The Analyst’s Bodily Sensations as Important Information in Clinical Work

ABSTRACT

Analysts use many different methods and therapeutic tools to understand the associations and struggles of their patients. This article suggests that, in addition to other matters we pay attention to for this purpose, it is useful for analysts to also pay attention to physical sensations that they might experience either during a session, or at other times when they are thinking about their work with the patient. I believe that the analyst’s solid familiarity with her own life history and conflicts, helps the analyst understand why her body experienced particular sensations when it did, and what, if anything, this adds to her understanding of her patient. Such understanding can then be shared with the patient, to deepen and enhance the analytic work. I also caution against a casual misuse of such a process.     

Combined effect of strontium modifier and antimony refiner on texture and growth mode of eutectic phase in an Al-11Si-2Cu-0.8Zn-0.6Fe cast alloy

Results of electron back-scattered diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies reveal that the orientation of aluminium in the eutectic phase is different from the surrounding aluminium dendrites and that twin spacing of eutectic silicon increased significantly due to the interaction between strontium and antimony. In addition, the formation of ternary Mg₂Sb₂Sr intermetallic compound that precedes the eutectic reaction was proposed to be responsible for interaction.     

Comparative Mysticism and the Problem of Interpretation: Rumi and Meister Eckhart

Since the second half of the nineteenth century, modern comparative studies of mysticism have generally adopted one of two divergent approaches. One group, generally labeled as essentialist or phenomenologist, has used comparative methodology in order to highlight the commonalities between different mystics or mystical traditions, hence establishing universal structures and essential meanings from what seem to be overlapping aspects. The other group has been termed, inter alia, constructivist, particularly since the last third of the twentieth century, and it has used comparison as a tool for accentuating the distinctions between mystical systems and demonstrating how dissimilar backgrounds lead to the construction of differing mystical constructs. Avoiding overemphasis on either affinities or distinctions, this article suggests an alternative methodology, which utilizes comparison in highlighting the specific characters, central themes and focal points of its object of study. Applying this method to the practical mysticism of Jalal al-Din Rumi vis-à-vis that of Meister Eckhart demonstrates how comparison can be appropriately used as an apparatus of clarification and comprehension rather than as a device for imposition or reduction – as a “mirror” rather than as a “mold.”     

The Factor Structure of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale in Veterans Experienced Chemical Weapon Exposure

This study aimed to determine the factor structure of the spiritual well-being among a sample of the Iranian veterans. In this methodological research, 211 male veterans of Iran–Iraq warfare completed the Paloutzian and Ellison spiritual well-being scale. Maximum likelihood (ML) with oblique rotation was used to assess domain structure of the spiritual well-being. The construct validity of the scale was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Reliability was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha, Theta (θ), and McDonald Omega (Ω) coefficients, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and construct reliability (CR). Results of ML and CFA suggested three factors which were labeled “relationship with God,” “belief in fate and destiny,” and “life optimism.” The ICC, coefficients of the internal consistency, and CR were >.7 for the factors of the scale. Convergent validity and discriminant validity did not fulfill the requirements. The Persian version of spiritual well-being scale demonstrated suitable validity and reliability among the veterans of Iran–Iraq warfare.     

Book reviews

Abstract

Eldercare by James Kenny&;Stephen Spicer. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books, 1988, 152 pages, $11.95 paper

Lonely All the Time: Recognizing, Understanding and Overcoming Sex Addiction, for Addicts and Co-dependents by Ralph Earle&;Gregory Crow with Kevin Osborn. New York: Pocket Books, 1989, 337 pages, $19.95

The Imperfect Therapist: Learning from Failure in Therapeutic Practice by Jeffrey A. Kotter&;Diane S. Blau. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1989, 188 pages, $19.95

Families with a Difference: Varieties of Surrogate Parenthood by Michael Humphreys&;Heather Humphreys. New York: Routledge, 1988, 177 pages, $45.00

Between Husbands and Wives: Communication in Marriage by Mary Anne Fitzpatrick. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, 1988, 283 pages, $35.00 hardbound, $16.50 paperback     

Neuroticism and Facebook Addiction: How Social Media can Affect Mood?

Abstract

Individuals high in neuroticism experience negative affect and social anxiety, therefore, they may prefer online communications where they are able to portray an idealized image of themselves to attract social support, seek validation, and enhance mood. These motivations may lead to greater social media use and addiction. In this study of Facebook users (N?=?742; 474 females, 268 males) who mostly resided in the United States, we explored the association between neuroticism, Facebook addiction, and negative affect. Our mediation model showed a partial mediating effect of Facebook addiction in predicting negative affect in individuals who were high in neuroticism. In theory, individuals who use Facebook as a tool to improve their mood may actually experience more negative affect due to social overload, jealousy, and envy. Individuals high in neuroticism, who already maintain a higher negative affect than those low in neuroticism, might be particularly inclined towards increased Facebook use, which could deteriorate their mood further. Consequently, individuals and therapists should be aware of the personality traits that could lead to greater Facebook addiction and a higher negative mood. Therapists could encourage users to engage in activities, other than social media use, that can improve mood without leading to addiction.     

Insecure Attachment and Subclinical Depression,Anxiety, and Stress: A Three-Dimensional Model of Personality Self-Regulation As a Mediator

Although the effects of insecure attachment on vulnerability, incidence, and developing mental disorders have been confirmed by many studies, the mechanism of this effect is still unknown. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the mediating and moderating role of the three-dimensional model of personality self-regulation in the relationship between insecure attachment and subclinical depression, anxiety, and stress. Four hundred Iranian students at Shiraz University were recruited and completed the following scales: the Revised Adult Attachment, Depression Anxiety Stress, Integrative Self-Knowledge, Mindful Attention Awareness, Self-Control, and Self-Compassion. Results showed that there was a moderate correlation among all the variables under study in the expected directions. Multiple mediating models analyses indicated that regarding the relationship between insecure attachment and depression, the components of integrative self-knowledge, self-control, and self-compassion functioned as mediators. However, regarding the relationship between insecure attachment and anxiety and stress, the components of integrative self-knowledge, mindfulness, and self-compassion relatively functioned as mediators. Further, our results showed that only mindfulness and self-compassion were identified as moderators in the relationship between insecure attachment and depression. It is concluded that insecure attachment may cause psychological damage due to deficiency in the components of the three-dimensional model of personality self-regulation, and that mindfulness and self-compassion may play a protective role in the relationship between insecure attachment and depression.