Relationship problems and physical aggression: The moderating role of temporal comparison

Because physical aggression in relationships frequently occurs within the context of disagreements, partners with more fodder for disagreements (e.g., more relationship problems) may be especially prone to engage in aggression. However, this may be less true among partners who have a means of coping with their relationship problems. Because previous research suggests that perceptions of improvement serve as a coping strategy in a wide range of adverse circumstances, the current study examined whether this coping strategy would prove effective in the context of relationship problems by examining data from a sample of married and cohabiting individuals. In both groups, perceived changes in problems moderated the association between problems and aggression; number of relationship problems was only significantly associated with level of physical aggression among partners who perceived low levels of improvement in those problems over time. Results are discussed in terms of implications for intervention strategies.     

UNPROCTORED INTERNET TESTING IN EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS

As the Internet has become more accessible to individuals and organizations, the use of computerized testing has become more feasible. Computerized testing has brought with it a demand for unproctored testing that allows test takers to take employment tests at times and places convenient to them. However despite the advantages of costs and convenience, unproctored Internet testing (UIT) introduces a number of issues, many of which have not yet been resolved. These problems range from hardware and software issues to concerns about the security of the test content, the identity of candidates, and cheating. This article explores the pros and cons of unproctored, Internet testing. Six panelists share their opinions and experiences regarding issues around UIT and offer suggestions for appropriate use and future research.     

Pornography: Research Review and Implications for Counseling

The author reviews the current definitions, models, and research literature available on pornography. The influence of the media on attitudes toward women and sexual aggression are discussed. Suggestions are made for educational and counseling interventions.     

The Assessment of Burnout: A Review of Three Inventories Useful for Research and Counseling

Three self-report inventories designed to respond to the syndrome of burnout in helping professionals are reviewed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Staff Burnout Scale for Health Professionals, and the Tedium Scale are each described for their use in measuring occupational burnout. The development of the instruments and related research are outlined with recommendations for future studies. Suggestions for use of the inventories in diagnostic and counseling settings are discussed.     

OUTCOME EXPECTANCIES OF PEOPLE WHO CONDUCT PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS

Outcome expectancies of people who conduct performance appraisals were identified in two disparate industries, newsprint and banking, using two methodologies: interviewing and administering a questionnaire. The alternate hypothesis was that appraisers perceive the consequences to them of conducting a thorough appraisal (i.e., giving negative as well as positive feedback) as aversive. This hypothesis was rejected. Appraisers did not perceive any consequences to them for conducting appraisals. Moderate support for the alternate hypothesis was obtained in the second study.     

Reflections on Bill Kell: The Legend and His Legacy

Bill Kell influenced many contemporary counseling psychologists through his work as author and as director of training at the Michigan State University Counseling Center from 1957 until his death in 1973. This article describes the legend and legacy of Bill Kell, by using excerpts from six oral histories collected from former trainees, colleagues, and family members.     

Parents' Sense of "Entitlement" in Adoptive and Nonadoptive Families

The literature suggests that problems with developing a sense of entitlement are unique to adoptive families, but this assumption has not been examined empirically. In this study, a questionnaire was constructed to define operationally those characteristics associated with the construct of entitlement, and was administered to adoptive and nonadoptive families with children averaging 11.5 years in age who presented either for mental health service or were recruited as a comparison-control sample. Factor analysis yielded four factors on which the four groups of subjects were compared. Results indicated that problems with entitlement are not specific to adoptive families. Instead, differences in sense of entitlement occurred primarily between clinic and nonclinic control families, regardless of whether the target child had been adopted. Findings are discussed in terms of methodological shortcomings in the adoption research literature and how problems in entitlement may be associated with other family characteristics.