Global Self-Esteem as a Correlate of Work-Related Attitudes: A Question of Dimensionality

We examined the dimensionality of one of the most frequently used measures of global self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1965). Although the RSE is assumed to be unidimensional, Kaplan and Pokorny (1969) provided evidence that the scale taps two independent constructs: self-derogation versus defensive assertion of self-worth, in our study a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted which supported the superiority of the Kaplan and Pokorny two-factor model over a one-factor model but indicated that their model provided a poor fit to the data. Consequently, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted which revealed two dimensions, one mostly defined by negatively worded items (self-derogation) and the second by positively worded items (self-enhancement). Although the correlations obtained were generally quite small, relations with work-related attitudes shown for the negative factor were in the opposite direction and somewhat larger than those shown for the positive factor. Thus, additional support was provided for a two-dimensional conceptualization of the scales.     

Bearing Witness Through Medicine: An Exploratory Study of Attitudes to Service Among Australian Evangelical Christian Doctors

This study explores the attitudes of Australian evangelical Christian doctors to healing, suffering and good practice, using in-depth interviews. Doctors described an intellectualised faith, in which medical care was conceived in itself as a way of bearing witness. The alleviation of suffering, for these doctors, included supporting patients to rediscover purpose and meaning in their lives. There was diversity of opinion about evangelising, with many feeling that this was a contingent activity best conducted outside the consultation. This cohort of doctors, mostly non-denominational, had consciously engaged in work with the poor and marginalised as an expression of their faith.     

The Elective System in American Education

Abstract

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Dimensions of temperament and depressive symptoms: Replicating a three-way interaction

High negative emotionality (NE), low positive emotionality (PE), and low self-regulatory capacity (i.e., effortful control or EC) are related to depressive symptoms and furthermore, may moderate one another’s relations to such symptoms. Indeed, preliminary evidence suggests they may operate in a three-way interaction (Dinovo & Vasey, 2011), but the replicability of that finding remains unknown. Therefore, we tested this NE × PE × EC interaction in association with depressive symptoms in 5 independent samples. This interaction was significant in 4 of the 5 samples and a combined sample and approached significance in the fifth sample. In contrast, the NE × PE × EC interaction was unrelated to general anxious symptoms and thus may be specific to symptoms of depression. Implications, directions for future research, and limitations are discussed.     

Depth of discussion of multicultural identities in supervision and supervisory outcomes

The present study empirically examined the relationship between perceived depth of discussion of multicultural identities in clinical supervision and supervision outcomes in 132 practicum trainees and interns from American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral programs in counseling, clinical, and combined psychology. Results indicated that ethnic minority trainees and gay, lesbian, and bisexual trainees perceived increased depth of discussion of their corresponding identities compared to White trainees and heterosexual trainees, respectively. However, women and men reported no difference in perceptions of depth of discussion regarding gender. Perceived depth of discussions of three multicultural identities (gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation) was significantly and positively correlated with supervisory working alliance, multicultural intervention self-efficacy, and general counseling self-efficacy, and significantly and negatively correlated with role ambiguity and role conflict. These relationships between perceived depth of discussion and role ambiguity and working alliance-rapport remained significant for the three identities while controlling for past training experiences. The relationships between perceived depth of discussion of gender and role conflict, of race/ethnicity and working alliance client focus, and of sexual orientation and role conflict, multicultural intervention, and working alliance client focus also remained significant while controlling for past training experiences. Implications for supervisory practice, training, and research are discussed.     

Modular cognitive-behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder

This study pilot tested a newly developed modular cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment manual for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We tested feasibility, acceptability, and treatment outcome in a sample of 12 adults with primary BDD. Treatment was delivered in weekly individual sessions over 18 or 22 weeks. Standardized clinician ratings and self-report measures were used to assess BDD and related symptoms pre- and posttreatment and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. At posttreatment, BDD and related symptoms (e.g., mood) were significantly improved. Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up. A relatively low drop-out rate, high patient satisfaction ratings, and patient feedback indicated that the treatment was highly acceptable to patients. To our knowledge, this represents the first test of a broadly applicable, individual psychosocial treatment for BDD.     

Lifespan aging and belief reasoning: Influences of executive function and social cue decoding

Older adults often perform poorly on Theory of Mind (ToM) tests that require understanding of others’ beliefs and intentions. The course and specificity of age changes in belief reasoning across the adult lifespan is unclear, as is the cause of the age effects. Cognitive and neuropsychological models predict that two types of processing might influence age differences in belief reasoning: executive functioning and social cue detection. In the current study we assessed 129 adults aged between 18 and 86 on novel measures of ToM (video clips and verbal vignettes), which manipulated whether true or false belief reasoning was required. On both video and verbal tasks, older adults (aged 65–88) had specific impairments in false belief reasoning, but showed no such problem in performing true belief tasks. Middle-aged adults (aged 40–64) generally performed as well as the younger adults (aged 18–39). Difficulties in updating information in working memory (but not inhibitory problems) partially mediated the age differences in false belief reasoning. Also, the ability to decode biological motion, indexing social cue detection, partially mediated age-related variance in the ability to interpret false beliefs. These results indicate that age differences in decoding social cues and updating information in memory may be important influences on the specific problems encountered when reasoning about false beliefs in old age.     

Decisional styles and risk of problem drinking or gambling

Addictive behaviours indicate a deficit in self regulation, with a general predisposition towards addiction implied by comorbid addictive behaviours. To determine whether common or differing decisional styles were associated with alcohol and gambling problems university students (n = 462) completed online the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the South Oaks Gambling Screen to assess their alcohol use, and gambling patterns. There was some comorbidity between those at risk for alcohol and gambling-related problems, with both groups frequenting more gaming venues, however, participants at risk for alcohol related problems differed in their decisional styles from those at risk for gambling problems. A greater risk of alcohol related problems was linked to lower vigilance scores and increased tendencies towards procrastination. A higher risk of gambling problems was associated with lower decisional self-esteem and an increased proneness to hypervigilance or panic. Therefore, while a predisposition towards addiction manifests as a preference for addictive behaviour, it is associated with different decisional styles. Problem drinkers are more likely to have an avoidant decisional style, while problem gamblers are not confident in their ability to make decisions, and their decisions feel pressured.