An individual differences pure extinction process

A pure extinction process memory retrieval latency model is completely characterized by the number of items to be recalled n and the recall rate λ. In this paper λ is allowed to vary across the population of subjects. Results are given for arbitrary individual differences distributions on λ. When λ is distributed gamma the results are very simple and method of moment estimators are easily obtained. In addition the shape parameter of the gamma individual differences distribution turns out to be an index of the degree of heterogeneity of the recall parameter. The pure extinction process model is also appropriate for certain collection and detection tasks.     

ALBERT EINSTEIN: THE METHODOLOGICAL UNITY UNDERLYING SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Strange is our situation here upon the earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose.¹     

The client as consumer and evaluator of community mental health services

Discussion of ethical issues which concern community psychologists and other mental health professionals has generated new emphasis on the psychiatric client as consumer. In light of the studies questioning the efficacy and ethics of various clinical procedures, it would seem that the client-consumer is being asked to accept treatment which is often less than desirable. In light of recent trends to safeguard the rights of the client-consumer, it is now appropriate to focus on the client as evaluator of services contracted. Having clients evaluate clinical services finds its logical fruition in the creation of client advisory boards. Avoiding many of the problems of citizen mental health advisory boards, client boards ensure continued and systematic client evaluation of community mental health services. The accomplishments of one client board are offered as evidence that there should be increased emphasis on the consumer as evaluator.     

Psychometrics properties of the Swansea Muscularity Attitudes Questionnaire (SMAQ)

The psychometric soundness of the Swansea Muscularity Attitudes Questionnaire (SMAQ) was examined using two independent samples of Canadian male post-secondary students (Ns = 250 and 310, respectively). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the final 19-item version of the SMAQ is represented by three latent constructs, which we have labeled: intention to become more muscular (eight-items), positive attributes of muscularity (nine-items), and engagement in muscle-building activities (two-items). Alpha coefficients for the intention and positive subscales were very good (i.e., range = .86–.92). Correlation coefficients between the two-items comprising the engagement subscale also suggest that they can be combined into a composite measure (rs = .70 [study 1] and .58 [study 2]). Various tests of criterion-related and construct validity were conducted, with results indicating that the SMAQ subscales are valid indicants of the drive for muscularity.     

Substance Use,Related Problem Behaviors and Adult Attachment in a Sample of High Risk Older Adolescent Women

We tested a hypothesis about the usefulness of attachment theory in aiding our understanding of substance use and related problem behaviors among a high-risk group of women. The data were from an ongoing longitudinal study of pregnant and parenting adolescents, and were collected via interview at 5.5 and 6 years postpartum (n = 232). At enrollment, the respondents were an average age of 16. Using regressing analysis (OLS and logistic), differences in attachment security were found to be related to substance use and related problem behaviors and attachment differences in behavior were found to be partially mediated by psychological distress.     

Response to Donald Kalsched

I have attempted to focus this discussion by looking at three interrelated matters. There is the issue of Sue's final dream – the enigma with which Don Kalsched leaves us. I first have a go at that, from my own, as well as some other, perspectives. Then, there is the question central to this presentation of the archetypal defense itself. What, in fact, arethese defenses, and how is the author using the concept of the ‘archetypal’? Finally, I wouldn't be me if I didn't rise to the bait of Sue's shame, more prevalently peppered throughout the first draft than the present one.     

Opiate antagonists and long-term analgesic reaction induced by inescapable shock in rats

Five experiments examined the influence of opiate antagonists on both the short-term analgesic reaction resulting 30 min after exposure to inescapable shock and the long-term analgesic reaction resulting after reexposure to shock 24 hr after inescapable shock exposure. Experiment 1 showed that the long-term analgesic reaction could be reduced by administration of naltrexone prior to exposure to inescapable tail shock. Experiment 2 showed that the reduction in the long-term analgesic reaction produced by naltrexone was dose-dependent. Experiment 3 showed that the long-term analgesic reaction could also be reduced by administration of naltrexone prior to reexposure to shock. Experiment 4 showed that the long-term analgesic reaction could be reduced by administration of large dose of naloxone prior to reexposure to shock. Experiment 5 showed that the short-term analgesic reaction was reduced by naltrexone administered prior to inescapable shock. Some implications of these results for the biochemical substrates of both learned helplessness and stress-induced analgesia are discussed.