Chaos Theory and Counselor Training

This article presents the perspective that chaos theory may provide a more flexible, nonlinear, and effective model and basis for the preparation and education of counselors than competing linear-causal models.     

Relation of Creativity to Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

The threshold hypothesis regarding creativity and intelligence suggests that these two constructs are positively correlated except at the higher end of the IQ distribution, where they are unrelated. Much of the support for this hypothesis comes from comparisons of correlations within average and high‐IQ groups. However, a common methodological flaw in these comparisons is that the high IQ group is smaller in variance than the average IQ group. In the present study we equated variances for a better test of the threshold hypothesis. College students in two IQ groups completed tests of creativity and intelligence. IQ and creativity correlated at least as strongly in the high IQ group as in the average IQ group, generally failing to support the threshold hypothesis. However, breakdown of composite IQ into fluid and crystallized IQ indicated minimal support for the threshold hypothesis with crystallized IQ, but support for an inverse threshold effect with fluid IQ. Fluid IQ correlated significantly with creativity in the high IQ group but not in the average IQ group, and this pattern was corroborated by regression analyses. Possible explanations for the pattern of results are offered.     

The relationship power inventory: Development and validation

Power is a central concept in relationships, yet existing self‐report measures of relationship power are not well validated and do not assess all aspects of power. To address this, we developed the Relationship Power Inventory (RPI), a self‐report measure of power for romantic partners. In Study 1, we identified the most important decision‐making domains in romantic relationships. In Study 2, we generated an item pool assessing relationship power, selected the best performing items for inclusion, and tested the convergent and divergent validity properties of the RPI. Study 3 revealed RPI scores predict observer ratings of power during decision‐making discussions and showed the RPI has good test–retest reliability. We discuss how the RPI can advance research on power in close relationships     

“Out of the Broom Closet”: The Social Ecology of American Wicca

The fastest growing form of religious identification, spirituality, or “new” religious movement in American society over the last decade is Wicca and related forms of “Neo-Paganism.” However, with no national organization and minimal local organization, little is known about its distribution across a privatized religious landscape nor about the features of state social and cultural environments that are receptive or contrary to its spread. This study uses Internet data to create estimates of the comparative strength of Wiccan-Pagan identification across the 50 states and conducts multivariate analyses of the ability of variables suggested in prior research to explain its distribution. Not only are the findings consistent with expectations, but differences in correlates of Wicca using the Internet data in contrast to existing measures of “New Age” spirituality highlight the empirical importance of maintaining distinctions between the two.     

Commitment in friends with benefits relationships: Implications for relational and safe‐sex outcomes

The present research sought to explore the antecedents and consequences of commitment in the context of friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs). Data collected from an Internet sample of participants (all of whom currently had an FWBR) revealed that these relationships do indeed uniquely combine aspects of both sexual relationships and friendships. In addition, results indicated that satisfaction, investment, and alternatives were predictive of commitment, consistent with the antecedent factors specified by the Investment Model of C. E. Rusbult (1980) . Moreover, high commitment was associated with desiring a transition into a more interdependent relationship (i.e., a true romance), as well as reduced condom use during intercourse. These findings have both theoretical and practical relevance to understanding relationship transitions and safer sex practices across many different types of partnerships.     

Reliability and validity of the Japanese language version of Pro‐Change's decisional balance measure for effective stress management1

This study aimed to develop the Japanese language version of Pro‐Change's decisional balance measure for effective stress management (PDSM). Effective stress management refers to activities that are practiced, for at least 20 min per day, to reduce a person's perceived stress. Six hundred and sixty‐five female and 456 male Japanese university and college students participated in this study, which consists of two surveys. Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the Japanese language version of the PDSM was developed, which contains 12 items and consists of two factors, the Pros and the Cons. The levels of internal consistency are acceptable (Pros = 0.78 and Cons = 0.64). The scores for the Pros and the Cons subscores were not affected by social desirability (Pros = ?0.04 and Cons = ?0.12). We confirmed the construct validity of the Japanese language version of PDSM with theoretically predicted relationships between the decisional balance and the stage of change for effective stress management. The Japanese language version of the PDSM with construct validity and reliability was developed.