The diagnostic value of computer-assisted psychometric procedures

Some test procedures of the computer assisted instrumentation system COMBITEST 2 were examined in order to evaluate the strength of diagnostical differentiation. For this purpose tests for evaluating the concentration capacity and the psychomotor performance, especially tapping, were used in a sample of 92 neurological patients (60 patients with and 32 without cerebral impairment). It became evident, that performance differentiations between patients with cerebral impairment and others are predominantly characterized by speed parameters (reaction time, duration of test), scarcely by parameters of accuracy (number of errors). Configuration - frequency - analyses emphasize deceleration of psychic/psychomotoric speed as diagnostic indicator in cerebral impaired patients: the best pattern was the "configuration" of reduced speed in concentration test and in tapping.     

Chronic strain, locus of control, and distress in older adults

In this study, I examined whether locus of control beliefs buffer or mediate the impact of chronic financial strain on psychological well-being. Data are from a longitudinal survey of a random community sample of older adults. Findings suggest that elderly people with internal locus of control beliefs are less likely to suffer from the deleterious effects of chronic financial strain than are older adults with external locus of control orientations.     

Evaluation of psychological stress before general anesthesia

Pre-operative fear is not only a psychologically stressing phenomenon for the patient, but also a considerable risk factor due to its somatical correlative. In a study, 150 patients who were to undergo planned surgery under general anaesthesia were questioned about their fears and worries concerning the anaesthetic. Self-rating scales and rating scales by doctors and a complaints analysis curve were used in addition to an interview system on illnesses and specific previous experiences. 54% of the patients were, according to specific criteria, assessed as being anxious or very anxious (for example diffused anxiety, premature weakening of the anaesthetic effect, worry about not waking up out of the anaesthetic). Several factors which could have an anxiety-lessening or increasing effect and which are of importance for the psychological preparation for an operation were deduced from the investigation.     

The representation of inflectional morphology: evidence from Broca's aphasia.

Dualistic models of inflection assume a qualitative distinction between affix-based regular forms and stored irregular forms, predicting that the two distinct mechanisms can be selectively affected in language disorders. We present data on German participle formation from 11 agrammatic Broca's aphasics which show that irregular participles can be selectively affected in agrammatism. Moreover, the distribution of errors reveals a frequency effect for irregular but not for regular participles. Both findings argue for a dualistic representation of inflection. Moreover, we want to propose a modification of dualistic models by suggesting that both regularity and irregularity are better conceived of as scalar.     

Financial strain and psychological well-being among the American and Japanese elderly.

Research in the United States indicates that stressful life events may create psychological distress among older adults by eroding their sense of personal control and by diminishing their feelings of self-worth. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to replicate these findings with data provided by a recent nationwide survey of elderly people in the United States (N = 1,523) and (b) to compare these findings with results obtained from a nationwide survey of older adults in Japan (N = 1,517). The findings from both surveys are quite similar. The data indicate that financial strain tends to erode feelings of control and self-worth in both cultures, and the weakening of these personal resources in turn tends to increase depressive symptoms.     

Diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid in childhood hydrocephalus and hydroma

A statistical analysis of 212 patients with infantile pressure hydrocephalus and 61 with infantile subdural hydromas shows that there are no significant differences in the investigated liquor parameters (cell count, differential sediment, total protein, electrophoresis) that permit differentiation between the two. The significant increase found in the beta-tau fraction by liquor electrophoresis in the hydrocephalus patients is unsuitable for use as a differential diagnostic criterion on account of its poor discrimination. The results of liquor examinations following drainage operations are dealt with separately, and a liquor syndrome found as a rule in liquor taken from a Rickham reservoir is described.     

A MEDIATIONAL MODEL RELATING SOCIOTROPY, AMBIVALENCE OVER EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION, AND DISORDERED EATING

Two factors that have been found to predict eating disorders are sociotropy or dependent personality style and ambivalence over emotional expression, but there has been little consideration of the relationship between them and how this relationship may contribute to an understanding of eating disorders. A mediational model is proposed in which high sociotropy leads to greater ambivalence over expressing emotions, which in turn increases vulnerability to eating disorders. Consistent with predictions, among 115 college women, a high level of sociotropy was associated with a high level of ambivalence over emotional expression, which in turn was associated with increased disordered eating. Furthermore, ambivalence over emotional expression significantly mediated the effect of sociotropy on disordered eating, even when controlling for depression level. Findings are considered within a developmental framework, and treatment implications are discussed.