Evidence-based treatments for adolescents with cannabis use disorders in the Spanish Public Health System

The goal of the present study is to describe the implementation of two Evidence-based treatments (EBT) for adolescent Cannabis Use Disorders (CUD) in the Spanish Public Health System, and its main clinical outcomes. Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) and Contingency Management (CM) were chosen as the most efficacious treatment programs for this population. A total of 26 adolescent cannabis users entered the study (91.7% male; age = 16.50) at two outpatient clinical facilities in Spain. A quasi-experimental design was utilized, with one group receiving A-CRA only and the other A-CRA + CM. Implementation of both EBTs resulted feasible, with positive clinical outcomes. Results indicated that A-CRA has positive retention (81.3%) and abstinence rates (68.8%). Results for the group receiving A-CRA + CM were not significantly better than A-CRA in retention (100%) or abstinence (75.5%), although sample is too small to establish firm conclusions. Cannabis-related problems and depressive symptomatology also decreased during treatment. Several limitations prevent us from determining the clinical efficacy of A-CRA in this study. The process of translating EBT's to clinical contexts presented with many difficulties that need to be overcome. Recommendations are made for further attempts to implement EBTs in these contexts.     

The effects of monitoring environment on problem-solving performance

While effective and efficient solving of everyday problems is important in business domains, little is known about the effects of workplace monitoring on problem-solving performance. In a laboratory experiment, we explored the monitoring environment’s effects on an individual’s propensity to (1) establish pattern solutions to problems, (2) recognize when pattern solutions are no longer efficient, and (3) solve complex problems. Under three work monitoring regimes—no monitoring, human monitoring, and electronic monitoring—114 participants solved puzzles for monetary rewards. Based on research related to worker autonomy and theory of social facilitation, we hypothesized that monitored (versus non-monitored) participants would (1) have more difficulty finding a pattern solution, (2) more often fail to recognize when the pattern solution is no longer efficient, and (3) solve fewer complex problems. Our results support the first two hypotheses, but in complex problem solving, an interaction was found between self-assessed ability and the monitoring environment.     

Entrepreneurial intention as developmental outcome

What predicts adults' entrepreneurial intentions? Utilizing a cross-sectional sample of 496 German scientists, we investigated a path model for the effects of entrepreneurial personality (Big Five profile), control beliefs, and recalled early entrepreneurial competence in adolescence (early inventions, leadership, commercial activities) on two types of entrepreneurial intentions (conditional and unconditional intentions). As expected, entrepreneurial personality and early entrepreneurial competence on the one hand and both types of entrepreneurial intentions on the other were associated. Findings of structural equation modeling further revealed indirect effects via control beliefs (e.g., mediation effects). The results highlight the importance of a life span developmental approach in entrepreneurship research and support the idea that entrepreneurship can be promoted early in life. The findings are discussed against the backdrop of the economic and societal values that entrepreneurship has in today's societies.     

Possessions and Self in the Identity Work of Survivors of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has serious consequences for survivors, including severe effects on psychological well‐being and identity. This article reveals the previously hidden possession experiences and identity work of domestic violence survivors. Using a novel visual research method that features material objects as visual stimuli to elicit data, we found possessions were critical in the complex identity work undertaken by survivors. Emergent themes detailing the role of possessions in coping with ongoing self‐threats by an intimate partner provide empirical support for the conceptualization of diametrically opposed selves, the Prescribed Self and Agentic Self. These opposite and compartmentalized selves enabled survivors to cope with extreme disintegration and destabilization of self by the abuser. As well as the conceptual and methodological contributions we make to the possessions‐self literature in consumer research and psychology, this research is valuable for designing social service programs to help survivors cope with the effects of domestic violence on identity.     

A qualitative analysis of young people's experiences of receiving a novel,client‐led,psychological therapy in school

Mental health problems often arise in adolescence. Schools have been recognised as a potential hub for support; however, delivering targeted interventions in schools can be difficult due to impracticalities. Subsequently, students have little or no say in the support process. Given the importance of control in well‐being, the current study explored how adolescents experienced Method of Levels, a therapy that allowed them to choose if and when to attend therapy. Interviews with 14 adolescents were conducted and then analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified; therapy style, therapy experience and exploring problems. An additional overarching theme was generated, regarding choice and control. Findings indicate that adolescents value having choice and control. This made the therapy style accessible, enhanced the therapeutic experience and ultimately facilitated the process of exploring problems.     

抑制控制训练对手机依赖大学生的干预效果

依照手机成瘾倾向量表得分及手机使用时间记录从548名被试中筛选出60名手机依赖大学生,将其随机分配到抑制控制训练组和非训练组进行实验。预期通过抑制控制训练提升手机依赖大学生抑制控制能力,降低其手机依赖水平。结果发现：训练组被试在接受为期8周的抑制控制训练任务后,手机依赖总分、手机使用时间和非训练组相比显著降低,抑制控制能力显著提升。结果表明抑制控制训练对手机依赖大学生的干预效果明显。     

On some objective and subjective aspects of discriminating between correlated and independent patterns and their relationship to Locus of Control and depression

ABSTRACT

Acknowledging the fact that there seems to be a well-established connection between depression and Locus of Control, we propose that Locus of Control is at least partly determined by one’s objective ability to discriminate between random and non-random stimuli and events. Further, we claim that this ability is indirectly related to depression through Locus of Control which serves as a mediator. In addition, we hypothesise that a subjective threshold, important in discriminating between random and correlated stimuli, is directly related to both depression and Locus of Control. Results from a study with 128 subjects indicate that the majority of our conjectures are supported by the data, the exception being that while the subjective threshold is significantly related to depression it appears to have no tangible influence on Locus of Control.     

Weak etiologic links between control and the externalizing behaviors delinquency and substance abuse in adolescence

Impulsive/disinhibitory personality traits have consistently been associated with externalizing symptomatology such as delinquency and substance use problems, often starting in adolescence. Yet the etiological nature of this co-occurrence is not well understood. Using a classic twin study design with self-report data from 717 male and female twin pairs, aged 15–18 years, a hierarchical psychometric model was examined. In this model the shared variance and etiological structure between control, delinquency and substance abuse symptoms, was modeled through a common externalizing factor. Model fitting indicated that the genetic and environmental influences differed in strength between male and female adolescents. The heritability of the externalizing factor was 45% in males and 10% in females, though neither was statistically different from zero. A statistically significant influence of shared environmental factors was seen for both sexes, 21% in males and 54% in females. In both sexes, the externalizing factor accounted for little variance in control, indicating a weak association and little shared etiology with externalizing liability. These results illuminate further that facets of impulsivity are differentially associated with vulnerability for externalizing symptomatology.