Visual, kinaesthetic and cross-modal development: relationships to motor skill development

The ability of children between the ages of 5 and 10 years to match the length of lines within and between the modalities of vision and kinaesthesis was studied. No evidence was found for specific increases in cross-modal skill which could not be explained in terms of within-modal development. Performance in the perceptual task was related to measures of developing motor skill in the children. Substantial relationships were found between performance on the within-modal tasks and motor skill, but no significant relationships were found between cross-modal measures and motor skill development. It is concluded that the development of cross-modal integration is not a major determinant of motor skill development.     

Distress, personality, and mammography utilization among women with a family history of breast cancer.

The authors examined the impact of psychological distress and the personality construct of conscientiousness (as measured by the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness-Five Factor Inventory) on mammography utilization among women who were at increased risk for breast cancer. Participants were 200 women who had at least 1 first degree relative with breast cancer. Overall, 80% of the participants had obtained a mammogram in the previous year. Analyses controlling for potential confounders (perceived risk, decisional balance, and physician recommendation for mammography), revealed that distress was negatively associated with mammography utilization among participants who were low in conscientiousness. Distress was not significantly related to mammography utilization among highly conscientious women. The results are discussed in terms of their implications regarding interventions designed to increase mammography utilization in this population.     

The transition of object to mental manipulation: beyond a species-specific view of intelligence

Animal Cognition - Many attempts have been made to classify and evaluate the nature of intelligence in humans and other species (referred to as the ‘g’ factor in the former and the G...     

Assessment of irrational health beliefs: relation to health practices and medical regimen adherence.

The purpose of the present research was to provide initial validation of the 20-item Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS). Study 1 included 392 undergraduate psychology students. Results from Study 1 suggested that the IHBS total score is internally consistent and stable over an 18-month time period. Greater health-related cognitive distortion (higher IHBS scores) was associated with weaker internal health locus of control beliefs, lower positive affectivity, stronger chance health locus of control beliefs, and greater negative affectivity. Most important, greater cognitive distortion was uniquely and significantly associated with a less positive pattern of health practices. Study 2 involved 107 individuals with Type I diabetes mellitus. Results indicated that higher IHBS scores were significantly associated with both objective (hemoglobin HbA1) and self-reported diabetic regimen adherence independent of trait neuroticism and conscientiousness.     

Self‐Harm in Young Offenders

The prevalence and correlates of self‐harm and suicidal behavior in 515 young offenders (mean age 17.3 years, SD = 1.7) serving community‐based orders (CBOs; n = 242) or custodial sentences (n = 273) in Victoria, Australia, are described. Results from structured interviews showed that 83 (16.1%) participants reported self‐harming in the previous 6 months, and this was more common among those serving custodial sentences than those serving CBOs (19.4% vs. 12.4%; OR 3.10, 95% CI: 1.74–5.55). Multiple incidents were more common in females and 24% (95% CI: 19–39) of participants who had self‐harmed reported having done so with suicidal intent. Self‐harm was associated with recent bullying victimization, expulsion from school, past year violent victimization, cannabis dependence, and risk‐taking behavior in the preceding year. The epidemiological profile of self‐harm in this population appears to be distinct from that seen in the general population. Young offenders who self‐harm are a vulnerable group with high rates of psychiatric morbidity, substance misuse problems, and social risk factors. They may benefit from targeted psychological interventions designed specifically to address impulsivity, delivered both within–and during the transition from–the youth justice system.