Child's Physical Activity Lapses: Parents' Intended Use of Social Control1

This study explored parents' intention to use social control following a hypothetical lapse in their child's activity. Also examined was the role of parent and child activity as predictors of parental social control use. Parents (N = 140) were presented with 2 activity lapse vignettes (health consequences and no health consequences) and reported their intention to use social control after reading each. Results revealed greater parental intention to use social control following the health‐consequences lapse. Active parents reported greater intentions of using positive and collaborative social control tactics. Findings provide preliminary evidence that parents, especially those who are active, may attempt to regulate their child's activity following a failure to engage in a health‐enhancing behavior (i.e., lapse in physical activity).     

Where should the balance be between “scientist” and “practitioner” in Australian undergraduate psychology?

The scientist—practitioner model of training in psychology has been widely influential in the development of undergraduate curricula in Australia. The model had its origins in post‐war America and has formed the basis for accreditation of psychology courses in Australia since the late 1970s. Recently a reconsideration of the model in Australian undergraduate psychology was argued for, suggesting that the absence of significant practical skills development in most curricula is detrimental to the discipline's graduates and their employers. The authors agree that the need for some practical skills development in undergraduate curricula is becoming increasingly important for psychology. Many of the exemplars of curriculum revision provided, however, are impractical and are unlikely to make significant contributions to Australian programs. There is an urgent need to consider the graduate attributes desired for 3‐year and 4‐year trained psychology graduates who will go on to employment without completing postgraduate study. Curriculum innovation to enhance graduates' employability will flow from this development, and will be likely to incorporate information technology solutions, rather than placement experience. This process is entirely compatible with the scientist—practitioner model of training and education in psychology.     

The Effects of a Mental Training Program on Juniors Pre-Competitive Anxiety,Self-Confidence,and Tennis Performance

This investigation reports the impact of a season-long Mental Training Program (MTP) on two elite junior tennis players. The two reported cases were part of a study in which MTP players (n = 5) in addition to their tennis practice were exposed to 5 different psychological skills: goal setting, positive thinking and self-talk, concentration and routines, arousal regulation techniques, and imagery. Another group of elite junior tennis players (n = 4) followed the same amount and quality of tennis practice but received no mental training practice. Program effectiveness was evaluated through (a) the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), (b) the athletes' appraisal on 8 aspects of tennis performance, and (c) tennis-specific statistical data of two selected cases. The results indicated an increase in the direction dimension of the somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence for the intervention group at the posttest. Moreover, the intensity of self-confidence, as well as the overall tennis performance, were greater for all the participants of the intervention group after the MTP. Results on two selected cases are reported which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the MTP in eliminating specific performance problems.     

DESIRE AND RESPONSIBILITY: THE ETHICS OF COUNTERTRANSFERENCE EXPERIENCE

The analyst's desire expressed in impactful wishes and intentions is foundational to countertransference experience, yet undertheorized in the literature. The “wider” countertransference view, associated with neo‐Kleinian theory, obscures the nature of countertransference and the analyst's contribution to it. A systematic analysis of the logic of desire as an intentional mental state is presented. Racker's (1957) talion law and Lacan's (1992) theory of the dual relation illustrate the problems that obtain with a wholesale embrace of the wider countertransference perspective. The ethical burden placed on the analyst in light of the role played by desire in countertransference is substantial. Lacan's ethics of desire and Benjamin's (2004) concept of the moral third are discussed.     

Student Perceptions of Salient Indicators of Integration of Faith and Learning (IFL): The Christian Vocation Model

This article presents findings from a qualitative study of 120 undergraduate students from seven schools in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Using in-depth individual and focus group interviews, we explored participants' perceptions of salient indicators of integration of faith and learning (IFL) in the classroom. Findings highlight two main categories of indicators: 1) faculty relationships with God and with students, and 2) faculty competence, including specific IFL curriculum coverage and academically safe classroom settings. All indicators contributed to IFL experiences resonating with most students. We then set forth the Christian vocation model from our analysis to describe the interconnections between the two main categories. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.