The Promise and Pitfalls of Facebook Advertising: a Genetic Counselor’s Perspective

Facebook advertising is a powerful tool for increasing the outreach and recruitment of research participants. We describe our experience as genetic counselors within the context of an internet-based research study, recruiting subjects for a Parkinson disease (PD) biomarker study.     

A Multilevel Meta-analysis on Academic Achievement Among Maltreated Youth

Maltreatment can influence normative development and negatively impact emotional, behavioral, and social functioning in youth. As a result, it is not surprising that maltreated youth, as compared to non-maltreated youth, tend to underperform academically. Research on the academic performance of maltreated youth has increased over the last decade and several review papers have been published in this area. While the conclusions of these review articles have been that maltreated youth are at greater risk for academic deficits as compared to their non-maltreated peers, there are several conflicting findings within the literature that make it difficult to determine if or to what extent maltreated youth may demonstrate academic difficulty. Using a multilevel, structural equation model meta-analysis technique, the current study sought to provide a quantitative synthesis of the literature by examining the mean difference between maltreated and non-maltreated youth on measures of academic performance. Moreover, the current study also examined group differences between academic subject and maltreatment type. A total of 72 effect sizes were extracted from 32 studies that met inclusion criteria. Results demonstrated an overall negative, medium effect size, such that maltreated youth tended to perform slightly greater than half a standard deviation below non-maltreated youth on measures of academic performance. Moderation analyses suggest deficits may be greater on measures of general academic performance, as compared to language arts measures. No differences were observed for maltreatment type. These findings highlight the need for increased focus on academic difficulties among maltreated youth.     

Relationship Education for Military Couples: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Couple CARE in Uniform

Military life can place excess strain on couple relationships. The Couple CARE relationship education program was tailored to address the challenges of military couples. Thirty-two Australian military couples participated in a pilot feasibility study assessing the Couple CARE in Uniform adaptation against an active control. Relationship satisfaction and communication improved in both conditions, with no significant difference between the conditions. Couples' high relationship satisfaction on presentation, paired with modest statistical power, might have contributed to the null results. However, Couple CARE in Uniform had significantly higher consumer satisfaction than the comparison condition, suggesting it is a program worthy of further evaluation.     

The effects of cross-fostering on the development of social preferences in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

To determine the role of the parental environment in the formation of species attachments in the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), young of this species were fostered to either meadow vole parents (in-fostered young) or to prairie vole parents (M. ochrogaster; cross-fostered young). At 50 to 60 days of age, subjects were tested for social preference in an environment that simulated the conditions of a runway system. The testing design assessed the reaction of fostered animals to a novel species (M. pinetorum) as well as to the parental and biological species. The proportion of total test time spent near stimulus animals did not vary as a function of rearing condition. However, when compared to in-fostered controls, cross-fostered meadow voles displayed increased preference for prairie voles. Novelty did not appear to be a significant factor in test animal choice. These results suggest that in meadow voles, preference for the species of social partner is dependent on postnatal experience with parents.     

Feminine sex role and depression in middle-aged women

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship of sex-role orientation and depression in middle-aged women. It was hypothesized that middle-aged females who were clinically depressed would score higher in feminine characteristics on the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) than similar women who were not depressed. The subjects were two groups of women between the ages of 35 and 50. The clinical group consisted of 15 women who were currently diagnosed as depressive and who were undergoing treatment for depression at three local mental health centers. The nonclinical group consisted of 24 women who were not currently seeking treatment for depression and who had never undergone psychiatric treatment or therapy. All subjects were administered the BSRI and Beck's Depression Inventory.Results supported the hypothesis that depression in middle-aged females is related to their degree of acceptance of the traditional feminine role. For all subjects, depression scores were positively correlated with femininity scores. It was concluded that the woman who subscribes to a traditional feminine role stereotype has a greater vulnerability to depression in her middle years.     

A biopsychosocial approach to liver transplant evaluation in two patients with Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease (WD) is characterized by hepatic, neurological, and/or psychiatric disturbances. In some cases, liver transplantation is indicated. Because psychologists and other health care workers play an increasing role in the evaluation of individuals presenting for transplant, an understanding of the heterogeneous phenotype of WD is important for mental health professionals working in medical settings. This article reviews two cases of patients with WD (one probable, one confirmed) presenting for liver transplantation and a biopsychosocial assessment approach is demonstrated. Patients are presented in terms of medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial history, neuropsychological examination results, and the subsequent indications for liver transplantation. Both patients exhibited neurocognitive and psychiatric symptoms. One patient was determined to be a marginally suitable candidate for transplantation, whereas the other was considered at high risk for negative outcome post-transplant. This article demonstrates the importance of considering phenotypic presentation, neurocognitive function, psychiatric status, and psychosocial circumstances in assessing transplant readiness in patients with WD. A comprehensive and integrative biopsychosocial assessment approach is appropriate for evaluating patients with WD presenting for liver transplantation.     

What Virtual Twins Reveal About General Intelligence and Other Behaviors

The Fullerton Virtual Twin Study has been assessing the behaviors of an unusual sibship since 1982. Virtual twins (VTs) are same-age, unrelated siblings reared together since infancy. They replicate the rearing situation of twins but without the genetic link, enabling direct assessment of shared environmental effects on behavior. An updated analysis of IQ data, based on an increased sample of 142 VT pairs (7.87 years, SD=8.22), is presented. Intraclass correlations of .28 (IQ) and .11 (subtest profile) indicated modest shared environmental influences on intelligence. Findings from the Twins, Adoptees, Peers and Siblings (TAPS) project that studies virtual twins and other kinships are described.     

A transcontextual model for intervention with problems of school underachievement

Abstract

This paper presents a transcontextual model for intervening with families of underachieving school children. Following a brief review of the literature, the model is presented with specific guidelines for implementation. Finally, the results of a pilot study, using this model, indicate an improvement of general school functioning and of grade point averages in 81.3% of those surveyed in the study.     

The Roles of Religiosity and Spirituality in Moral Reasoning

To better understand the influence of religiosity and spirituality on moral reasoning, 1,037 college students completed a survey including demographic questions, a religiosity measure, a spirituality measure, and Forsyth's Ethical Position Questionnaire. Religiosity and spirituality positively correlated with moral idealism, whereas spirituality negatively correlated with moral relativism. However, religiosity and spirituality accounted for a very little variability in moral reasoning, suggesting that they do not directly influence moral reasoning. In addition, female participants reported higher spirituality, but there were no gender differences on a spirituality measure. Future research is needed to examine other factors that may influence moral reasoning.