On loss aversion in capuchin monkeys

Chen, Lakshminarayanan, and Santos (2006) claim to show in three choice experiments that monkeys react rationally to price and wealth shocks, but, when faced with gambles, display hallmark, human-like biases that include loss aversion. We present three experiments with monkeys and humans consistent with a reinterpretation of their data that attributes their results not to loss aversion, but to differences between choice alternatives in delay of reinforcement.     

损失规避的产生根源

损失规避是指由损失引发的负效用大于由等量收益引发的正效用的现象, 其产生根源能够从神经经济学和进化心理学两个方向进行解释。损失规避的脑机制分为两个系统：主观价值评价系统主要包括纹状体和前额皮层, 与主观价值的评估有关; 情绪唤醒系统主要包括杏仁核和脑岛, 与厌恶等消极情绪有关。在进化心理学的视角下, 通过回顾有关动物决策行为的研究来探索损失规避行为的进化历史, 并结合相关进化理论总结该行为产生的进化原因。未来可探索与行为损失规避相关的神经递质, 进一步研究损失规避的产生根源。     

Power Politics and the Balance of Risk: Hypotheses on Great Power Intervention in the Periphery

Great powers frequently initiate risky diplomatic and military interventions in the periphery—regions that do not directly threaten the security of a great power's homeland. Such risky interventions are driven by leaders' aversion to losses in their state's relative power, international status, or prestige. These leaders often persist in such courses of action even when they incur mounting political, economic, and military costs. More surprisingly, they undertake risky strategies toward other great powers in an effort to continue these failing interventions. Hypotheses concerning such interventions are derived from the prospect theory and defensive realist literatures.     

The meaning of ‘reconstruction’ within the lived experience of mastectomy for breast cancer

This paper represents a heuristic study of the meaning and essence of ‘reconstruction’ within the lived experience of mastectomy for breast cancer. Open‐ended interviews were conducted with a sample of eight women aged 40 to 58 years, who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer. Four participants had immediate breast reconstruction; two participants had delayed breast reconstruction, and two participants decided not to have the procedure. The study demonstrates that themes of loss/change/reconstruction are inextricably linked to the experience of mastectomy. Loss of a breast was likened to bereavement and in some women caused a loss of part of their identity. The closeness of death altered the awareness the women had of their time left on earth. This awareness brought about change/reconstruction in the majority of the women, in their lives and in their relationships with others. Prior to breast reconstruction there is a place for exploring with women the meaning of ‘normal’ and ‘whole’. Implications for counselling are discussed.     

WILLIAM HAZLITT,OBSESSIVE LOVE,AND LIBER AMORIS

William Hazlitt, a distinguished literary figure of the early nineteenth century and a forerunner of psychoanalytic insights, had a keen awareness of the impact of the imagination on assessing works of art. At forty‐two, he became hopelessly involved in an obsessive love affair with a nineteen‐year‐old woman and could not extricate himself from the relationship. The affair followed the death of his father, a powerful influence on his life. Factors in his obsessive love included finding an object of idealization subject to his imaginative creation and narcissistically reexperiencing himself about to begin a new life.     

An exploratory study of psychodynamic therapists’ working with people with multiple sclerosis

There is little published on working psychodynamically with chronic illness and even less on the clinical insights of therapists working with people with multiple sclerosis. The objective of this study was to consider therapists’ reflections on the impact of multiple sclerosis on the internal worlds of clients with multiple sclerosis. I would also like to think about the challenges multiple sclerosis presents and how these challenges are worked with therapeutically. Finally, the impact of my multiple sclerosis diagnosis upon the research interviews was considered. Twelve counsellors / psychotherapists who had experience of working with clients with multiple sclerosis were interviewed. Data was analysed thematically and the findings revealed a number of significant themes. Denial appeared significant both for those with multiple sclerosis and those therapists working with them. Therapists also identified that people with multiple sclerosis hold a range of conscious and unconscious feelings in relation to their multiple sclerosis. Also, the meanings and impact of multiple sclerosis are broad and idiosyncratic. Therapists also faced a number of challenges in their work with people with multiple sclerosis: powerful countertransference feelings which could disable the therapy, embodied countertransference, the tendency to make generalisations, the physical reality of multiple sclerosis and its impact upon continuity, therapists’ unconscious phantasy and associations which if unaddressed could impact their ability to work with illness and the pressure multiple sclerosis placed on therapeutic boundaries. Therapists within the study recognised the need to work with both the physical reality of multiple sclerosis, as well as its psychological impact while at the same time keeping themselves open to powerful countertransference feelings and using them in the service of the therapy. The study has implications for theory, practice and future research.     

An exploration of obese adults’ experience of attempting to lose weight and to maintain a reduced weight

The aim of this study was to explore obese adults’ accounts of their experiences and feelings during their attempts to lose weight and to maintain a reduced weight. Qualitative research methods were used, based on interviews with individuals and groups. Eighteen obese men and women were recruited from the general public, with BMIs ranging from 30 to 50. All participants had attempted weight loss treatment, but without lasting success. Participants were unanimous in saying they needed help. Results suggest that counselling could play a greater role in the treatment of obesity.     

震区羌族初中生的家庭损失与应对方式:乐观的调节作用

目的考察5.12汶川地震后羌族青少年的家庭损失程度、乐观和应对方式之间的关系。方法采用生活定向测验问卷、特质应对方式问卷和家庭损失的自编测量题项对震区421名羌族初中学生进行了问卷调查。结果 (1)个体遭受的家庭损失程度较重,但其乐观水平较高,且积极应对水平亦显著高于消极应对。(2)家庭损失与乐观和积极应对方式呈显著负相关,与消极应对方式呈显著正相关。(3)乐观在家庭损失与应对方式的关系之间有着显著的调节作用。结论乐观能较好地缓解地震造成的家庭损失对羌族初中生应对方式的不良影响。