Using the PAI with an eating disordered population: scale characteristics,factor structure,and differences among diagnostic groups

Psychometric properties of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey 1991) within an eating disordered sample seeking treatment (N = 238) and differences among eating disorder diagnostic groups on the PAI were examined. The PAI showed acceptable alpha coefficients, item-total correlations, and interitem correlations. The factor structure was similar to that reported by Morey (1991), with the addition of another factor related to interpersonal coolness and distance. Those with binge eating disorder (BED) reported fewer problems and less distress in general compared to other eating disordered groups. The BED and bulimia nervosa groups were different from the anorexia nervosa groups in frequency of matching on two PAI clusters. Use of the PAI with an eating disordered population and its utility in understanding eating disorder diagnostic groups is supported.     

Interpersonal relationship quality in young adulthood: a gender analysis

This study explored gender differences in the degree to which parent-child dyads and family system variables are associated with relationship quality in late adolescence and early adulthood. It was hypothesized that the quality of mother-child and father-child relationships, as well as family adaptability and family cohesion, would be positively correlated with the quality of intimate relationships in late adolescence and young adulthood. Further, it was hypothesized that correlations would vary according to gender. The sample was composed of 50 males and 48 females between the ages of 18 and 24. The results indicated that the relationship of family factors to the intimate relationships of young adults was similar for males and females. Specifically, a positive relationship with mother and greater adaptability in the family system during adolescence were related to more positive intimate relationships in young adulthood.     

Form and movement in stereokinetic cycloids: motion lost and found

In exploring stereokinesis, we devised flat cycloidal display figures which, when rotated on a disc in the frontal plane, are perceived as illusory three-dimensional forms with movement in depth; the dominant percepts were of twisted loops with an internal writhing motion. These dominant forms could be convincingly represented by stereo pairs derived from the flat display; related forms, not seen in the illusion, could also be constructed, seeming to show a selectivity for preferred stereokinetic forms by the perceptual system. Models were made of the stereo forms; when rotated, they showed similar illusions and selectivity. We suggest that the illusions arise because some components of the real motion do not appear in the sensory field. The perceptual system accommodates for this by constructing percepts which are not necessarily veridical but do reconcile form and motion into a coherent unity. The results are discussed in relation to concepts of invariance and rigidity, and with regard to the creative response to sensory data by the perceptual system.