Examining the Construct Validity of Mastery-Avoidance Achievement Goals: A Meta-Analysis

We used meta-analysis to obtain a comprehensive perspective on the construct validity of achievement goals, focusing on the most recent addition to the achievement goal framework, mastery-avoidance (Elliot & McGregor, 2001). Mastery-avoidance achievement goals positively correlated with need for achievement, perceived competence, competitiveness, interest, negative affect, and other achievement goals (mastery-approach, performance-approach, performance-avoidance) and negatively correlated with cognitive ability, help seeking, and performance. The correlations between mastery-avoidance and the other achievement goals were moderate. Thus, we conclude that mastery-avoidance is a conceptually and empirically distinct construct with unique antecedents and consequences and should be included in future studies on achievement goals.     

Sleep Symptoms as a Partial Mediator Between Combat Stressors and Other Mental Health Symptoms in Iraq War Veterans

Sleep symptoms are a prominent feature of mental health disorders like PTSD and depression. However, it is unknown whether sleep symptoms mediate the relationship between combat stress and these disorders. We examined the mediating role of sleep symptoms on the relationship between combat stress and PTSD; and the relationship between combat stress and depression using data from 576 Army veterans of the Iraq War surveyed in 2004. Correlational analyses revealed that when insomnia was included in the model, the correlation between combat stressors and other depression symptoms decreased by 65%; and when nightmares were included in the model, the correlation between combat stressors and other PTSD symptoms decreased by 69%. We replicated these analyses using individual items assessing PTSD and depression and found that the insomnia and nightmare items had the largest and second largest mediation effect between combat stressors and PTSD and depression symptoms. Our result support the theory that sleep symptoms contribute to the development and/or maintenance of other mental health symptoms and that early treatment of sleep symptoms may mitigate the other mental health consequences of combat stress.     

Short review

Kamstra, J. H. Synkretisme op de grens tussen theologie en godsdienstfenomenologie E. J. Brill, 1970. 37 pp. Leiden, 40p. or 4 guilders

Problèmes et méthodes d'histoire des religions; Mélanges publiés par la Section des Sciences religieuses à l'occasion du centenaire de l'École pratique des Hautes Études. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1968. 298 pp. £3.90

Brandon, S. G. F. (Ed.), A dictionary of comparative religion. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, (American edition Charles Scribner's Sons), 1970, 704 pp. including a guide to pronunciation, a synoptic and general index. £5.50

Lampe, G. W. H. (Ed.), The phenomenon of Christian belief. London: A. R. Mowbray and Co., 1970, pp. xi + 109. £1.25

Borsch, F. H., The Christian and gnostic son of man, London: S.C.M. Press, 1970, Studies in Biblical Theology, second series, 14, 130 pp. £1.60

Cuming, G. J. (Ed.), The mission of the Church and the propagation of the faith, (Studies in Church History, vol. 6) Cambridge University Press, 1970, pp. 170, £2.75

Boyce, M. ‘On Mithra's part in Zoroastrianism’, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (B.S.O.A.S.), xxxii, 1969, pp. 10–34 and Zoroaster the priest B.S.O.A.S. xxxiii, 1970, pp. 22–38     

Transpersonal Psychology: Defining the Past,Divining the Future

Retrospective analysis of definitions published over some 35 years suggests the major subject areas of the field can be summed up in three themes: beyond-ego psychology, integrative/holistic psychology, and psychology of transformation. Theme frequency analysis reveals that early emphasis on alternative states of consciousness has moderated into a broader approach to human transcendence, wholeness, and transformation. This expanded definition of transpersonal psychology suggests the field has much in common with integral psychology. As a comprehensive, historically based content summary, this tripartite definition contributes a small but vital piece to the foundation of a transpersonal vision that is spreading across the globe. While transpersonal psychology still needs to embody the inclusiveness and diversity that it represents, its vision is one of great relevance to the contemporary human condition.     

Mindfulness and acceptance-based group therapy versus traditional cognitive behavioral group therapy for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Recent research has supported the use of mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).