Defensive pessimism and precautionary action during the COVID pandemic

The purpose of this research was to test, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hypothesis that individuals who use defensive pessimism as a strategy to manage anxiety are likely to act to prevent or mitigate negative outcomes. Across three crowd-sourced samples (Total N = 1416), defensive pessimism was correlated with self-reports of more precautionary behavior (Studies 1, 2, & 3) and fewer COVID-positive results (Study 3).     

Self-reported reflective functioning and father–child interactions in a sample of fathers who have used intimate partner violence

Reflective functioning (RF) has been found to be associated with mother–child interactions, but less is known about the association of fathers’ self and child-focused RF and father–child relationships.  Fathers who have histories of intimate partner violence (IPV) are known to have poor RF, which may impact their father–child interactions.  The current study was designed to examine how types of RF are associated with father–child relationships.  Pretreatment assessments and recorded, coded father–child play interactions were used to examine associations among fathers’ history of adverse childhood experiences (ACES), RF and coded father-child play interactions in a sample of 47 fathers with a history of IPV use in the last 6 months with their coparent.  Fathers’ ACES and their child's mental states (CM) were associated with father-child dyadic play interactions.  Fathers with greater ACES and higher scores on CM had the most dyadic tension and constriction during play interactions.  Those with high ACES but low CM had scores similar to those with low ACES and low CM.  These results indicate that fathers who have used IPV and have a history of significant adversity may benefit from interventions to increase their child-focused RF and further improve their interactions with their children.     

Regulatory focus theory: Disentangling goals and strategies

The purpose of this research was to develop and test the Regulatory Goals and Strategies Questionnaire (RGSQ) to promote conceptual and empirical clarity in the literature on regulatory focus theory (RFT). According to RFT, construing an end-state as a maximal goal (ideal, gain, and advancement) elicits the adoption of an eager promotion-focused strategy, whereas construing an end-state as a minimal goal (ought, non-loss, and security) elicits the adoption of a vigilant prevention-focused strategy. This means that promotion-focused eagerness and prevention-focused vigilance can be elicited by various goals and that eager and vigilant strategies are in fact separate from goals. However, extant measurement instruments have not treated them as such. The RGSQ was developed to distinguish various maximal and minimal goals and to separate these goals from promotion- and prevention-focused strategies of eagerness and vigilance. Across three studies that combine six samples (total N = 1848), we examined the factor structure and nomological network of the RGSQ (Study 1: four samples of students and adults) and its predictive validity in a task context (Study 2) and working sample (Study 3). Overall, we found support for the RGSQ's validity and demonstrated that the RGSQ operationalizes regulatory focus in accordance with the theory's core assumptions.     

Impasse-directed mediation with high conflict families in custody disputes

In this article we review current mediation models for resolving custody and visitation disputes and their success rates and identify the characteristics of a subpopulation with poor outcome: those parents who are in high conflict, ambivalent about separation, emotionally distressed, and limited in their capacity to protect their children. Based on an understanding of what creates impasses, and how children are affected, we present a new model of mediation for this subpopulation. Preliminary outcome data using this model with 80 families is reported. Implications for establishing a network of services for divorcing families are discussed.     

On the Measurement of Stability in Over-Time Data

ABSTRACT In this article, autoregressive models and growth curve models are compared Autoregressive models are useful because they allow for random change, permit scores to increase or decrease, and do not require strong assumptions about the level of measurement Three previously presented designs for estimating stability are described (a) time-series, (b) simplex, and (c) two-wave, one-factor methods A two-wave, multiple-factor model also is presented, in which the variables are assumed to be caused by a set of latent variables The factor structure does not change over time and so the synchronous relationships are temporally invariant The factors do not cause each other and have the same stability The parameters of the model are the factor loading structure, each variable's reliability, and the stability of the factors We apply the model to two data sets For eight cognitive skill variables measured at four times, the 2-year stability is estimated to be 92 and the 6-year stability is 83 For nine personality variables, the 3-year stability is 68 We speculate that for many variables there are two components one component that changes very slowly (the trait component) and another that changes very rapidly (the state component), thus each variable is a mixture of trait and state Circumstantial evidence supporting this view is presented     

Alternative models of the stress buffering hypothesis

The interactive effects of life events and social support on a DSM-III diagnosis of major depressive episode and on number of depressive symptoms were examined. Data are from a stratified random sample of 3,732 community-dwelling adults. The paper focuses on differences between linear probability models and logistic regression models with regard to the definition, detection, and interpretation of interaction effects. Results indicate that conclusions about the interaction of life events and social support are model dependent. Using a linear probability model, significant event by support interactions were observed for both depressive symptoms and major depression. Using logistic regression, which estimates interactions in terms of odds ratios, no significant event by support interactions were observed. Discussion addresses the interpretive implications of modeling interaction in terms of probability differences versus odds ratios.     

Abortion in adolescence

Sexual attitudes and behavior of adolescent females have been the topic of much interest over the past decade. Feelings about contraception, conception, and abortion have been described in relation to the adolescents' beliefs about the possibility of becoming pregnant, who will or will not "protect" them, and the influence of significant others on their decision making. This study explores differences in 35 women who had abortions during their teenage years with 36 women whose abortions occurred after the age of twenty. A demographic questionnaire, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory were completed by women who were members of a patient-led support group. Premorbid psychiatric histories, the decision-making process itself, and distressing symptoms postabortion are reported. Specific differences in perceptions of coercion, preabortion suicidal ideation, and nightmares post-abortion were found in the adolescent group. Antisocial and paranoid personality disorders as well as drug abuse and psychotic delusions were found to be significantly higher in the group who aborted as teenagers. Hypotheses regarding the influences of adolescent development on mother/child relationships, power struggles, and the use of fantasy as a coping device are explored.