Simultaneous and successive presentations of single-featured and multi-featured visual forms: Implications for the parallel processing hypothesis

The parallel processing hypothesis predicts no difference in hit rate (HR) for identical forms presented simultaneously or successively. This was tested in two experiments differing only in the number of features distinguishing stimulus forms: (1) one feature (Landolt Cs); (2) multiple features (the graphemes A, T, U). Each experiment had three conditions: (1) single form, (2) four simultaneous forms, (3) four successive forms. The major finding was a lack of HR increase for four simultaneous Cs over one C. HRs for successive Cs and both multiple letter conditions sharply increased over the one form condition. Results call into question the level at which parallel processing occurs. Three decision models, all assuming perceptual independence, were tested. None fit all the data.     

Family Functioning Assessment in a Community Sample of African American Caregivers and Children

Racial/ethnic minority youth receive approximately half of the mental health services of their non-minority peers. Improved methods for identifying African American families in need of behavioral health services are necessary. The Family Assessment Device and General Functioning subscale have been found to be reliable and able to detect family functioning impairment in a generalized sample, but less is known about the reliability and validity of the assessment with an African American community sample. Data from 53 African American caregiver-child (ages 7–13) dyads was collected including family demographics and the Family Assessment Device General Functioning (FAD_GF) scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the minimal number of FAD_GF items (12 vs. 6 items) that were valid and reliable. The 12-item FAD_GF and the 6-item scale had acceptable psychometric properties, and the 6-item measure demonstrated improved model fit over the 12-item scale and identified more clinically impaired families (6-item: 28% vs. 12-item: 23%). The 6-item measure of family functioning was more sensitive 12-item FAD_GF. This brief measure may prove useful for identifying and assessing African American families.

     

The Phenomenology of Hairpulling in College Students

This study examined the phenomenology of hairpulling in a large nonclinical college student sample. Given that hairpulling is conceptualized as occurring on a continuum of severity, we expected to inform the assessment and treatment of Trichotillomania (TTM) by examining hairpulling behavior across its range of presentation. Hairpulling occurred at a rate of 9.7%, while average age of onset was 13.57 years. Self-reported hairpulling styles were identified with 31.3% endorsing focused hairpulling, while 68.7% endorsed an automatic hairpulling style. The most commonly endorsed ritual was “examine the root (37.3%) while the scalp was the most frequently endorsed hairpulling site (49%). Eyelashes were more frequently endorsed as a pulling site by focused (43.8) compared to automatic (5.7%) hairpullers. The hairpulling environments most often endorsed were “while reading” and “while studying” (75%). Affective states were found to change across the pulling cycle in support of hairpulling serving in an emotion regulation capacity. Focused hairpullers endorsed significantly higher trait anxiety than automatic hairpullers. Depression scores (BDI) were elevated for hairpullers compared to non-hairpullers. Implications for assessment and treatment were discussed and directions for future research were provided.     

Marriage and Family Therapists’ Perspectives on Treating Overweight Clients and Their Weight-Related Behaviors

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), undoubtedly, will be working with clients who are overweight and are working on their weight-related behaviors (WRB). Yet, little is known about MFTs' approach with this population. Our purpose was to survey MFT students, faculty, and licensed clinicians about their current practices, training, beliefs, and theoretical perspectives of working with clients who are overweight and WRB. One-hundred eight participants completed an electronic mixed-method survey. Participants reported that they were not trained to work with overweight clients on WRB, but strongly believed they should be. Contextual differences, implications for training, and future research are discussed herein.     

Family Influences on Treatment Refusal in School-linked Mental Health Services

This study analyzed family influences on treatment refusal in school-linked mental health services (SLMHS). Specifically, it assessed whether levels of family cohesion, conflict, and organization were related to whether a family refused to initiate recommended treatment. Children (N = 133) referred for emotional and behavioral problems and their families participated. Results indicated that (1) family environment factors explained a significant amount of variance in treatment refusal after controlling for demographic factors, (2) families of children with predominantly internalizing symptoms were at greater risk for refusing treatment than families of children with predominantly externalizing symptoms, and (3) lower level of family cohesion was an individual risk factor for refusing treatment. Incorporating an evaluation of family environment within SLMHS assessments may aid in the identification of areas wherein intervention may be beneficial in preventing treatment refusal.