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Psychological Variables (psychological + variable)
Selected AbstractsII,Control Variables and Mental CausationPROCEEDINGS OF THE ARISTOTELIAN SOCIETY (HARDBACK), Issue 1pt1 2010John Campbell I introduce the notion of a ,control variable' which gives us a way of seeing how mental causation could be an unproblematic case of causation in general, rather than being some sui generis form of causation. Psychological variables may be the control variables for a system for which there are no physical control variables, even in a deterministic physical world. That explains how there can be psychological causation without physical causation, even in a deterministic physical world. [source] Influence of adolescent maternal characteristics on infant developmentINFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 5 2007Rachele Aiello The present study proposed that several adolescent maternal variables would be associated with infant development. Using a sample of 71 adolescent mother-infant dyads, the study examined the relative influences of the adolescent's level of separation-individuation (Separation-Individuation Process Inventory), feelings of attachment towards the infant (Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale), and feelings of anxiety regarding separation (Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale) on infant mental and motor development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd ed.). As it was assumed that the adolescent's perceptions of being parented would provide the foundation for each of these independent variables, this factor was also included (Parental Bonding Instrument). In the current sample, adolescent separation-individuation was the only maternal psychological variable to uniquely predict infant development, but only on the mental scale. Present findings highlight the importance of considering critical developmental processes of adolescence when exploring cognitive functioning and other outcomes in infants of adolescents. A number of possible mechanisms for the influence of separation-individuation are considered in the discussion. [source] Heart-Focused Anxiety and Chest Pain: A Conceptual and Clinical ReviewCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 4 2000Georg H. Eifert This article reviews the concept of heart-focused anxiety that may occur in response to cardiac-related stimuli and sensations. Our aim was to examine the relation between chest pain, panic, and heart-focused anxiety in persons with and without heart disease. We identify a preoccupation with the heart and its functioning based on the belief that it will lead to negative consequences (e.g., death, pain) as an important psychological variable in the production of anxious and fearful responding. We then discuss heart-focused anxiety in relation to other clinically relevant variables in anxiety-related problems such as hypochondriacal concerns, including physical symptoms, disease fear, disease conviction, and safety-seeking behavior. Finally, we briefly discuss the clinical importance of heart-focused anxiety in the assessment and treatment of certain anxiety and cardiac-related problems. [source] Suitability for psychoanalytic psychotherapy: a reviewACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2004K. Valbak Objective:, To review empirical studies on outpatients' pretherapy suitability for psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Method:, A literature search for studies in English was made in the databases MEDLINE, PsychInfo and EM-base. Forty-one studies spanning 20 years were selected for a thorough evaluation. Results:, Seventy-five per cent of the studies concerned brief dynamic psychotherapy. In general, application of single measures of suitability had a modest predictive value with correlations in the range of 0.17,0.73. There was no consistent difference between various formats of therapies. Most promising variables with the highest correlations with good outcome were: ,good quality of object relations', ,psychological mindedness' and ,motivation for change'. Some clinical guidelines can be drawn from quantitative research to provide the therapist with best method and format. Conclusion:, The importance of psychological variables known from the development of the brief dynamic therapies and earlier research was confirmed. Most correlations were modest and single factors could not be identified. Multivariate designs that combine different methods and formats with patient characteristics seem most promising in future predictor-outcome research. [source] The role of biodevelopmental and psychological factors in disordered eating among adolescent males and femalesEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 4 2003M. P. McCabe Abstract The present study examined the role of biodevelopmental and psychological factors in the development of disordered eating in early adolescent males and females. Three hundred and six girls (mean age,=,13.66 years; SD,=,1.12 years) and 297 boys (mean age,=,13.89 years; SD,=,1.13 years) from grades 7,10 completed a questionnaire which assessed disordered eating, biodevelopmental (body mass index (BMI), age and puberty) and psychological factors (self-esteem, depression, anxiety, ineffectiveness, perfectionism). Not surprisingly, girls were more likely than boys to engage in extreme weight loss behaviours. There were no significant differences between boys and girls on measures of binge eating or bulimic tendencies. Self-esteem, depression and anxiety were found to be significant predictors of disordered eating among girls, while anxiety, ineffectiveness, self-esteem and perfectionism were significant predictors among boys. The findings from this study demonstrate the importance of psychological variables in predicting extreme weight loss behaviours among both adolescent males and females. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Quality of life in chronic hemodialysis patients in RussiaHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2006Irina A. VASILIEVA Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Russian hemodialysis (HD) patients with the general population and international data, and to determine factors influencing HRQOL. One thousand forty-seven HD patients from 6 dialysis centers were studied (576 male, age 43.5±12.5 years, HD duration 55.0±47.2 months). Health-related quality of life was evaluated by SF-36. Self-appraisal Depression Scale (W. Zung), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Level of Neurotic Asthenia Scale were used. Hemodialysis patients scored significantly lower than the general Russian population in the majority of SF-36 scales. The only exception was the Mental Health score, which was even better than the general population. The Mean physical component score (PCS) of HD patients was 36.9±9.7, and the mental component score was (MCS) 44.2±10.5. In multiple linear regression analysis, increasing age, HD duration, depression level and number of days of hospitalization in the past 6 months were significant independent predictors of low PCS along with a low level of serum albumin. Advancing age was also a predictive factor for low MCS along with increase of HD duration, depression level, trait anxiety, and level of asthenia. As far as we know, this is the first study to report on HRQOL of a large sample of Russian HD patients performed using SF-36. Compared with the general population, Russian HD patients had significantly lower scores on the majority of SF-36 scales, especially in the physical domain. The mean PCS and MCS were comparable with European data for HD patients. A number of demographic, clinical, and psychological variables affect HRQOL. [source] What aspects of the job have most effect on nurses?HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, Issue 1 2003Abraham Sagie The study reported here compared the influences of psychological constructs (job demands and scheduling control) and objective work characteristics (shiftwork, night-work and hospital department type) on job satisfaction, organisational commitment, burnout and withdrawal intentions. Our hypothesis was that psychological constructs have a higher influence on work-related attitudes than objective characteristics of work schedules. In addition to the main effects, we proposed an interactive hypothesis: poor attitudes would result from high demands and low control rather than from other combinations of both psychological variables. Using a sample of 153 hospital nurses in Israel, the hypotheses were generally supported. As night-work, shiftwork and working in intensive care units are unavoidable characteristics of the modern medical environment, these findings are meaningful for improving the personal adjustment of hospital nurses. [source] Psychopathology and autobiographical memory in stroke and non-stroke hospitalized patientsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2003Mark John Sampson Abstract Background Psychopathology and autobiographical memory were investigated in a cohort of stroke and non-stroke hospitalized patients. Both these cohorts have been identified as having high levels of psychopathology (Katon and Sullivan 1990; Burvill et al., 1995). Difficulties recalling specific autobiographical memories (overgeneral memory) have been identified as important psychological variables in depression and predictors of outcome (Williams and Scott 1988; Brittlebank et al., 1993). Intrusive autobiographical memories have also been found to be associated with depression and overgeneral memory in depressed women (Kuyken and Brewin, 1995) and depressed cancer patients (Brewin et al., 1998a). This study looked at levels of psychopathology and autobiographical memories in stroke and non-stroke hospital patients. Method 417 patients were screened, of the 176 eligible 103 agreed to participate (54 stroke and 49 non-stroke). Participants were assessed for overgenerality using the Autobiographical Memory Test and intrusiveness of memories using the Impact of Events Scale. Also assessed were PTSD-like symptoms (PCL-S), mood (HADS, GHQ-28) and cognitive ability (MMSE, verbal fluency, digit span and estimated pre-morbid IQ). Results No significant differences were found between stroke and non-stroke patients on severity of depression, anxiety, severity of PTSD-like symptoms or autobiographical memories. Backward multivariate regression analyses for combined data (stroke and non-stroke) indicated that overgeneral memory recall, intrusive memories of past events and intrusive memories of illness were significant independent predictors of depression (HADS). Avoidance of intrusive memories and reported childhood distress were not predictors of overgeneral memory recall. Significant predictors of overgeneral memory recall were; Gender, antidepressant medication, and estimated IQ. Conclusion Significant levels of psychopathology were identified in this cohort. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms and autobiographical memory between stroke and non-stroke hospitalized patients. Of particular interest was the finding that PTSD-like symptoms did not appear to be influenced by the nature of the person's illness. In combined data (stroke and non-stroke) autobiographical memories (intrusive images of their illness, intrusive memories of other events and overgeneral memory recall variables) were significant predictors of depression in this cohort. This suggests that psychological intervention of memory processes may be a worthwhile target in psychological intervention for depression in these cohorts. Gender, cognitive impairment, antidepressant medication, and estimated IQ were significant predictors of overgeneral memory recall and further investigation into the validity of these findings are warranted. Suggestions for further research and limitations of the study are also discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Multiple sclerosis: Empirical literature for the clinical health psychologistJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2001David C. Mohr This article reviews the empirical literature related to clinical health psychology in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. As such, the interactions between medical and psychological variables are complex, and potentially of considerable importance to patients. Common neuropsychological and psychological problems associated with MS and their etiologies are reviewed. The effects of stress and depression on MS exacerbation are discussed, including clinical, immune, endocrine, and neuroimaging findings. The types of coping common in MS and their effects on adjustment are discussed. The empirical literature on psychological and neuropsychological intervention is reviewed. The small literature on caregiving in MS is also summarized. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 479,499, 2001 [source] Mergers and group status: the impact of high, low and equal group status on identification and satisfaction with a company merger, experienced controllability, group identity and group cohesionJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Peter Fischer Abstract Although mergers are seen as tools to enhance business in today's global marketplace, they have had a low success rate, possibly because the focus has been on financial and legal issues rather than on the human factors involved. In this respect, focusing on the social psychological variables, social identity theory can provide an explanation for the failure of most mergers. An experiment based on this theory involving mergers between two workgroups was conducted to investigate the effects of merger-related status on participants' psychological responses to the mergers. Thirty-six small groups were assigned to three different status groups (high, low and equal status groups) using the minimal group paradigm. Most negative responses to the merger,in terms of identification with the merger group, satisfaction with the merger, common in-group identity, group cohesion and controllability,were given by the members of the low status groups. Contrary to expectations, status was not related to the performance of the groups. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Behavioral and Biological Indicators of Impulsivity in the Development of Alcohol Use, Problems, and DisordersALCOHOLISM, Issue 8 2010C.W. Lejuez Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are a devastating public health problem. The construct of impulsivity is biologically based and heritable, and its various dimensions are relevant for understanding alcohol use. The goal of the current manuscript is to review recent behavioral and biological research examining various dimensions of impulsivity and their relation to AUDs from risk for initial use through dependence and relapse. Moreover, we also highlight key psychological variables including affective processes as they relate to current use and early indications of alcohol problems, as well as psychopathology, violence, and aggression in relation to AUDs. Each section includes a critical summary and we conclude the review with future directions focused on issues relevant to measurement, causality, and intervention. Throughout the review, we attempt to be as specific as possible about the dimensions of impulsivity being referenced, while attempting to draw parallels and highlighting differences as the existing literature allows. [source] Prevalence and correlates of clinical insomnia co-occurring with chronic back painJOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007NICOLE K. Y. TANG Summary Given the suggestion of a reciprocal relationship between sleep and pain and the recognition of sleep as an important parameter in determining quality of life, there is increasing research interest in sleep disturbance linked to chronic pain. The present study aimed to provide an estimate of the prevalence of ,clinical insomnia' in patients attending a specialist pain clinic and identify factors associated with it. Seventy chronic back pain patients and 70 gender- and age-matched pain-free controls completed a set of questionnaires measuring sleep (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI), pain (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and a selection of general and specific psychological variables (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Health Anxiety Inventory). Scores suggestive of clinical insomnia (ISI , 15) were noted in 53% of chronic pain patients, when compared with only 3% in pain-free controls. Significant positive correlations with insomnia severity were detected for all six variables of interest (pain intensity, sensory pain ratings, affective pain ratings, general anxiety, general depression and health anxiety). Affective pain ratings and health anxiety were the best predictors of insomnia severity in this sample, accounting for 30% of the total variance, even when present pain intensity was controlled for. Affective pain remained as a significant predictor of insomnia severity when both the effect of pain intensity and the effects of anxiety and depression were controlled for. Future research should consider investigating the role of pain appraisal and health anxiety in the development and manifestation of insomnia concomitant to chronic pain. [source] Deliberative Democracy and "Human Nature": An Empirical ApproachPOLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Janusz Reykowski The idea of deliberative democracy is based upon an implicit and questionable assumption that the ability for a meaningful participation in deliberation is a common characteristic of citizens of democratic countries. This paper discusses that assumption and describes the results of empirical research aimed at finding out (1) whether ordinary people are able to solve important ideological and moral controversies by means of deliberation, (2) what factors may facilitate this process, and (3) what are the effects of the deliberation. The research consisted in studying 20 small groups of parents of school-aged children who were asked to participate in a debate about sex education in Polish schools (N = 195). The debates were conducted by a facilitator. Before and after the debate participants filled out questionnaires testing their attitudes and some psychological variables. The debates were recorded on videotapes. We found that it is possible to conduct a debate on ideologically contentious issues that meets some criteria of the deliberative functioning and such a debate may have some of the effects postulated by deliberative theorists. [source] Depression in paediatric cancer: an overviewPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 7 2006Margaret DeJong Abstract Research into depression in paediatric cancer is in its early stages, but nevertheless has presented interesting challenges regarding the recognition and measurement of depression in a medically ill population. In this article we discuss the complex interaction between physical and psychological variables, and the diagnostic difficulties arising from this. We review the epidemiological findings regarding prevalence, evaluating the apparently low prevalence rate in the light of methodological weaknesses. Hypotheses put forward to explain the findings are discussed. We conclude by highlighting areas for future research. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Practitioner Review: Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice in pediatric obesityTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 2 2007Elissa Jelalian Background:, Pediatric obesity is a significant public health concern, with rising prevalence rates in both developed and developing countries. This is of particular significance given that overweight children and adolescents are at increased risk for multiple medical comorbidities, as well as psychosocial and behavioral difficulties. The current review highlights findings from the empirical pediatric obesity treatment literature, with particular attention to diet, physical activity, and behavior interventions. Evaluation and treatment considerations relevant to working with overweight children and adolescents with psychiatric comorbidities are reviewed. Methods:, Review of the relevant treatment literature, with a focus on randomized clinical trials, was conducted. Recommendations regarding treatment of children and adolescents with psychiatric comorbidities are based on relevant prospective studies of the relationship between weight status and psychological variables and studies with adult populations. Results:, Well-established pediatric weight control interventions have been conducted in research settings. These studies provide a starting point, but are limited by homogeneous samples that may exclude participants with psychiatric comorbidities. Practitioners treating obese children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders are encouraged to assess individual, familial, and contextual variables specific to weight (e.g., motivation and existing support to change current eating and physical activity patterns, extent of weight-related conflict within family, impact of weight on current functioning) in order to prioritize treatment objectives. Conclusions:, The review concludes with a discussion of current empirical and practical challenges, including explicitly targeting obese children and adolescents with psychiatric concerns and determining appropriateness of pursuing weight control interventions in this population. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,SEXUAL PAIN DISORDERS: The Association between Sexual Function, Pain, and Psychological Adaptation of Men Diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Type IIITHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2008Sylvie Aubin PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is known to have a negative impact on quality of life, especially on intimate relationships and sexual function. Information is, however, missing on the contribution of demographic and psychological variables to sexual variables. Aim., We compared the sexual function of men with CPPS to men without pain, and examined the relationship between the sexual, demographic, and psychological measures in men with CPPS. Main Outcome Measures., Self-report questionnaires assessing demographic, pain, sexual function, and psychological adaptation. Methods., The sample consisted of 72 men diagnosed with CPPS and 98 men without any pain condition. Self-report questionnaires measuring demographic, pain, and sexual function were completed once at the eligibility visit by all subjects. CPPS subjects completed additional questionnaires related to pain and psychological adaptation. Results., CPPS subjects differed from controls by reporting significantly less frequent sexual desire or thoughts, less frequent sexual activities, less arousal/erectile function, less orgasm function, and higher frequencies of genital pain during/after intercourse. When we adjusted for age and marital status, the difference between groups remained for thoughts/desire, frequency of sexual activity, and arousal/erectile function. Analysis of factors related to sexual function in CPPS subjects included pain status and psychological adaptation. Results showed that frequency of sexual activity decreased with increasing depression, whereas arousal/erectile function decreased with increasing pain symptoms and stress appraisal. Orgasm function decreased with increasing depression and pleasure/satisfaction decreased with increasing pain symptoms, stress appraisal, and decreasing belief of a relationship between emotions and pain. Conclusions., We found a differential sexual profile for men with CPPS when compared to men without pain. The results suggest that interventions addressing psychological factors affecting sexual responses should be further studied in prospective clinical trials as one possible way to improve sexual function and satisfaction in men with CPPS. Aubin S, Berger RE, Herman JR, and Ciol MA. The association between sexual function, pain, and psychological adaptation of men diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III. J Sex Med 2008;5:657,667. [source] Unanswered questions: A preliminary investigation of personality and individual difference predictors of 9/11 conspiracist beliefsAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Viren Swami Given the widespread appeal of conspiratorial beliefs, it is surprising that very little empirical research has examined the psychological variables associated with such beliefs. In the present study, we examined individual and demographic predictors of beliefs in conspiracy theories concerning the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon among a representative British sample of 254 women and men. Results of structural equation modelling showed that 9/11 conspiracist beliefs were positively associated with belief in other conspiracy theories, exposure to 9/11 conspiracist ideas, political cynicism, defiance of authority and the Big Five personality factor of Agreeableness. In total, a model including demographics, personality and individual difference variables explained over 50% of the variance in 9/11 conspiracist ideas. The implications of these findings for the literature on conspiracy theories are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Plasma levels of opioid peptides after sunbed exposuresBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2002T. Gambichler Summary Background Previous studies have indicated that solar and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation have a positive influence on psychological variables such as mood and emotional state. Circulating opioid peptides have been suggested as being important in this effect. Objectives To investigate in a controlled trial the influence of UVA radiation on opioid peptide levels. Methods We determined plasma levels of ,-endorphin immunoreactive material (IRM) and met-enkephalin in UV-exposed ( n = 35) and non-exposed ( n = 9) healthy volunteers. On the first day of the study, blood samples were taken from the volunteers (time A). UVA irradiation was subsequently administered with an air-conditioned tanning device. During the UV exposures the volunteers wore opaque goggles. Twenty minutes after UV exposure, blood samples were collected again (time B). Within the following 3 weeks the volunteers had a series of five UV exposures. On the last day of the study (24 h after the sixth UV exposure) blood samples were collected (time C). The cumulative UVA doses were 96 J cm ,2 for skin type II and 126 J cm ,2 for skin type III. The controls had no UV exposures. Plasma ,-endorphin IRM and met-enkephalin levels were determined using radioimmunoassays. Results At all times of blood collection (A, B, C), there were no significant differences in plasma levels of ,-endorphin IRM and met-enkephalin between UV-exposed and non-exposed volunteers ( P > 0·05). Conclusions UVA irradiation does not significantly elevate plasma levels of ,-endorphin IRM and met-enkephalin. Therefore we suggest that psychological benefits claimed to occur after UV exposure are unlikely to be mediated by the types of circulating opioid peptides measured in this study. [source] A selective review of research on offenders with developmental disabilities: assessment and treatmentCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 3 2005William R. Lindsay The process of deinstitutionalization has changed the nature of research on offenders with developmental disabilities, transferring the focus of enquiry from institutions to the community. As a result, there have been significant increases in the extent of research on assessment, treatment and service systems. This selective review focuses on anger and aggression, fire-setting and inappropriate sexual behaviour to illustrate the way in which developments are beginning to support clinical work in the area. We now have a number of assessments to delineate psychological variables and there are also developments in the assessment of risk for future violence. Treat-ment programmes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, relying increasingly on developments in cognitive techniques. Controlled trials indicate that treatment for anger and aggression may be effective in terms of both proximal and socially validated outcomes. There is a lack of controlled outcome research in other areas. More recent research comparing individuals in different levels of security may have impacts on services.,Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||