Personality and Work Behaviour: Exploring the Linkages

Une étude du rapport personnalité et conduites de travail requiert la prudence dans la considération des liaisons critiques dans les modèles théoriques et dans les plans de recherche utilisés et la personnalité et les construits de critère proposés en théorie et en recherche. La valeur de la considération de ces liaisons est illustrée par des exemples de la littérature en pointe sur la personnalité et les conduites de travail.
The more productive study of the relationship of personality to work behaviour requires thoughtful consideration of critical linkages in the theoretical models and research designs used, and the personality and criterion constructs incorporated in theory and research. The value of considering these linkages is illustrated by examples from the emerging literature on personality and work behaviour.     

Does post-event cognitive load undermine thought suppression and increase intrusive memories after exposure to an analogue stressor?

Ironic process theory has been used in part to explain the phenomenon of intrusive memories in various disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder. How thought suppression interacts with other cognitive processes believed to be instrumental in the development of traumatic intrusive memory was tested. In an analogue design 120 participants were randomised to five conditions, four of which also required participants to attempt to suppress intrusive memories after viewing a film of traumatic content. Participants in three conditions were also required to perform concurrent tasks that acted as a cognitive load during suppression. Intrusive memories were recorded during the experimental phase and at 1-week follow-up. Contrary to predictions, post-film processing did not undermine suppression success. There was some suggestion that post-film processing resulted in those participants experiencing intrusions of shorter duration than the no-suppression control group in two 5-minute intrusion monitoring intervals at the initial and follow-up phase of the experiment, but this was not reflected in a 1-week diary measure of intrusions. All experimental groups performed in a similar fashion in terms of memory testing of the film's content. The findings are discussed in the context of ironic process theory and cognitive models of post-traumatic stress.     

Crisis Theory and Therapeutic Change in Small Groups: Some Implications for Community Mental Health Programs

Abstract

The role of sibling dynamics in group psychotherapy has received relatively little attention in the literature. Our clinical experience suggests that sibling issues regularly arise in the practice of group psychotherapy. This article provides an integrative view of sibling relationships from a family systems and self psychology orientation to group therapy. Special emphasis is placed on developmental and cultural differences as they affect sibling dynamics and the group leader’s role. A number of case examples are offered to illustrate ways to view clinical challenges in a manner consistent with the influence of sibling relationships on group members and group process.     

Twenty-First Annual AGPA Conference January 23–25, 1964 Barbizon-Plaza Hotel

The experience of being in individual and group psychotherapy concurrently with different therapists is discussed. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to explore a variety of dimensions of “conjoint” treatment. The potential benefits and difficulties associated with receiving different perspectives about the same issues are delineated. The necessity of working with the inevitable comparisons of therapists and treatments is underscored. A number of aspects of the transference phenomena that emerge are discussed, including “splitting,” which is construed as a process that may be destructive, but that may also be valuable if handled well. Countertransference dangers are explored, as is the question of whether, and under what circumstances, communication between the treating therapists is necessary or desirable.     

What Facilitates or Impedes Family Communication Following Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk? A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Primary Qualitative Research

To systematically review and meta-synthesise primary qualitative research findings regarding family communication following genetic testing of cancer risk, in order to inform development of effective interventions. Systematic searches of CINAHL, Embase, Medline, British Nursing Index and PsycINFO databases were undertaken and relevant studies identified using strict criteria. The selected primary qualitative studies were appraised for quality and relevance by three independent researchers and then synthesized using a “Framework” approach. Fourteen (4.3%) studies met the inclusion criteria. The following factors influenced family communication following genetic testing for late-onset hereditary cancer: the informant’s feelings about informing relatives about genetic testing; the perceived relevance of the information to other family members and their anticipated reactions; the “closeness” of relationships within the family; family rules and patterns (e.g., who is best placed to share information with whom); finding the right time and level of disclosure; and the supportive role of heath care professionals. The themes identified in this review could provide practitioners with a useful framework for discussing family communication with those undergoing genetic testing. This framework focuses on helping health care professionals to facilitate family communication. The next step will be the development of an intervention to directly support people in talking to their relatives.