Three Pleas for a Measure of Uncertainty,Reverie, and Private Contemplation in the Chaotic,Interactive, Nonlinear Dynamic Field of Interpersonal/Intersubjective Relational Psychoanalysis

This discussion of essays by Cooper, Corbett, and Seligman explores some of the compatibilities, complementarities, strains, and challenges that have emerged in the synthetic and integrative efforts of relational psychoanalysis to apply both interpersonal/intersubjective ideas and those derived from a range of object relations theories in the development of a theory of technique of its own.     

Application of holland's theory to a nonprofessional occupation

The authors, using the recently developed Position Classification Inventory (PCI; G. Gottfredson & J. L. Holland, 1991), examined male and female perceptions of a nonprofessional occupation. Results suggest that the PCI shows promise as a method of classifying occupations according to J. L. Holland's (1997) theory.     

Longitudinal impact of interhousehold caregiving on adult children's mental health

The wear-and-tear hypothesis of caregiving (the longer care provided, the more psychological strain on caregivers) was examined using panel survey data from 112 adult children providing interhousehold care to an impaired elderly parent. Measures included subjective caregiving stress and perceived caregiving effectiveness ("wear") and depression and affect balance ("tear"). Contrary to the hypothesis, data revealed variability in children's adaptation to caregiving, improvement rather than deterioration being the norm. In a recursive path model, both subjective stress and perceived effectiveness were significant predictors of changes in depression. Depression was not significantly related to duration of caregiving. Discussion suggests that future researchers consider other types of caregivers and care settings, factors predicting variability in caregivers' adaptation over time, and changes as well as stability in care arrangements.     

Parental identification of rapists and pedophiles.

It is well documented that sex offenders experience a higher incidence of sexual abuse and are more likely to have been reared in dysfunctional families than are individuals in most comparison groups. It is unclear, however, whether growing up in an abusive or dysfunctional family affects the extent to which the potential sex offender would subsequently identify with his parents. Sixteen rapists, 18 pedophiles, 9 general offenders, and 11 college students completed the Parental Identification Scale to assess their parental identification. It was predicted that the rapists and pedophiles would identify less with their parents than would college students or general offenders. Analysis indicated a strong and significant correlation between group membership and parental identification. Rapists and pedophiles identified less with their mothers and fathers than did members of corresponding control groups.     

A PLAN TO USE PROGRAMMED GROUP EXERCISES TO STUDY CROSS-CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN MANAGEMENT BEHAVIOR

Plan d'utilisation des programmes d'exercices de groupe pour I'étude des différences interculturelles dans le comportement des cadres. — l'A. présente un plan général pour collecter des données interculturelles sur le comportement des cadres, en étudiant comment ils résolvent une série de problèmes administratifs simulés (établir un budget, faire des prévisions, rémunérer les subordonnés, juger les pairs, diriger, communiquer, négocier, etc.). Les coûts de l'étude interculturelle seraient abaissés en incorporant la comparaison dans les programmes de formation pour cadres qui se pratiquent dans divers pays, en coopération avec les équipes des différents centres de formation. Les hypothèses qu'on peut faire à partir des expériences de comportement simulé seraient ultérieurement vérifiées au moyen d'enquêtes basées sur des observations contrôlées des individus dans leur travail réel.     

Stigma modifies the association between social support and mental health among sexual violence survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo: implications for practice

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to further understanding of the relationship between social support, internalized and perceived stigma, and mental health among women who experienced sexual violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods: Drawing from baseline survey data collected in eastern DRC, researchers conducted a secondary cross-sectional analysis using data from 744 participants. Regression and moderation analyses were conducted to examine associations between social support variables, felt stigma, and depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Results: Emotional support seeking and felt stigma were positively associated with increased symptom severity across all three mental health variables. Stigma modified associations between emotional support seeking and depression (t?=??2.49, p?=?.013), anxiety (t?=??3.08, p?=?.002), and PTSD (t?=??2.94, p?=?.003). Increased frequency of emotional support seeking was associated with higher mental health symptoms of anxiety and PTSD among women experiencing all levels of stigma.

Conclusions: Enhancing understanding of social support and stigma may inform research and intervention among Congolese forced migrant populations across circumstances and geographic locations. Implications for practice and research are discussed.     

Computer-assisted observer training

Computerized interactive videotapes were used to train college students to use a 10-second partial-interval observational recording system. Students viewed videotapes and scored response occurrences on a computer keyboard. Incorrect scoring resulted in immediate computerized feedback and rescoring.     

Rational-emotive treatment for the sexual problems of couples

A rational-emotive approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction is presented. It is asserted that the attitudes with which RET therapists approach sexual problems are as important in determining therapeutic outcome as are the techniques utilized in treating those problems. Regardless of whether one is treating disorders of desire, arousal, or orgasm, the rational-emotive sex therapist remains committed to the stoic position that is is not the unfortunate events in life but rather one's perceptions and evaluations of those events that cause distress. In this regard, the distinction between sexual dysfunction (unfortunate life events) and sexual disturbance (exaggeratedly negative perceptions and evaluations of those events) is emphasized. It is further asserted that only therapy regimens utilizing behavioral strategies within the context of what we have labeled elegant or preferential RET will adequately and comprehensively treat all sexual disorders.     

An addendum to the understanding and treatment of individuals with motivational deficits

A brief philosophical addendum to the traditional cognitive-behavioral treatment of individuals with motivational deficits is presented. A distinction is drawn between long-term desire, or motivation, and short-term willpower. It is asserted that willpower deficit is typically self-defined by individuals who report they do not wish to, and therefore believe they are unable to, act upon a previous commitment. In addition to utilizing the already-established strategies for treating these individuals, it is suggested that drawing the distinction between motivation and action can often serve to move unmotivated clients.