Table 1

Scripts presented to all subjects during the ten imagery trials.

• 1. You have just gotten your final exam grade for an important course in your major. You were anxious about how well you did on the test because you needed to do well in order to improve your grade. You see that you not only got an 'A' on the test, but it was one of the highest grades in the class!! Your insides feel like they are going to burst. You are trembling with excitement and you want to scream 'Yea' and run out and tell the world. (Joy)
• 2. You are sitting in the waiting room at the blood bank as you nervously grab the nearest magazine, but you can't concentrate on it. You keep looking up nervously to find the nearest exit. You've never given blood before. The nurse calls your name. You watch as she inserts a big needle into your arm. You feel your face turn white and you shudder. Swallowing, you taste the bile that has seeped into your mouth. Your stomach is in knots as you think, 'I'm going to faint!!!'. (Fear)
• 3. You are alone in a canoe, that is drifting lazily down a slow moving river. The sun is shining brightly and feels deliciously warm on your face and arms. Everything is peaceful and quiet. You hear only some distant birds chirping and leaves rustling gently in the wind. You feel calm, relaxed and very content as you start drifting off into a gentle sleep. (Mild positive)
• 4. You are awakened late at night by a noise downstairs. Someone is forcing open your front door. It is dark and you are alone. You hear someone slowly crossing your living room and you become instantly alert. The footsteps approach your bedroom and you tremble as you fumble for the phone to call for help. A shadowy form looms toward you from your bedroom doorway. You try to scream but nothing comes out!! Your heart is beating wildly as you drop the phone to the floor. (Fear)
• 5. You are alone in your room with your lover. Your heart races as you feel the sensual closeness that grows between you. You move together. Your lips touch and your tongues meet. Your clothes come off easily, and your senses respond to careful, long-sweeping caresses. With breathes held in ecstasy, you savor the moist warmth of your intimacy, and embrace. (Sexual arousal)
• 6. You have just bought your first brand-new car. You saved your money for two years but it was worth every penny! It's just the car you have dreamed of having. Inside, it has that new car smell, and you can feel the seat hug your body as you settle in. Driving around, showing off your car, you can hear the smooth hum of the engine and feel the wind blowing across your face through the open window. (Joy)
• 7. You are standing in the cemetery, trembling. You barely remember the funeral service earlier that morning. You feel numb all over. Inside, your voice is whispering, "I am so alone now". You feel yourself start to quiver as you try to fight back the tears. You are struggling to gain control but you feel tired and heavy as you wonder if life is worth living anymore. (Sadness)
• 8. You have been seeing someone intimately for six months. You think this time you are really in love. But lately, they have been acting a little strange and distant. You ask around and discover that they have been seeing your best friend while you thought they were seeing only you!! First you feel shocked, and can't believe it. Then you feel so angry you could scream. Your heart is pounding wildly as you go to find your two-timing best friend. (Anger)
• 9. Now imagine an unpleasant experience or time from your own life. Think of one of the worst times you have ever had in your life. Picture a time when you felt absolutely terrible and you thought things were just hopeless. You're feeling so negative and useless. You wish it would end immediately. Let yourself relive that experience or time now.
• 10. Imagine a pleasant experience or time from your own life. Think of one of the best times you have ever had in your life. Picture a time when you felt absolutely wonderful and thought that things were just perfect. You are feeling so positive and energetic. You wish it would last forever. Let yourself relive that experience or time now.