Nature of perceptual encoding of hand positions according to subjects' perceptuomotor expertise.

We investigated whether the nature of the perceptual information encoded for the memorization of successive hand positions varied according to subjects' perceptuomotor expertise. The experimental task used perceptual conflicts, induced by prisms, between visual and proprioceptive afferences during the encoding of various static hand positions. Control subjects were compared with skilled fencers, whose expertise was derived from the optimization. required and developed with practice, of the perceptuomotor processes involved in movement control. The analysis of spatial errors observed in a remembered target location test indicated that control subjects were dependent on the use of static visual information for the encoding of hand positions, whereas skilled fencers were not. Results are discussed in the light of the role of expertise in sensory integration and perceptual dominance.     

The association of forgiveness and 12-month prevalence of major depressive episode: Gender differences in a probability sample of U.S. adults

Research suggests that gender differences in interpersonal orientations may differentially predispose women and men to depression. While women tend to be more interdependent and show interpersonal depressive styles, men are more independent and show self-critical styles. Forgiveness is one religious/spiritual, interpersonal variable that has received very little attention in the literature on depression. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine forgiveness as a multidimensional, inter-relational variable that may have differential associations with depression in women and men. We measured multiple forms of forgiveness and assessed 12-month prevalence of major depressive episode using a screening version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. We controlled for religiousness/spirituality and demographic in our analyses, and used data from a nationally representative, probability sample of 1,423 adults, ages 18 years and older. Women reported higher levels of religiousness/spirituality and forgiveness than men. Among women, forgiveness of others, forgiveness of self, and feeling forgiven by God were associated with decreased odds of depression (p < 0.05), whereas seeking forgiveness was associated with increased odds (p < 0.05). For men, only forgiveness of oneself was significantly associated with decreased odds of depression (p < 0.05).     

Personal Selling and Sales Management Abstracts

This study builds on previous research to investigate the effects of ethical climate on salesperson’s role stress, job attitudes, turnover intention, and job performance. Responses from 138 salespeople who work for a large retailer selling high-end consumer durables at 68 stores in 16 states were used to examine the process through which ethical climate affects organizational variables. This is the first study offering empirical evidence that both job stress and job attitudes are the mechanisms through which a high ethical climate leads to lower turnover intention and higher job performance. Results indicate that ethical climate results in lower role conflict and role ambiguity and higher satisfaction, which, in turn, leads to lower turnover intention and organizational commitment. Also, findings indicate that organizational commitment is a significant predictor of job performance.     

Communication Between Hispanic Salespeople and Their Customers: A First Look

This paper presents the results of an exploratory investigation into the cultural communication styles of Hispanic salespeople. Depth interviews were conducted with 14 “key informants” who were familiar with issues facing Hispanic salespeople. The analysis suggests that (1) a cultural communication style exists for Hispanic salespeople, (2) Hispanic salespeople alter their communication style when selling to Anglo-American customers, and (3) culture clashes may occur when Hispanic salespeople interact with Hispanic customers of a different national origin and/or a different stage in the acculturation process. These findings have implications for the management of Hispanic salespeople in the U.S.     

Gender differences in the relationship between empathy and forgiveness

Much research has shown that women are more empathic than men. Yet, women and men are equally forgiving. However, it is not clear whether empathy is more important to forgiveness for men or for women. The purpose of the present study was to examine gender differences in levels of empathy and forgiveness and the extent to which the association of empathy and forgiveness differed by gender. Participants were 127 community residents who completed self-report measures of empathy and forgiveness. The present results showed that women were more empathic than men, but no gender difference for forgiveness was apparent. However, the association between empathy and forgiveness did differ by gender. Empathy was associated with forgiveness in men--but not in women.     

The Relationship Between Religious and Psychospiritual Measures and an Inflammation Marker (CRP) in Older Adults Experiencing Life Event Stress

Journal of Religion and Health - Inflammation, often measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), is thought to be related to a number of debilitating illnesses as we age, including cardiovascular...     

Forgiveness and Health: Age Differences in a U.S. Probability Sample

Forgiveness is a variable closely related to religiousness and spirituality that has been hypothesized to be protective of mental and physical health. However, we do not clearly understand which aspects of forgiveness are most clearly associated with health outcomes, and the conditions under which these relationships occur. This study used national probability data to systematically examine age differences in the association between forgiveness, religiousness/ spirituality, and respondent reports of mental and physical health. Results showed age differences in the levels of forgiveness of others and feeling forgiven by God. In both cases, middle and old age adults showed higher levels of these forms of forgiveness than young adults. Furthermore, the relationship between forgiveness of others and respondent reports of mental and physical health varies by age. Forgiveness of others was more strongly related to self-reported mental and physical health for middle and old age adults than for young adults.