Computer automation of biofeedback training

A computer-automated system has been developed for implementing response-contingent training strategies in EMG biofeedback-assisted relaxation training. An on-line minicomputer is programmed to (1) monitor progress within a training session as reflected in EMG signals; (2) compare the progress data with criteria set by the operator at the beginning of the session; and (3) on the basis of these comparisons, periodically adjust feedback gain (sensitivity) and make changes in the within-session training sequence. The system is designed to allow various adaptive training strategies to be software programmable. One of these strategies, a “shaping” procedure commonly employed in EMG biofeedback training, gradually increases the degree of relaxation necessary to produce the desired feedback signal by increasing feedback gain as the subject gets better at relaxing. Implementation of the shaping procedure is described as an illustration of system function. Current system development is guided by principles from adaptive testing and teaching systems to make more of the feedback training process adaptive in function.     

Health information on the Internet and people living with HIV/AIDS: information evaluation and coping styles.

Individuals who seek information on the Internet to cope with chronic illness may be vulnerable to misinformation and unfounded claims. This study examined the association between health-related coping and the evaluation of health information. Men (n = 347) and women (n = 72) who were living with HIV/AIDS and reported currently using the Internet completed measures assessing their Internet use. Health Web sites downloaded from the Internet were also rated for quality of information. HIV-positive adults commonly used the Internet to find health information (66%) and to learn about clinical trials (25%); they also talked to their physicians about information found online (24%). In a multivariate analysis, assigning higher credibility to unfounded Internet information was predicted by lower incomes, less education, and avoidant coping styles. People who cope by avoiding health information may be vulnerable to misinformation and unfounded claims that are commonly encountered on the Internet.     

Experience with Event Timing Does not Alter Emergent Timing: Further Evidence for Robustness of Event and Emergent Timing

Although, event and emergent timings are thought of as mutually exclusive, significant correlations between tapping and circle drawing (Baer, Thibodeau, Gralnick, Li, &; Penhune, 2013 Baer, L. H., Thibodeau, J. L. N., Gralnick, T. M., Li, K. Z. H., &; Penhune, V. B. (2013). The role of musical training in emergent and event-based timing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7(191), 1–10. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2013.00191.[Crossref], [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]; Studenka, Zelaznik, &; Balasubramaniam, 2012 Studenka, B. E., Zelaznik, H. N., &; Balasubramaniam, R. (2012). The distinction between tapping and circle drawing with and without tactile feedback: An examination of the sources of timing variance. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 65(6), 1086–1100. doi:10.1080/17470218.2011.640404.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Zelaznik &; Rosenbaum, 2010 Zelaznik, H. N., &; Rosenbaum, D. A. (2010). Timing processes are correlated when tasks share a salient event. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 36(6), 1565–1575. doi:10.1037/a0020380.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) suggest that emergent timing may not be as robust as once thought. We aimed to test this hypothesis in both a younger (18–25) and older (55–100) population. Participants performed one block of circle drawing as a baseline, then six blocks of tapping, followed by circle drawing. We examined the use of event timing. Our hypothesis that acute experience with event timing would bias an individual to use event timing during an emergent task was not supported. We, instead, support the robustness of event and emergent timing as independent timing modes.     

Developing and Testing Crisis Line Facilitation to Encourage Help Seeking in Adults Receiving Inpatient Treatment for a Suicidal Crisis

Military veterans are at overall greater risk of suicide than nonveterans and have experienced increases in rates of suicide that are on par with or exceed those of the general population. The Department of Veterans Affairs has undertaken several initiatives to reduce suicide among veterans, including the development and expansion of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). The VCL has the potential to reduce suicidal behaviors, but it is likely underutilized by high-risk veterans. This paper describes the development of Crisis Line Facilitation (CLF) a brief intervention, designed to increase use of the VCL in this high-risk population. In a single session, CLF presents psychoeducational information about the VCL, discusses the participant’s perceived barriers and facilitators to future use of the VCL, and culminates in the veteran calling the VCL with the therapist to provide firsthand experiences that may counter negative impressions of the line. The intervention development process, intervention and control condition, and self-reported change indices are presented. Preliminary results (N = 301) suggest that veterans receiving CLF may experience a significant increase in comfort with, and confidence in, using the VCL during future crises compared to those in the control condition.     

Getting ready: Results of a randomized trial of a relationship‐focused intervention on the parent–infant relationship in rural early head start

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a relational intervention (the Getting Ready intervention) on parenting behaviors supporting the parent–infant relationship for families enrolled in Early Head Start home‐based programming. Two‐hundred thirty‐four parents and their children participated in the randomized study, with 42% of parents reporting education of less than a high‐school diploma. Brief, semistructured parent–child interaction tasks were videotaped every 4 months over a16‐month intervention period. Observational codes of parent–infant relationship behaviors included quality of three parental behaviors: warmth and sensitivity, support for learning, and encouragement of autonomy; two appropriateness indicators: support for learning and guidance/directives; and one amount indicator: constructive behaviors. Parents who participated in the Getting Ready intervention demonstrated higher quality interactions with their children that included enhanced quality of warmth and sensitivity, and support for their children's autonomy than did parents in the control group. They also were more likely to use appropriate directives with their children and more likely to demonstrate appropriate supports for their young children's learning. Results indicate an added value of the Getting Ready intervention for Early Head Start home‐based programming for families of infants and toddlers.     

Legal briefing: The unbefriended: making healthcare decisions for patients without surrogates (Part 2)

This issue's "Legal Briefing" column continues coverage of recent legal developments involving medical decision making for unbefriended patients. These patients have neither decision-making capacity nor a reasonably available surrogate to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. This topic has been the subject of recent articles in JCE. It has been the subject of major policy reports. Indeed, caring for the unbefriended has even been described as the "single greatest category of problems" encountered in bioethics consultation. Moreover, the scope of the problem continues to expand, especially with rapid growth in the elderly population and with an increased prevalence of dementia. Unfortunately, most U.S.jurisdictions have failed to adopt effective healthcare decision-making systems or procedures for the unbefriended. "Existing mechanisms to address the issue of decision making for the unbefriended are scant and not uniform." Most providers are "muddling through on an ad hoc basis." Still, over the past several months, a number of state legislatures have finally addressed the issue. These developments and a survey of the current landscape are grouped into the following 14 categories. The first two categories define the problem of medical decision making for the unbefriended.The remaining 12 describe different solutions to the problem. The first six categories were covered in Part 1 of this article; the last eight categories are covered in this issue (Part 2). 1. Who are the unbefriended? 2. Risks and problems of the unbefriended. 3. Prevention: advance care planning, diligent searching, and careful capacity assessment. 4. Decision-making mechanisms and standards. 5. Emergency exception to informed consent. 6. Expanded default surrogate lists: close friends. 7. Private guardians. 8. Volunteer guardians. 9. Public guardians. 10. Temporary and emergency guardians. 11. Attending physicians. 12. Other clinicians, individuals, and entities. 13. Institutional committees. 14. External committees.     

A Structural Analysis of a Psycho-oncology Unit

Abstract

This Action Research study came out of a mutual cooperation between the psychosomatic and psychotherapy departments of a large clinic in Germany. The perceptions of a number of members of a team of caretakers within an Oncology Ward were investigated using a Repertory Grid. The paper comments on the similarities and differences bewteen the various team members. In particular, it focuses on the Repertory Grids from the patient and the physician. Recognizing that teams are the building blocks of organizations, the paper suggests that Repertory Grid technology, when implemented as an heuristic device, can provide the basis for team members to consider their various roles and negotiate their aims and objectives.     

Seven issues in Conducting Forensic Assessments: Ethical Responsibilities in Light of New Standards and New Tests

The publication of a new ethics code for the American Psychological Association (1992), new guidelines (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, 1991), and two new versions of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (the MMPI-2, Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989; and the MMPI-A, Butcher et al., 1992) provide an opportunity to review ethical aspects of forensic assessment. Seven major issues-appropriate graduate training, competence in the use of standardized tests, using tests that fit the task, using tests that fit the individual, administering tests correctly, using computers appropriately in forensic assessment, and assessing and reporting factors that may affect the meaning of test findings—are discussed. The revision of the MMPI is used to illustrate some of these issues.