Enhancing Criterion-Related Validity Through Bottom-Up Contextualization of Personality Inventories: The Construction of an Ecological Conscientiousness Scale for Ph.D. Candidates

In this article the concept of “ecological personality scales” is introduced. These are contextualized inventories with a high ecological validity. They are developed in a bottom-up or qualitative way and combine a relatively high trait specificity with a relatively high situational specificity. An ecological Conscientiousness or time management scale for Ph.D. candidates was developed. It significantly predicted Ph.D. performance criteria and showed incremental validity beyond Big Five (Study 1) and narrow trait and frame-of-reference scales (Study 2). These findings suggest that an ecological approach may contribute to further improving the criterion validity of personality measures.     

Intervening factors in the utilization of social research

In Swedish welfare agencies, it was found that the importance of characteristics of social research for utilization was related to three intervening factors: the context of origin of the research, the functions for the user and the utilization context. These factors seem to explain the difference between competing notions on the importance of scientific sophistication for research utilization. Sune Sunesson is professor and head of the Ph.D. program and the research department of the School of Social Work at Lund University. His main research interests are the sociology of human service organizations and the impact of science on these organizations. Kjell Nilsson, Birgitta Ericson, and Britt-Marie Johansson are Ph.D. candidates in the Department of Sociology of the Lund University.     

A Triadic-behavioral approach to encopresis

Abstract

This paper describes the training and supervisory components of a doctoral level, pre-internship clinical experience, designed to teach Ph.D. candidates a contextual or systemic approach to therapy. The training occurred in a university-based departmental clinic which balanced the three interdependent areas of training, service and research. The therapeutic orientation was a problem-focused, goal-oriented, directive therapy candidates a contextual or systemic approach to therapy. The training designed to view and treat individuals in their social contexts. From this perspective, students were able to gain experience with individuals, couples and families. The paper discusses the function and components of the weekly supervision seminar and describes the integrative and sequential use of several innovative supervisory methods such as live supervision, peer consultation and videotape playback supervision.     

Identity processing styles and language proficiency among Persian learners of English as a foreign language

The relationship between identity processing styles and language proficiency in English as foreign language (EFL) was investigated among the Persian EFL learners. 266 Persian candidates taking part in a Ph.D. examination at Shiraz University took part. The Language Proficiency Test was used to measure language proficiency in English. The Identity Styles Inventory was used to measure normative, informational, and diffuse-avoidant identity processing styles. Relationships between normative and informational styles and language proficiency and its subscales (grammar, vocabulary, and reading) were positive and significant. Negative relationships between diffuse-avoidant style and language proficiency and its subscales (grammar, vocabulary, and reading) were observed. There were significant sex differences for diffuse-avoidant style and for vocabulary.     

Judeo-Christian Clergy and Personal Crisis: Religion,Posttraumatic Growth and Well Being

This study investigated the psychological impact of personal traumatic events in a sample of 30 Judeo-Christian clergy. Use of religion-based coping strategies following a difficult life event was expected to facilitate posttraumatic growth, and posttraumatic growth was, in turn, expected to result in greater current well being. Both predictions were supported. In addition, higher levels of rumination soon after the event were associated with greater posttraumatic growth. The results indicated that clergy benefited from both positive and negative styles of religious coping, and that posttraumatic growth was not associated with greater well being for this sample. Deborah Proffitt, M.A., is in private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. Arnie Cann, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A social psychologist, he is involved in research on posttraumatic growth and interpersonal relationships. Lawrence G. Calhoun, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A clinical psychologist, he has studied posttraumatic growth and responses to crises. Richard G. Tedeschi, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A clinical psychologist, he has studied posttraumatic growth and bereavement issues.     

Sex differences in ADHD: Conference summary

Clinical samples of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been dominated by males. Consequently, female manifestations and sex differences have been relatively neglected in the extensive ADHD research. Because ADHD is so common (3% to 5% of school children) and chronic (lifelong in many cases), even a small proportion of females multiplied by such a large base means hundreds of thousands of girls and women with ADHD, a significant public health problem. An NIMH conference concluded that research is needed not only on sex differences related to ADHD, but also on manifestations of ADHD in females as such. Areas of focus should include differences in life course (sex-differential age effects); effects of hormones; effects of ADHD parenting (in utero and postnatal) on the next generation; response to and implications for design of psychosocial treatment; effects of differential comorbidity; normative background sex differences that influence the manifestation of ADHD; differences in development of verbal fluency and social behavior; possible interactions of sex and ethnicity; a prospective study of both sex offspring of ADHD adults; and such methodological issues as appropriate instruments and diagnostic thresholds, power to prevent false negatives, valid impairment measures, validity and reliability of child self-reports, and more inclusive samples (all three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined).The following participants in the November 16–17, 1994, NIMH Conference on Sex Differences in ADHD may be considered ghost co-authors of the contents in this summary. Special thanks are due to Euthymia Hibbs, Ph.D., co-organizer of the conference; Peter Jensen, M.D., who suggested the successful format; Delores Parron, Ph.D., who gave much helpful advice on the conference arrangements; Emily Areia, Ph.D., who thoroughly critiqued the summary; Joan Cole, who helped abstract the recorded proceedings; and Jose Bauermeister, Ph. D., F. Xavier Castellanos, M.D., Stephen Hinshaw, Ph.D., and Mark Stein, Ph.D., who helped with referencing. Other participants, in alphabetical order, included Russell Barkley, Ph.D.; Joseph Biederman, M.D.; Caryn Carlson, Ph.D.; C. Keith Conners, Ph.D.; Monique Ernst, M.D.; Miranda Gaub; Jay N. Giedd, M.D.; Michael Gordon, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Halperin, Ph. D.; Betsy Hoza, Ph.D.; Hans Huessy, M.D.; Jean King, Ph.D.; Kathleen Kiely; Rachel Klein, Ph.D.; Benjamin Lahey, Ph.D.; Jan Loney, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Lorch, Ph.D.; Spero Manson, Ph.D.; Keith McBurnett, Ph.D.; Richard Milich, Ph.D.; Douglas Novins, M.D.; Daisy Pascualvaca, Ph.D.; Linda Pfiffner, Ph.D.; Jane Steinberg, Ph.D.; James Swanson, Ph.D.; Marcus Thomeer, Ph.D.; Lillie Williams, M.D.; Alan Zametkin, M.D.The opinions expressed herein are the views of the author and conference participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the National Institute of Mental Health or any other part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.     

Clinical approaches to the near-death experiencer

The literature on near-death experiences (NDEs) and their aftereffects has focused on the positive personality transformations and spiritual development that often follow an NDE, while it has neglected the emotional and interpersonal problems sometimes precipitated by the experience. We report general guidelines and specific interventions, developed at an interdisciplinary conference, to assist NDErs in coping with psychological difficulties following their experiences.This report was based on a conference on Clinical Approaches to the Near-Death Experience, sponsored by the International Association for Near-Death Studies, February 5–9, 1984, in Pembroke Pines, FL, and funded in part by a grant from the Institute of Noetic Sciences. The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the other participants in that conference: Patricia Bahr, Boyce Batey, Sharon Batey, Nancy Bush, Kimberly Clark, M.S.W., Diane Corcoran, R.N., Ph.D., Elaine Durham, Linda Fleishman, Charles Flynn, Ph.D., Margaret Huddleston, Joan Kaye, Esther Knecht, Carolyn Lewis-Stone, M.S.W., Jean Marr, Ph.D., John McDonagh, Ph.D., Anne-Marie Meagher, M.D., John Migliaccio, M.Ed., Judith Miller, Ph.D., Raymond Moody, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., Leslee Morabito, Annalee Oaks, R.N., M.A., Ruth Orner, Ph.D., Carol Parrish-Harra, Madelaine Podurgiel, R.N., Ph.D., Laurie Schwartz, Joyce Strom-Paikin, R.N., M.S., Robert Sullivan, Nina Thornburg, M.S.N., Israel Topel, M.D., and Kate Wyatt, Ph.D.     

Changing Trends in Doctoral Training Programs in Psychology: A Comparative Analysis of Research-Oriented Versus Professional-Applied Programs

Data from the National Research Council's 1995 study of doctoral programs provide a basis for the comparison of research-oriented Ph.D. programs in psychology and Ph.D. programs of professional-applied schools. The latter present a profile of faculty resources, attributes, and activities that differs sharply from that found in the research-oriented programs, and in Ph.D. programs in the other behavioral and social sciences. The difference in profiles suggests that the professional programs conduct Ph.D. training that departs from the training ordinarily regarded as necessary for the award of that degree.     

“Here’s How We’re Seeing It”: An Interview with Susan H. McDaniel, PhD, Jeri Hepworth, PhD and William J. Doherty, PhD

This is an extended interview with medical family therapists Susan H. McDaniel, Ph.D., Jeri Hepworth, Ph.D. and William Doherty, Ph.D. about the first and second editions of their book, Medical Family Therapy, and their views of the current Medical Family Therapy field.     

Scientific Meetings of The American Institute for Psychoanalysis

PSYCHIC TRAUMA AND ANNIHILATION ANXIETY, Presenter: Marvin Hurvich, Ph.D., Discussant: Martha Sermier, R.N., C.S., Date: October 16, 2003. DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE AND SIMPLY DECEPTIVE: SHAME AND DECEIT, Presenter: Benjamin Kilborne, Ph.D., Discussant: Janice Lieberman, Ph.D., Date: November 20, 2003     

Sex role orientation and marital satisfaction in dual- and one-provider couples

Scores on the Baucom scales of Masculinity (MSC) and Femininity (FMN), and on three scales from the Snyder Marital Satisfaction Inventory, were obtained from samples of dual- and one-provider couples. Data on rewards and difficulties of the dual- and one-provider lifestyles were collected by means of open-ended questions. The two groups of couples did not differ in sex role orientation or marital satisfaction. The men's levels of MSC were positively related to their marital satisfaction in both groups, and the women's levels of FMN were especially important to couples' satisfaction in the dual-provider group. In both groups, cross-sex scores (women's MSC and men's FMN) were positively related to couples' satisfaction with marital companionship.Bernadette Gray-Little, Ph.D., W. Grant Dahlstrom, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Rossman, Ph.D. are gratefully acknowledged for the guidance and support they provided to the author during this research.     

Group psychology in the totalitarian system: A psychoanalytic view

The author discusses the ideas of three important psychoanalytic thinkers about group processes in large social groups: Sigmund Freud, Wilfred Bion, and Erich Fromm. Their ideas are developed and applied to analysis of group processes in totalitarian systems, as they were known to the author in Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union. In conclusion, treatment considerations as they apply to patients who grew up in these regimes are developed and illustrated by clinical cases.This paper is dedicated to Dr. Alexander Wolf, who made his groups growth-promoting, free and holding environments.The author wants to thank Valerie Angel, M.S.W., Eva Papiasvili, Ph.D., Susan Kavaler, Ph.D., Maria Luisa Bastos, Ph.D., and Nancy Smith for their support, critical commentary, and helpful suggestions.     

A new solution to the additive constant problem in metric multidimensional scaling

A new solution to the additive constant problem in metric multidimensional scaling is developed. This solution determines, for a given dimensionality, the additive constant and the resulting stimulus projections on the dimensions of a Euclidean space which minimize the sum of squares of discrepancies between the formal model for metric multidimensional scaling and the original data. A modification of Fletcher-Powell style functional iteration is used to compute solutions. A scale free index of the goodness of fit is developed to aid in selecting solutions of adequate dimensionality from multiple candidates.This research is based in part on the author's Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Computer time was provided by the Campus Computing Network of the University of California, Los Angeles.     

Scientific Meeting of The American Institute for Psychoanalysis

THE MALEVOLENT USE OF EMOTIONS: HOW AFFECTS CAN BE USED TO CONVERT AND ALERT THE PERSONALITY, Presenter: Ruth Stein, Ph.D., Discussant: Giselle Galdi, Ph.D., Date: November 20, 2002     

Cognitive beliefs about male sexuality: The impact of gender roles and counselor perspectives

Two studies are presented which examine stereotypie beliefs about males and their sexuality through the use of the Stereotypes About Male Sexuality Scale (SAMSS). In the first study, the relationship between the SAMSS and two gender role measures were examined. The results revealed that the restrictive emotionality aspect of the masculine role was strongly associated with stereotypic beliefs about male sexuality. Other gender role preferences and behaviors were also found to be positively associated with conventional performance approaches to male sexuality. In the second investigation, counseling trainees were asked to describe how mentally healthy adult men and women would respond to the Stereotypes About Male Sexuality Scale. The responses of both male and female intraining counselors indicated that they expected mentally healthy males: (a) to reject inhibited, control, and constant readiness approaches to the expression of male sexuality and (b) to express greater disagreement toward defining male sexuality exclusively in terms of sexual intercourse and toward viewing males as inherently knowledgeable about sex. These results thus provide evidence for the importance of the SAMSS and a cognitive approach to the study of male sexuality.William E. Snell, Jr., Ph.D. is an assistant professor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts at Southeast Missouri State University. Sharyn S. Belk is a Ph.D. candidate in social-personality psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. Raymond C. Hawkins II, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at the Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas.Portions of these data were presented at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, and at the XXIII International Congress of Psychology, Acapulco, Mexico.     

A review of “Human ability”

By C. Spearman, Ph.D. (Leipzig), Hon. LL.D. (Wittenberg), F.R.S., and Ll. Wynn Jones, M.A. (Oxon.), Ph.D. (Leipzig), D.Sc. (Wales). London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., 1950. Pp. vi + 198. 16s.     

Devenir chercheur : rapport au savoir et engagement dans la recherche des doctorants en histoire et en mathématiques

The following qualitative research questions the specialization of students at university and their motives for committing themselves to a Ph.D. The authors show how the specialization of these students, beyond their commitment to achieve their doctoral work, is first a matter of relation to knowledge, remote from any professional integration strategy. The “Alceste” lexical analysis of a corpus of 16 semi-structured interviews reveals the significant presence of syntagms which show the preference of eight Ph.D. students specialized in history and eight Ph.D. students specialized in mathematics for a given type of knowledge. Committing oneself to research is first a question of pleasure and appeal. It cannot be dissociated from the subjective functions that such active knowledge fulfils for a subject.     

Conflict or control: Research utilization strategies as power techniques

The sociology of research and knowledge use, argue the authors, could be a way of linking important parts of sociology, such as organization studies, the sociology of science to each other. In the article, they discuss the idea that organizational responses to environments are related to research utilization. Based upon an empirical investigation of city welfare departments, four empirical “utilization strategies” are presented and shown to be related to power and control patterns. While negative utilization strategies are hostile to uncontrolled research utilization and enhance the formation of bureaucratic expertise, conflict-oriented strategies are discursively productive and reinforce research use and alliance formation with social scientists to control the environment. Kjell Nilsson presented his dissertation on research utilization in different policy sectors at Lund University in February 1992. He has written and cowritten one book and several articles in the field of knowledge and bureaucracy. Sune Sunesson, Ph.D., is currently professor and head of the research department and Ph.D., program in the School of Social Work at Lund University. He has written several books and articles in the field of bureaucracy studies, the sociology of human service organizations and the utilization of knowledge.     

Parental responses to competence and trauma in infants with reproductive casualty

This study of 31 infants in neonatal intensive care and their parents examined the relationship involving infant characteristics (medical and behavioral), parent characteristics (personality and situational variables), and the development of parental attachment. As expected, infants who were more visually competent had mothers who were more attentive. Contrary to expectation, greater prematurity was related to greater parental involvement. There were important differences in maternal and paternal responses, with mothers using more denial to cope with the medical crisis. Parents who relied heavily on denial were found to have impaired attachment.This study is based on a M. A. thesis submitted to Michigan State University by the first author under the direction of the second author. The authors are grateful for the support and assistance of Thomas Helmrath, M. D., Elizabeth Seagull, Ph.D., Dess Johnson, M.S. W., and the staff of the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at E. W. Sparrow Hospital.     

Fundamentalist religion and its effect on mental health

The national self-help group, Fundamentalists Anonymous (F.A.), has focused attention upon mental problems that may be caused or exacerbated by authoritarian religion. In this article we outline assertions about the mental problems caused by membership in fundamentalist religion, illustrate these with two case histories, briefly discuss intervention strategies, and describe conceptual and empirical issues. While former members have presented problems severe enough to warrant professional treatment, a causal link between their symptoms and their religious membership has not yet been established, because there is little empirical work on the subject.An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in New York in August 1987.The authors express gratitude to Stephen Strack, Ph.D.; Robert Meagher, Ph.D.; Herman Feifel, Ph.D.; and Ted Schoenberger, M.D., for their helpful comments on previous drafts of this paper.