Episodic Memory in Schizophrenia

Episodic memory impairments in individuals with schizophrenia have been well documented in the literature. However, despite the abundance of findings, constituent cognitive, neural, behavioral, and genetic components of the deficits continue to elude full characterization. This review provides a characterization of these deficits by organizing findings within three frameworks of interest: 1) neuroanatomical; 2) genetic; and 3) behavioral. Within each approach, evidence from imaging studies as well as behavioral studies is examined. The hope is that by synthesizing the cognitive science paradigms, molecular genetic neurophysiological findings, and computational algorithms applied to medial temporal lobe subregions, we will be able to expand our understanding of the types of compromises in episodic memory systems of individuals with schizophrenia.     

Knowing Self Through the Journey: Graduate Students’ Experiences of Self-Knowledge Development

This article explores graduate students’ experiences of a self-knowledge development course that is framed by the Heroic Journey model. Through a consideration of several theorists’ perspectives and through the voices of 13 study participants, this article examines the nature of this self-study experience and its impact on participants’ lives. In light of feminist critiques of the traditional Heroic Journey model, the author pays particular attention to the experiences of women in this course. The author identifies three major findings: First, when the Heroic journey model is understood as a process and not just a theoretical construct, it gains significant power as an inclusive tool for fostering self-knowledge development. Second, self-knowledge development is not solely an individual endeavor. Self-knowledge is socially constructed through interaction with others. Third, self-knowledge development has critical spiritual dimensions, and this deeper level of knowing can lead to significant, long-lasting growth and change.

Use of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children 2nd Edition: Parent Report Scale in Pediatric Cancer Populations

This study examined the use of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children—2nd Edition: Parent Report Scale (BASC-2; Reynolds & Kamphaus, Behavior assessment system for children, 2004) in a pediatric cancer population. Comparisons of scale scores were made between pediatric cancer participants and controls. Within group comparisons were also made between subtypes of pediatric cancer. Parents of 111 children and adolescents who had experienced pediatric cancer completed the BASC-2 as part of larger studies of parent-child adjustment to cancer. Scores on the BASC-2 for cancer survivors were compared to a matched control group. Results from MANOVA analyses revealed that children with cancer were categorized as evidencing more emotional and cognitive complaints compared to the control children. Notably, no significant within group differences emerged on the subscales with regard to cancer subtype. Although preliminary, these results suggest that the BASC-2 can identify the cognitive and emotional differences between cancer survivors and controls.     

All Dressed Up With Something to Say: Effects of Typeface Semantic Associations on Brand Perceptions and Consumer Memory

In this research, a conceptual framework is developed that addresses the impact of typeface semantic cues within a marketing context. Visual properties of typefaces are conceptualized as communicating unique semantic associations to individuals distinct from the content of the written words they clothe. Typeface associations are investigated across varying levels of involvement in terms of their effect upon brand perceptions. These associations also influenced the memorability of advertised benefit claims. Memorability was enhanced as the degree of consistency among typeface semantic cues, advertisement visual cues, and advertisement copy claims increased. Extensions of this framework focus on obtaining a more complete understanding concerning the semantic pathways through which typefaces convey meaning.     

The Effect of Pastoral Care Services on Anxiety,Depression, Hope,Religious Coping,and Religious Problem Solving Styles: A Randomized Controlled Study

This randomized controlled study measured the effect of chaplain interventions on coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients over time. One hundred sixty-six CABG patients, received pre- and post-surgery testing at 1 month and 6 months with four instruments. Five chaplain visits were made to the intervention group, the control group received none. Comparison scores for anxiety, depression, hope, positive and negative religious coping, and religious coping styles were analyzed. Significant difference was found between groups in positive religious coping (PRC) (p = .023) and negative religious coping (NRC) (p = .046) scores over time. PRC increased in intervention group, decreased in the control group while NRC decreased in intervention group and increased in the control group. Demographics were comparable between groups. Moderate chaplain visits (average total visits time, 44 min) may be effective in helping CABG patients increase positive religious coping and decrease negative religious coping.