Personality-based latent classes of posttraumatic psychopathology: personality disorders and the internalizing/externalizing model

Prior research using the Brief Form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ-BF; Patrick, Curtin, & Tellegen, 2002) has shown evidence of 3 temperament-based subtypes--termed internalizing, externalizing, and simple PTSD--among individuals with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Miller, Greif, & Smith, 2003). This study sought to replicate and extend research in this area by conducting a latent profile analysis of higher order temperament scales from the MPQ-BF using a new sample of 208 veterans with symptoms of PTSD. Results suggest that a 3-class solution reflecting internalizing, externalizing, and simple subtypes of posttraumatic psychopathology provided the best fit to the data. The externalizing subtype was characterized by features of antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders on the International Personality Disorder Examination (Loranger, 1999) as well as low levels of constraint and high levels of negative emotionality on the MPQ-BF. In contrast, individuals in the internalizing class exhibited features of schizoid and avoidant personality disorders, low levels of positive emotionality, and high levels of negative emotionality. The simple subtype was defined by low levels of comorbid personality disorder features and relatively normal personality profiles. Findings support the reliability of this typology and support the relevance of the internalizing and externalizing model to the structure of personality disorders.     

Ecclesial communion: The letters of St Basil the great revisited

Abstract

The German word Kirchengemeinschaft, translated as ‘ecclesial communion’ or ‘communion of churches’, is a term frequently used in contemporary ecumenical discourse. Are ‘communion of churches’ or ‘ecclesial communion’ leading concepts for future ecumenism? Starting from the fact that modern ecumenism and ecclesiology often refer to communio/κo?vωvíα in the Early Church as their model or ideal, this article investigates more closely how κo?vωvíα worked in that period. Basil the Great's letters serve as an example to show not so much the theoretical but the practical impact of κo?vωvíα on everyday church life. They also demonstrate how Basil applied κo?vωvíα on different levels and indicate what is required to facilitate it. Finally, they give some indication of what this could mean for ecumenism today.     

Client Perspectives on Spirituality in the Therapeutic Relationship

There has been increasing interest in the integration of spirituality into psychotherapy in the last 10 years, yet we have very little in-depth information about clients' perspectives on spirituality in the counseling relationship to help guide this integration. Using a narrative methodology to explore the counseling experiences of 12 spiritually-committed clients in detail, this study suggests that clients who may not identify as traditionally religious may still view the entire process of psychotherapy through a spiritual lens. Furthermore, their spirituality may guide their interpretation of therapy, their expectations of the therapist, and their choice to engage in or terminate treatment in complex ways. By exploring the experiences of this growing breed of spiritually-committed clients, the results shed new light on the dimensions that deserve consideration as we think about how to respond to a client's spiritual needs in psychotherapy.     

Predictors of posttraumatic stress in children following injury: The influence of appraisals, heart rate, and morphine use

Prospective studies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children that investigate simultaneously both cognitive and biological or psychophysiological predictors are rare. The present research reports on the impact of cognitive factors (trauma-related appraisals) and biological indicators (heart rate, morphine use) in predicting PTSD and depression symptoms following single-incident trauma. Children and adolescents (N = 48) were assessed within 4 weeks of an injury that led to hospital treatment and followed up 6-months later. While morphine did not predict initial PTSD severity, it was associated with lower levels of PTSD at follow-up. Reductions in PTSD symptoms (change scores) between assessments were similarly associated with morphine dosage. Trauma-related appraisals also contributed to PTSD and depression symptom severity. While slightly different patterns of results were obtained depending on whether static or change scores were examined, as a whole the study adds to a growing literature that morphine has the potential to reduce PTSD symptoms severity. Likewise the relationship between unhelpful trauma appraisals and posttrauma psychopathology was replicated.     

A review of Evidence‐Based Evaluation of Measures for Assessing Social and Emotional Well‐Being in Indigenous Australians

Addressing low levels of social and emotional well‐being (SEWB) in Indigenous communities has been a national strategic priority for over 10 years and yet progress in assessing the impact of interventions has been slow. One of the key factors limiting the development of evidence‐based practice has been the lack of well‐validated instruments to assess SEWB and how it changes over time as a result of intervention. This article systematically reviews available measures, classifying them in terms of the evidence base that exists to support their use. It is concluded that there is an ongoing need to develop psychometrically sound, comprehensive, culturally appropriate measures to operationalise Indigenous SEWB at a population health, programme evaluation, and clinical level. It is suggested that seven pathways be followed to achieve this goal, including the need to recognise that the gold standard status for Indigenous measurement tools cannot be ascribed based on evidence‐based assessment criteria alone.     

The veneration of the Precious Blood in Weingarten: theological reflections in an ecumenical horizon

This article places the veneration of the Precious Blood in Weingarten in the wider horizon of the veneration of relics and saints in general. It takes into account that the Reformers, above all Martin Luther, were very critical about pilgrimages and the veneration of relics. Against this background it discusses the following points with regard to the veneration of the Precious Blood. First, what is the added value of pilgrimages? Secondly, what, or rather, who, is being venerated in what way in Weingarten? Thirdly, what is theologically legitimate in venerating a relic of the Precious Blood and could render it ecumenically justifiable? And, fourthly, what is the current meaning of the veneration of the Precious Blood? Answering these questions is vital for keeping the veneration of the Precious Blood in Weingarten a living tradition – especially in a time without a monastery.     

The effect of supervisory feedback,self‐recording,and graphic feedback on trainer behavior during one‐to‐one training

The effectiveness of supervisory feedback, self‐recording, and graphic feedback on trainer behavior during one‐to‐one training sessions was assessed with three trainers, and three students with mental retardation. Supervisory feedback consisted of a supervisor interrupting the course of the training if an error occurred, administering appraisal when accurate trainer behavior occurred, and prompting the trainer to avoid errors. Following this, self‐recording and graphic feedback were in effect. During the latter condition, the trainer was instructed to record her own behavior, to graph the data following each training session, and to set a goal to increase her performance. Data were collected in a quasi non‐concurrent multiple baseline design across dyads of trainers and students. The results showed a statistically significant increase of accurate trainer behavior during supervisory feedback, which was maintained during the condition of self‐recording and graphic feedback. Maintenance of trainer behavior was recorded during follow‐up. The trainers rated supervisory feedback as more acceptable than self‐recording and graphic feedback. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.