An evaluation of reality orientation therapy

An evaluation was made of reality orientation therapy utilizing 14 male patients with dementias of various types. The therapy is designed to improve memory and reduce confusion in elderly and demented individuals. Utilizing a group comparison with crossover design, it was found that the patients improved significantly over sessions on orientation items actually taught during those sessions. However, no significant improvement was found on a series of generalization items consisting of orientation-related questions that were not asked during sessions. Furthermore, there was no generalization to ward activities. It was noted that individual responses to the treatment were quite varied, and so three cases reflecting highly different responses are presented.Indebtedness is expressed to the Veterans Administration for support of this research.     

Gender Differences in Perceptions of Household Crowding: Stress,Affiliation, and Role Obligations in Rural India1

Male and female researchers separately interviewed the male and female heads of household in each of 159 homes in three villages in northern India. Analyses revealed consistent gender differences, such that women, compared to men, rated their homes more negatively, experienced more physical symptoms, and thought the supply of resources was insufficient. Surprisingly, women also believed that their homes could house more people and were significantly more likely to want more children. In other words, women reacted negatively to crowding but also appeared to like having many people in the household. Possible reasons for this apparent contradiction are discussed.     

Preliminary data on a computerized test of finger speed and endurance

We set out to develop a computer-assisted finger-tapping task (the T3) that would measure motor speed much like the Reitan test, but that would also measure endurance. Data were collected for a convenience sample on both the T3 and the Reitan finger-tapping test. Moderate and significant correlations were obtained between the T3 and the Reitan test for both hands. Mean scores for the first 50 sec of the T3 were approximately 0.15 taps greater than the mean Reitan score for both the preferred and the nonpreferred hands, while the mean scores for the full 2 min of the T3 were 1.52 taps less than those of the Reitan test for the preferred hand, and 1.32 taps less for the nonpreferred hand. The mean for the last 40 sec with the preferred hand averaged 3.93 taps (7.62%) slower than for the first 40 sec, whereas for the nonpreferred hand, the difference was 5.12 taps (11.15%). These results are consistent with our intent to develop measures of (1) relatively pure motor speed (the first 50 sec of the T3); (2) motor speed combined with endurance (the full 2 min of the T3); and (3) finger endurance (the first 40 sec compared with the last 40 sec of the T3).     

Influence Tactics in Combination: The Interactive Effects of Soft Versus Hard Tactics and Rational Exchange

The effects of multiple influence tactics in dyadic compliance-gaining situations are underexplored. In a laboratory experiment, we exposed subjects to a scenario-based influence attempt within which tactics that convey a rational exchange of benefits were juxtaposed with soft tactics that project friendliness and flattery. We found support for the prediction that soft tactics would heighten compliance more in the absence, rather than presence, of an offered exchange. Implications and limitations are discussed.