Personality and psychopathology.

The author outlines a biometric model for analysis of behavior on 5 major levels of activity: physiological, sensory, perceptual, psychomotor, and conceptual. The tests and the technique are described and evaluated. 47 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality and psychopathology: Genetic perspectives.

Genetic factors exert an important influence on adult personality traits, accounting for anywhere between 30–60% of the variance. Heredity is also important for most forms of psychopathology and plays a major role in several theories that relate personality to psychopathology. Despite this, there has been surprisingly little multivariate genetic research reported on joint analyses of personality and psychopathology. The small amount of available data suggests that genes may account for over 50% of the observed correlation between neuroticism and state symptoms of anxiety and depression. The mechanisms behind such strong genetic correlations are crucial for understanding the causal relationship between a personality trait and a disorder because genetically influenced biological systems may operate as exogenous "3rd-party" factors that are responsible for what appear to be phenotypic cause–effect relationships. How recent analytical advances in behavior genetics can use multivariate family data to address questions about the causal role of personality in psychopathology is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Confidence in protection: A developmental psychopathology perspective.

S. Goldberg, J. Grusec, and J. M. Jenkins (see record 1999-15264-001) provided a thorough review of J. Bowlby's (1982) work and offered a persuasive argument to consider confidence in protection as the roots of the parent-child attachment system. In an attempt to explore implications of their work, confidence in protection is examined from a developmental psychopathology perspective, with issues highlighted specifically about the role of family functioning, as well as the notion of risk and protection mechanisms. Questions are raised in the spirit of responding to and extending S. Goldberg et al.'s (1999) thought-provoking analysis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A developmental psychopathology perspective on adolescence.

Developmental psychopathology offers an integrative framework for conceptualizing the course of development during adolescence, with particular relevance for understanding continuity and the emergence of psychopathology during this and subsequent developmental periods. In this article, the utility of a developmental psychopathology perspective for informing the design of research, prevention, and intervention is highlighted. Interdisciplinary, organizational models of development, emphasizing the dynamic relations between the developing individual and internal and external contexts, are discussed. Examination of boundaries between abnormal and normal development during adolescence offers important vantage points for articulating diversity in the developmental course during this period. Conceptualizing divergence and convergence in developmental pathways, continuity and discontinuity in development, and the transactions of risk and protective processes leading to maladaptation, psychopathology, and resilience are highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biological warfare. A historical perspective

Several modifications of the 3H-tetracycline bone labeling method for measuring whole skeleton bone resorption were tested. Under steady state conditions of whole skeleton resorptive activity, bone labeling for intervals longer than 2 weeks prior to experimentation did not significantly alter the urinary 3H-tetracycline loss curve. The utilization of nonlinear regression analysis showed that the urinary loss of 3H-tetracycline was best described by double exponential equations, indicating the loss of label from two distinct and independent exchangeable bone compartments. This conclusion was supported by the finding that soft tissues were effectively depleted of 3H-tetracycline by 24 hours after the final injection of label. Hence, it was concluded that approximately 40% of the 3H-tetracycline loss from skeletal bone is associated with a "fast" compartment which is depleted within 6 or 7 days after label loading. The size and rate of 3H-tetracycline loss from the fast compartment decreased (40%) with age such that the depletion time remained constant between 8 and 24 weeks of age in both male and female rats. The remaining 60% of 3H-tetracycline loss from a "slow" compartment which was depleted in about 70 days in young (8 week) rats. This compartment, which is believed to reflect cell-mediated resorption of calcified bone; decreased in size with age in both male (50%) and female (30%) rats. The rate of label loss from this compartment, however, remained relatively high so that the depletion time decreased (approximately 35%) between 8 and 24 weeks of age. By determining whole skeletal mass and calculating these parameters on the basis of skeletal mass, we were further able to demonstrate significantly higher resorptive activity in female than in male rats by 24 weeks of age.     

Carl Rogers and Heinz Kohut: A historical perspective.

Earlier psychoanalytic thinkers, with their humanistic orientations, anticipated Heinz Kohut's theories and, therefore, contributed to the historical evolution of self psychology. Carl Rogers, a founder of humanistic psychology in the US, was a theorist who struggled with many of the same issues as Kohut. Rogers had new ways of looking at therapy, and especially at the therapeutic ambience, ways that foreshadowed the discoveries of Kohut. This article discusses areas of compatibility of the 2 theorists, such as their focus on empathy and the self, to encourage a rapprochement between humanistic psychotherapy and self psychology. Kohut revolutionized psychoanalysis by making it more humanistic. In that revolution, many of Rogers's empirically tested ideas were incorporated into a comprehensive psychoanalytic theory and clinical method. Because of the areas of mutual concerns and overlap, a fuller appreciation of Rogers's important ideas will be beneficial to self psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Disinhibitory psychopathology: A new perspective and a model for research.

The syndrome produced by septal lesions in animals can serve as a functional research model of human disinhibitory psychopathology which appears to span several traditionally separate psychological categories—psychopathy, hysteria, hyperactivity, antisocial and impulsive personality, and alcoholism. It is proposed that these categories are separate manifestations of the same genetic diathesis and that the "septal syndrome" may constitute a valid model of behavioral aspects of this diathesis. A program of experimentation utilizing this animal model is outlined. (65 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Research on reading processes: A historical perspective.

The systematic study of reading dates from the beginnings of experimental psychology in the 1880's. From that time until the publication of E. B. Huey's 1908 test on reading, reading processes were a central focus of experimental psychology. After this period the influence of behaviorism turned experimental psychologists away from the investigation of mental processes, while educational psychologists became preoccupied with testing and measurement. A revival of experimental work began in the 1950's, prompted by both improved funding for education and psychology's renewed interest in cognitive processes. With the current interest in information processing, reading again occupies a central role in psychology. However, it is argued that the research community needs a more convincing justification for continued government support of basic research than one based on potential links to classroom practice. (46 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of incest on self and social functioning: A developmental psychopathology perspective.

The effects of child sexual abuse have become a leading concern of mental health service providers. Despite an explosion of studies, one major difficulty in this research is the lack of a developmentally sensitive model for conceptualizing short- and long-term effects and continuity and discontinuity of effects over time. This article proposes a model based in the perspective of developmental psychopathology. It is argued that incest has its unique negative effects in the domains of self- and social functioning, specifically in jeopardizing self-definition and integration, self-regulatory processes, and a sense of security and trust in relationships. Studies with clinical samples indicate that diagnostic conditions associated uniquely with a history of incest reflect serious self- and social impairments. A review of the developmental literature on self- and social development summarizes each major developmental transition from infancy to middle adulthood, and the implications for the negative effects of incest on development are discussed. Finally, implications for developmentally sensitive research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Animal awareness: Current perceptions and historical perspective.

An examination of the writings of 19th and early 20th century comparative psychologists such as G. J. Romanes (1883, 1888) and C. L. Morgan (1903, 1923) indicates that they were well aware of many of the issues raised by the recent "cognitivism" in psychology and ethology. A survey completed by 349 Ss in undergraduate ethology classes, an animal behavior conference, and meetings on creationism on attitudes concerning mental continuity between humans and nonhumans showed that emotional continuity was considered more likely than intellectual continuity and that acceptance of evolution favorably disposed Ss to both. Critical anthropomorphism often aids in formulating testable hypotheses, but cognitive approaches to animals are in danger of suffering a fate similar to the earlier comparative mentalism. (88 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Detection of overreporting of psychopathology on the Personality Assessment Inventory: A meta-analytic review.

The Personality Assessment Inventory (L. C. Morey, 1991) includes 3 measures for identifying overreporting of psychopathology: the Negative Impression scale (NIM), Malingering Index (MAL), and Rogers Discriminant Function (RDF). Meta-analysis revealed that each measure was a strong predictor of uncoached (NIM, d = 1.48, k = 23; MAL, d = 1.15, k = 19; RDF, d = 1.13, k = 15) and coached malingering (NIM, d = 1.59, k = 8; MAL, d = 1.00, k = 6; RDF, d = 1.65, k = 3). For uncoached malingering, effects were larger in simulation than criterion groups studies, for identifying feigning of severe mental disorders than mood/anxiety disorders, and when feigners were compared to unimpaired honest respondents as opposed to patients. Cut scores of NIM ≥ 81 and MAL ≥ 3 resulted in the highest overall classification rates for identifying feigning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A historical perspective on the dilemmas confronting psychology.

Discusses psychology's growth in terms of volume and range of subject matter, variety of applied sciences, and number of professionals. It is argued that the discipline of psychology still shows a proclivity for its parts to hang together despite strong pressures that could lead to separation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Disinhibitory psychopathology and delay discounting in alcohol dependence: Personality and cognitive correlates.

Increased discounting of delayed rewards may reflect a decision bias that contributes to excessive use of alcohol and more generally, to an impulsive, disinhibitory predisposition that is characterized by a preference for immediate over long-term rewards. The current study examined the association between delay discounting of rewards and the covariation among several types of disinhibitory problems that are often comorbid with alcohol dependence (AD). Lifetime problems with alcohol, marijuana, other drugs, childhood conduct disorder, and adult antisocial behavior were assessed in a sample of 426 young adults, 257 of whom had a lifetime diagnosis of AD. Higher delay discounting rates were associated with the covariation among all domains of disinhibitory problems and were not uniquely associated with any one domain. Higher delay discounting rates also were associated with lower intelligence, lower working memory capacity, and higher trait impulsivity. The results suggest that increased delay discounting of rewards may reflect aspects of a general vulnerability to externalizing, disinhibitory disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A developmental psychopathology perspective on child abuse and neglect

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to conceptualize child abuse and neglect within a developmental psychopathology perspective. Toward this end, issues of definition and epidemiology, etiology, and sequelae are addressed. METHOD: Research and theory on child abuse and neglect with relevance to a developmental perspective is reviewed. RESULTS: Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the etiology and consequences of child abuse and neglect. Less progress has been made in utilizing this knowledge to inform treatment efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of a developmental psychopathology perspective into efforts to understand and ameliorate the adverse effects of child abuse and neglect holds considerable promise for advancing research and intervention in the area of child maltreatment. The importance of providing comprehensive and coordinated services that incorporate knowledge of how maltreated youngsters negotiate stage-salient issues of development is stressed. The provision of child-focused treatment, parent-based models of intervention, and ecologically driven approaches to prevention all can benefit from an understanding of the adverse effects that maltreatment exerts on the process of development.     

Laser angioplasty: historical perspective

A selective alpha-2 agonist medetomidine, a selective alpha-2 antagonist atipamezole and lidocaine were injected into the prefrontal cortex of aged rats that had been trained to perform a delayed alternation (DA) task in a T maze. Medetomidine at the dose of 0.01 microgram/microliter improved the memory task performance in four of five rats. The fifth rat improved its performance at the dose of 1.0 microgram/microliter. Atipamezole did not have any effect on the task performance. The effect of a systemic dose of medetomidine (3 micrograms/kg), which was previously shown to improve the task performance in old rats, was reversed by an intracortical injection of atipamezole. Lidocaine impaired the DA performance significantly. The results suggest that the beneficial effects of medetomidine on the working memory of old rats are mediated at least partly through the prefrontal cortex.     

A perspective on developments in assessing psychopathology: A critical review of the MMPI and MMPI-2.

Many concerns have been raised about the MMPI, but the emphasis on continuity during its revision precluded addressing many of these problems in the new MMPI-2. In this review, problems with the MMPI and MMPI-2 are explicated in an effort to promote more informed use of this and other tests of psychopathology. Major theoretical concerns include the lack of a consistent measurement model, heterogeneous scale content, and suspect diagnostic criteria. Serious structural problems include the overlap among scales, lack of cross-validation of the scoring keys, inadequacy of measures of response styles, and suspect norms. Six minor problems and new issues for the MMPI-2 are also discussed. It is concluded that although the MMPI-2 is an improvement over the MMPI, both are suboptimal from the perspective of modern psychometric standards for the assessment of psychopathology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A historical perspective and cellular regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis

With the recent accumulation of information about megakaryocyte biochemistry and function, our understanding of the regulatory system controlling megakaryocytopoiesis is becoming more clear. The cloning and the expression of thrombopoietin, the regulator of megakaryocytopoiesis, has been a major breakthrough. This review will discuss megakaryocyte ontogeny, cell-cell interactions between megakaryocytes and the other stromal cells and the signal transduction in megakaryocytes.     

A goal systems–self-regulatory perspective on personality, psychopathology, and change.

A motivational framework is presented linking personal goals and self-regulatory functions to normal personality, psychopathology, and the processes of change. First, the utility of goals as a "final common analytic pathway" or integrative unit is considered. Next, the premises of an emerging, goal-centered conception of adaptive functioning are discussed as a prelude to the author's outlining of a multidimensional working model of "goal systems." Reactive depression is reconceptualized in terms of specific self-regulatory dysfunctions under the influence of goal systems to illustrate how dysfunctional goal systems can serve as the central organizing component of psychopathology. A set of 10 propositions pinpoints goal-based sources of vulnerability to self-regulatory dysfunction in depression. A set of 5 propositions details the potential goal-based sources of maintenance of self-regulatory deficits. Finally, 14 theory-based principles of psychotherapeutic change are proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)