Fritz Redl (1902–1988): Obituary.

Memorializes the work of Fritz Redl. Highlighted are his work at Pioneer House, a residential home for delinquent children, and the volume, The Aggressive Child (1956), which he coauthored with David Wineman. Dr. Redl was also chief of the Children's Research Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health and president of the American Orthopsychiatric Association. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Couples- versus individual-based therapy for alcohol and drug abuse: Effects on children's psychosocial functioning.

The study compared the effect of couples-based vs individual-based therapy for men who entered outpatient substance abuse treatment on the psychosocial functioning of children in their homes. Men were randomly assigned to (1) behavioral couples therapy (BCT), (2) individual-based treatment (IBT) or (3) couples-based psychoeducational attention control treatment (PACT). For both children of alcohol (N=71) and drug-abusing men (N=64), parents' ratings of children's psychosocial functioning was higher for children whose fathers participated in BCT at posttreatment and at 6- and 12-mo follow-up than for children whose fathers participated in IBT or PACT. BCT resulted in greater improvements in parents' dyadic adjustment and fathers' substance use. Thus, couples-based intervention that addresses both issues may have greater benefits for children in these homes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Awards for Distinguished Professional Contributions 1986: Nadine Lambert.

Nadine Lambert, one of the 1986 recipients of the Distinguished Professional Contributions Award, is recognized for making "numerous contributions to the professional practice of psychology. In 1960, Dr. Lambert was among the first to advocate and support multilevel legislation for children with learning and mental health problems in California. In 1965, she initiated and developed the first doctoral level professional school program in California. She is also responsible for the adaptation, validation, and standardization of the AAMD-SE Adaptive Behavior Scale. Dr. Lambert's research on the social and the psychological antecedents of various childhood and adolescent mental health problems, as well as her work with hyperactive children, has contributed significantly to the improved treatment and understanding of many childhood and adolescent behavioral problems." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nicholas Hobbs: Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Service 1980.

Presents a citation and biography on Nicholas Hobbs on the occasion of his receiving the Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Service in 1980 from the American Psychological Association. Dr. Hobbs is recognized for his contributions to the residential treatment of emotionally disturbed children, his work with the Peace Corps, his service to Vanderbilt University and the government in many capacities as well as president of the American Psychological Association. A bibliography of his research is also provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychology in cancer medicine: A perspective and overview.

Reviews the interaction between the fields of psychology and cancer medicine from a historical perspective, highlighting the growth of psychosocial oncology since the 1960's. Areas considered include the correlation between cancer and psychopathology, psychological morbidity of cancer patients, the relation of cancer survival to psychological variables, and psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions with cancer patients. (86 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A pilot investigation of variables associated with patient willingness to participate in psychosocial research.

Examined systematically the effect of 2 study characteristics and several selected demographic variables on cancer patients' willingness to participate in psychosocial research. 55 Ss (aged 19–96 yrs) provided demographic information and responded as to whether or not they would be willing to participate in a psychosocial study that varied in involvement and content. Ss' willingness to participate in psychosocial research was, overall, quite high and did not appear to be related either to patient characteristics or to study characteristics. Data are discussed as a means of facilitating rigorous psychosocial oncology research and in the broader context of general physical medicine. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social support and parental adjustment to pediatric cancer.

Assessed the psychosocial adjustment of 107 23–58 yr old parents whose children had cancer using the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale. Ss whose child had died showed poorer adjustment than Ss whose child was in treatment or had completed treatment. Ss over 30 yrs of age showed better adjustment than younger Ss. Different patterns of association between 11 sources of social support and adjustment were found. Psychosocial adjustment of Ss with a child in treatment was correlated more frequently with perceived social support than for other Ss. Results suggest that particular attention should be paid to the psychosocial adjustment of young bereaved parents. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special series.

The treatment of emotional and behavioral problems among children and adolescents is an area in great need of research. The range and diversity of problems children and adolescents experience, the number of youth in need of treatment or care, and the costs of impairment to society are enormous (see Institute of Medicine, 1989). As information accumulates on the continuity of dysfunction across the life span, the importance of intervening early in development for both treatment and preventive purposes assumes increased significance. Research advances are evident but often difficult to discern against a backdrop of a more active adult psychotherapy literature and broader work in developmental psychopathology. The present series of articles was developed to highlight research on psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents. The very large number of treatments and problems to which they can be applied preclude exhaustive coverage of the field. The present series is illustrative with articles that evaluate traditional forms of psychotherapy, demonstrate advances in developing and evaluating selected treatments for special groups, highlight the critical role of evaluation for programs designed to ameliorate dysfunction, and characterize current treatment research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Medical crisis intervention with children and adolescents with chronic pain.

A specific application of medical crisis counseling (Pollin 1994, 1995)—a time-limited, clinical intervention for individuals with a chronic illness—is presented for work with children and adolescents who are experiencing chronic pain. Particular emphasis is placed on the meaning patients make of their illness experience and the role of explanatory models of chronic pain in shaping the psychosocial experience of patients. An integrated biological and psychosocial approach to understanding and treating pain is emphasized. A conceptual framework and set of strategies for treating chronic pain and addressing the common fears and concerns that arise for patients are described. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychosocial aspects of assessment and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults and recurrent abdominal pain in children.

This article presents a selective review of psychosocial research on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults and on a possible developmental precursor, recurrent abdominal pain (RAP), in children. For IBS the authors provide a summary of epidemiology, of the psychological and psychiatric disturbances frequently found among IBS patients, and of the possible role of early abuse in IBS. A review of the psychosocial treatments for IBS finds strong evidence to support the efficacy of hypnotherapy, cognitive therapy, and brief psychodynamic psychotherapy. The research relating RAP to IBS is briefly reviewed, as is the research on its psychological treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines operant elements and stress management has the strongest support as a treatment for RAP. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Filmed versus live delivery of full-spectrum home training for primary enuresis: Presenting the information is not enough.

To extend availability of a behavioral treatment package for enuresis, two outcome studies compared the effectiveness of live versus videotape delivery. In Study 1, 40 primary enuretics were randomly assigned to live or film delivery. Outcome was superior for the live delivery. Overall, pretreatment measures of family and child psychosocial adjustment failed to predict treatment response. The results were replicated with 18 children, and an impact assessment suggested that film delivery resulted in higher confidence of children in their parents but lower confidence of parents in their children. Delivery of treatments by videotape may provide a way to identify nonspecific factors in psychological interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Winifred Starbuck Scott (1906-2003).

Presents the obituary for Winifred Starbuck Scott (1906-2003), who served as American Psychological Association's Division of School Psychology president in 1964-1965. Dr. Scott is noted for her work in the area of school psychology and her extensive involvement in numerous divisions within APA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Current concepts in milieu treatment of seriously disturbed children and adolescents.

In a variety of treatment settings, a therapeutic milieu provides intensive psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational experiences for disturbed children and young adolescents. It is generally agreed that effective psychosocial treatment requires a developmentally based treatment approach, collaborative parental involvement, and provision for ongoing staff support and training. In such settings, the treatment plan for each child reflects developmental, psychosocial, biological, cognitive, and neurointegrative aspects of the child's problems and identifies specific roles for psychotherapists, caseworkers, educators, occupational and recreational therapists, and parents (Alt, 1961; Pfeffer, 1979; Redl, 1959; Trieschman, 1969). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Childhood mental health disorders: Evidence base and contextual factors for psychosocial, psychopharmacological, and combined interventions.

Reviews the book, Childhood mental health disorders: Evidence base and contextual factors for psychosocial, psychopharmacological, and combined interventions by Ronald T. Brown, David O. Antonuccio, George J. Dupaul, Mary A. Fristad, Cheryl A. King, Laurel K. Leslie, Gabriele S. McCormick, William E. Pelham Jr., John C. Piacentini, and Benedetto Vitiello (see record 2007-15067-000). This volume stands as a significant contribution to the current state of affairs in child and adolescent mental health. Unassuming in size (a total of 207 pages including references and author and subject indexes), this compilation is not only of value to researchers and clinicians within the professions of psychology and psychiatry but holds significance across other professions (e.g., social work, occupational therapy, nursing) that serve and support the mental health care of children. This book consists of 13 chapters, of which 11 address common child and adolescent mental health disorders. The authors offer readers a concise summary of the status of support for psychosocial, pharmacological, and combined interventions balanced in the context of safety and potential harm. Recommendations are offered on the most appropriate first-line treatment for a particular disorder (which predominantly favours psychosocial interventions over psychoactive medications). This is a book that will be a significant resource for those seeking evidence-based guideposts to intervention with children, adolescents, and their families. It is a timely, accessible, well-organised text, giving fair consideration to pharmaceutical, psychosocial, and combined interventions. As the authors allude, this compilation represents a "snapshot in time" but sets forth a strong foundation for practise and an agenda to further clinical and research attention to children's mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of systematic group counseling on work adjustment clients.

Developed initially to enable motivated physically handicapped clients to return to work, rehabilitation is now encountering more clients who, due to psychological deficiencies, believe themselves no longer capable of productive work. To help clients build key psychosocial skills, a systematic group counseling approach, Personal Achievement Skills (PAS), was introduced and tested in a work adjustment setting in a comprehensive rehabilitation center. When compared with a group of 23 clients who had received work adjustment services and a placebo treatment (personal hygiene training), 20 experimental clients given Personal Achievement Skills and work adjustment services reported greater gains on self-ratings of life perspective (optimism), work-related attitudes, and goal attainment. Further research is needed to determine whether such psychological changes contribute to employment and job retention. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conditioned aversive responses in cancer chemotherapy patients: Theoretical and developmental analysis.

Reviews the literature on conditioned responses to cancer chemotherapy and examines the etiology, prevalence, and development of such responses. Studies on anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) are considered in relation to the hypothesis that they develop through a respondent learning process, and an extension of this hypothesis is outlined that includes a moderating role of anxiety in the conditioning process. Factors associated with ANV include characteristics of treatment and individual factors such as an inhibitive coping style, taste and odor sensations during treatment, age and marital status, and degree of posttreatment nausea. It is concluded that research in this area of psychosocial oncology is entering a critical phase of development that will require more systematic, integrative, and theory-based approaches for continued advancement. (41 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Attitudes of Canadian oncology practitioners toward psychosocial interventions in clinical and research settings in women with breast cancer

The aim of this study was to survey Canadian oncology practitioners' attitudes toward psychosocial concerns and issues in women with breast cancer. Surveys were mailed to 351 medical, radiation and surgical oncologists and 375 oncology nurses. Standard questionnaires assessed attitudes towards psychosocial issues in women with primary and metastatic breast cancer and evaluated the practitioners' willingness to refer women to psychosocial intervention trials in the presence and absence of competing drug trials. Responses were obtained from 74% of those surveyed. Respondents reported being aware of the common occurrence of psychosocial problems in women with metastatic breast cancer, however, physicians were less likely than nurses to offer these women psychosocial support on a prophylactic basis (p < 0.0001) and they expressed greater concern than nurses about scientific validity of (p = 0.0003), and potential psychological damage from (p = 0.005), psychosocial support groups. Nurses were more likely than physicians to favour a study investigating group psychosocial support over competing drug studies (p < or = 0.003) in the metastatic setting. Physicians were less likely than nurses to deal with weight problems prophylactically in women with primary breast cancer (p = 0.0009) and they expressed greater concern over scientific validity of psychosocial interventions addressing weight than nurses (p = 0.0008); nurses were more concerned about excessive expectations of patients regarding potential benefits of such interventions (p < 0.0001). Regardless, nurses were more likely than physicians to favour a psychosocial intervention study focused on weight management over drug studies in pre- (p = 0.0006) and postmenopausal women (p = 0.05) with primary breast cancer. Canadian oncology practitioners are aware of the common occurrence of psychosocial distress in women with breast cancer. Physicians and nurses assigned differing priorities to psychosocial interventions in both clinical and research situations.     

Class climate moderates peer relations and emotional adjustment in children with an early history of anxious solitude: A child × environment model.

Classroom emotional climate was hypothesized to moderate psychosocial adjustment in 1st grade for children with an early childhood history of anxious solitude. Participants were 1,364 children in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and their mothers, child-care providers, and teachers. As anticipated, children with an early childhood history of anxious solitude were more rejected, poorly accepted (boys), and victimized (girls) by peers and demonstrated more depressive symptoms (girls) in 1st-grade classrooms with negative observed emotional climate. Results support a Child × Environment model of children's social and emotional adjustment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Information booklet for parents of children surviving cancer

With increasing survival rates in pediatric oncology, the medical and psychosocial costs of cure are becoming apparent for the child and his family. The focus of our concern is now how to prevent and to reduce these adverse late effects of cancer and its treatment. To reduce the late psychosocial consequences for the child and its family a booklet was written for parents. We decided to address parents because of the young age of many children when treatment is completed, the essential role of parents in alleviating late effects for the child and his siblings, and the possibility to discuss the whole range of psychosocial late effects: those for the patient, the siblings, and for the parents themselves. The booklet acknowledges the specific emotional problems in patients, parents, and siblings that results from surviving childhood cancer and provides information and support on how to deal with them. The booklet can enhance open communication with the health care team about late consequences. In this way the booklet supports the further integration of medical and psychosocial aftercare.