Dataset for “Lack of optimistic biases in depression and social anxiety is reflected in reduced positive self-beliefs, but distinct processing of social feedback”

Data collection method:

This study aimed to examine learning of social evaluations associated with psychopathology. We created two datasets for this study. Firstly, we collated individual participant data from ten studies previously collected within this research group (dataset 1; n = 552). To assess the reliability of our findings from dataset 1, we collected a second independent dataset using the online recruitment platform Prolific (dataset 2; n = 807). In both datasets participants completed self-report measures of mood including depression (PHQ-9) and social anxiety (BFNE), and a computerised cognitive task where participants were asked to learn whether the computer liked the self and a fictional other based on the computers’ feedback to selection of a positive or negative social evaluative word pairs. In dataset 1 participants completed the study materials in psychology labs under the supervision of researchers. In dataset 2 participants completed the study materials independenly using online survey (qualtrics) and cognitive task (inquisit) software.

Data processing and preparation activities:

Data was anonymised through assignment of unique subject IDs and removal of potentially identifying information.

Technical details and requirements:

R version 4.0.5

Additional information:

In the associated manuscript for this study we report findings from two datasets. Our first dataset was comprised of individual participant level data from ten studies previously conducted within this research group (dataset 1). To validate the findings of this first dataset, we collected a second independent dataset using the online recruitment platform Prolific (dataset 2). The files from dataset 2 are available as open access, however as studies in dataset 1 did not obtain consent from participants to publish data as open access this data has been made available under restricted access conditions. Four different data files are included for each dataset relating to (1) questionnaire measures (2) trial level social evaluation learning task data, (3) aggregate level SEL task outcome data for all trials completed per referential condition-rule block, and (4) aggregate level SEL task outcome data for 20 trials completed per referential condition-rule block. In our analyses for aggregated data we used the files with 20 trials to match with the minimum number of trials completed in one study in dataset 1.

Methodology link: