Atypical long-latency auditory event-related potentials in a subset of children with specific language impairment

It has been proposed that specific language impairment (SLI) is the consequence of low-level abnormalities in auditory perception. However, studies of long-latency auditory ERPs in children with SLI have generated inconsistent findings. A possible reason for this inconsistency is the heterogeneity of SLI. The intraclass correlation (ICC) has been proposed as a useful statistic for evaluating heterogeneity because it allows one to compare an individual's auditory ERP with the grand average waveform from a typically developing reference group. We used this method to reanalyse auditory ERPs from a sample previously described by Uwer, Albrecht and von Suchodoletz (2002). In a subset of children with receptive SLI, there was less correspondence (i.e. lower ICC) with the normative waveform (based on the control grand average) than for typically developing children. This poorer correspondence was seen in responses to both tone and speech stimuli for the period 100-228 ms post stimulus onset. The effect was lateralized and seen at right- but not left-sided electrodes.     

Father Absence and the Attitude of Entitlement

Father absence in American families is a recent, widespread phenomenon. Empirical research comparing single-parent, usually mother-headed families, with two-parent families has demonstrated various negative outcomes for children in single-parent homes. Many of these symptoms, such as deficits in cognitive and social competence, as well as internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, have underlying psychodynamic bases in disturbances in object relations, separation-individuation, aggression, and sexual identity, all of which influence personal identity and self cohesion. These disturbances stem from the lack of certain functions performed by a dependable, nurturing father-figure, as well as the reaction of the mother to this absence. If the mother's reacts to this loss with over-investment and over-valuation of the child for her own narcissistic needs, the child may feel special, but also, paradoxically, deprived. These experiences result in shame and suffering for the child, prompting resentment and anger, in having been deprived of father support. In some individuals this may lead to a sense of entitlement, that is, the attitude of having unjustly endured special suffering and thus deserving special consideration.     

Suicide Signs on the Rorschach

This paper reviews the literature concerning the assessment of suicide using the Rorschach and updates the important developments since Goldfried, Stricker, and Weiner's comprehensive review of the literature in 1971. Special attention is given to those indicators which show the most support in the literature and are most efficient to use. The presence or absence of any of these signs in a patient's record should not be taken to signify the presence or absence of suicidal ideation. However, the presence of even one of these indicators does provide a warning to the clinician, indicating that further exploration in this area may be warranted. Knowledge of the many suicidal indicators on projective tests places the clinician in a better position to predict such destructive behavior and intervene appropriately.     

The McMaster Approach to Families: theory, assessment, treatment and research

The McMaster Approach to Families is a comprehensive model of family assessment and treatment. This paper provides an overview of the McMaster Approach and consists of five major sections. First, the under-lying theoretical model (McMaster Model of Family Functioning) is described. Second, the three assessment instruments of the approach (Family Assessment Device, McMaster Clinical Rating Scale, McMaster Structured Interview of Family Functioning) and their psychometric properties are summarized. Third, the family treatment model (Problem Centered Systems Therapy of the Family) is presented. Fourth, the research conducted using the McMaster Approach is reviewed. Finally, the clinical uses and advantages of the McMaster Approach are discussed.     

Helping Clients Manage Addictions with REBT

Most private practitioners of REBT and other cognitive-behavioral therapies avoid work with problems of addiction. Reasons to reconsider this choice are offered and specific methods for productive private work with addictive problems are provided.     

Book reviews

Cleeremans, A. (1993). Mechanisms of implicit learning. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Pp. 227. ISBN 0-262-03205-8. £26.95.

Manktelow, K.l., & Over, D.E. (Eds.) (1993). Rationality: psychological and philosophical perspectives. London: Routledge. Pp. 322. ISBN 0-415-06955-6. £40.00.

Parkin, A. (1993). Memory. Oxford: Blackwell, Pp. 272. ISBN 0-631-15711-5. £40 (Hbk); ISBN 0-631-15712-3. £12.99 (Pbk).

Hellige, J.B. (1993). Hemispheric asymmetry: What's right and what's left. (Perspectives in cognitive neuroscience series.) Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Pp. 396. ISBN 0-674-38730-9. £27.95 (Hbk).