Uncertainty and Resourcefulness in Performance Environments: A Theoretical Note

Abstract

The emphasis of this theoretical note focuses on the link between the concepts of uncertainty and resourcefulness in performance contexts such as professional sport and manufacturing industry. Integrative themes from sport, work, and organization psychology are highlighted. Rigid work organization based on job demarcation and inflexible role specification reduces personal control and instils perfunctory attention to work procedures. In contrast, the sociotechnical systems approach provides a framework for examining how localized control of variance in performance output may be developed through the recognition and promotion of tacit knowledge in individuals. Additionally, through consideration of the theory of learned resourcefulness, the self-regulation of goal-directed activities and a repertoire of cognitive-behavioural skills are suggested as important factors influencing productivity and health at the organizational and individual level. Throughout, the interconnection between these diverse theoretical perspectives is discussed.     

Spiritual advisors and old age psychiatry in the United Kingdom

This survey investigates the role and views of NHS spiritual advisors across the United Kingdom on the provision of pastoral care for elderly people with mental health needs. The College of Health Care Chaplains provided a database, and questionnaires were sent to 405 registered NHS chaplains/spiritual advisors. The response rate was 59%. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out. Spiritual advisors describe their working patterns and understanding of their roles within the modern NHS, and their observations of the level of NHS staff awareness of the importance of spiritual issues in the mental health care of older adults. They provide insights into possible negative and positive perceptions of their roles at a service level, and contribute suggestions of topics relevant to shared education between pastoral care and clinical services. This survey further highlights ethical and operational dimensions at the point of integration of the work of spiritual advisors and multidisciplinary teams.     

Predictors of quality of life of Portuguese Americans: identity,acculturation, and religiosity

ABSTRACT

Utilising the Multicultural Assessment-Intervention Process (MAIP) framework, the present study examined the effects of acculturation, ethnic identity, and religiosity on Portuguese Americans’ perceptions of their quality of life. Several culturally-sensitive variables were used to predict quality of life attitudes among a convenience sample of 305 Portuguese American adults. A structural model with quality of life as the outcome variable, Portuguese identity as the predictor, and Anglo orientation and religious faith as separate mediators was tested and a simple mediation structure involving religious faith was confirmed. While Portuguese identity predicts quality of life directly, when religious faith was added into the model as a mediator, much of the predictive value of Portuguese identity on quality of life was funnelled through religious faith. Implications for future Portuguese American research were discussed.     

Adult age differences in strategic and dynamic components of focusing visual attention

Abstract

Changes in the width of a focally attended area were assessed by analysis of changes in reaction time associated with response-incompatible nontarget letters (flankers). In two experiments, the focus of attention widened as an increasing function of stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). In contrast to the predictions of generalized slowing and inhibition-deficit models, this dynamic change in attention was comparable for young and older adults in both experiments. Evidence accumulation outside the focus of attention was greater for young adults than for older adults when target location varied (Experiment 2). This latter effect, however, was strategic (i.e., independent of SOA). Analyses of the task complexity functions (Brinley plots) indicated a greater contribution of generalized slowing when target location was constant (Experiment 1) than when location varied (Experiment 2).     

Coping with Crises: An Examination of the Impact of Traumatic Events on Religious Beliefs

The impact of traumatic events on empirical and metaphysical assumptions was examined, by comparing assumptions of a group of 25 persons who had recently experienced a major stressor with assumptions of a group of 25 persons who had not had such an experience. Each group was composed of 22 women and 3 men, with a mean age of 20 years. Participants completed written measures assessing level of adjustment, empirical world assumptions, religious motivation, and religious and spiritual experiences. Naturalistic interviews were conducted with the trauma group. The trauma group obtained significantly higher scores on symptoms of psychological distress but did not differ in evaluations of the empirical world as predictable, safe, or controllable. Interviews suggested that the metaphysical assumptions were not challenged by trauma; rather, they provided a framework for understanding and coping with trauma.     

The Context and Argument of The Political Philosophy of Needs

Abstract

In this translation of Charles Taylor’s paper, ‘Die Immanente Gegenaufklarung: Christentum und Moral’, the author discusses the relationship between Christianity and morality, in the light of developments in the West over the past five centuries. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between morality and the development of unbelief, the rejection of God, and atheism.     

Ethical dilemas for nurses and their emotional implications

Some of the ethical and emotional problems that are presented to nurses are described. Nurses dealing with them are often the same age as medical students who are just starting their training and on qualifying as doctors will be less experienced in dealing with various life-and-death dilemmas than the nurses looking after their patients. It is contended that despite the fact that almost everyone at some time in their lives is going to depend upon a nurse, the subject of nursing and its dilemmas has been largely neglected, particularly by psychoanalytic/psychotherapy training organisations. Training is described which it is hoped would remedy some of the deficiencies of current nurse-training and encourage personal development and growth. It is also suggested that the training of medical students should include a period of nurse experience and training. The power which can be invested in the nurse is also described, along with the corrupting effect this can have on the nurse/patient relationship.