Consequences of dieting to lose weight: Effects on physical and mental health.

Concern has been raised that negative physiological and psychological effects of dieting may outweigh aesthetic and health benefits. This review of the literature concludes the following: (1) The measurement of dieting is an important unresolved issue; (2) current dieting, chronic dieting, desire to lose weight, specific weight control behaviors, and weight changes may have different effects on health and need to be distinguished; (3) dieting is usually not associated with nutritional deficiencies, adverse physiologic adaptations, severe psychological reactions, or the development of eating disorders; and (4) recommendations against weight loss efforts involving moderate changes in eating and exercise habits are not warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological consequences of food restriction

A review of the literature and research on food restriction indicates that inhibiting food intake has consequences that may not have been anticipated by those attempting such restriction. Starvation and self-imposed dieting appear to result in eating binges once food is available and in psychological manifestations such as preoccupation with food and eating, increased emotional responsiveness and dysphoria, and distractibility. Caution is thus advisable in counseling clients to restrict their eating and diet to lose weight, as the negative sequelae may outweigh the benefits of restraining one's eating. Instead, healthful, balanced eating without specific food restrictions should be recommended as a long-term strategy to avoid the perils of restrictive dieting.     

Ethical issues for psychology in the postmodernist era: Feminist psychology and multicultural therapy (MCT).

Proposes that postmodernist inquiries regarding power and authority have contributed to the adoption by some psychologists of discursive stances that are fundamentally ethical. Two of the most important schools defined by their employment of an ethical logic are feminist psychology and multicultural therapy, both of which offer "ethico-therapeutic" treatment modalities to clients perceived to be suffering from psychological wounds caused by some kind of power inequity. Essential to the success of such therapy for clients is the demand by psychologists for changes not only from clients, but from the general society. The authors conclude that the continued development of ethical discourses within psychology may help to meet many of the challenges to psychological well-being in the postmodern era. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effects of dieting on eating behavior: A three-factor model.

Reviews and critiques restraint theory and develops a 3-factor model of dieting behavior. The factors (frequency of dieting and overeating, current dieting, and weight suppression) are embedded within a 3-dimensional grid that also considers mechanisms mediating the effects of dieting and the influence of weight status. The eating behavior exhibited by restrained eaters stems from their frequent dieting and overeating in the past rather than from their current state of dietary or cognitive restraint. Evidence is reviewed indicating that current dieting and weight suppression have different effects on eating than does restraint. The 3-factor model is used to reinterpret findings consistent with restraint theory and to explain findings inconsistent with restraint theory. Finally, clinical and research implications of the 3-factor model are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dual-relationship dilemmas of rural and small-community psychologists.

Sixteen licensed psychologists who lived and practiced in rural areas and small communities participated in interviews about ethical dilemmas they faced in daily practice. Dilemmas involving professional boundaries were identified as significant concerns for all of the psychologists. Major themes were the reality of overlapping business relationships, the effects of overlapping relationships on members of the psychologist's own family, and the dilemmas of working with more than 1 family member as clients or with others who have friendships with individual clients. The psychologists knew the content of ethical codes but often struggled in choosing how to apply those codes in the best interest of clients. Ongoing discussions regarding these choices can contribute to the evolution of practice codes applicable to rural areas and other small communities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nonsexual posttherapy relationships: A conceptual framework to assess ethical risks.

Psychologists sometimes enter into nonsexual posttherapy relationships with former clients. These relationships may occur for a host of reasons, and psychologists have different views regarding the ethicality of these relationships. The American Psychological Association ethics code provides little specific guidance. This article proposes a collaborative and practical model to assess the ethical risks of nonsexual posttherapy relationships that is grounded in normative ethical principles and is drawn from literature about the therapeutic process and social role theory. The role of virtue ethics is discussed as a basis for developing character traits that help psychologists make difficult ethical decisions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Disordered eating and unhealthy weight reduction practices among adolescent females

BACKGROUND: Dissatisfaction with body weight and the use of unhealthy weight reduction practices have been reported among adolescent females. There is a need for methodologically rigorous studies using large representative samples of adolescent females to accurately assess the prevalence of these behaviors and attitudes. METHODS: Eight hundred sixty-nine Australian school girls ages 14-16 years were administered a self-report questionnaire to determine the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors, unhealthy dieting practices, and distorted body image. Anthropometric (height and weight) data were collected on each of these adolescent females. RESULTS: The prevalences of disordered eating, unhealthy dieting, and distorted body image were 33, 57, and 12%, respectively. Over one-third (36%) of the total sample had used at least one "extreme" dieting method in the past month, i.e., "crash" dieting, fasting, slimming tablets, diuretics, laxatives, and/or cigarettes to lose weight. Of the total sample, 77% wanted to lose weight and 51% had tried to lose weight in the past month. Motivating factors for disordered eating and unhealthy dieting behaviors were peer pressure, media pressure, and the perception that extreme dieting strategies were harmless. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of disordered eating and dieting behaviors among adolescent females shown by this study suggests the need for preventive programs encouraging appropriate eating and dieting behaviors.     

Levels of training to address religion in clincal practice.

Psychologists routinely work with clients who hold religious beliefs and values, yet there is often the question of whether psychologists are trained and competent to address religion as an aspect of diversity. How do training programs prepare psychologists to address this specific diversity issue? Do training programs equip psychologists to work effectively with religious clients? It is useful for psychologists to consider a 3-tier training system in religion and religious diversity that reflects a commitment to seeing religion as a meaningful expression of diversity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nuclear arms escalation and the role of psychologists.

Contends that although efforts to end the nuclear arms race have raised public awareness, none of the arms reduction goals have been met. It is suggested that psychologists have the research skills and clinical expertise to identify the misconceptions and debilitating emotional patterns associated with nuclear arms preparation. Psychologists can educate the public about the implications of existing research, examine how the threat of imminent omnicide clinically affects clients, and help clients work through their numbing so that effective action can be initiated. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clients Who Stalk Psychologists: Prevalence, Methods, and Motives.

There is emerging recognition that psychologists are susceptible to various forms of intrusiveness by clients, including stalking. Information regarding the contexts in which stalking emerges and the behaviors to which clinicians are subjected is limited. A random sample of Australian psychologists (N = 1,750) was surveyed to ascertain the prevalence, nature, and occupational impact of stalking by clients. Of the 830 respondents, 19.5% had been stalked for 2 weeks or more. Psychologists typically perceived the stalking to be motivated by resentment (42%) or infatuation (19%). Most practitioners altered their professional practice as a consequence of the harassment and 29% considered leaving the profession. Stalking by clients is a salient professional issue that requires greater attention to better manage conduct that is potentially damaging to both therapists and clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Practicing safer listserv use: Ethical use of an invaluable resource.

Listservs are often used by professional psychologists to share resources and references, seek consultation or support, find referrals, discuss important issues, keep informed about upcoming events, and access other useful information. Topics of discussion include clients, students, research, insurance companies, and even other professionals. Listservs can help keep otherwise isolated professional psychologists connected with the psychological community. Listservs make such discussions and information more accessible to psychologists who are geographically isolated or cannot easily attend meetings and other events because of other demands on their time. There are risks involved in listserv use, however. Nothing shared over the Internet is ever completely secure. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Listservs potentially distribute messages about clients and other topics far more widely than a single e-mail communication does, thereby multiplying the risks involved. In this article, the author explains how listservs work, addresses the potential ethical problems connected with their use, and suggests some more secure methods for sensitive professional Internet exchanges. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Telehealth and neuropsychological assessment: New opportunities for psychologists.

The advent of telehealth technology gives psychologists new opportunities to expand their practices in a cost-effective manner, but little is known about telehealth efficacy and costs. This study of 49 neuropsychology clients interviewed using videoconferencing and 49 matched in-person controls yielded no group differences in client ratings of interpersonal factors. Telehealth clients were more likely to want to repeat their experience, but psychologist satisfaction was lower for telehealth sessions. Telehealth costs were significantly lower than in-person costs. Concerns about ethical issues, billing, and licensure must be addressed to help practitioners capitalize on new telehealth opportunities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Réalité actuelle des couples homosexuels: Implications cliniques en contexte de thérapie conjugale.

Despite the fact that a large number of homosexual couples seek professional help when confronted with marital difficulties, relatively little knowledge is available to psychologists working with these clients. Although gay and lesbian couples greatly resemble heterosexual couples on most of the conjugal dimensions, it seems that same sex couples do have a unique reality to their sexual orientation. The present article constitutes an innovative synthesis of the actual knowledge concerning therapeutic intervention with gay and lesbian couples. First, the specific motives for these couples to seek help are discussed (i.e., issues related to homophobia, the lack of conjugal models, the "coming out" process, and the influence of socialization). Then, changes relating to issues relevant to some same sex couples brought to theoretical frameworks in psychology are explored. The frameworks that we examine are psychoanalytic, adlerian and cognitive behavioural. Finally, issues associated with HIV are discussed given its importance for die homosexual population and its impact on gay couples. This article, far from wanting to stigmatize even more homosexual couples, aims to support psychologists in their reflection and search for adequate interventions with this population that still... (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Program evaluation for organizational cultural competence in mental health practices.

Mental health practices that lack cultural competence prevent diverse clients from receiving the care they deserve. As providers and program administrators, psychologists currently have a responsibility to ensure high quality of care for diverse clients at the clinic level. This article deciphers extant empirical research, organizational theory, public policy literature, and best practices to identify which recommendations are most relevant for those in small mental health practices and clinics. The authors present 10 components for culturally appropriate care, ranging from policies and procedures to needs and satisfaction level of clients. This overview can be used to help evaluate and develop a mental health practice's ability to meet the needs of diverse clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychologists' Clinical Evaluations and Attitudes: An Examination of the Influence of Gender and Sexual Orientation.

Becoming aware of factors that may affect differential treatment of clients is necessary for psychologists to practice competently. Scholarly writing and empirical studies have suggested that therapist gender, client gender, and client sexual orientation are 3 such factors. This study examined therapist gender, client gender, and client sexual orientation in relation to psychologists' attitudes and clinical evaluations for clients. Results indicated that female psychologists held more positive attitudes and treatment expectations for clients than did male psychologists and that some psychologists hold inconsistent attitudes toward female clients generally and lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients in particular. Continuing education and consultation are recommended to increase psychologists' awareness of gender and sexual orientation issues and potential influences in treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychotherapy and the recovery of memories of childhood sexual abuse: U.S. and British practitioners' opinions, practices, and experiences.

Psychotherapists were surveyed regarding clients' memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The 3 samples were highly similar on the vast majority of measures. Respondents listed a wide variety of behavioral symptoms as potential indicators of CSA, and 71% indicated that they had used various techniques (e.g., hypnosis, interpretation of dreams) to help clients recover suspected memories of CSA . Across samples, 25% of the respondents reported a constellation of beliefs and practices suggestive of a focus on memory recovery, and these psychologists reported relatively high rates of memory recovery in their clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dieting and binging: A causal analysis.

Discusses the association between binge eating and dieting and presents sequence data indicating that dieting usually precedes binge eating chronologically. The present authors propose that dieting causes binging by promoting the adoption of a cognitively regulated eating style, which is necessary if the physiological defense of body weight is to be overcome. The defense of body weight entails various metabolic adjustments that assist energy conservation, but the behavioral reaction of binge eating is best understood in cognitive, not physiological, terms. By supplanting physiological regulatory controls with cognitive controls, dieting makes the dieter vulnerable to disinhibition and consequent overeating. Implications for therapy and the societal consequences of regarding dieting as a solution to the problem of binging are discussed. (59 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Serendipity is not serendipitous.

Serendipitous events have been shown to affect the careers of prominent counseling psychologists. Why should this seem surprising? Unplanned events affect everyone's career. The surprise is due to the widespread but unfounded assumption that career decisions should be the logical outcome of a "true reasoning" process. Counseling psychologists need to (a) broaden their view so that the reluctance to make an occupational commitment in the face of unpredictable future events can be celebrated as open-mindedness, not denigrated as indecisiveness, (b) teach clients that unplanned events are a normal and expected part of the career development process, and (c) teach clients how to generate unplanned events that contribute to a more satisfying life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Improving readability of psychological reports.

Psychological reports serve several purposes, including communicating information about a client's functioning and recommending interventions. To accomplish these purposes, reports must be clearly written and easily understood. Since the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, clients and parents commonly have access to reports. However, psychologists working in schools, clinics, and independent practice often write reports at levels higher than the education level of their audience, particularly parents. An example of rewriting to a simpler level is presented. Periodic evaluation of reading levels of reports may help psychologists write clearer reports. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)