Theoretical approaches to psychological trauma: Implications for research and practice

In recent years, a range of counselling and psychotherapy interventions have been developed in work with clients and patients suffering from the psychological effects of trauma. This paper outlines various theoretical models of psychological trauma, selected because they can specifically encompass both the external aetiology (i.e. the traumatic event) and also explain (to a greater or lesser extent) the enormous range of reactions to that event. These models are critically discussed in terms of their implications for counselling practice, and as guides to further research. Examples are given of ways in which the author has drawn on different theoretical frameworks to inform her own therapeutic practice in work with people experiencing post‐traumatic stress disorder.     

Moving beyond the enduring dominance of positivism in psychological research: Implications for psychology in Australia

Almost since its inception, the dominant narrative of modern psychology has embraced positivism through its insistence that psychological science is objective, generalisable, and value free (or neutral). Consequently, quantitative research and, in particular, experimental designs, are privileged over other forms of enquiry, and other epistemologies, methodologies, and methods remain marginalised within the discipline. We argue that the enduring hegemony of positivism needs to be opposed to enable psychology to genuinely understand the antecedents of, and provide meaningful sustainable solutions for, complex human issues without being constrained by a narrow focus on method. We discuss the ways in which psychology in Australia can move towards embracing a constructionist epistemology that provides the framework for methodological pluralism. We provide a number of suggestions for change across the interrelated areas of accreditation, curriculum, the Australian Psychological Society, and research.     

Counselling women with post natal depression: Implications from recent qualitative research

This paper explores the role of the counselling psychologist with women who experience post natal depression. Traditionally post natal depression has been identified as a clinical condition, and the woman referred for psychiatric assessment; or it is seen as the result of stressful childbirth and associated events, and the woman is offered treatment by her GP or referred to a post natal support group. A recent study suggests that some degree of depression following childbirth is ‘normal’, and that far from being a clinical condition, its origins appear to be located in the context of problematic relationships (in both domestic and obstetric settings) as well as in women's expectations and inadequate preparation for childbirth and early motherhood. These expectations seem to be embedded in female psychology and wider cultural values. Women appear to be prepared for the fact that they will bear and mother children, but not the experience of motherhood itself, and consequent changes in identity and relationships are rarely made explicit. This study suggests that childbirth and the early months of motherhood (even for second and third children) are likely to precipitate some degree of depression in most women, and that this depression appears to be reactive rather than determined by individual pathology. Further, the experience of becoming a mother (each time) equates with a model of loss and bereavement, suggesting a very specific role for the counselling psychologist.     

A nine-parameter model for psychological assessment

This paper presents a model for viewing assessment from nine vantage points simultaneously. Each of these dimensions or 'parameters' is divided into sublevels. The power and usefulness of the resultant model stems from the variety of possible unique interactions among these dimensions and their sublevels. The model has the following useful properties: (a) it provides a multidimensional definition of several aspects of psychological assessment, (b) it serves as a checklist and guide for the criticism of existing psychological tests and measures, (c) it has potential heuristic value in the generation of new measures and tests, (d) it is flexible, in that new parameters may be added and sublevels changed to suit specific needs, and (e) it is presented visually as a spatial model, thus allowing the viewer a more 'concrete' appreciation of what are really theoretical interactions.     

基于游戏的心理测评

基于游戏的心理测评是指通过游戏或游戏化的活动, 对一个人的能力、人格等心理特性和行为进行量化测评。早期主要用于评估教育和训练的效果, 而后发展成对心理特性的测评。基于游戏的测评作为一项新技术在测评形式、测评过程和测评结果上均具有优势。目前基于游戏的测评形成了以证据中心设计为基础的范式, 用于指导建立测评工具和开展实证研究, 并在测评个体认知能力和非认知能力方面均有实践。然而当前该技术仍处于起步阶段, 未来研究可以在任务设计、结果分析及实践应用方面进一步拓展深入。     

Implications of test revisions for research

Test revisions are increasingly common in psychology and neuropsychology in particular. However, such revisions may alter in complex ways the kind of information obtained, and they may assess traits, abilities, and conditions in ways different from earlier versions. This article outlines some of the problems associated with the revision of tests facing clinicians and researchers. Three broad classes of revision are considered. Part 1 considers the aging of tests, part 2 concerns the aging of participants, and part 3 considers changes in test format. Although the article focuses largely on measures of intelligence and personality, the issues addressed in the article apply to other tests and assessment domains as well.     

A psychological interview process for career assessment

The authors present a comprehensive four-step process for conducting initial career assessment by interview. The process assesses skills, interests, values, non-work relationships, goals and activities, and psychological aspects such as self-esteem and work attitudes. The interview process is flexible, internally consistent and portable. Step One analyzes the client's work history and includes reasons why such a history may be inadequate. Step Two examines work-related preferences. Step Three investigates lifestyle context, and Step Four produces a summary of all the accumulated interview information, including options the client wishes to avoid. Detailed worksheets accompany the article.This article has been adapted, with permission, from Chapter 3, Promoting Client Self Understanding, in Yost, E. B., and Corbishley, M. A.Career Counseling: A Psychological Approach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1987.     

A survey of recent publications in pastoral psychological fields

The author calls attention to a number of recent publications to assist pastors in selecting titles which will prove most helpful to them. He discusses books of general interest on religion and ministry, books on counseling and psychotherapy, books on psychology and personality, and books in theology, ethics and philosophy.Dr. Hunter is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, and serves as Book Review Editor ofPastoral Psychology.     

Confidentiality issues in psychological research

There has been increased attention in recent years to the importance of individual privacy and professional confidentiality both in Australia and overseas. At the same time, psychologists' growing research interests in areas such as AIDS, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence have led to new ethical dilemmas over the contract of confidentiality between researchers and their research participants. The present paper discusses a number of issues regarding the ethics of confidentiality in psychological research. Following Bok (1989), the issues are highlighted within the context of four ethical principles that underlie researchers' obligations to preserve confidentiality. These principles are derived from considerations of privacy, loyalty, the pledge of silence, and professional codes of ethical standards. Each of these principles is illustrated with examples taken from recent research. We devote special attention to instances that appear to provide a clash between moral principles.     

Microcomputer graphics in psychological research

This paper discusses a methodology for psychological instrumentation in which requirements common to a spectrum of experiments are defined and implemented in a microcomputer system. The microcomputer may either stand alone or be used as an intelligent front end to a larger computer. In either case, experiments are described in a high-level implementation language. The advantages of this approach include reduced hardware and maintenance costs, increased reliability, and smoother operation by research personnel. A tutorial example is given of the design and construction of one such system used to present visual stimuli, including text, graphics, and simple animation, on a movable array of video monitors. Displays are produced by a Z80 microcomputer in response to commands from a larger host computer, in this case a PDP Lab/8e. Illustrations are given of three studies in progress; comparisons are made with special-purpose equipment built earlier. The microcomputer system is preferable from both a cost and management point of view.