A Video Life-world Approach to Consultation Practice: The Relevance of a Socio-Phenomenological Approach

This article discusses the [development and] use of a video life-world schema to explore alternative orientations to the shared health consultation. It is anticipated that this schema can be used by practitioners and consumers alike to understand the dynamics of videoed health consultations, the role of the participants within it and the potential to consciously alter the outcome by altering behaviour during the process of interaction. The study examines health consultation participation and develops an interpretative method of analysis that includes image elicitation (via videos), phenomenology (to identify the components of the analytic framework), narrative (to depict the stories of interactions) and a reflexive mode (to develop shared meaning through a conceptual framework for analysis). The analytic framework is derived from a life-world conception of human mutual shared interaction which is presented here as a novel approach to understanding patient-centred care. The video materials used in this study were derived from consultations in a Walk-in Centre (WiC) in East London. The conceptual framework produced through the process of video analysis is comprised of different combinations of movement, knowledge and emotional conversations that are used to classify objective or engaged WiC health care interactions. The videoed interactions organise along an active or passive, facilitative or directive typical situation continuum illustrating different kinds of textual approaches to practice that are in tension or harmony. The schema demonstrates how practitioners and consumers interact to produce these outcomes and indicates the potential for both consumers and practitioners to be educated to develop practice dynamics that support patient-centred care and impact on health outcomes.     

Points of Convergence and Divergence Between Existential and Humanistic Psychology: A Few Observations

Existential and humanistic approaches to the study of human behavior are often integrated into one, The Existential-Humanistic Approach, primarily because the two approaches are phenomenological in their orientations. However, despite the shared emphasis on subjectivity, authenticity, and freedom, a number of differences exist between the approaches. In this article, I articulate points of divergence between the two approaches as reflected in their subjects of inquiry, ontological positions, temporal orientations, therapeutic goals, growth motivators, and conceptualizations of the good life. The differences underscore the uniqueness of the each approach as well as the complementarity of the two approaches.     

Enhancing the Conceptualization and Measurement of Implicit and Explicit Affective Evaluations: A Case Study in Disordered Eating

Affective evaluations (i.e., evaluations of affectively evocative stimuli) play important roles in many behaviors, including clinically relevant behaviors like disordered eating. Understanding automatic and controlled affective evaluations can enhance prediction and treatment of more deliberate versus more impulsive clinical behaviors, respectively. However, methodological and theoretical shortcomings cloud the implicit affective evaluation literature, particularly as applied in clinical psychology. This article aims to improve the clinical science of implicit and explicit affective evaluation by capitalizing on theoretical and methodological advancements drawn from implicit social cognition. We recommend three key enhancements to the affective evaluation literature: improve the structural comparability between indirect and direct measures, assess evaluations on both valence and arousal dimensions of affect, and carefully characterize and select stimuli. Additional improvements to analytic approaches (e.g., mixed effects modeling and process dissociation) are also recommended. Such efforts will advance our theoretical understanding of the relative contributions of automatic and controlled processes to clinically relevant affective evaluation, thereby informing assessment and improving intervention. Applying advanced methodologies of implicit cognition to clinical phenomena will also reiterate and reinforce the use of these advances in social psychology.     

Collective Trauma,Implicit Memories,the Body,and Active Imagination in Jungian Analysis1

This presentation attempts to show the healing potential underlying the inclusion of the patient's body in the analytic process, while honouring and revisiting the understanding of the psyche-body connection described by Jung in his early work. In addition, the author offers reflections on the impact of collective trauma whose aftermath, among others, has been the disappearance of thousands of people, consequently breaking the family genealogy, leaving hundreds of children stripped of their roots and true identity. Referencing clinical material, the author describes how the process of translation and integration—from the sensory-perceptual to the conceptual-symbolic—can be halted on account of collective trauma occurring at an early stage in development. Moreover, it is shown how the potential of the archetype or image schema, linked to the somatic-affective early experiences encoded as implicit memories, can be recovered, when Embodied Active Imagination is included in the analytic work. The patient's bodily gestures and somatic experience may bridge the gap between the preverbal-implicit knowledge and the emergence of emotions and images that allow for the creation of a new symbolic narrative.     

Implicit processing goals combine with explicit goal standards to motivate performance through underlying comparison processes

This research investigates whether explicit goals interact with implicit processing goals that are activated simultaneously. Based on the idea that (a) explicit goals are used as comparison standards, and (b) implicit processing goals have motivational consequences by influencing the process of comparison with those standards, these studies elucidate the mechanism by which explicit and implicit goals combine to influence task performance. Study 1 demonstrated that a primed goal to process similarities versus differences interacted with explicit goal standards in influencing subsequent task performance. High explicit goals resulted in better performance when participants had the implicit goal of processing similarities, whereas low explicit goals resulted in better performance when the implicit goal was processing differences. Study 2 provided evidence that perceived similarity to a target person is a critical factor for the pursuit of explicit goals and that this similarity influences task performance in the same way as the primed goal to process similarities. Study 3 indicated that processing similarities results from assimilation to a moderately high goal, whereas processing differences is the result of contrasting away from an extremely high goal. These findings confirm that implicit processing of similarities versus differences has a combined influence with explicit goals on task performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Formulation in groups,or understanding what is going on

This article emphasizes the development of formulations as a framework from which leaders can intervene effectively in assisting groups to work toward their stated goals. The concept of formulation, used as a teaching tool to help students and supervisees conceptualize group issues, is presented, as is a schema whose purpose is to teach steps leading to clear formulations. The schema simplifies, for the purposes of teaching and supervision, the complex process used by experienced group therapists as a basis for interventions. The schema emphasizes perception, affect, cognition, validation, intervention, and evaluation. Here-and-now processes, conscious and unconscious mechanisms, and group affect also are stressed.     

The role of attachment‐related individual differences in goal adoption for serial arguments

This study investigated the relations between attachment‐related individual differences and the adoption of interpersonal goals for conflict in romantic relationships. Additionally, it used the truth and bias model to examine how biased and accurate people are in judging their partner's endorsement of conflict goals, as well as how attachment‐related individual differences moderate this bias and accuracy. Ninety‐four romantic couples completed a measure of attachment‐related individual differences and self ‐ and informant reports of interpersonal conflict goals. Results revealed that individuals endorsed conflict goals consistent with their attachment orientations. Furthermore, they displayed biases when estimating their partner's goals, with some of these biases relating to attachment orientations. These results suggest that attachment‐related individual differences may partially guide conflict‐related goals and partner perceptions.     

Turning aggression on the self: a study of psychoanalytic process

The concept of turning aggression on the self is studied, and some clinical vignettes are presented which demonstrate the use of this concept as a guide to the formation of an "ideal" for one kind of analytic intervention with one kind of analytic surface. Pertinent literature is reviewed, and assumptions implicit to the analyst's activity are discussed. This endeavor is viewed in the larger context of attempts to arrive at a clearer understanding of the psychoanalytic process.     

Shedding light on the graph schema: Perceptual features versus invariant structure

Most theories of graph comprehension posit the existence of a graph schema to account for people’s prior knowledge of how to understand different graph types. The graph schema is, however, a purely theoretical construct: No empirical studies have explicitly examined the nature of the graph schema. We sought to determine whether graph schemas are based on perceptual features or on a common invariant structure shared between certain graph types. We isolated the process of activating the graph schema by presenting the graphs to participants in pure and mixed blocks. Any differences in reaction time between the blocks could be attributed to loading the appropriate schema. Results from a series of experiments using five types of graphs suggest that graph schemas are based on the graphical framework, a common invariant structure among certain types of graphs.     

外显与内隐刻板印象的分布式表征及其激活过程——基于认知神经科学视角的探索

刻板印象是人们有关群体的行为特征与特质属性信念化的认识, 它多以语义图式形式存储于长时记忆中。依据激活过程中意识参与程度的不同, 刻板印象具有内隐和外显两种表现型。不同于双加工理论“自动激活+认知控制”的研究视角, 本项目计划从内隐/外显记忆的多重记忆系统模型出发, 试图检验内隐与外显刻板印象在表征机制和激活过程上的差异。现有的多重记忆系统模型虽能解释内隐和外显刻板印象在记忆存储与提取上的机制差别, 但却无法阐释二者语义表征带有的心理理论特性以及二者的认知控制过程。有鉴于此, 本项目拟吸收“镜像系统−心理化系统”模型和双加工理论各自在特质与信念加工以及刻板印象认知控制上的理论优势, 深入探索内隐和外显刻板印象的分布式表征机制。借助ERP技术的时间过程优势和fMRI技术的脑区动态因果建模优势, 研究结果将最终揭示刻板印象分布式语义表征的动态加工机制。     

The words we work with that work on us: clinical paradigm and cumulative relational trauma

This paper addresses a gap between analytic clinical theory and practice which emerges when examining the words we work with via textual and narrative research of case histories. Both subject matter and methodology fit with the remit of conceptual research in psychoanalysis, currently ranging from inductive to nomothetical approaches. Research of clinical language reveals an implicit account of human nature and the world which undergirds clinical practice. Based in the critical philosophy of the previous century, this is termed clinical paradigm. Such implicit views are induced rather than explicitly taught during analytic training, and need to be spelled out in order to become available to discourse and difference of opinion. Textual research shows these implicit pre‐clinical attitudes to be inherently pessimistic and thus too similar to the views of self and others found in cumulative relational trauma. Moreover, clinical accounts tend to normalize subtly antagonistic forms of relating, recently recognised as micro‐trauma. Importantly, this contravenes the agapic orientation of our theories and ethics. Paradigmatic reflection as a form of professional individuation addresses this gap. This includes a more optimistic outlook which can be traced through the philosophical implications of quantum theory.     

The Benefits and Limitations of a Behavioral Intervention for Caregivers of Dementia Patients: A Qualitative Study

This study used qualitative methods to understand dementia caregivers’ experience of personal and therapeutic factors contributing to outcome following REACH VA, a behavioral intervention designed to alleviate caregiver burden and depressive symptoms. Caregivers and their interventionists were queried about their experiences of the treatment in semistructured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The following themes emerged reflecting aspects of the intervention caregivers and interventionists found helpful: self-care, shared goals, psychoeducation, and stress-management skills. Some caregivers and interventionists found the provision of problem-solving skills to be helpful and others did not. Finally, some caregivers and interventionists reported that interpersonal support/bearing witness, insight, emotional transformation, and the discussion of interpersonal process were useful when part of the intervention or, when not included, would have been helpful. While behavioral interventions tend to be highly structured, interventionists’ ability to work flexibly within the protocol and tailor it to the caregiver’s needs was related to positive treatment response. The beneficial aspects of this treatment represent multiple theoretical orientations highlighting the importance of transtheoretical models of therapeutic action.     

上下级之间应该存在何种关系?上下级关系图式

以往上下级关系研究大多聚焦于关系的实然特征, 缺乏对关系应有特征或模式的探讨。上下级关系图式是个体对上下级之间关系应有模式或特征的内隐认知, 这种内隐认知有助于揭示上级与下属之间的互动过程, 并为促进上级和下属的积极心理与行为提供理论启示。经过对文献的系统梳理, 将上下级关系图式与内隐关系理论、追随力认知图式、关系自我和关系认同等概念进行区分。个体传统性和现代性、依恋风格、领导行为以及文化因素能够预测上下级关系图式; 上下级关系图式能影响领导的态度与行为、下属忠诚、下属工作绩效、角色外行为、领导评价(道德领导)以及上下级关系评价; 移情的社会认知模型、泛家族主义、社会学习理论、信息加工理论解释了上下级关系图式的前因后果。未来可以从识别预测因素、拓展后果研究以及挖掘作用机制等方面推动上下级关系图式的研究。     

Clinical Scenarios of “Remembering”: Somatic States as a Process of Emerging Memory

This paper explores the relationship between somatic states and nonverbal processes of memory, and suggests an intervention model favoring the exploration of these states when they emerge during an analytic session. Somatic states and symptoms are considered here to belong to the enactment process, which is part of the web of Self-with-Other relational procedures and of the subsymbolic procedural or implicit mode of knowledge, inherent to and necessary for the development of subjective and relational skills and an integrated sense of Self. The analytic dyad can agree to consider somatic states as a sort of dream of the body that, like a dream of the mind, can be explored and investigated together. In the clinical experience presented, a painful somatic state gives shape to a significant enactment. By focusing perceptive attention on the somatic state, it reveals the memory of a traumatic experience. The integration of the dissociated memory overcomes the impasse that the analytic relationship is experiencing as the conclusion of the therapeutic process draws near.     

Family Traditions,Cultural Values,and the Clinician's Countertransference: Therapeutic Assessment of a Young Sicilian Woman

Despite recent advances in models and instruments to understand the role of a client's cultural background, clinical psychologists are not immune to implicit cultural biases that are potentially damaging to the therapeutic alliance. In this article, I present a Therapeutic Assessment with a young Sicilian woman conducted in a university-based student clinic in Italy. During the assessment, I assumed that because we were both Italians, my client shared my perspective (northern Italian) about family and individual values, which resulted in a therapeutic impasse when I responded on the basis of my individual and culturally shaped view of interpersonal and family relationships without appreciating important differences between my own and my client's microcultures. To overcome the impasse, I had to openly acknowledge such differences and reorient myself to my client's goals. I discuss the core processes involved in such a repair in the context of a cross-cultural psychological assessment.     

追随力认知图式:概念解析与整合模型

追随力认知图式是一种历经社会化,以抽象表征形式储存于个体记忆中的关于追随力的认知结构,亦称为追随原型。领导者的追随原型通常在领导—追随互动中被激活,并与部属实际追随力进行匹配。匹配失败的追随原型将被重新归类或定义,匹配成功的追随原型将通过领导者的态度和行为影响追随者的职业幸福感、角色内绩效和角色外行为。人格、市场行情、组织结构和文化能预测追随原型。未来可加强多水平效应、匹配效应和生物基础的探讨。     

Analytic and Continental Philosophy: Explaining the Differences

A number of writers have tackled the task of characterizing the differences between analytic and Continental philosophy. I suggest that these attempts have indeed captured the most important divergences between the two styles but have left the explanation of the differences mysterious. I argue that analytic philosophy is usefully seen as philosophy conducted within a paradigm, in Kuhn's sense of the word, whereas Continental philosophy assumes much less in the way of shared presuppositions, problems, methods and approaches. This important opposition accounts for all those features that have rightly been held to constitute the difference between the two traditions. I finish with some reflections on the relative superiority of each tradition and by highlighting the characteristic deficiencies of each.     

Clinical Consultation as a Family Intervention in Residential Treatment: Exploring What Impacts Outcomes

The Relational Re-enactment Systems Approach to Treatment model is an approach to residential treatment that embraces the need for family involvement through clinical consultation. Clinical consultation is a systems-oriented family intervention that embodies the model’s principles regarding therapeutic alliance and working through ambivalence. Families engage with treatment providers and other collaterals in an ongoing process of developing goals, creating a shared understanding of the youth, and working toward discharge. The current study explored youth characteristics and outcomes. Additionally, the investigation included comparisons between youth with and without the involvement of the Department of Children and Family Services in terms of length of stay, involvement in consultation, and sustained outcomes. Finally, therapists who work with youth and their families discussed their understanding of what differentiated successful and unsuccessful cases.     

Predictive Validity of the Implicit Association Test in Studies of Brands,Consumer Attitudes,and Behavior

Three studies investigated implicit brand attitudes and their relation to explicit attitudes, product usage, and product differentiation. Implicit attitudes were measured using the Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998). Study 1 showed expected differences in implicit attitudes between users of two leading yogurt brands, also revealing significant correlations between IAT‐measured implicit attitudes and explicit attitudes. In Study 2, users of two fast food restaurants (McDonald's and Milk Bar) showed implicit attitudi‐nal preference for their favorite restaurant. In Study 3, implicit attitudes of users of two soft drinks (Coca‐Cola and Pepsi) predicted brand preference, product usage, and brand recognition in a blind taste test. A meta‐analytic combination of the three studies showed that the use of IAT measures increased the prediction of behavior relative to explicit attitude measures alone.