A longitudinal model of social contact, social support, depression, and alcohol use.

The longitudinal relations among contact with one's social network (social contact), perceived social support, depression, and alcohol use were examined. An integrative model was developed from affect regulation theory and theories of social support and dysfunctional drinking. Data were obtained from a random sample of 1,192 adults. The 3-wave panel model was tested using structural equation modeling analysis. Results revealed that (a) social contact was positively related to perceived social support; (b) perceived social support was, in turn, negatively related to depression; and (c) depression was, in turn, positively related to alcohol use for 1 of 2 longitudinal lags. There was partial support for the feedback hypothesis that increased alcohol use leads to decreased contact with family and friends. Although the results generally supported the authors' hypotheses, the significant coefficients in the model were generally small in size.     

Reviews: Books Photography

RELATIONAL PSYCHOANALYSIS: THE EMERGENCE OF A TRADITION. Edited by Stephen A. Mitchell and Lewis Aron. 514 pp. Hillsdale, NJ: The Analytic Press, 1999. $39.95. D.H. LAWRENCE AND THE PARADOXES OF PSYCHIC LIFE. By Barbara Ann Schapiro. 155 pp. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1999. $17.95. TECHNOLOGY AS MAGIC: THE TRIUMPH OF THE IRRATIONAL. By Richard Stivers. 240 pp. New York: Continuum Press. 1999. $24. REFLECTIONS ON A RAVAGED CENTURY. By Robert Conquest. 317 pp. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000, $27.95. THE MYSTERIES WITHIN A SURGEON REFLECTS ON MEDICAL MYTHS. By Sherwin B. Nuland. 274 pp. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000, $24.00. DISEASE, PAIN, AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR. By Elisabeth Stenager and Egon Stenager. 127 pp. New York: The Haworth Medical Press, 1998. $17.95. TRAUMA ASSESSMENTS: A CLINICIAN'S GUIDE. By E. B. Carlson. 307 pp. New York: The Guilford Press, 1997. $30. ON INFANCY AND TODDLERHOOD: AN ELEMENTARY TEXTBOOK. By David A. Freedman, M.D. 247 pp. Madison: International Universities Press, Inc., 1999. $27.95. TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. By Mitch Albom. 192 pp. New York: Doubleday, 1997. $21. THE SORROWS OF THE QUAKER JESUS; JAMES NAYLER AND THE PURITAN CRACKDOWN ON THE FREE SPIRIT. By Leo Damrosch. 322 pp. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1996, $39.95. THE PASTORAL CARE OF DEPRESSION: A GUIDEBOOK. By Binford W. Gilbert. 127 pp. New York: The Haworth Pastoral Press, 1998. $19.95. LEARNING DISABILITIES AND PSYCHIC CONFLICT: A PSYCHOANALYTIC CASEBOOK. By Arden Aibel Rothstein, Ph.D., and Jules Glenn, M.D. 504 pp. Madison: International Universities Press, Inc., 1999. $78. HAUNTED CHILDREN: RETHINKING MEDICATION OF COMMON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS. By Arthur F. Roemmelt, MD. 196 pp. New York: State University of New York Press, 1998. $17.95. NAVIGATING THE DEEP RIVER: SPIRITUALITY IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES. By Archie Smith, Jr. 181 pp. Cleveland, Ohio: United Church Press, 1997. $15.95. AL-JUNUN: MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD. Edited by Ihsan Al-Issa. 382 pp. Madison: International Universities Press, 2000. $48. Witnessing the Lack of Sanctuary     

Unconscious Process: Zen and Psychoanalytic Versions

Attention to unconscious processes forms the nexus of the psychoanalytic endeavor and adds dimension to the theoretical and clinical integration of Buddhism and psychoanalysis. The author traces convergences between Freud's, Matte-Blanco's, and D.T. Suzuki's explication of the psychoanalytic and Zen readings of the unconscious. The Buddhist understanding of the unconscious propensity to reify experience can be integrated with psychoanalytic thinking. An alternative understanding and processing of aggression with supporting clinical material provides a case in point. The author concludes that continued Buddhist practice holds the potential to alter radically existing psychoanalytic models without destroying the efficacy of well-established formulations and accompanying techniques.     

Age differences in coping and locus of control: a study of managerial stress in Hong Kong.

The present study involved data collection from 3 samples of Hong Kong managers to examine mechanisms by which age would relate to work well-being. A total of 634 managers was drawn by random sampling and purposive sampling methods. The results showed that age was positively related to well-being (job satisfaction and mental well-being). Furthermore, older managers reported fewer sources of stress, better coping, and a more internal locus of control. Multiple regression analyses suggested that the relations of age with 2 well-being indicators can be attributed to various combinations of coping, work locus of control, sources of stress, managerial level, and organizational tenure.     

Factors affecting psychological well-being of three groups of suicide-prone prisoners

Being imprisoned appears to lead some individuals to commit suicide whereas others appear to suffer little stress. Previous research has identified three groups of male prisoners (young remand, young sentenced and those serving life sentences) where the incidence of suicide is high. The present study examined institutional and individual factors that were related to levels of anxiety, depression and psychological well-being within these groups. A psychiatric history, religious faith, feelings of guilt, lack of close friends outside prison, or disinclination to take part in sport, training or hobbies were found to be associated with high levels of anxiety, depression and psychological morbidity. So too were the severity of environmental hassles and worries. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

Shock-induced aggression and pain sensitivity in the rat: Catecholamine involvement in the corticomedial amygdala

The possible role of amygdaloid catecholamines in the control of shock-induced aggression and pain sensitivity in the rat was investigated. Bilateral microinjections of chlorpromazine into the corticomedial amygdala resulted in decreased fighting and decreased sensitivity to the shock stimulus. Further analysis of this effect, using specific adrenergic antagonists, revealed that neither a- nor Padrenergic systems appeared to be responsible for the behavioral effect of chlorpromazine. Injections of haloperidol into the same region, however, yielded a reduction similar to that produced by chlorpromazine, while dopamine injections resulted in significant elevations in both fighting and pain sensitivity. No effect on any of these behavioral measures was obtained following injection of any of the agents into the basolateral amygdala. These results suggest that the observed effect of catecholamine injections in the corticomedial amygdala is related to changes in pain sensitivity mediated by dopamine.     

Measures of self-concept, attitudes, and achievement motivation of primary grade children

Semi-projective measures (suitable for small group testing) of Self-Concept and Attitutes toward School, Home, Peers, and Society along with a teachers' rating instrument of Achievement Motivation have been developed for preschool and primary grade children. National norms for disadvantaged children are reported along with correlations of these measures with standardized achievement tests.     

A case of bronchial asthma treated by behaviour therapy

Desensitization employing the reciprocal inhibition principle was applied to a case of intractable bronchial asthma. Therapy has resulted in dramatic and maintained improvement. An explanation, in terms of learning theory, is given on the development of the psychosomatic symptom, and the rationale of the treatment explained. It is suggested that should relapse occur, booster treatments administered on an out-patient basis would be a feasible proposition.