Anthropology - Butler University

in CSE were significantly less likely to confront. Surprisingly, CSE was related to avoiding
embarrassment and conflict. These results suggest that people higher in CSE more closely
consider potential negative outcomes or consequences of confronting a prejudiced remark.
Episodic Salutary Experiences (ESE): An Active Ingredient in the Religiosity-Health
Relationship
Elizabeth Erb & Elizabeth Kaiser, Faculty Sponsor: R. Brian Giesler, Butler University
Although religiosity has been found to predict physical health in numerous studies, attempts to
unpack this relationship remain noticeably incomplete (McCullough & Willoughby,
2009). Drawing from recent research on the adaptive effects of different types of positive affect
(e.g., Frederickson, 2002; Frederickson, et al., 2008), our work highlights an understudied type
of positive affective state, episodic salutary experiences (ESE), which refers to spontaneous
episodic feelings of inner peace distinct from one’s usual state. In multiple survey studies, a
majority of participants reported experiencing ESE. Episodes are usually, relatively brief, occur
in a number of religious and non-religious contexts, and are perceived as low in intensity but
high in positive valence. Correlational data indicated ESE is distinct from overall positive affect
but is associated positively with both religiosity and physical health. To address whether ESE
mediates the religiosity-health relationship, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a
convenience sample of religious undergraduate students (n = 93). ESE, religiosity and physical
health were assessed using self-report measures. To characterize the strength of ESE, several
other variables drawn from the literature were also assessed and tested as potential mediators,
including health-related behaviors, social support from one’s religious group, meaning in life and
self-regulatory ability. Regression based analyses revealed that of the candidate mediators, only
ESE (marginally) met the statistical criteria for mediation, Sobel Z = 1.75, p=.07, thereby
supporting its hypothesized role.
Flashbulb Memories of Sexual vs Emotional Infidelity in Men and Women
Christine Fisher & Ryan Bable, Faculty Sponsor: John Bohannon III, Butler University
Subjects (N=74) recalled discovering sexual and emotional infidelity as personal flashbulb
memories (FBM). Results suggested that women have FBMs for either type of infidelity whereas
males recalling more from sexual infidelity. Lastly, upset participants were more confident in
their recollections.
The Effects of Alcohol on Relationship Satisfaction
Kayla Green & Amanda Kellar, Faculty Sponsor: Bill Altermatt, Hanover College
The current study examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and satisfactions
within interpersonal relationships. The three mediators examined were trust, jealousy, and
conflict. Students in college who were currently in a romantic relationship took a forty-nine
question survey. We asked them to reflect on their feelings towards their partners specifically
when they were consuming alcohol. We expected to find that those with high alcohol
consumption would have higher rates of jealousy, conflict, and trust issues within their
relationships, due to previous research on these three mediators. These would then reduce
relationship satisfaction. We also expect that those couples who consume alcohol less frequently