An examination of the construct validity of the Social Anhedonia Scale

Two studies bearing on the construct validity of the Social Anhedonia Scale (SA) are reported. Study 1 reported convergent validity coefficients between the SA scale and numerous measures of traits reflecting a generalized attitude toward others (e.g., social interest and empathy) as well as several traits reflecting maladjustment without a social component as a test of discriminant validity (e.g., pessimism and rigidity). Study 1 found impressive convergent validity for the SA scale and mixed discriminant validity. Study 2 found that the SA scale was related to two dimensions of striving for security, one of which is strongly influenced by negative interpersonal tendencies, suggesting support for the validity of the SA scale. Implications for the measurement and concept of social anhedonia are presented.     

Mechanical restraints as positive reinforcers for aggression

Research suggests that, in some cases, mechanical restraints may function as positive reinforcers. In this study, we conducted a functional analysis of severe aggression exhibited by an individual with a history of wearing arm splints. The results of this functional analysis demonstrated that his aggression was maintained by access to the arm splints. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A multidimensional assessment of the validity of the Personal Orientation Inventory

The present study investigated the validity of a global measure of self-actualization derived from the POI. The POI Inner-directed scale was related to numerous objective indices of self-actualizing characteristics (e.g., self-esteem, rigidity, empathy). Bivariate and multivariate correlational techniques presented a consistent picture of the self-actualizing dimensions tapped by the POI Id scale (e.g., self-esteem) as well as the self-actualizing characteristics unrelated to Id scale scores (e.g., machiavellianism). The results help to clarify the specific nature of the attributes measured by the Id scale, partially supporting its construct validity as an omnibus measure of actualizing tendencies. Finally, a new, face-valid measure of self-actualization is introduced which proved as valid as the POI as an index of self-actualization, with a considerable gain in parsimony.     

An investigation of the nomological network of social interest

This paper presents the results of three studies relating a composite measure of social interest to numerous variables within the nomological network of social interest. Study 1 found that social interest is positively related to sex-role femininity, androgyny, positive ambition, other-centered life goals, and, surprisingly, sex-role masculinity. Study 1 also found social interest negatively related to a narcissistic life goal, personality rigidity, and negative interpersonal behavior (Drivenness). Study 2 correlated social interest with the Personality Research Form and found, as expected, that social interest is correlated with the Affiliation and Nurturance scales. Unfortunately, social interest was not negatively related to Aggression. Finally, Study 3 provided generally positive support for the hypothesized relationships between social interest and several variables from the Life Styles Inventory (e.g., Humanism, Affiliation, etc.). Implications of the results for the construct validity of Adlerian social interest theory and current measurement of social interest are presented.     

Mood as in index of psychiatric inpatients' progress in group therapy.

In a study of the use of the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List--Revised and a set of scaled questions at the end of each group therapy session, the following results were found: (1) This checklist is sufficiently reliable and valid for use in psychiatric inpatient settings. (2) For patients who attended all 10 group therapy sessions there was a significant decrease in negative mood and a significant increase in positive mood from Sessions 1 to 10. (3) For patients who attended 10 consecutive sessions, there were significant increases from Sessions 1 to 10 in the perception that the therapist was trying to help them, they felt close to other members of the group, they felt hopeful of getting well, they openly tried to help another group member, and they openly expressed their feelings during the sessions.     

The Relationship Between the Constructs of Religiousness and Prejudice: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

Research examining the connection between religiousness and prejudice has used scales exclusively as proxies for the underlying constructs. Scholars in the psychology of religion, however, are ultimately concerned about the nature of religious constructs and their relationships with other variables, and the use of scales provides only indirect information concerning these constructs. To overcome this limitation, structural equation modeling (SEM) allows researchers to gather information about the relationship among constructs directly. The present study used SEM to examine the relationship between religion and prejudice using four of the most important and heavily researched constructs in the psychology of religion: religious commitment, orthodoxy, fundamentalism, and openness, as well as their relationships with three types of prejudice: racial, sexual orientation, and religious. The strongest results revealed that religious commitment, orthodoxy, and fundamentalism were linked positively with sexual orientation prejudice, whereas religious openness was linked negatively with that type of prejudice. Other religiousness–prejudice relationships were weaker and also more complex.     

Catheterization of the lumbar subarachnoid space for long-term CSF collection in unanesthetized nonhuman primates

Chronic indwelling spinal catheters facilitate administration of drugs and serial sampling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most catheters used in primates enter the ventricles or rostral subarachnoid space. This paper describes a procedure for catheterizing the lumbar subarachnoid space. Although the technique is invasive, maintenance and utilization of the catheter do not disturb the subject. The preparation remains patent for up to 21 days and permits both intrathecal drug administration and collection of CSF samples from unanesthetized subjects.