Behavior and on‐line cognition in marital interaction

This research examined the relations among various distal variables and interactive behavior and on‐line cognition in a complete longitudinal design over 1 year. Fifty‐seven married couples had problem‐solving discussions that were videotaped. Interactive behavior was coded by observers, and on‐line cognitions were assessed using a tape‐review procedure (see Fletcher & Fitness, 1990). As predicted, the association between relationship satisfaction and both interactive behavior and on‐line cognition was generally mediated by negative attributions to the partner; however, depression obtained direct unmediated paths to interactive behavior and on‐line cognition. Cross‐lagged analyses suggested that the causal links between distal variables and problem‐solving interactive behaviors and on‐line cognition tend to go in both directions over time. Implications are discussed.     

Using Microcomputer-Based Assessment in Career Counseling

The author provides an overview of the current status of microcomputer-based testing, reviews several testing applications available in microcomputer format, and offers ideas on future developments.     

Substance Abuse and Child Abuse—Neglect: Implications for Direct-Service Providers

This study investigates the relationships between substance abuse and child abuse—neglect. It presents recommendations for program development and training for direct-service providers.     

Therapist Perceptions of Client Reactions

This study examined therapist ability to identify client-reported reactions. Sixteen therapists each saw two volunteer clients for single counseling sessions. In postsession reviews, clients rated the helpfulness of, and indicated their reactions to, each therapist intervention. Therapists also rated the helpfulness of, and indicated their perceptions of client reactions to, each therapist intervention. In 50% of the instances therapists matched clients, that is, reported the same reaction cluster as the clients did. There were higher match rates on the reaction clusters of therapeutic work (62%), supported (54%), and no reaction (46%) than negative reaction (27%) and challenged (14%). When therapists matched on therapeutic work, helpfulness ratings for the following intervention were higher than when therapists did not match. In contrast, when therapists matched on negative reactions and no reaction, helpfulness ratings for the following intervention were lower than when they had not matched. Thus, therapists' ability to match client reactions was related to their ability to generate helpful interventions. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.