Which one of the following phenomena demonstrates that subjects take longer time to recognize emotionally charged words when compared to neutral stimulus words?

Correct option is B

● 1. Perceptual defense refers to the unconscious process by which individuals block or delay the recognition of emotionally charged stimuli, especially those that are threatening or anxiety-provoking.
● 2. As a result, individuals may take longer to recognize or process these emotionally charged words.

Information Booster
● 1. Defense Mechanisms: Perceptual defense is considered a defense mechanism, where the mind subconsciously avoids processing emotionally distressing or threatening stimuli.
● 2. Emotional Words: Words that trigger emotions such as fear, anger, or anxiety are processed differently than neutral words.
● 3. Cognitive Load: The emotional significance of the words increases the cognitive load, making it harder to process them quickly.
● 5. Emotional Stroop Effect: This phenomenon is related to the Stroop effect, where people take longer to name the color of words that are emotionally charged.

Additional Information
● (A) Perceptual vigilance: This refers to the heightened sensitivity or attention towards stimuli that are emotionally or personally relevant, which is the opposite of perceptual defense.
● (C) Perceptual shadowing: This involves focusing on one stimulus while ignoring others, and is not related to the emotional processing delay described in the question.