Cortical Networks for Correcting Errors in Sensorimotor Synchronization Depend on the Direction of Asynchrony

Recent work provides clues that different cortical mechanisms may be employed when correcting for errors in sensorimotor synchronization that increase tap-tone asynchrony compared with those that decrease it. The authors tested this hypothesis by recording 64-channel electroencephalography while participants synchronized with an auditory metronome. We systematically introduced positive and negative phase-shift perturbations that were either liminal (10%) and subliminal (3%). We used a distributed source modeling approach to evaluate oscillatory activity and connectivity of discrete cortical sources. Three key findings support our hypothesis. First was a theta band response indicative of error detection and top-down control observed in frontomedial presupplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and anterior cingulate for liminal positive perturbations. Second was an increase in theta band coupling between the SMA and contralateral motor cortex exclusively for positive perturbations suggesting a top-down modulation of motor parameters. Third, when compared with other conditions, liminal positive perturbations result in an increase in postmovement beta rebound within contralateral primary motor cortex. The authors propose that frontomedial motor areas exert a top-down inhibitory influence over the primary motor cortex to effectively lengthen tap intervals in response to lengthening tap-tone asynchronies.     

Leading God’s People: Perceptions of Influence Among African–American Pastors

Journal of Religion and Health - Religious leaders, particularly African–American pastors, are believed to play a key role in addressing health disparities. Despite the role...     

Extremes of self-esteem and narcissism and the experience and expression of anger and aggression

This study examined the level of self-esteem and narcissism as personality variables involved in the disposition to experience and express anger. Three hundred thirty-eight subjects were sampled across two higher education centres and one student teaching programme in the United Kingdom. It was reasoned that individuals with both high self-esteem and narcissism would report especially high tendencies to experience and express anger and aggression and that those with high self-esteem and low narcissism would report the lowest. These predictions were influenced by theories that emphasise the role of threats to high self-esteem in the production of aggression and violence. Results indicate that groups defined by their extreme scores on self-esteem and narcissism scales produced levels of anger expression in the predicted direction. The importance of considering extreme levels of self-esteem and narcissism (in conjunction with other factors) in an analysis of anger is discussed with reference to currently influential theories in the field. Aggr. Behav. 24:421–438, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

A Developmental Meta-Analysis of Peer Conflict Resolution

A series of meta-analyses examine developmental trends in peer conflict resolution. Peer conflict resolutions are most likely to involve negotiation, with coercion and then disengagement the next most likely strategies. Patterns of conflict resolution differ with age. Coercion is common among children and disengagement is rare. Negotiation is prevalent among adolescents and young adults; the former do not differ in terms of coercion and disengagement, whereas the latter tend to avoid coercion in favor of disengagement. Conflict resolutions also vary as a function of peer relationships, assessment procedures, and reporters. Negotiation prevails in all peer relationships except those with siblings; there is more negotiation among romantic partners than among friends, and more negotiation among friends than among acquaintances. Negotiation is the overwhelming strategy of choice for those presented with hypothetical disputes, but actual conflicts tend to be resolved by coercion. Observers indicate that most conflicts involve coercive resolutions, in contrast to self-reports, which suggest that negotiation prevails. Although conclusions are qualified by the limited number of studies available, follow-up moderator analyses indicate that negotiation increases and coercion declines with age across most peer relationships, assessment procedures, and reporters such that different patterns of conflict resolution during childhood give way to the same relative ordering of strategies during young adulthood.     

Fits About Fit

The paper argues that two traditions have dominated research on person–environment fit, the individual differences tradition and the organisational psychology tradition. I briefly review these traditions using the present set of papers as exemplars of these traditions. Then the inclusion of national cultural issues in person–environment fit research, stimulated by two papers in this issue, is introduced and I suggest that this should be the start of a new tradition. Finally, I note that there has been little conceptualisation of, and research on, the environment in person–environment research. This is especially true with regard to the role of people in making environments, and environmental effectiveness outcomes for person–environment fit. I conclude with the thought that fits over fit are healthy because fit is usefully conceptualised and operationalised from so many different interesting perspectives.     

A Cross-National and Cross-Sectional Comparison of Men's Gender Role Conflict and Its Relationship to Social Intimacy and Self-Esteem

We hypothesized that men's nationality and age group would affect (a) their level of gender role conflict and (b) the strength of the relationship between gender role conflict and the psychological health variables of social intimacy and self-esteem. Three hundred twenty-five men (97 college-aged American, 86 middle-aged American, 82 college-aged Australian, and 60 middle-aged Australian) completed the Gender Role Conflict, Miller Social Intimacy, and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scales. MANCOVA results revealed two significant interaction effects between (a) age group and social intimacy and (b) nationality and self-esteem. The discussion highlights a contextual interpretation of the results, limitations, and future research.     

Risk Factors for Suicidality Among Clients With Schizophrenia

Among clients with schizophrenia, suicidality is associated with extreme personal distress, an increased number of inpatient hospitalizations, increased health care expenditures, and early mortality. This study attempted to identify risk factors for current suicidality in clients diagnosed with schizophrenia (N = 223). Results indicated that severity of depressive symptoms most strongly correlated with degree of suicidality. Younger age and recent traumatic stress each significantly predicted suicidality independent of depressive symptoms. Stepwise regression procedures showed that the combination of depression, younger age, and traumatic stress might provide a general prediction model for suicidality among clients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Counseling implications of these findings are outlined.