Enhancement,extension, and reversal of the frequency selectivity effect

The influence of a frequency cue on judgments of whether or not a subsequent target incorporated a brief silent gap was examined. In Experiment 1, there was no predictive frequency relation and evidence of auditory inhibition of return was obtained with frequency repetitions, producing a facilitative effect at 175-msec stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) and an inhibitory effect at 775-msec SOA. Relative to this baseline performance pattern, increasing the probability of a frequency match to .75 (Experiment 2) served to generate a beneficial effect of frequency repetitions at lengthy SOAs and to enlarge its magnitude at 175-msec SOA. In contrast, a reduction in the probability of a frequency match to .25 (Experiment 3) resulted in the elimination of any facilitative effect of repetition at 175-msec SOA and the development of an inhibitory effect at 475- and 1,075-msec SOA. These results establish that a frequency cue may engage both exogenous and endogenous attentional processes within 175 msec following its presentation.     

The relation of self-efficacy and interests: a meta-analysis of 60 samples

This study empirically synthesizes and evaluates studies that have examined the relation between vocationally relevant domains of self-efficacy and interests. We conducted a meta-analytic review of 60 empirical independent samples (N=39,154) in which relations between self-efficacy and interests had been examined. Fifty-three of these samples (N=37,829) included parallel measures of the constructs. Relations between parallel measures of Holland’s RIASEC themes, the specific dimensions of art, math, science and math/science combined, and traditionally female and male occupations are also presented. Results demonstrated that self-efficacy and interests are independent constructs that correlate moderately. Differences by sex, measure, and age group are noted. Future directions for research regarding links between self-efficacy and interests are discussed.     

Subtyping obsessive-compulsive disorder: neuropsychological correlates

We administered neuropsychological measures considered sensitive to prefrontal dysfunction (both orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal neocortex) to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and control subjects. OCD subjects exhibited performance deficits, in comparison to community controls, on three measures sensitive to orbitofrontal neocortex dysfunction. Contrary to expectation, OCD patients also exhibited performance deficits on measures sensitive to dorsolateral prefrontal neocortex dysfunction. However, distinct neurocognitive profiles emerged when we examined the impact of comorbid schizotypal personality features on neuropsychological test performance. Primary OCD patients displayed impaired performance on measures sensitive to orbitofrontal dysfunction; however, they did not differ from control subjects on tests of dorsolateral function. OCD subjects presenting with schizotypal personality features performed poorly not only on tests sensitive to orbitofrontal dysfunction, but also on tests sensitive to dorsolateral dysfunction. Findings suggest that OCD can be subdivided into clinical subtypes, and distinct prefrontal subsystems may be differentially involved in these subtypes.     

The Image of Women in Abnormal Psychology: Professionalism versus Psychopathology

A survey of sex stereotyping in photographs was made for major current-edition textbooks of abnormal psychology published in the United States. In photographs of contributors to the field, women were significantly underrepresented, amounting to less than 5% of the contributors pictured. There was no overall difference in the frequency with which men and women were pictured as patients, although women were overrepresented in the field's largest selling textbook. Analysis of this text's editions since 1950 revealed this overrepresentation to be a recent reversal of a previous male stereotype of psychopathology. Possible causes of this reversal are (a) the changing nature of clinical practice and training; (b) changes in the process by which textbooks are produced and published; and (c) factors related to sex differences in the epidemiology of common psychopathologies.     

The Role of Expectations in Effective Genetic Counseling

The goals for this investigation were to assess individuals' expectations for social support from genetic counselors, and to explore how these expectations influence perceptions of genetic counselor effectiveness. Two studies were conducted to address these goals. Results from the first study show that individuals most frequently expect genetic counselors to provide options and support following the disclosure of distressing test results, while data from the second study demonstrate that expectations play a significant role in individuals' assessment of genetic counselor effectiveness. These findings shed light on what individuals expect from genetic counselors following the disclosure of medically positive test results and inform how these expectations influence the success of genetic counseling sessions.     

Examining the Three-Step Theory (3ST) of Suicide in a Prospective Study of Adult Psychiatric Inpatients

This study examined the validity and predictive utility of the three-step theory (3ST) of suicide in psychiatric patients. Participants were 190 consecutively admitted adult psychiatric inpatients (53% female, 60% White, ages 18–73) assessed at three time points: baseline, 4 weeks later (n = 112), and 3 months postdischarge (n = 102). Results were broadly supportive of the 3ST. First, at baseline, an interactive model of pain and hopelessness accounted for substantial variability in suicidal desire, even when controlling for depression and lifetime ideation. This result replicated in different genders and age ranges (i.e., 18–32 and 33–73). Further, pain and hopelessness were robust predictors of suicidal desire weeks and months into the future. Second, among those with pain and hopelessness, lower connectedness, as well as the extent to which pain exceeds connectedness, were robust predictors of higher suicidal desire. Last, a baseline measure of practical capability for suicide predicted suicide attempts both retrospectively and prospectively, even when controlling for lifetime ideation—however, dispositional and acquired contributors to capability were less predictive. Results support the validity and predictive utility of the 3ST, and suggest that the theory may have utility for guiding risk assessment and intervention.     

Promoting an Empathic Dialectic for Therapeutic Change: An Integrative Review

This integrative review is focused on a formulation of therapeutic empathy. We describe the “empathic dialectic” as therapists’ capacity to emotionally resonate with patients’ internal states, such as during ruptures, and to coregulate their own and the patients’ states through mentalization. The first aim was to provide a theoretical framework for the empathic dialectic, by summarizing background literature on the empathic process, intersubjectivity, rupture repair, relational psychoanalysis, and attachment. The second aim was to conduct an integrative review of peer-reviewed articles published between the years of 2016 and 2021. After conducting a review of 28 articles, we sought to identify (1) research that supports the existence of an empathic dialectic, (2) evidence that therapists’ attachment influences the empathic dialectic, and (3) implications of the empathic dialectic for training and supervision. Results pointed to the central role of therapists’ attachment security in the empathic dialectic, and the negative repercussions of therapists’ insecurity when mentalization is underdeveloped. Results also highlighted the role of supervision as a means of enhancing trainees’ self-awareness of their attachment, and its impact on the alliance. As the American Psychological Association embraces a clinical competencies model in its accreditation of clinical psychology doctoral programs, the importance of attaining an integrative understanding of therapeutic empathy has become increasingly imperative. To this end, we conclude by promoting the empathic dialectic as a key clinical competency, and providing further recommendations for training and supervision.