Le fonctionnement interne des équipes de travail: Conception et mesure.

The goal of this research is, on the one hand, to propose a multidimensional conception of the internal functioning of work teams and, on the other hand, to present data on the validity of this conception at an operational level. With this intention, a group of subject matter experts in the area of work teams developed a questionnaire on internal functioning of work teams. This first version was administered to a sample of 568 members (63 teams) from a health and social services network in order to verify the psychometric characteristics and to make the necessary modifications. In a perspective of validation, the second version of the questionnaire was administered to a second sample of 376 members (71 teams) from private and parapublic sectors. The results show that the internal functioning consists of two dimensions, namely interpersonal support and team work management. Moreover, both dimensions are positively related to team performance as evaluated by the immediate superiors of the members. Finally, the results indicate that task interdependence plays a moderator role on these relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Robert Sessions Woodworth: 1869-1962.

Woodworth was "a unique contributor to modern American psychology in at least four respects." (a) He was a symbol of mature, factually and method-oriented experimental psychology. (b) Through teaching and editing he became a central figure in a vigorous, broadgauged conception of research. (c) His eclecticism indicated scope and perspective. (d) He clearly defined his position on controversial issues and buttressed it with logic and evidence. For Woodworth a psychology worth knowing meant that one should know it "in three dimensions." His Experimental Psychology was a major reference work for a particular era of psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Transformations in the world of work and of health care. Preliminary reflexions]

In this work, I make some preliminary reflections about the transformations in the world of work and health. For this purpose, I start this study discussing essential dimensions of the work like the central category to analyse the society based on the Marxist conception. Following, I investigate transformations in the world of work and the specificity of health to the related reflection about care and the organization of health workers.     

Ecological constraints on mental health services.

Proposes 4 principles for community mental health programing that are consistent with an ecological thesis: (1) Assessment methods are focused on the total population rather than on those persons who presently receive a mental health service. (2) Mental health services are designed to reduce a high risk for community service. (3) Professional and research services are created as local community resources. "By initiating the informal coordination of current services, the community mental health program helps to create specific new community services as needed." (4) The program plans for change; this involves mobilizing anticipatory problem-solving resources not only for clients but for professionals as well. A "conception of community mental health work based upon the ecological thesis that adaptive programs change" is presented. (39 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Unifying psychology: A scientific or non-scientific theory task?

Comments on the review by Stephen Yanchar (see record 2009-04719-001) of the current author's book, "Behavior and Personality: Psychological Behaviorism." The past fifteen years has seen an accelerating growth of interest in psychology's fragmentation and the importance of unification, in a manner that did not exist before. Stephen Yanchar is one of the contemporary leaders in the unification movement, with a focus on philosophy, to which he has been contributing important works. Yanchar's philosophy (which he considers to be theory), fundamental understanding of what psychology is and should be, conception of unifying psychology and, as we will see, his agenda for the field of theoretical and philosophical psychology, are quite different from those of my philosophy of unified positivism and theory of psychological behaviorism (PB). Thus, although this has not been made clear, Yanchar's review is based on a philosophical position that really does not accept psychology as a science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The road not taken: A false start for cognitive psychology.

"Psychology and History" was H. Münsterberg's presidential address at the 1898 American Psychological Association conference (see also PA, Vol 81:27847). After a short academic career in Germany, Münsterberg had accepted a chair at Harvard University. In his address, he presented to his American colleagues his conception of psychology as unitary science of the individual human mind. However, this conception that endeavored to import idealistic philosophy from Germany was skeptically received in America where pragmatism prevailed. Münsterberg adapted to his new environment. During the following decade, he incorporated into his theory what he had objected to before: purposive, social, and applied psychology. Yet, Münsterberg's initial conception was a sophisticated design for psychology as a cognitive science. In retrospect, it can be evaluated as a road taken much later. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Berlyne on art: A review of D. E. Berlyne's Aesthetics and psychobiology.

Reviews the book, Aesthetics and Psychobiology by D. E. Berlyne (see record 1973-00821-000). Progress in the aesthetic disciplines has been at a snail's pace. Berlyne charges six factors with having impeded advance: the belief in art as a supernatural phenomenon, the failure to separate factual from normative questions, the conception of art as a unitary phenomenon, the habit of treating art in isolation from nonartistic forms of behavior, the preoccupation with uniqueness in aesthetic taste, and the concentration on verbal judgments in aesthetic work. But the future looks brighter, due primarily to the following developments: (1) the rise of information theory, which provides procedures for rigorously analyzing some of the features of stimulus patterns that most concern aesthetics, (2) recent empirical and theoretical contributions in both psychology and neurophysiology to the understanding of pleasure and arousal, and (3) findings bearing on the nature of exploratory behavior, both in animals and humans, particularly as these teach the motivational importance of such elements as complexity, novelty and uncertainty, so-called "collative" variables, that "seem to be identifiable with the irreducibly essential ingredients of art and of whatever else is aesthetically appealing" (viii). The principal aim of Berlyne's book is to establish the ground gained in these three areas, compare it to the contributions made by earlier workers, and effectuate "a provisional synthesis that will at least bring key problems to the fore" (viii). It is a formidable task. Inevitably, the effort fares better in some assignments than others. Ironically, what discrepancies in quality do exist would probably project less were Berlyne not so knowledgeable about his subject matter. He is, quite obviously, in the tradition of those "cultured gentlemen" with whom he is wont to populate the early history of psychological science. Parenthetically, one suspects that he could supplement the present work with a very creditable companion volume in the philosophy of aesthetics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An abilities conception of personality: Some implications for personality measurement.

Most "psychologists have tended to regard the domains of personality and ability as separate. This unfortunate separation has resulted in a necessary confounding of 2 important response properties in personality research, i.e., response predisposition and response capability… . In the measurement of abilities, attempts are made to elicit indices of maximal performance under optimal conditions of measurement." On the other hand, personality tests based on "psychoanalytic notions of projection would imply the more ambiguity the better." Predisposition conceptions of personality "can lead to operations which are clearly at odds with those demanded by an abilities conception." From an abilities conception, "the usefulness of any measuring instrument would decrease as ambiguity in the measuring instrument is increased." The choice, to search for man "as he really is" or in terms of those things "of which he is capable" is of utmost importance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Le mécanisme de la vision des couleurs.

Reviews "Le mecanisme de la vision des couleurs," by J. Segal (see record 1954-02115-000). Visual specialists for the most part still subscribe to the classical trichromatic conception with regard to the color mechanism, even though recent evidence concerning the nature of the retina and the involved neural functions seemingly has failed to narrow the gap that long has existed between fact and theory in vision. After many years of intensive study and experimentation, Segal presents in this work his own constructive formulation, along with the arguments that are associated with its development. Although the new theory is cast in the familiar trichromatic mold, he breaks sharply from conventional thinking in regard to the details of visual physiology. Divesting himself of prevailing conventions, he envisages the mechanism underlying color in terms of essentially new relationships. The logical reasoning on which the new prospect of the mechanics of color is based is worked out in considerable detail and in relation to much of the relevant knowledge that steadily has been accumulating. In a thoroughly scholarly manner, Segal has presented what amounts to a simplification of the physiological mechanics of color vision. Whether the new prospect is confirmed in its entirety, or in part only, he has made a contribution to the psychophysiology of color that is bound to serve as the basis for further critical studies designed to come more closely to grips with the true nature of the color mechanism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measuring job stressors and studying the health impact of the work environment: An epidemiolgic commentary.

This article provides a commentary on 5 articles in the special section that marshal a substantial amount of information about 4 instruments for measuring work stress. The perspective is that of psychosocial epidemiology and highlights the differences between the environmental and the psychological traditions of studying stress and health. Several issues are addressed: (a) placing the 4 measures in a broader taxonomy of dimensions of work environment and evaluating the measures in that context, (b) discussing alternative strategies for measuring job strains, (c) analyzing some of the issues in the triviality debate, and (d) reconsidering a number of issues in the ongoing debate about "subjective" versus "objective" measurement approaches to work dimensions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Meaning in the context of stress and coping.

Although theoretical and empirical work on topics related to meaning and meaning making proliferate, careful evaluation and integration of this area have not been carried out. Toward this end, this article has 3 goals: (a) to elaborate the critical dimensions of meaning as it relates to stressful life events and conditions, (b) to extend the transactional model of stress and coping to include these dimensions, and (c) to provide a framework for understanding current research and directions for future research within this extended model. First, the authors present a framework for understanding diverse conceptual and operational definitions of meaning by distinguishing 2 levels of meaning, termed global meaning and situational meaning. Second, the authors use this framework to review and synthesize the literature on the functions of meaning in the coping process and propose a definition of meaning making that highlights the critical role of reappraisal. The authors specify the roles of attributions throughout the coping process and discuss implications for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The saturated self: Dilemmas of identity in contemporary life.

Reviews the book, The saturated self: Dilemmas of identity in contemporary life by Kenneth J. Gergen (see record 1991-97621-000). There is, perhaps, no other concept as seminal for psychology as the self. For this reason alone, Kenneth Gergen's book represents an important contribution to our understanding of this influential concept. However, Gergen's vision is so broad, his arguments so compelling, and the implications so revolutionary, that the work defies confinement exclusively within the walls of academia. In essence, Gergen is articulating his vision of a postmodern world, and he lays an invitation squarely before the reader to come and partake. The conception of the self as private and autonomous is the focus of Gergen's postmodern challenge. In his chapter, "Social Saturation and the Populated Self," Gergen postulates that technological innovation in contemporary society has made possible a rapid proliferation of relationships. This he refers to as the "process of social saturation." Gergen's book constitutes a substantive contribution to psychology's on going understanding of the self. Copious examples are provided throughout, drawing on and extending scholarly debates. Also included are anecdotes and evidences from such far ranging domains as art, film, music, literature, and architecture. These not only clarify and reinforce his arguments, but also illustrate the scope and practicality of the position he espouses. Although readers may not embrace the gestalt of Gergen's vision of a postmodern culture, they are certain to find this book to be a provocative and rewarding read. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Do the media have an impact on the role of health care?

Edward Asner is a well-known stage and screen performer who has starred in a variety of motion picture and television productions, including Rich Man, Poor Man, Roots, and of course is best known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant. There is another side to Mr. Asner, however. It is for this side of his professional work that he was asked to present an Invited Address to this APA Convention. For several years, Mr. Asner has taken a lead role in promoting the entertainment industry's involvement in health care. He has been actively involved in advocating quality health care for all citizens and to this end has become publicly involved in several ways. Mr. Asner's belief that health care services should be available to all individuals has led him to become actively involved in the union movement in the entertainment industry, promoting stronger affirmative action clauses and increased emphasis on health/safety conditions and benefits. It is because of this sincere dedication and active participation that Mr. Asner has been asked to address this American Psychological Association convention on the topic of "Do the Media Have an Impact on the Role of Health Care?" (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychology and Medicine: Psychobiological Dimensions of Health and Illness.

Reviews the book, Psychology and Medicine: Psychobiological Dimensions by Donald Bakal (1979). Bakal believes that psychology "is rapidly becoming an integral part of modern health care delivery systems" and directs his book toward developing this interest by showing the theoretical and practical relevance of psychological concepts to major health problems. In the first section, which has the inclusive title "Medicine: Mind and Body", he describes a "paradigm shift" in medicine, away from an emphasis on the physiological and biochemical systems as basic to understanding disease toward a "psychobiological" approach to illness which focuses on the inter-relationships between the social, psychological, and physiological determinants of health and disease. He amplifies this point by discussing such matters as personality-disease relationships, psychomatic medicine, a cross-cultural variation in models of health and illness and the implications of the split brain research for states of consciousness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Anniversaries of the Serbian Medical Society, 1952: 80 years since the founding of the Society--first results and confrontations

The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Serbian Medical Association as an important jubilee "for all cultural and social life of our country", "the importance of which" we many not be able to apprehend yet, "falls in times that show to us all the complexity of social and political situation in the country". In that time the first results in the creation of a system of medical protection and the conception of new health institutions, begun after the WW II on the initiative of the Association. All this relates to tasks that the Association proclaimed in its "resolution" for the combat against basic problems of public health, and above all, infant mortality and tuberculosis, as well as other aims that have in the meantime been realised. One can, on the basis of the aforesaid, speak about this period as the most important in the history of the Serbian Medical Association. On the other hand, with the First Congress of Serbian Doctors, a wide ideological confrontation was initiated that, in the pursuit of particular political goals, and under the motto of "constructing the image of a people's doctor" dominated in the time of the jubilee. This culminated in the confrontation with some professors at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade. Without going into analysis of this campaign that progressed with "great support of responsible state administration and social instructions" and all this because "of the construction of the image of a people's doctor" one can, from a great temporal distance, say that everything that has been done is the fact that the Serbian Medical Association did not partake in the campaign. This positive fact in the history of our Association is so important because these happenings did not disturb the work of sections and branches of the Association. The Association and its members continued with their activity that in the next period gave important results in further construction of a medical system in the country. This created a basis for the final shape-up of the system itself--one of advanced health care systems in the world.     

La conception de la santé chez des gar?ons de 14 à 16 ans de milieu défavorisé.

In order to describe conceptions of health of male adolescents, structured interviews were individually conducted with 700 14–16 yr old boys from a disadvantaged urban environment. A classical content analysis of respondents' verbalizations was conducted and interrater reliability coefficients were calculated. Results indicate that being functional, lifestyle health behaviours, and to a lesser extent psychological well-being are the most important components of their conception of health. Adolescents emphasized vegetation, natural elements, and the absence of pollution in their neighbourhood, as well as encouragements to engage in physical activity. Mothers and television are the main sources of health information. Respondents rarely mentioned issues related to leading health problems for adolescents: unintentional injuries, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease. It is concluded that adolescents' conception of health may just mirror what the adults try to transmit to them in terms of health promotion or prevention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Building up the science of welfare care

An imposing amount of knowledge has been produced during the course of three hundred years of research in the field of occupational medicine and in other specialisations that in the last fifty years developed as branches of this discipline (industrial hygiene, industrial toxicology, respiratory physiopathology, etc). Part of this scientific heritage has been used to the full to plan and carry out prevention measures that have led to improved working conditions in many sectors of industry. Examples are the successes obtained in the prevention of pneumoconioses, aplastic anaemia and leukemia due to benzene, cancer caused by aromatic amines, and diseases occurring in pesticide users and consumers of agricultural products treated with such products. More recently, through original research programmes, with particular reference to the "Clinica del Lavoro" of Milan, a theoretical revision was made of the conception and method for analysing the relationship between organised work and health, resulting in an organic arrangement of the variables and procedures for the analysis of working conditions for the purposes of prevention. Other ways and areas where scientific bio-medical knowledge can be used are: a) planning of prevention measures on a vast social scale; b) variables and indicators for planning and assessing services designed for diagnosis and prevention of occupational risks and diseases; c) development of training programmes. In spite of these positive results, European Community statistics show that still too many occupational accidents and work-related diseases occur all over the world, especially in the developing countries, because the amount of scientific knowledge used is still much smaller than what is already available. The causes of this situation are many, among which those of a cultural nature. The author proposes the setting up of an "International Network for the History of Occupational and Environmental Prevention", and furnishes a detailed illustration of the aims and foreseeable initial actions.     

How does one decide about ESP?

Comments on the article by J. C. Crumbaugh entitled "ESP and flying saucers: A challenge to parapsychologists" (see record 2005-12015-013). The present author takes issue with two major points made by Crumbaugh. The first has to do with his proposal as a scientific procedure, the second with his conception of where parapsychology stands today. But first there are two minor factual errors that should be corrected. In one lesser slip Crumbaugh refers to "most reputable experimentalists" being led to "lose interest in ESP." As a matter of fact, there has never been any such wholesale interest to be lost, either on the part of experimentalists in psychology or out of it, arid whether reputable or not. The other rather small correction deals with Crumbaugh's remark that "Rhine has rejected the observations of an experiment by a skeptical committee or individual..." The present author states that at no time has he rejected any such observation; moreover there are, as Crumbaugh himself doubtless knows, significant experimental results of ESP experiments conducted with observers present, some of them known to be skeptical. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Beyond Husserl.

In his article "Husserl Revisited," Jennings (see record 1987-05956-001) did a noteworthy job of introducing the complex work of Edmund Husserl and the relation of that work to psychology. However, to have a broad conception of phenomenology, one must see that Husserl's work is not all there is, or has been, to the praxis of the discipline. It could be asserted that the phenomenological psychology practiced by at least some today stands totally independent of Husserl, drawing instead on Brentano, Stumpf, James, and the gestaltists. In saying this, it is not my point to defame Husserl, merely to keep him in perspective. There can be no doubt of Husserl's influence on many current phenomenological psychologists (e.g. Giorgi, 1970). Still, articles like Jennings's promote a confusion between the work of one individual and the discipline as a whole. It was my intention in this comment to suggest sources for review and consideration, believing that from them readers will find a more complex and less distinct relationship between phenomenology and psychology than that presented by comparing only Husserl's views with psychology. Beyond this point, I share the views of Jennings completely and embrace the aim of his original article, which was to stimulate "a more fruitful dialogue between the disciplines" (p. 1240). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality traits and the eye of the beholder: Crossing some traditional philosophical boundaries in the search for consistency in all of the people.

Studies of nomothetically applied personality tests, clinical inference, and person perception have been interpreted as supporting the view that the naive "trait" based personality conceptions of the layman (and psychologist) are largely erroneous constructions of the perceiver. Recent work has suggested that the assumption of nomothetic applicability of traits may have been incorrect and that only some people may be consistent on any given trait. A method was developed to combine advantages of both idiographic and nomothetic measurement by allowing each of 98 undergraduates to choose his or her most consistent characteristic (on bipolar dimensions based on the 16 PF) and to assess the extent to which these consistent dimensions were publicly observable. High correlations were found between self, parent, and peer ratings on the high-consistency dimensions, particularly when Ss judged them to be highly publicly observable. The utility of consistency and observability self-assessments as moderating variables for individual traits is also considered, as is the use of mean population consistency and observability rankings in discriminating relatively more nomothetically applicable dimensions. (56 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)