Development of a scale to measure intense ambivalence.

Developed a 45-item true–false scale to measure intense ambivalence using a procedure that ensured high internal consistency with minimal method variance. It has been argued that intense ambivalance is characteristic of Ss who are genetically predisposed to the development of schizophrenia. The scale was first validated by interviewing 72 (of 759 Ss who completed the scale) college students who scored high and in the normal range on the scale. Ss who scored high on the scale spontaneously reported feeling ambivalent and behaved ambivalently more often than low-scoring controls. The scale was then given to 85 schizophrenics (mean age 35.6 yrs), 30 hospitalized depressives (mean age 35.5 yrs), 192 psychology clinic patients (mean age 27.1 yrs), and 139 normal controls (mean age 31.3 yrs). As predicted, schizophrenics scored higher than controls; clinic clients scored in the middle range. Depressives scored the highest of all the groups. (40 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Executive coaching in a cross-cultural context.

Many executive coaches today find themselves working with leaders from a variety of cultural backgrounds, as well as coaching leaders who work with culturally diverse teams. It is therefore increasingly important that coaches understand the role of culture in their work. This article begins with an overview of several ways that culture plays a role in coaching, including an exploration of how assumptions about culture can positively or negatively impact a coach's approach and their ultimate success with a given individual. A second section provides three general principles for coaching across cultures, emphasizing the importance of using cross-cultural knowledge as a way to customize coaching to each person. The third section focuses on five essential conditions for learning--insight, motivating, capabilities, real-world practice, and accountability--and how cultural differences can influence various steps in the coaching process. A variety of examples for each condition highlight specific tools and techniques that coaches can use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Canadian psychology in a global context.

This article explores the impact that Canadian psychology has had around the world. Canadian discoveries and theories have led to paradigmatic shifts in several different areas of psychology; our ethics codes have influenced guideline and code development in other countries; articles written by Canadian psychologists have a very high impact relative to articles written by colleagues in other G8 countries; and our applied practitioners have contributed services to underprivileged parts of the world. Special emphasis is placed on how the unique character of Canadian society has played an important role in shaping Canadian psychology. The article concludes by reviewing the disadvantages of fragmentation within the discipline and the importance of integrating basic science with psychological application. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Epidemiology of childhood disorders in a cross-cultural context

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent mediator of allergic and inflammatory reactions in different pathological conditions. During recent years there has been increasing evidence that PAF can play an important role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. The PMN proteinases make an important contribution to the final tissue joint destruction in arthritis. In a rabbit model of acute crystal arthritis, we have compared the anti-inflammatory effect of two new molecules: BN 50727 with anti-PAF activity, and BN 50548 an inhibitor of PMN proteinases. These molecules were administered dissolved in DMSO at doses of 6 mg/kg three times daily i.p., beginning 24 h before the induction of arthritis. Compared with the untreated animals those receiving the drugs, presented a significant diminution in: (1) the synovial fluid volume; (2) the amount of cells infiltrating the joint cavity and the synovial membrane; and (3) the PGE2 concentration. Furthermore, in both groups of treated rabbits there was a significant decrease in synovial IL-6 concentration and in C-reactive protein serum levels and an important decline of histopathological score. The treatment with BN 50548 induced a significant reduction of TNF levels in the synovial fluid vs DMSO-treated and untreated rabbits. These results further strengthen that in an acute experimental arthritis model, molecules with capacity to antagonize the in vivo action of PAF have an anti-inflammatory effect reflecting an important role for this mediator in the pathogenesis of arthritis. We have also seen that an inhibitor of proteinases is capable of improving the joint inflammation apparently through a decrease in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) synovial levels. Furthermore, the proteinase inhibitor treatment preserves the loss of articular proteoglycan content, in an acute arthritis model. In conclusion, BN 50727 and BN 50548, two compounds with PAF antagonist and antiproteinase activity, respectively exert an anti-inflammatory effect in an experimental model of acute urate crystal arthritis, probably due to a decrease in TNF alpha and IL-6 synthesis.     

Validation of a scale to measure reasoning about abortion.

We developed and validated a scale to measure how persons view abortion. A preliminary version of a Reasoning About Abortion Questionnaire (RAQ) based on research by J. Smetana (1982) was pilot tested on 134 undergraduate and graduate students. This version contained 30 Likert items that reflected right to life and prochoice arguments. Factor analysis revealed a single, bipolar dimension on which prochoice and right to life items were oppositely loaded. On the basis of these data, the RAQ was modified. The revised, 20-item RAQ was administered to 230 college students. The factor pattern was replicated. Scores ranged from –40 to +40 on a single, reliable (α?=?.94) continuum. Evidence for validity of the polarity scores was obtained through structured interviews. In a follow-up study of 38 additional subjects, the RAQ proved to be stable over an 8-day span (r?=?.98). The data support the validity and reliability of the RAQ. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A cross-cultural analysis of the CPI Femininity scale.

The goal of the Femininity scale (Fe) of the CPI is to define a dimension of measurement which is functionally effective, conceptually clear, and cross-culturally valid. Validational evidence from U.S. work is encouraging, and information on the scale's utility in investigations of such matters as identification, sex-typing, etc., is accumulating. Inquiry into cross-cultural validity would appear to be warranted, and in fact indicated by the folk-concept theoretical basis of the inventory. 1388 males and 845 females in 4 countries (France, Italy, Turkey, and Venezuela) were tested; in each comparison the scale gave rise to significant differentiations between males and females. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fourth graders' sensitivity to morphological context in spelling.

An important aspect of spelling development in English involves the child's ability to use morphological context to deal with one-to-many sound-spelling mappings for word endings. One case involves /z/ endings that follow long vowels, where an “s” spelling is required in the case of inflected noun and verb contexts, but an “se” or “ze” spelling is required in the case of noninflected nouns and verbs. The present study examined the ability of good and poor spellers in Grade 4 to capture these morphological distinctions in a pseudoword spelling task. Overall, the good spellers outperformed the poor spellers, and both groups were more sensitive to the inflected–noninflected noun distinction than the inflected–noninflected verb distinction. These findings underscore the importance of linguistic factors in spelling development as well as the necessity of providing due consideration to these factors in spelling instruction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Using the rehab scale in a Greek context

OBJECTIVE: Whether or not the distribution of biologically active fragments in TSAb-IgG molecules parallels antigen-binding activity in other anti-thyroidal antibodies was examined. DESIGN: Both the thyroid stimulating (TS) activity (cAMP production in thyroid cells) and TSH binding inhibition (TBI) activity (determined by TSH receptor assay) were examined by measuring the reduction in TSAb-IgG followed by gel-filtration on Sephadex G-100. Two forms of IgG [IgG(kappa) and IgG(lambda)] were separated from TSAb-IgG by column chromatography using Protein L-Sepharose (specifically binds to kappa chain). The IgG(kappa) was reduced with dithiothreitol (DTT) and the unbound fraction (UF) (the free heavy (H) chain) and the bound fraction (BF) (the free kappa chain and the non-reduced IgG(kappa)) were separated using Protein L-Sepharose. The Fab fragment was separated by Protein A-Sepharose after papain hydrolysis of TSAb-IgG, then separated into two Fab(kappa) and Fab(lambda) forms by Protein L-Sepharose. The Fd fragment (or fragment containing Fd) was prepared from Fab(kappa) by DTT reduction followed by Protein L column. RESULTS: The free H chain fraction showed TS and TBI activity, but neither anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) nor anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody activities. The free light (L) chain was not biologically active. Similar TS and TBI activities were found not only in IgG(kappa) and IgG(lambda) but also in the Fab(kappa) and Fab(lambda) fractions. Fd fragment that was not contaminated with free kappa chain had TS and weak TBI activities. CONCLUSIONS: The thyroid stimulating activity in 5 TSAb-IgG samples was found in IgG(kappa), IgG(lambda), Fab(kappa), Fab(lambda), H chain and Fd separated by papain digestion and reduction. These results showed that TSAb was polyclonal and that the Fd fragment was important as the biologically active site.     

Deinstitutionalization of chronic mental patients in the Canadian context.

A review of the literature shows that deinstitutionalization of mental patients has been occurring as rapidly in Canada as in the US and that this process has sometimes resulted in problems. A reexamination of the deinstitutionalization literature suggests that chronic mental patients fare no worse and sometimes fare better in the community than in institutions when adequate community support is provided. It is suggested that more Canadian research on deinstitutionalization is required. (French abstract) (54 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

What does the Cook and Medley Hostility scale measure? Affect, behavior, and attributions in the marital context.

W. W. Cook and D. M. Medley's (1954) Hostility (Ho) scale has been used in several important studies evaluating potential health consequences of hostility. A relative lack of compelling information about the construct validity of the Ho scale, however, has raised concerns about appropriate interpretation of previous research. In this study, 60 married couples discussed a low conflict topic, a high conflict topic, and then a second low conflict topic. High Ho men responded to the high conflict topic with significant increases in self-reported anger and anxiety and overt hostile behavior, but low Ho men did not. Furthermore, compared to low Ho men, high Ho men blamed their wives more for their usual disagreements on the high conflict topic and saw their disagreement-engendering behavior as more intentional. Among women, Ho scores were weakly related only to overt hostile behavior. Finally, couples consisting of two low Ho persons displayed a uniquely agreeable interactional style. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development of a sensation-seeking scale.

This article reports the development of a Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) designed to quantify the construct: "optimal stimulation level." Items were written, using the construct as a guide, and given to undergraduates. The items were factor analyzed. A general factor was found and the item-factor correlation pattern was similar in males and females. In another sample, satisfactory reliability for the SSS was obtained and it was found to be positively correlated with field independence as measured by the Embedded Figures Test. In a third sample, nonsignificant correlations between SSS and Howard's Stimulus Seeking Maze tests were found. A significant negative correlation between SSS and anxiety, as measured by the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List was obtained. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reactions to Twelve Angry Men as a measure of sensitivity training.

In a series of management training laboratories, a sentence completion film reaction test was developed to detect sensitivity to interpersonal phenomena. The examination has a test-retest reliability of 71. Performance on the test is significantly increased as a consequence of a management training laboratory. The scores match opinions of peers and staff psychologists' appraisals. Sensitivity scores correlate significantly with influence in small group discussions, but not necessarily with job status in one's organization. Young engineers appear to earn particularly low scores. Sensitivity scores seem to bear little relation to whether the individual is self-, interaction-, or task-oriented in groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The F scale as a measure of breadth of perspective.

An interpretation of the F Scale as a measure of the breadth of a person's perspective (or range of tolerance) is proposed. According to this view, the F Scale reflects both a person's psychological capacity for shifting contexts and accepting differences, and the opportunities for widening his experiences provided by his environment. To illustrate this interpretation, data from a sample of 282 Negro college freshmen are presented. F score is shown to be related to an index of capacity, based on a measure of intolerance of ambiguity; and to several determinants of opportunity—sex, age, social class background, and regional background. An analysis using jointly the index of capacity and a composite index of opportunity shows that capacity and opportunity contribute independently to F Scale position. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-expressiveness within the family context: Psychometric support for a new measure.

The family appears to be an important setting for learning about emotions and how to express them within a social context. Because of the need for reliable and valid measures of emotional expressiveness in the family, the Self-Expressiveness in the Family Questionnaire is introduced and evaluated in four studies with 499 mothers and 362 fathers. Factor analyses indicate highly consistent patterns of loadings for a two-factor solution across the four studies. The resulting positive and negative scales are highly internally consistent and stable over time. Evidence of good convergent, discriminant, and construct validity was obtained, and a preliminary short form with good internal consistency and construct validity was also identified. Ideas for future research on marital and parent–child issues are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Components of variance due to acquiescence and content in the F scale measure of authoritarianism.

"This paper presents a method for computing the amount of acquiescence response set variance and content variance in an opinion questionnaire of true false or agree-disagree format. The method is used to reanalyze the results of recently published investigations of acquiescence response set occurring in the California F Scale measure of authoritarianism. For raw data, the method uses scores on the scale as originally constituted as well as on scales of reversed items obtained from the same group of subjects." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conditioned hyperalgesia depends on the pain sensitivity measure.

Conflicting reports about the acquisition of conditioned hyperalgesia during the development of conditioned morphine tolerance have led researchers to suggest that tolerance reflects a reduction of stimulus processing rather than a compensatory response interaction. I tested conditioned hyperalgesia on both the hot-plate and tail-flick tests in the same animals. In accordance with previous reports, the tail-flick responses in drug-free animals failed to reveal a conditioned compensatory hyperalgesia. Conditioning effects in the tail-flick test were found only when the animals were challenged with a low dose of morphine. However, the hot-plate response in drug-free animals replicated earlier demonstrations of conditioned hyperalgesia. The results suggests that the measurement of conditioned respones in drug-free animals depends on characteristics of the assessment procedure. These findings are consistent with accounts of morphine tolerance that depend on compensatory response interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Repression-Sensitization scale as a measure of adjustment: Relationship with the CPI.

The repression-sensitization dimension has been hypothesized to be associated with adjustment in a curvilinear fashion with both sensitizers and repressers showing more evidence of maladjustment than neutrals. The Repression-Sensitization (R-S) scale and the CPI were administered to 91 college undergraduates and intercorrelated. Approximately ? of the CPI scales yielded significant negative correlations with the R-S scale. Rather than the hypothesized curvilinear relationship, repressers appear to be the best adjusted of the 3, sensitizers the most maladjusted, while neutrals fall between the 2 defense groups. The 7 CPI scales which relate most consistently to repression-sensitization are Sociability, Sense of Well-Being, Self-Control, Tolerance, Good Impression, Achievement via Conformance, and Intellectual Efficiency. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Further evidence on the ego strength scale as a measure of psychological health.

This study was designed to see if the difference between undergraduates and mental patients obtained by Taft (1957) on the ES Scale represents a difference between college and noncollege populations. Therapy and nontherapy groups in a university setting were compared on the ES scale and results similar to that of Taft were obtained. There was also a trend for self-referred counselees to obtain higher scores on the ES scale than those earned by referred counselees. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development of a measure of intrapersonal empowerment.

This article reports the development of a self-report instrument that measures 4 components of intrapersonal empowerment for people with disabilities. Subscales are Personal Competence, Group Orientation, Self-Determination, and Positive Identity as a Person With a Disability. Psychometric data indicate that subscales are reliable and support trait validity of the instrument. All 64 items with scoring key and preliminary norms are included so that interested readers can use the instrument in research studies and assessment applications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)