Recrystallization in a low-density low-alloy Fe–Mn–Al–C duplex-phase alloy

The recrystallization behaviour of a cold-rolled, low-density, low-alloy duplex-phase alloy (Fe–6.57Al–3.34Mn–0.18C, wt.%) has been studied. Temperature-resolved X-ray diffraction and dilatometry showed that the alloy recrystallizes at 850?°C during continuous heating. However, electron back-scattered diffraction investigations using Kernel average misorientation revealed that during annealing ferrite recrystallizes at lower temperatures while austenite remains strained up to 1200?°C. This study underlines the complexity of recrystallization of a microstructure comprising of constituents with high and low stacking fault energy.     

Perceptual negativity predicts greater reactivity to negative events in daily life

Reinforcement sensitivity theory includes the idea that people differ in their sensitivity to negative events, but relevant process-based assessments have not been developed. The present studies assessed sensitivity to negative events in terms of the extent to which negative word stimuli were perceived to be larger than neutral word stimuli. There was a general tendency to overestimate the size of negative relative to neutral words, but individuals differed substantially in this form of what is termed perceptual negativity. Of more importance, two studies (total N = 151) found systematic relationships between individual differences in perceptual negativity and reactivity to negative events in daily diary protocols. Study 1 found that within-person variations in the occurrence of daily negative events undermined goal-related optimism to a greater extent at higher, relative to lower, levels of perceptual negativity. Study 2 conceptually replicated this interaction in the context of within-person associations between the occurrence of daily negative events and antisocial behavior. These findings are important in advancing reinforcement sensitivity theory, in operationalizing a particular component of it, and in extending it to reactivity processes in daily life.     

Adaptive midlife defense mechanisms and late-life health

A growing body of research suggests that personality characteristics relate to physical health; however, this relationship has primarily been tested in cross-sectional studies that have not followed the participants into old age. The present study utilizes data from a 70-year longitudinal study to prospectively examine the relationship between the adaptive defense mechanisms in midlife and objectively assessed physical health in late life. In addition to examining the direct effect, we test whether social support mediates this relationship. The sample consisted of 90 men who were followed for over seven decades beginning in late adolescence. Health ratings from medical records were made at three time points (ages 70, 75, and 80). Defense mechanisms were coded from narratives by trained independent raters (Vaillant, Bond, & Vaillant, 1986). Independent raters assessed social supports between ages 50 and 70. More adaptive defenses in midlife were associated with better physical health at all three time points in late life. These relationships were partially mediated by social support. Findings are consistent with the theory that defense maturity is important for building social relationships, which in turn contribute to better late-life physical health. Psychological interventions aimed at improving these domains may be beneficial for physical health.     

In-Group Favoritism in International Justice Concerns: Power,Involvement, and Attitudes toward the Iraq War and the Cross Straits Relationship in Five Societies

Surveys in the USA, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, and China examined attitudes toward the Iraq War and the Cross-Straits Relationship between China and Taiwan. Factor analyses revealed a four-factor solution of justice concerns: (a) national mandate for military intervention, (b) international mandate against military action, (c) procedural justice, and (d) distributive justice issues. Americans and mainland Chinese were significantly different in an in-group favoring direction compared to other societies regarding justice concerns involving their nation. Taiwan, the low-powered society in the Cross-Straits Relationship, was like the uninvolved societies. Justice in international relations is filtered through in-group favoritism for powerful states.     

Identifying Differences of Environmental Ethics and Place Attachment Among Visitors and Managers at State Parks

ABSTRACT

Understanding place attachment and environmental ethic variables may improve management of natural areas, including enhanced communication related to management practices, managing various natural resources for specific or designated uses, and mediating significant differences between visitors and managers. Bridging any gaps of knowledge and understanding between visitors and those taking care of these natural places may enhance use and management of those areas into the future. This study elicited place attachment, environmental ethics, and demographic information from visitors to four state parks in Oklahoma. State park managers and state park visitors were found to be significantly different in their levels of place attachment and environmental ethics. Using t tests and discriminant analysis, researchers were able to use proenvironmental ethics and place identity to explain and predict the significant differences between the two groups. Implications for natural resource management include improved resource conservation and sustainability through enhanced education, interpretation efforts, and specific programming to connect people to natural places.     

THE EFFECTS OF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS TEST SESSIONS ON SUBSEQUENT RATES OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The present study was conducted to determine whether elevated response rates that occurred in an experimental functional analysis were correlated with higher post‐session response rates in the natural environment. Functional analyses indicated that the problem behavior of four children with developmental disabilities was maintained by common sources of reinforcement. Observational assessment in the natural environment showed no differences in post‐session rates compared with pre‐session rates for three participants, and the data for the fourth participant were equivocal. Overall, no convincing evidence was found to suggest that functional analyses might worsen post‐session problem behavior in the natural environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Relationship Among Child Maltreatment,Parental Bonding,and a Lifetime History of Major Depressive Disorder in Latino College Students

This study examined the relationship among child maltreatment, parental bonding, and a lifetime history of major depressive disorder (MDD) in a sample of 119 Latino students. Forty-five students reported a lifetime history of MDD and 74 reported not having a lifetime history of MDD. The results indicated that emotional abuse and maternal overprotection were significantly associated with having a lifetime history of MDD. The findings support the importance of examining these factors among depressed Latinos. Future research should continue to explore both the role of child maltreatment and parental bonding in relation to a lifetime history of MDD in this population.     

Cumulative Contribution of Child Maltreatment to Emotional Experience and Regulatory Intent in Intimate Adult Interactions

This study examined the link between experiencing multiple types of child maltreatment and intentions to control emotion during charged discussions with intimate partners in adulthood, and whether the link is mediated by intensity of negative emotions. Using video recall, 97 couples rated their levels of emotions and intentions to control emotion during charged discussions with partners. Number of types of child maltreatment reported was linked with effort to control emotion, and the relationship was partially mediated by intensity of participants’ feelings of hostility. For men, the link was also partially mediated by self-reported sadness and anxiety. Findings underscore the importance of attending to abuse survivors’ experiences of and attempts to manage intense emotions in treatment, particularly in couples therapy.     

Measuring Intrinsic Religiosity: scales for use in mental health studies in China – a research report

While Hoge Intrinsic Religiosity Scale and the Duke University Religion Index have gained popularity in the field of religion and mental health, it remains unknown whether these scales are optimal measures of religiosity in the Chinese culture. This study is to provide some evidence to support the use of the Chinese versions of Hoge Intrinsic Religiosity Scale and the Duke University Religion Index. The data were from a community-based sample of 1039 Chinese women, 18–34 years old, in rural China. Reliability tests were performed on the two religiosity scales. Internal consistency analysis showed excellent correlation coefficients for most of the items. In addition, factor analysis produced two factors for the Hoge Intrinsic Religiosity Scale, a result consistent with previous findings in the Western, predominantly Christian cultures and societies. Moreover, our findings showed statistically significant correlations between the two religiosity scales and mental health outcomes, even though the strength of correlation between the Hoge Intrinsic Religiosity Scale and mental health outcomes appeared to be stronger. In sum, this study suggests that both the Hoge Intrinsic Religiosity Scale and the Duke University Religion Index should be appropriate instruments for detecting and measuring religiosity in the Chinese context.