Ethical issues in prison research: A risk/benefit analysis

Ethical issues in research are especially important when working with confined populations such as prisoners. One method that has been proposed to assist the decision-making process is the use of a risk/benefit model. The informed estimation of the probable risks and potential benefits of any given research project should be used to determine the ethical justifiability of conducting the research. The present article enumerates the variables relevant to a risk/benefit analysis when conducting research in a prison setting. Also, the risks of undue influence and the limits of confidentiality will be discussed. Finally, the appropriate use of informed consent will be discussed as a safeguard against these risks.     

Differential diagnosis of malingering and factitious disorder with physical symptoms

The present article attempts to clarify the difficult diagnostic discrimination between malingering and factitious disorder with physical symptoms. It is proposed that diagnostic evaluations focusing on the patient's observed symptomatology will be limited in their accuracy and utility. Instead, a longitudinal approach is needed to include the course of the disorder over time, its response to treatment, and the proposed etiology of the disorder. It is hoped that with a better understanding of these two disorders, prompt and accurate diagnosis can lay the foundation for effective management of both malingering and factitious disorders.     

Treatment of Excessive Interpersonal Dependency: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model

Clients with excessive dependency often seek treatment for an Axis I anxiety or mood disorder. Simply providing treatment for the Axis I disorder may fail to address the long-standing personality factors that may underlie the acute anxiety and depression. A four-stage model has been proposed for the treatment of excessive interpersonal dependency. This model describes strategic ways therapy content and style should change over the course of treatment. Despite the apparent utility of the four-stage treatment model, it may be difficult to apply in many sites that now emphasize short-term approaches to treatment. In many cases, therapy can be designed to address themes that are relevant to both dependency and the Axis I syndrome. Therapy can be focused around helping clients make improvements in stabilizing emotional reactions, enhancing views of the self, and improving social functioning. Treatment focused on stabilizing emotional reactions can help clients confront and develop tolerance for feelings of depression and anxiety. Treatment focused on enhancing views of the self can help clients improve their self-esteem, self-reinforcement and reduce self-criticism. Treatment focused on improving social functioning can enhance social skills, reduce social anxiety and challenge feelings of loneliness. In addition, treatment can focus on reducing specific aspects of interpersonal dependency and confronting developmental antecedents that may underlie the dependency.     

Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy: An Interview with Albert Ellis

Over the past 50~years, Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) has been developed and refined by Albert Ellis. REBT provides a framework for therapy that appears useful for many therapists and most clients. This paper includes a recent interview with Dr. Ellis, examining issues related to the development, application, and ongoing refinement of REBT as a useful and effective approach to psychotherapy.     

The Future of Psychotherapy: Visions and Recommendations

Using a roundtable discussion format, the editor and new members of the editorial board for the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy exchange ideas about how they envision the future of psychotherapy, anticipate likely positive and negative outcomes, identify key issues to be confronted today in order to maximize future success, and clarify the role of the individual psychotherapist in protecting psychotherapy as a viable field of study and practice. The discussion closes with recommendations for the next generation of psychotherapists and general conclusions about the future of psychotherapy.     

Advancing the Field of Psychotherapy Through Innovation and Integration in Scholarly Works

Published articles on psychotherapy often incorporate a combination of integration and innovation, helping to advance the field through scholarly work. Many useful papers help to integrate the biological, psychological, and social or cultural factors that often play a role in the etiology and treatment of specific forms of mental illness. In addition, quality papers strive to integrate theory, science, and clinical applications throughout the text. Authors can encourage a series of minor innovations that could gradually shift the field over time. Useful papers often focus on a narrow topic that has a broad appeal to many members of the field. Authors can explore new ideas, expressing their opinions while supporting the ideas through various types of evidence. When submitting papers for publication, authors should expect it will require multiple revisions in order to sharpen the thinking and improve the writing.