Thunderstorm phobias

This study, consists of a retrospective analysis made from the case notes of 10 thunderstorm phobics who were treated between 1963 and 1977.A wide range of data was abstracted from the histories in order to formulate some generalizations concerning the aetiology of this type of phobia. All the patients studied were female, generally they had experienced the problem in childhood usually in a severe form and its further exacerbation was often attributed to aversive life events. While many reported related sensitivities such as overreaction to sudden and loud noises, other psychiatric problems were rarely presented for treatment.     

Can I Touch You Through A Screen? A Discussion of “Video Communication and Transgenerational Shame in the Mother/Daughter Bond”

This discussion elaborates on the complexity that electronically mediated treatment adds to Psychoanalytic work. The author explores the fate of the body in a Skype relationship, with particular attention to dilemmas posed by work with erotic transference when the transgressive excitement of possibility – actual erotic contact between analyst and patient – is absent. Additionally using Goldberg’s understanding of the frame as contact barrier, the author considers Skype as both frame and process and elaborates on limitations posed by Skype in adjusting to the phenomenology of the clinical moment. Ways to vitalize the frame over Skype are suggested. The author’s concerns about Skype treatment with dissociated and traumatized patients are also explored, and unrecognized enactments in Ringel’s work with D are considered, as is the possibility that work over Skype with D may have reified disconnection rather than promoted is intimacy.     

Iterative Spatial Updating During Forward Linear Walking Revealed Using a Continuous Pointing Task

Abstract

The continuous pointing task uses target-directed pointing responses to determine how perceived distance traveled is estimated during forward linear walking movements. To more precisely examine the regulation of this online process, the current study measured upper extremity joint angles and step-cycle kinematics in full vision and no-vision continuous pointing movements. Results show perceptual under-estimation of traveled distance in no-vision trials compared to full vision trials. Additionally, parsing of the shoulder plane of elevation trajectories revealed discontinuities that reflected this perceptual under-estimation and that were most frequently coupled with the early portion of the right foot swing phase of the step-cycle. This suggests that spatial updating may be composed of discrete iterations that are associated with gait parameters.