Three-configuration matching-to-sample in the pigeon

Pigeons were trained on a zero-delay matching-to-sample procedure during which only three of the four possible stimulus configurations were presented. Subsequently, all birds were exposed to all four configurations as a transfer test. A high degree of negative transfer from the three training configurations was obtained in Experiment 1. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that three-configuration training produced differential position-preference effects. During the transfer test, responding after one sample stimulus was apparently based on position, while responding after the other sample was based on color.     

Training the disturbed enuretic

Twenty-two disturbed enuretic children were treated for their bedwetting with training procedures. Eighteen of 22 (81.8%) reached the initial success criterion in an average of 57.5 days. Ten of the 18 (55.6%) met the retraining criteria of relapse, and 9 of the relapses were successfully retrained, while I stopped wetting spontaneously. As compared to non-relapsed children, relapsed children had a significantly higher number of initial symptoms checked. The results indicate that a training approach is effective for the treatment of enuresis in disturbed children, but the more disturbed have a greater likelihood of relapse.     

Religious issues in psychotherapy

Religious belief is important to a large proportion of our population. It has been found to be a potent neutralizer of death anxiety. Religion and psychotherapy shave values relating to self-actualization. It is the responsibility of psychotherapists to be aware of their own ambivalences and biases; to assess the significance of religious belief in the lives of their clients; to clarify conflicting views and values of client and therapist; to treat the client's psychodynamic problems; and respectfully to refer spiritual problems outside the domain of psychotherapy to the client's minister. An illustrative example from the author's practice is included.Based in part on a paper presented at the annual meeting of the California State Psychological Association, San Francisco, California, February 4, 1983. Dr. Sacks is Associate Dean Emeritus California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno. He has been in the private practice of psychotherapy for more than 30 years.     

Stability of Religious Orientation and Academic Dishonesty

This study examines the probable influence of individual religiosity on academic cheating among a group of Seventh-day Adventist youth, grades 6 through 12. A multiple-regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between academic beliefs or behaviors and academic dishonesty. The following research questions were investigated: (1) Is there a relationship between students' religious experience or religious activities and academic honesty? (2) What religious variables influence academic honesty? and (3) What is the correlation between the stability of religious orientation and academic honesty? Although the final model proved to be statistically significant, the findings suggest no direct impact on academic honesty. The implications of this study and the influential factors are discussed.     

A Comparison of Quality of Life Variables for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Students Without Disabilities

The importance of quality of life has been increasingly recognized in the field of special education. To date, however, there are no studies focusing exclusively on students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). This study examined quality of life differences between students with EBD and their nondisabled peers in four domains: (a) General quality of life; (b) Self; (c) Relationships; and (d) Environment. Additional analyses compared parent and adolescent ratings. Results indicated adolescents with EBD were significantly more dissatisfied with their quality of life in all domains than their non-EBD peers. No significant within group differences were found for gender or age; however, EBD students in self-contained schools rated self and environment significantly higher than their peers with EBD in public schools. Parents of adolescent with EBD rated their adolescent’s quality of life significantly lower than their adolescent did, while parents of non-EBD adolescents rated their adolescent’s quality of life as significantly higher than did their adolescents. This study has several implications for programming to improve the outcomes among this group of students.     

Gender differences in comorbid disorders among offenders in prison substance abuse treatment programs

This study examined gender differences in a range of lifetime psychiatric disorders in a sample of 272 offenders newly admitted to a prison substance abuse program. Although these men and women did not differ in severity of substance use in the six months prior to incarceration, women were significantly more likely than men to report a lifetime psychiatric disorder and a lifetime severe disorder. Furthermore, gender differences emerged in the pattern of lifetime psychiatric comorbidity. Women reported greater lifetime major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, and borderline personality disorder; men were more likely than women to meet criteria for antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, female offenders were found to have a higher degree of internalizing disorders than male offenders, but there were no gender differences in degree of externalizing disorders. The study concluded that women offenders newly admitted to a prison substance abuse program present with a greater psychiatric vulnerability and a different pattern of psychiatric comorbidity than their male counterparts.     

Diagnostic profiles of offenders in substance abuse treatment programs

This study examined the association of Axis I and Axis II disorders among offenders who were in prison-based substance abuse treatment in a national multi-site study. Participants (N = 280) received a psychosocial assessment and a structured diagnostic interview in two separate sessions. Logistic regression models examined the association between lifetime mood and anxiety disorders with two personality disorders, and the relationship of Axis I and Axis II disorders (alone and in combination) to pre-treatment psychosocial functioning. Over two-thirds of the sample met criteria for at least one mental disorder. Borderline personality disorder was strongly associated with having a lifetime mood disorder (odds ratio = 7.5) or lifetime anxiety disorder (odds ratio = 8.7). Individuals with only an Axis II disorder, or who had both Axis I and Axis II disorders, had more severe problems in psychosocial functioning than those without any disorder. Clinical treatment approaches need to address this heterogeneity in diagnostic profiles, symptom severity, and psychosocial functioning.     

Women with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD) in the criminal justice system: a research review

Associated with the dramatic increase in the numbers of women entering the criminal justice system is the recognition of the prominent role of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD) in the lives of female offenders. This article reviews current research examining the prevalence and range of COD among female offenders, the variety of psychosocial problems faced by the female offender with COD, and the multiple treatment needs of women with COD who are under criminal justice supervision. Women with COD can enter the criminal justice system at several different points and, because both substance use and mental disorders carry significant risk of relapse, effective treatment approaches must address both disorders. The paper concludes with a discussion of several important treatment issues and provides suggestions regarding an agenda for future treatment and research.