Toward Unity in Psychology: The Experimental Synthesis of Behaviour

The current state of fragmentation of psychology is discussed in the context of Kuhn's paradigms. Schools of psychology are considered analogous to paradigms, although Kuhn would not think of psychology as a paradigmatic science. Schools gave origin to systems of psychology (neo-behaviourism, neo-psychoanalysis, dialectic-materialistic psychology, and humanistic psychology). A unifying paradigm, the experimental synthesis of behaviour, is presented as a programme. It is derived from the experimental analysis of behaviour. It is not an eclectic approach, but a new paradigm with the aim of unifying psychology as a science. Its main characteristics and advantages are discussed.     

An Experimental Analysis of the Effects of Reading Interventions in a Small Group Reading Instruction Context

The current study examined the effects of several combinations of instructional and motivational interventions on oral reading fluency in the context of small group reading instruction. A treatment package consisting of acquisition, fluency, and motivational components was examined and then dismantled. Results were evaluated individually for each participant using a multiple-probe design in order to identify the most effective, yet efficient reading intervention package for each member of the group. The results indicated that, although all potential combinations of the package were effective, the experimental analysis was able to identify an effective yet more efficient package that produced substantial increases in performance across all students. Results are discussed in terms of effective instructional components in small group instruction and how to adapt methods for the experimental analysis of behavior to make decisions about the effectiveness of small group instruction in reading.This study is based on a dissertation submitted by the first author in partial fulfillment of requirements for the doctoral degree.     

Binge-Drinking: A Test of the Role of Group Norms in the Theory of Planned Behaviour

A study was undertaken to assess the utility of the theory of planned behaviour in the prediction of students' binge-drinking. Additionally, a perspective was utilised to address the usually weak contribution of subjective norms in predicting behavioural intentions. Respondents were 289 undergraduate students. The study employed a longitudinal design, with the predictors of performing the behaviour under consideration assessed prior to the measure of reported behaviour. Support was found for the application of the theory of planned behaviour to binge-drinking. A reconceptualisation of norms in the theory of planned behaviour, from a social identity theory/self-categorization theory perspective, was also supported; consistent with expectations, the norms of a behaviourally relevant reference group predicted intentions to binge-drink, especially for participants who identified strongly with the reference group. The results are discussed in relation to measures which may help to reduce the incidence of binge-drinking by university students.     

发展性团体心理咨询改善大学生应对方式及其相关因素的实验研究

对发展性团体心理咨询在改善和提高大学生应对方式及能力方面的可行性及有效性进行了研究。将按照入组条件选出的28名大学生随机分为实验组(14名)和对照组(14名)。实验组接受发展性团体心理咨询干预两个月,对照组不予处理。三个月后对实验组成员进行追踪随访。采用应对方式问卷、抑郁自评量表、焦虑自评量表和社会支持评定量表进行评估。结果表明,发展性团体心理咨询明显改善了团体成员的应对方式,在提高团体成员的社会支持程度和减少情绪问题(焦虑、抑郁)方面有良好的作用。     

系统式团体心理辅导改善儿童同伴关系的研究

本研究将系统家庭治疗的思想及技术移植到学校情景中,对实验班人际距离较远的5名嫌弃儿在原班级中开展团体心理辅导活动.实验结果表明:嫌弃儿的人际距离明显改善.辅导中系统思想的引入、积极取向的气氛对同伴关系辅导有特殊的效果.     

团体心理咨询改善教师情绪的实验研究

通过实验研究证明团体心理咨询在解决教师情绪问题和改善教师情绪状况方面具有重要作用.被试:河北省武安市26名小学教师.方法:采用实验组、控制组前后测设计.对实验组进行八次团体心理咨询,在干预后要求团体成员对干预活动及情绪状态的变化进行主观评价,并采用16PF问卷进行前后测,以C(稳定性)、I(敏感性)、O(忧虑性)、Q4(紧张性)四个人格维度作为情绪指标.结果:1.测验结果:实验组和对照组后测得分在敏感性、紧张性两个人格维度上差异显著,在忧虑性人格维度上临界显著.在稳定性、敏感性、忧虑性、紧张性四个人格因素上,实验组前后测结果差异显著.2.主观评价结果: 教师对团体游戏最感兴趣,对自我探索活动感受最深,从认知活动中获益最大.结论:1. 团体心理咨询对教师情绪干预有效;2.团体咨询中的认知学习是教师情绪改变的关键.     

How Group Analysis Cures: An Exploration of Narcissistic Rage in Group Treatment

This paper addresses the use of group analysis in treating individuals for whom chronic narcissistic rage is a prominent feature of their character. Such individuals are often especially suspicious of participating in group experiences, as their sensitivity to slight and circumscribed empathy for others often leaves them vulnerable to being attacked and ostracized in groups. Their history often reveals experiences in which they were either the scapegoat of the family or of the playground, often both. Such individuals, however, may also long for inclusion and acceptance, and thus participation in a therapeutic group may be a particularly important part of their continued development. An extended clinical vignette illustrates how such work occurs within a therapeutic group using a self-psychological model. Narcissistic rage as manifested within the group-as-a-whole or groupself is also examined.