The cultural grounding of personal relationship: enemyship in North American and West African worlds

Three studies investigated the implicit constructions of reality associated with cultural differences in enemyship (personal relationship of hatred, malice, and sabotage). Results of interview (Study 1; N = 98) and questionnaire (Study 2; N = 166) research indicated that enemyship was more prominent among Ghanaian participants than among U.S. participants. Additional evidence located a potential source of these differences in different constructions of relationship. Responses linked the prominence of enemyship to constructions of relationship as inherent, enduring connection (interdependent models). Responses linked the sense of freedom from enemyship to constructions of relationship as the discretionary product of atomistic selves (independent models). An experiment among Ghanaian participants (Study 3; N = 48) provided evidence that increasing experience of inherent connection can be sufficient to increase accessibility of enemyship. Results help to illuminate the cultural grounding of personal relationship and other phenomena that are typically invisible in mainstream theory and research.     

A comparison between two treatment programs for stuttering: A personal account

This article features a personal evaluation of two treatment methods for stuttering, the Precision Fluency Shaping Program (PFSP) (Webster, 1990; 1986), and the Comprehensive Stuttering Program (CSP) (Boberg and Kully, 1985). The CSP program is described as promoting natural-sounding speech by focusing, from the outset, on smooth blending of syllables or within breath groups. The PFSP program is described as tending to focus on syllables or words in isolation, particularly during early stages of instruction. In addition, the Boberg/ Kully program featured individualized instruction by a series of clinicians interacting with clients in accordance with a rotating schedule. In contrast, the PFSP program emphasized solitary interaction with a voice monitor and client manual. Differences in timing of instruction and calculation of speech rates are discussed. Treatment refinements are suggested, including enhanced precision in distinguishing between soft phrase onsets on individual words.     

Ethical clinical practice and sport psychology: when two worlds collide

From their own practices, the authors offer insight into potential ethical dilemmas that may frequently develop in an applied psychology setting in which sport psychology is also being practiced. Specific ethical situations offered for the reader's consideration include confidentiality with coaches, administration, parents, and athlete-clients; accountability in ethical billing practices and accurate diagnosing; identification of ethical boundaries in nontraditional practice settings (locker room, field, rink, etc.); and establishment of professional competence as it relates to professional practice and marketing.     

Standing between two worlds in Harlem: A developmental psychopathology perspective of perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus and adolescence

Perinatal HIV infection in the US continues to evolve from a fatal pediatric illness to a chronic medical condition of childhood and adolescence. Although navigating this period is influenced by multi-leveled deprivations commonly experienced by low-income minority families, HIV alters the timing and experience of developmental milestones for many adolescents with perinatal HIV. This selective review of the growing developmental psychopathology literature and the authors' clinical work at a pediatric HIV program in Harlem, NY provide an overview of how developmental psychopathology offers an integrative framework that elucidates how autonomy, peer relationships, and self-concept evolve among 13–21 year old adolescents. This paper highlights the importance of considering influences of both perinatal HIV and the culture of poverty on adolescent development, and of adopting multilevel interventions and research to address how interactions among biologic, environmental, and HIV-related stressors (serostatus disclosure, medical treatment adherence, illness stigma) influence the development of adolescents with perinatal HIV.     

Relationship between trust in appraisal and appraisal effectiveness: A field study

The current study examined the influence of trust in the appraisal system on ratees' reactions to performance evaluations. One-hundred and sixty eight bank tellers completed an instrument that assessed their trust in the appraisal system, appraisal satisfaction, perceived utility of evaluations, behavioral intention to improve performance, and intention to leave the job. Trust and performance evaluations were significant predictors of ratee reactions to appraisals and intention to improve on performance weaknesses. In addition, performance ratings were a better predictor of intention to improve on performance weaknesses for ratees who had high trust in the appraisal system. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Miami, Florida, April, 1990.     

Deontic logic and possible worlds semantics: A historical sketch

This paper describes and compares the first step in modern semantic theory for deontic logic which appeared in works of Stig Kanger, Jaakko Hintikka, Richard Montague and Saul Kripke in late 50s and early 60s. Moreover, some further developments as well as systematizations are also noted.     

Psychosynthesis: A psychotherapist's personal overview

Psychosynthesis, a therapeutic orientation based on personal experience, bridges psychological and theological conceptions of human nature. Psychotherapy is conducted in the here-and-now with emphasis on the relationship. Within that context, many techniques are employed. Imagination and intuition are cultivated. The client is helped to identify with his personal self, the center of consciousness and will, and to exercise willing control over the process of therapy and over his life. Basic principles include the existence of a higher unconscious, which is the locus of transpersonal needs, the interrelatedness of one to all, the reality of consciousness and will. Positive strivings and continuing growth are emphasized.Dr. Haronian is in private practice     

Football passions: A personal view

Abstract

The first ever conference that brought together psychotherapists, academics, footballers and football fans, took place on Sunday 24 May at Chelsea Football Club. Organized by the Freud Museum and the University of East London, it at first may seem an unlikely combination of interests. However, for many years I have been boring colleagues with insights on therapy based on a love of football. ‘Why not write about it?’ people have said, usually to shut me up. Then it occurred to me that a report of the conference would be an ideal way finally to put pen to paper on the relationship between football and psychotherapy.     

Buddhism and cognitivism: A postmodern appraisal

Cognitivism, presently the major paradigm of psychology, presents a scientific account of mental life. Buddhism also presents an account of mental life, but one which is integral with its wider ethical and transcendental concerns. The postmodern appraisal of science provides a framework within which these two accounts may be compared without inheriting many of the assumed oppositions between science and religion. It is concluded that cognitivism and Buddhism will have complementary roles in the development of a more pluralist psychological science. In this development it will be necessary to address what values are implicit in science.     

The best of possible worlds: A testable claim of choice

Leibniz said that the universe, if God-created, would exist at a unique, conjoint, physical maximum: Of all possible worlds, it would be richest in phenomena, but its richness would arise from the simplest physical laws and initial conditions. Using concepts of “variety” and algorithmic informational complexity, Leibniz' claim can be reframed as a testable theory. This theory predicts that the laws and conditions of the actual universe should be simpler, and the universe richer in phenomena, than the presence of observers would require. Tegmark has shown that inhabitants of an infinite multiverse would likely observe simple laws and conditions, but also phenomenal richness just great enough to explain their existence. Empirical observations fit the claim of divine choice better than the claim of an infinite multiverse. The future of the universe, including its future information-processing capacity, is predicted to be endless.     

Social bodies in virtual worlds: Intercorporeality in Esports

Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences - As screen-based virtual worlds have gradually begun facilitating more and more of our social interactions, some researchers have argued that the virtual...