mail may be sent to kschneid@mail. utep.edu.
The function of emotion is often viewed as a guide to the selection of appropriate behavioral res... more The function of emotion is often viewed as a guide to the selection of appropriate behavioral responses. Moreover, it has been convincingly argued that emotions exist to focus attention on those aspects of the environment that are most salient to navigating a complex situation effectively (Campbell, 2005). Neuroendocrine responses (including hormonal changes in testosterone and cortisol) underlie these emotional states, focus attention, and likely alter behavioral tendencies (see Nelson, 2011, or Buss, 2005 for overviews). Relatively little is known about how characteristics of perpetrators influence neuroendocrine responses to exclusionary behavior. This research serves to extend previous work in this area which has found that testosterone levels fluctuate depending on whether men believe they are working with others who were either similar or dissimilar to themselves (DeSoto, Hitlan, Doel & McAdams, 2010). Using previously unanalyzed data from the same data set, the current report...
North American Journal of Psychology, 2006
Research examining the nature and consequences of social exclusion indicates that such behavior i... more Research examining the nature and consequences of social exclusion indicates that such behavior is multifaceted and has deleterious effects on the intended targets. However, relatively little research has specifically assessed the impact of such behavior on employees who perceive of themselves as being excluded within their place of work. Even less has examined gender differences in relation to exclusionary behavior. The current research investigated the moderating effect of gender on the relation between perceived exclusion at work and work-related attitudes and psychological health. Participants included 223 working students (64 men and 159 women). Hierarchical moderated regression analyses on work attitudes (supervisor satisfaction, coworker satisfaction) and psychological health supported initial predictions. At higher levels of perceived exclusion men indicated lower satisfaction and psychological health compared to women. Findings are discussed in terms of potential workplace ...
Encyclopedia of Social Psychology
The current research examined some of the person and situation factors that contribute to counter... more The current research examined some of the person and situation factors that contribute to counterproductive work behavior (CWB). More specifically, this research examined the unique and interactive effects of perceived workplace exclusion and personality, as measured via the NEO-FFI, on two types of CWB: interpersonal and organizational. Participants included 105 employees from a mid-sized Midwestern utility company in the U.S. All employees completed a Workplace Experiences Survey. As predicted, exclusion via coworkers was related to interpersonal forms of CWB; whereas, exclusion by supervisors was related to organizational CWB. Support was also obtained for several of the predicted interactions between workplace exclusion and personality on CWB such that the relation between exclusion and CWB was strongest for employees whose personality exhibited less behavioral constraint. Results are discussed in terms of their implications, limitations, and directions for future research.
Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant ... more According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fish consumption is the most significant route of mercury exposure, and the concern is greatest for women of childbearing age due to the potential for neurodevelopmental effects on a developing fetus. Rates of developmental disorders vary. But in 2008 it was demonstrated that the rate of autism is higher near industries that emit heavy metals. Furthermore past research findings can be taken to show that where a pregnancy occurred may predict later autism likelihood in the offspring more than where diagnosis occurs. If mercury plays any role in developmental disabilities, the rate of disability should relate to any reliable direct measure of contamination. The current research focuses on one index of environmental mercury contamination. Specifically, mercury-related fish advisories are found to be a surprisingly strong predictor of a state's autism rate, r = 0.48, p < 0.001. The relationship remains strong after controlling for student to teacher ratio and per pupil spending. It is argued that a secular increase in autism has been occurring and that prenatal exposure to heavy metal toxins may play a significant role. Because we suspect this finding may be of some interest, the full data set is provided in the appendix so that researchers can independently analyze the key findings which rely on CDC, EPA and IDEA data sets.
The Journal of Social Psychology, 2015
This research investigated the effects of linguistic ostracism, defined as any communication sett... more This research investigated the effects of linguistic ostracism, defined as any communication setting in which a target individual (or group) is ostracized by another individual (or group) in a language that the target has extremely limited ability to understand. Participants were included or ostracized by their group members during a computer-mediated group discussion. Half of the ostracized participants were linguistically ostracized via their group members conversing with one another in a language the participant did not know well (Spanish Ostracism: SO), or in a language the participant did know well (English Ostracism: EO). SO participants reported feeling less similar than both included and EO participants. SO participants also reported being angrier and expressed more prejudice than included participants (and EO participants using effect size estimates). Results also provided support for the hypothesized serial mediation model. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for intergroup relations.
Evolutionary Psychology, 2010
The current study investigated young men&amp;#39;s testosterone level changes as a result... more The current study investigated young men&amp;#39;s testosterone level changes as a result of interacting with other men. Male participants (n = 84) were led to believe that a group they would be interacting with was either similar to them or not similar. The interaction was then one of two types: the other group members were inclusive, or the others excluded the participant during the group interaction. Participants provided saliva samples before and after the interaction. Results suggest that interacting with highly similar men increases circulating testosterone whereas interacting with highly dissimilar men actually lowers testosterone. The nature of the interaction was less important than similarity. Considering that testosterone surges may relate to attempts to gain status within one&amp;#39;s group, the results are interpreted as consistent with viewing hormonal changes as a mechanism to alter current behavioral propensities in ways that are likely to be most adaptive. Exploratory analyses suggest a methodologically interesting suppressor effect of the self-report items in predicting testosterone changes.
North American Journal of Psychology