Kretschmer revisited: Mental fatigue and ideas of reference. Contributions from Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory

Abstract

Our aim was to find out the relationship of cognitive/somatic fatigue, sensitivity to punishment (SP)/sensitivity to reward (SR) (Gray) with ideas of reference (IR), and to analyze the mediator role of SP/SR between cognitive/somatic fatigue and IR. The sample was comprised of 79 patients and 329 controls, evaluated with the Referential Thinking Scale (REF), the Fatigue Scale (CFQ) and the SP/SR Questionnaire (SPSRQ). The Baron and Kenny (1986) model and the Preacher and Hayes (2008) procedure were used to test mediation. The model explains 42% of the variance. The direct effect decreased significantly, mainly for SP, and the analysis of the indirect effect is valid for SP but not for SR. Cognitive and somatic fatigue predispose IR (Kretschmer) with participation of the SP system which may act as a mediator, more than a moderator. Cognitive/somatic fatigue may activate a system alerting of aversive (social) stimuli and thus increase the IR.