Psychology Commons^™

Understanding The Employment Barriers And Support Needs Of People Living With Psychosis, Margaret Hampson, Richard Hicks, Bruce Watt

Bruce Watt

This study investigated the employment barriers and support needs of people living with psychosis. A purposive community sample of 137 volunteers drawn from six key stakeholder groups were invited to participate in focus groups and semi-structured individual interviews to elicit their perceptions on the employment barriers and support needs of people living with psychosis. The stakeholder groups included in this study were people with lived experience of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, carers, health professionals, employers, employment service providers, and community members. Data obtained from 14 focus groups and 31 semi-structured individual interviews were transcribed, imported into NVivo 10, and coded …

A Client-Based Description Of Reflecting Team-Work In Family Therapy , David Brown

David C. Brown

Though the practice of reflecting team-work has a strong theoretical base there has been little research examining its actual use. What has been written is primarily based on the therapist's and/or supervisor's experience, rather than the client's. This dissertation describes clients' perceptions of two different strategies of reflecting team-work that emerged from interviews conducted and analyzed using a moderately structured ethnographic interview methodology. The primary results suggested that reflecting team-work was helpful in providing clients with different perspectives; that in-room teams should be used sparingly during early therapy; that teams should reflect at least twice in-session; and that a three-person …

Body Image Avoidance, Body Dissatisfaction, And Eating Pathology: Is There A Difference Between Male Gym Users And Non–Gym Users?, Peta Stapleton, Timothy Mcintyre, Amy Bannatyne

Peta B. Stapleton

With research highlighting the increasing prevalence and severity of body image and eating disturbances in males, particularly athletes and regular gymnasium users, the current study examined body image and eating disturbances in a sample of male gym users and non–gym users (N = 180). Based on previous research, it was predicted that male gym users would report greater body image disturbance (e.g., body image avoidance and body dissatisfaction) and eating pathology, compared with non–gym users. Results of the study partially supported hypotheses, revealing body dissatisfaction and eating pathology were significantly increased in male gym users. However, no significant differences were …

Psychosocial Moderators Of Perceived Stress, Anxiety And Depression In University Students: An International Study, Aileen Pidgeon, Stephanie Mcgrath, Heide Magya, Peta Stapleton, Barbara Lo

Peta B. Stapleton

Extensive research shows university students experience high levels of stress, which can lead to the development of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Preliminary evidence supports the role of psychosocial factors such as perceived social support (PSS) and campus connectedness (CC) as protective factors in the development of mental health problems in university students. However, research conducted on the potential ameliorating effects of social support on stress applying Cohen and Wills’ (1985) stress-buffering hypothesis produced weak, inconsistent, and even contradictory results. In addition, little attention has been given to examining the protective role of CC in the relationships …

Examining Characteristics Of Resilience Among University Students: An International Study, Aileen Pidgeon, Natasha Rowe, Peta Stapleton, Heidi Magyar, Barbara Lo

Peta B. Stapleton

Attending university is a particularly stressful time due to unique emergent stressors such as changes in environment, loss or diminishment of social support networks, academic pressures, developing peer relationships, and financial management. There is growing recognition that these common stressors may have deleterious effects on the mental health of students. Resilience, a personality characteristic that moderates the negative effects of stress and promotes adaptation, has been associated with increased psychological well-being. Despite a growing body of research on resilience and its clinical significance in preventing mental health problems, relatively little is known about contributing factors for resilience in well-adjusted university …

Overcoming Anxiety And Depression On The Autism Spectrum: A Self-Help Guide Using Cbt, Lee Wilkinson

Lee A Wilkinson, PhD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for treating mental health problems such as anxiety and depression in individuals both with and without autism spectrum disorders. This book bridges the gap between research and practice and shows adults on the spectrum practical ways to manage their emotions. Many adults on the autism spectrum experience isolation, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety, depressed mood, and coping problems. By applying theory and concepts from autism research, this book will help adults on the spectrum to understand their challenges. The author takes the best of CBT self-help strategies, to encourage self-analysis, and to …

Deaf Individuals’ Bilingual Abilities: American Sign Language Proficiency, Reading Skills, And Family Characteristics, Brittany Freel, M. Clark, Melissa Anderson, Gizelle Gilbert, Millicent Musyoka, Peter Hauser

Melissa L. Anderson

The current study investigated the bilingual abilities of 55 Deaf individuals, examining both American Sign Language (ASL) competency and English reading skills. Results revealed a positive relationship between ASL competency and English skills, with highly competent signers scoring higher on a measure of reading comprehension. Additionally, family characteristics (e.g., parental education level, family hearing status) were entered into the analysis to ascertain their effect on Deaf individuals’ bilingual abilities. The findings support the theory that competency in ASL may serve as a bridge to the acquisition of English print. Moreover, the findings provide support for the critical period hypothesis for …

Melissa L. Anderson: Apa/Apags Award For Distinguished Graduate Student In Professional Psychology, Melissa Anderson

Melissa L. Anderson

Presents a short biography of the winner of the American Psychological Association/American Psychological Association of Graduate Students Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology. The 2012 winner is Melissa L. Anderson for her ongoing commitment to understanding, treating, and preventing domestic violence in Deaf women and underserved populations in general. Anderson is passionate in her efforts to study the factors underlying violence toward women and in applying psychological science to intervene in and prevent such abuse. She is dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-being of underserved women and ensuring that services and programs become accessible to …

Internal Consistency And Factor Structure Of The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales In A Sample Of Deaf Female College Students, Melissa Anderson, Irene Leigh

Melissa L. Anderson

The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) is currently the most widely used measure for identifying cases of intimate partner violence within the hearing population. The CTS2 has been used successfully with individuals from various countries and cultural backgrounds. However, the CTS2 had not yet been used with Deaf individuals. The goal of the present study was to investigate the internal consistency reliability and the factor structure of the CTS2 within a sample of Deaf female college students. Psychometric analyses indicated that subscales measuring Victimization of Negotiation, Psychological Aggression, Physical Assault, and Injury proved both reliable and valid in the current …

In-Hospital Depression Predicts Early Hospital Readmission After An Acute Coronary Syndrome: Preliminary Data From Trace-Core, David Mcmanus, Jane Saczynski, Molly Waring, Milena Anatchkova, Richard Mcmanus, Robert Goldberg, Jeroan Allison, David Parish, Hamza Awad, Jerry Gurwitz, Arlene Ash, Catarina Kiefe

Richard H. McManus

Background: Hospital systems, patients and providers seek to avert rehospitalizations within 30 days for patients admitted with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Rehospitalizations within 30 days of discharge are often considered preventable and to reflect poor in-hospital management or discharge practices. However, independent associations of psychosocial factors with early rehospitalization in patients admitted with an ACS have not been examined. Methods: A multi-racial cohort of 1,540 patients admitted with an ACS reported psychosocial factors via standardized questionnaires in an in-hospital interview. One month following discharge, patients were interviewed via phone and reported hospital readmissions. We used logistic regression models to …

An Introduction To Drugs And The Neuroscience Of Behavior, Adam Prus

Adam J Prus

This up-to-date new text provides an introductory overview of the nervous system actions and behavioral effects of the major classes of psychoactive drugs. Appropriate for undergraduate students who have an introductory level background in psychology or other areas within the social sciences, AN INTRODUCTION TO DRUGS AND THE NEUROSCIENCE OF BEHAVIOR illustrates concepts and highlights research techniques. The book's most important feature is its pedagogical elements, which are not found in other psychopharmacology texts, but are particularly important for making this specialized topic approachable for undergraduates. Charts and diagrams illustrate basic concepts and processes important for understanding the actions and …

Memory Performance And Affect: Are There Gender Differences In Community-Residing Older Adults?, Graham Mcdougall, Keenan Pituch, Marietta Stanton, Wanchen Chang

Wanchen Chang

After age 65, the incidence of episodic memory decline in males is greater than in females. We explored the influence of anxiety and depression on objective and subjective memory performance in a diverse sample of community-residing older adults. The study was a secondary analysis of data on three samples of adults from two states, Ohio and Texas: a community sample (n = 177); a retirement community sample (n = 97); and the SeniorWISE Study (n = 265). The sample of 529 adults was 74% female, the average age was 76.58 years (range = 59–100 years), and educational …

Behavior Analysis In The Era Of Medicalization: The State Of The Science And Recommendations For Practitioners, W. Wyatt

W. Joseph Wyatt

Recent decades have witnessed an increase in biological explanations of common disorders such as depression and anxiety, a phenonmenon termed “medicalization” (Conrad, 2007). Behavior analysts may find it difficult to implement non-drug treatment with a populace that has become inundated with biological explanations and a preference for medication as the treatment of choice. Research frequently cited in support of medicalization includes studies of drug effectiveness, as well as family studies and studies of brain structure and function. Methodological and interpretation difficulties within those bodies of research are described and recommendations are made so that behavioral practitioners may function optimally within …

The Effectiveness Of Educational Interventions In Reducing Negative Attitudes And Stigmatisation Toward Patients With Anorexia Nervosa, Amy Bannatyne, Peta Stapleton

Peta B. Stapleton

It is frequently reported that clinicians across a range of professional disciplines experience strong negative reactions toward patients with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN). As research consistently demonstrates fear of stigma is the most frequently cited reason explaining why individuals with mental illness do not seek treatment, the current study aimed to develop, evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two differing educational interventions, based on an etiological framing model, against a wait-list control. Participants were fourth-year medicine students randomly assigned to one of three conditions. A three-hour educational workshop was delivered to participants at the beginning of an eight-week …

The Effects Of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction On Nurse Stress And Burnout: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study, Joanne Cohen-Katz, Susan Wiley, Terry Capuano, Debra Baker, Shauna Shapiro

Terry A Capuano MBA, MSN, RN, FACHE, NE-BC

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction On Nurse Stress And Burnout: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study, Part Iii, Joanne Cohen-Katz, Susan Wiley, Terry Capuano, Debra Baker, Lynn Deitrick, Shauna Shapiro

Terry A Capuano MBA, MSN, RN, FACHE, NE-BC

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction On Nurse Stress And Burnout, Part Ii: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study, Joanne Cohen-Katz, Susan Wiley, Terry Capuano, Debra Baker, Sharon Kimmel, Shauna Shapiro

Terry A Capuano MBA, MSN, RN, FACHE, NE-BC

No abstract provided.

Partner Violence Assessment In Rural Health Care Clinic, Ann Coker, Vicki C. Flerx, Paige H. Smith, Daniel J. Whitaker, Mary Kay Fadden, Melinda Williams

Dan Whitaker

Objectives. We sought to determine the frequency of intimatepartner violence by type in a large, clinic-based, nurse-administeredscreening and services intervention project.

Methods. A brief intimate partner violence screen, which includeditems to measure sexual and physical assaults and psychologicalbattering (using the Women’s Experience With Batteringscale) was administered to consenting women receiving care at1 of 8 rural clinics in South Carolina.

Results. Between April 2002 and August 2005, 4945 eligible womenwere offered intimate partner violence screening, to which 3664(74.1%) consented. Prevalence of intimate partner violence ina current (ongoing) relationship was 13.3%, and 939 women (25.6%)had experienced intimate partner violence at some point …

Dynamics Of Drug Use, Joan Rollins, Raymond Holden

Joan H Rollins

This paper analyzes data from interviews with167 drug users in the community, including age, sex, birth order, education, family constellation, age of first drug use and circumstances of first drug use. Initial drug use was usually a social experience, with considerable influence from peers. Usually initial drug use began with marijuana or alcohol. The majority of subjects had tried to stop using drugs, but most of them had been unsuccessful at the time of the interview.

Basic Science And Drug Abuse Prevention: Neuroscience, Learning And Personality Perspectives, Michael Bardo, Thomas Kelly, Donald Lynam, Richard Milich

donald r lynam

No abstract provided.

The Relations Among Personality, Symptoms Of Alcohol And Marijuana Abuse, And Symptoms Of Comorbid Psychopathology: Results From A Community Sample, Kate Flory, Donald Lynam, Richard Milich, Carl Leukefeld, Richard Clayton

donald r lynam

This study examined the relation of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality to symptoms of alcohol and marijuana abuse before and after controlling for symptoms of antisocial personality disorder (APD) and internalizing psychopathology. The 481 participants completed a well-validated measure of the FFM and a structured diagnostic interview at age 21 years. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that unique constellations of personality characteristics were associated with symptoms of alcohol abuse, marijuana abuse, APD, and internalizing disorders. For example, symptoms of alcohol abuse were associated with high Extraversion and low Conscientiousness, whereas symptoms of marijuana abuse were characterized by low Extraversion and …

Field Placement: Where The Rubber Hits The Road, Cecile Brennan, Paula Britton, Christopher Faiver

Cecile Brennan

No abstract provided.

Relationship Of Family Structure To Adolescent Drug Use, Peer Affiliation, And Perception Of Peer Acceptance Of Drug Use, Jeanne Jenkins, Sabina Zunguze

Jeanne E. Jenkins

The sample consisted of 2,229 high school students who were administered a self-report instrument containing items measuring drug use and psychosocial variables. Dependent variables included frequency of use of five gateway drugs [cigarettes, marijuana, beer, wine coolers, and liquor], degree of affiliation with drug- using peers, and perceptions of peer acceptance of drugs. Comparison groups included single-parent [both mother- and father-headed], step-parent, and intact families. Analysis conducted separately by grade level revealed significant differences between groups on drug use variables in grades 8 and 10, with adolescents from intact families reporting less frequent drug use, fewer drug-using friends, and perceptions …