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List of Images Used to Regulate Emotions

The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) was developed by the Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention in 1995, according to the Ghent University website (see References 1). The IAPS consists of a set of 60 standardized images designed to provide stimuli for investigating emotional regulation. The goal of developing uniform data was to provide a series of emotionally charged color photographs from many different categories that allowed for controlled selection of stimuli and uncomplicated result comparison between studies. This standardization enables exact replications of data within one research lab or across many.

  1. Selecting Images

    • When developing the system, images were selected that represented a wide sample of contents, were in color, were easy to resolve and quickly communicated meaning. Photos were selected that would elicit a pleasant or unpleasant response as well as a calm to excited response. Other photos were used as controls. In addition to the 60 basic photos, supplementary photos are used in preparation for the study to describe the rating procedure.

    Assessing Results

    • To assess the three dimensions of pleasure, arousal and dominance, the assessment uses the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), where graphed responses to photos are used to indicate emotional reactions. To assess pleasure, SAM uses a happy image and an unhappy image. For arousal, an excited image and a sleepy image are used. For dominance, the graph ranges from a tiny image to a large image that appears to be in control. Each dimension is rated on a nine-point scale.

    Image List

    • Sixty images are used in the International Affective Picture System. Examples of images from the IAPS include snake, spider, gorilla, burn victim and gun to head. The Ghent University website (see References 1) provides a complete list of the images used in this investigative tool.

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