Review of Current topics in rehabilitation psychology.

Reviews the book, Current topics in rehabilitation psychology edited by Charles J. Golden (1984). Every few years an edited volume of chapters on rehabilitation psychology is published. The latest contribution, Current Topics in Rehabilitation Psychology, edited by Charles Golden, is written for students, professionals, and educated lay people who want to learn about some of the recent advances in the field. Golden makes clear, and quite correctly so, that the volume is not a comprehensive coverage of all the areas of research, training, and service that are in the domain of rehabilitation psychology. Instead, after two chapters giving an overview of the field, several specific areas are addressed. They include management of chronic pain, cognitive retraining in brain damaged patients, rehabilitation and aging, adjustment of people with spinal cord injury, vocational training of people with severe developmental disabilities, biofeedback, and the role of personality in attitudes toward those with physical disabilities. The book would have profited greatly from more careful editing. Although the quality of writing varies from author to author, the grammatical errors, misspellings, and garbled sentences are uniformly so numerous that they sometimes distract the reader from the valuable content of the chapters. Nevertheless, the book is worthwhile as one that gives an overview of several specific topics and supplies rich bibliographies to those wishing to learn more. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A step in the right direction: A resource for collaboration on health-related issues.

Reviews the book, Health-related disorders in children and adolescents edited by L. Phelps (see record 1998-07780-000). This edited text provides an overview of 96 medical conditions that place children at risk of developing psychological or educational problems. The central feature of this book is that it is intended as a reference tool for professionals who collaborate with medical professionals. Increasingly, there have been many vehicles for school psychologists to collaborate with medical professionals, including comprehensive school health care programs and school-based health clinics, and community-based coordinated services that provide children and youth comprehensive care. In this regard, school psychologists are likely to encounter increasing numbers of children who experience health disorders, along with more traditional areas of practice including mental health and educational issues. Although not a purely medically oriented text, Phelps has taken a perspective that school psychologists work within the context of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who are likely to provide services for these children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of treatment for eating disorders.

Reviews the book, Handbook of treatment for eating disorders (2nd ed.) edited by David M. Garner and Paul E. Garfinkel (see record 1997-08478-000). In this book, the editors state that their primary goal is to present treatment approaches in sufficient detail that clinicians can conduct therapy of these disorders. A strong research base undergirds each chapter, filled with extensive case illustration and practical approaches, directed toward the practicing clinician. With new as well as revised chapters, this book consists of five major sections. The first, "The Context for Treatment," describes the history of eating disorders, focusing on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. The second, and most coherent, section focuses on cognitive-behavioral and educational approaches. A conglomeration of approaches based on other theoretical perspectives appears in the third section, entitled "Psychodynamic, Feminist, and Family Approaches." In the fourth section, issues around inpatient, partial hospitalization, and drug therapies are reviewed. A final, catch-all section covers special topics, including comorbid histories and conditions (sexual abuse, substance abuse, and medical issues), diagnostic concerns (personality disorders), alternative treatments (group, self-help), treatment dilemmas (treatment refusal in anorexia nervosa), age considerations (prepubertal eating disorders), and binge-eating disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of emotion regulation.

Reviews the book, Handbook of emotion regulation edited by James J. Gross (see record 2007-01392-000). The purpose of this edited volume is to bring the reader and the scientific community up-to-date on the burgeoning field of emotion and particularly how it is regulated. The book comprises 30 chapters divided amongst seven traditional sections within psychology: foundations, biological bases, cognitive foundations, developmental approaches, personality process and individual differences, social approaches, and clinical outcomes. Gross very nicely captures the range of topics and issues surrounding the topic of emotion and emotion regulation in this edited volume. Gross is to be congratulated for taking on the task of editing such a timely and important volume for the field. Given the scope of the volume, it should have wide appeal to researchers as well as graduate and advanced undergraduate students in the areas of personality and social psychology, human development, child clinical psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive and affective neuroscience. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of the psychology of aging, 7th edition.

Reviews the book, Handbook of the psychology of aging, 7th edition edited by K. Warner Schaie and Sherry L. Willis (see record 2010-26788-000). The Handbook of the psychology of aging has been a fixture since its inception in 1977. Although the departure of former senior editor James E. Birren has given rise to a “generational turnover” (p. xi), the new volume keeps alive the interdisciplinary spirit of the series by continuing to combine cutting-edge basic and applied perspectives from a diverse set of contributors. Section editors and authors include senior figures in the field who have contributed to prior volumes of the Handbook, as well as new scientific leaders who may not yet be “household names.” The volume is organized into four sections: theory and methods, neuroscience and cognition, social and health factors, and psychopathology. Each section contains 3–8 chapters of varying structure and length. With the exception of the first section, each section includes topics that were not included, or received significantly less coverage, in prior editions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

At the starting gate: Research and theory on families and somatic health.

Reviews the books, Family's impact on health: A critical review and annotated bibliography by T. L. Campbell (see record 1987-34495-001); Family-centered medical care: A clinical casebook edited by W. J. Doherty and M. A. Baird (see record 1987-97755-000); and Health, illness, and families edited by D. C. Turk and R. D. Kerns (1985). The field of families and somatic health is a vital one; its research findings have implications for both clinical practice and public policy. Under the rubric of families and health lie a diverse set of topics that span the entire life cycle. They include among others: (a) the impact of family factors on somatic health outcome and conversely the influence of somatic health on family functioning, (b) the effect of family factors on compliance to medical regimens and the adoption of beneficial health practices, (c) family interventions designed to promote health and/or help families deal with chronic disease or acute illness, and (d) the family's influence on health utilization behaviors. The books reviewed here cover these topics quite well. When considered as a group, these three volumes inform the reader about the state of the art of families and health, and suggest future directions. The three volumes reviewed here, taken together, demonstrate the challenging nature of this area of work and provide a useful point of departure for further accomplishments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Brain Damage and the Mind.

Reviews the book, Brain Damage and the Mind by Moyra Williams (see record 1971-06870-000). Another of the excellent paper back series on special topics edited by experts in their respective field. Dr. Williams is Principal Clinical Psychologist, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Contents include consciousness and mood, disorders of memory, disorders of perception, disorders of motor skill and verbal expression, and disorder of general intelligence and personality. Almost 200 research papers are integrated in these chapters and within 175 pages. One result is a density rather too high for casual reading. Worth the money. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Children of alcoholics: Critical perspectives.

Reviews the book Children of alcoholics: Critical perspectives edited by Michael Windle and John S. Searles ( 1990-97263-000). This book is divided into nine separate chapters, including introductory and summary chapters and chapters on epidemiology, biochemical markers, neuropsychology and neurophysiology, behavior genetics, personality, family environment, and intervention. On balance, the contributions are up-to-date and scholarly, and they successfully illustrate the methodological issues and shortcomings across the various areas of children of alcoholics (COAs) research and provide theoretical perspectives for integrating the existing data. Throughout the book, biopsychosocial and developmental issues are stressed. The reviewer believes that this in itself is an important contribution because much of the writing in this area overemphasizes either biological or psychosocial factors to the exclusion of the other. Biologically oriented researchers often appear to support overly simplistic, reductionistic approaches, whereas psychosocial theorists (even when paying lip service to biological factors) often fail to appreciate that some of their key "environmental" constructs might be reflecting genetically determined phenomena (e.g., as in the case of gene-environment correlation). In the final chapter, Windle and Searles do an admirable job of integrating and bringing a sense of coherence to the multidisciplinary research literature. The reviewer believes their suggestions for future research are right on the mark and should be heeded by the next generation of COA researchers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biobehavioral research on cardiovascular disorders.

Discusses several major research issues, needs, and opportunities related to the role of behavior in cardiovascular disorders. Cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary heart disease and essential hypertension, have been among the most well-developed topics in health psychology. There are many physiological, environmental, sociocultural, and behavioral variables that interact in etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders. The standard risk factors for coronary disease are all variables with significant behavioral components. A broadened search for mechanisms and influences contributing to heart disorders has led to an examination of psychosocial risk factors. Research issues that are currently under study or that in need of further attention are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The Cambridge handbook of personality psychology.

Reviews the book, The Cambridge handbook of personality psychology edited by Philip J. Corr and Gerald Matthews (see record 2010-05179-000). A comprehensive review of personality psychology, this book covers a range of topics, including those that are standard in personality texts (conceptualisation, biological and cultural perspectives) as well as more unique additions (social pain and hurt feelings, animal models, and politics). Although the introductions are lengthy (approximately 33 pages), these chapters do provide a useful guide to the book and key issues addressed in remaining chapters. The chapters are generally written in a manner appropriate for graduate students, professionals, or academics. Given the broad scope and careful attention to the defining of key constructs and methods, this book will appeal to an audience with varying familiarity with personality psychology. Overall, I would highly recommend this book as a comprehensive source on the broad field of personality psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Self-help approaches for obesity and eating disorders: Research and practice.

Reviews the book, Self-help approaches for obesity and eating disorders: Research and practice edited by Janet D. Latner and G. Terence Wilson (see record 2007-11980-000). This book is an edited text that provides a review of research findings in this area and a discussion of practical strategies related to implementing self-help. The intended audience is researchers and clinicians, and the book provides a good balance of literature review and consideration of practical issues that should meet the needs of both. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of pain assessment, second edition.

Reviews the book, Handbook of pain assessment, second edition edited by Dennis C. Turk and Ronald Melzack (see record 2001-05101-000). This book is a comprehensive review of the state of the art of pain assessment. The book consists of 36 chapters organized in six major sections, an introduction and a conclusion. The sections are: measurement of pain, assessment of behavioural expressions of pain, medical and physical evaluations, psychological evaluation, specified pain states, and methodological issues. The Handbook of pain assessment should be in every university and health centre library. All health professionals and students who see patients who have pain (and that is probably all of them) should have this text readily available. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of From research to clinical practice.

Reviews the book, From research to clinical practice, edited by George Stricker and Robert H. Keisner (1985). The intended audience for this edited volume "will probably be practicing psychotherapists...[with] a minimum knowledge of the research area but a ready familiarity with clinical concepts" (p. xv). In addition, the editors suggest to the chapter authors that a successful chapter should provide new meaning for the term "scientist professional" by providing a feedback loop between research and practice. The authors also state that the theoretical focus of this volume is psychodynamic. The book is divided into four areas each preceded by a brief overview. The following areas are covered: Basic issues, social psychology, developmental psychology, and special topics. Overall, I found the chapters to be informative and well written. I think some practitioners may find this book overly academic in tone and may question whether enough of the chapters are sufficiently relevant to busy, practicing clinicians. This is not a book on spotting golden research nuggets between the covers of the volume. Instead, this book requires careful mining of considerable content in order to find sparkling applications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychopathology: Contemporary Jungian perspectives.

Reviews the book, Psychopathology: Contemporary Jungian perspectives edited by Andrew Samuels (see record 1991-97962-000). This book is a collection of relevant articles culled by the editor from the Journal of Analytical Psychology. Because the editor has collected what was available rather than having commissioned items specifically to span the topic for the book, the coverage of the range of psychopathology is spotty, although the major topics of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and personality disorders are covered. Several articles on narcissism are included as are also articles dealing with marital pathology and Holocaust victims. Most are from the perspective of Jungian therapy with the only other theoretical input used coming from self psychology. No other approaches are mentioned. Obviously, the book is likely to be a useful compendium to Jungian analysts. It is somewhat difficult to see how it could be useful to practitioners of other points of view. The language is replete with Jungian terms that are not explained and may not be immediately understandable for persons outside that system. There are two additional major flaws that are also apparent: The tone and language are decidedly British and refer to how the British mental health system is organized, which is, of course, somewhat different than ours; also, because of the publication dates, many of the articles have a dated quality. Both of these factors limit the potential audience for this book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Child sexual abuse: Critical perspectives on prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Reviews the book, Child sexual abuse: Critical perspectives on prevention, intervention, and treatment edited by Christopher R. Bagley and Ray J. Thomlison (1991). This book is a compilation of a series of literature reviews originally commissioned by Health and Welfare Canada in 1987 and completed in 1988. The individual papers included in this edited version represent a cross section of Canadian academicians, clinicians, and case workers who are integrally involved in the policies and practices regarding child sexual abuse in Canada. The work provides a comprehensive perspective on prevention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The list of authors is impressive in terms of their expertise and experience. At a time when numerous books on child sexual abuse are appearing on the market, it is nice to see a book that has some unusual aspects. Aside from its distinctly Canadian perspective, the book addresses several important, yet frequently ignored, topics. The book provides an up-to-date review of several core issues: conceptualization of the problem, prevention strategies, impact of sexual abuse, investigative interviewing, treatment outcome studies, and treatment issues for child molesters. The more unique topics include a review of the strategies used to evaluate prevention programs, prevalence rates among a number of special populations, the role of medical practitioners in preventing and intervening in child sexual abuse, and sexual abuse and exploitation among disabled individuals. Overall, I can recommend this book for clinicians and researchers in Canada and elsewhere who are interested in child sexual abuse. This compilation of literature reviews highlights the leading role that Canadian social service agencies have taken in developing programs for sexually abused children and their families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Neuropsychological assessment and the school-aged child: Issues and procedures.

Reviews the book, Neuropsychological assessment and the school-aged child: Issues and procedures edited by G. W. Hynd and J. E. Obrzut (1981). The editors of this book have attempted to examine the issues related to the assessment of children with possible neuropyschological disorders. Each chapter is presented with the assumption that a neuropsychological perspective is germane to our understanding of children's cognitive functions. The compilation of knowledge and skills are presented in a clear and comprehensible language for individuals with very little familiarity with the subject. Each of the four major sections of the book addresses a particular topic. Section I presents a neuropsychological perspective of children's learning problems. Section II contains three chapters that examine general issues in child neuropsychology. Section III of the book focuses on neuropsychological assessment approaches useful in developing remediational strategies for children's learning disorders. The final section of this book addresses the neuropsychological implications within the educational setting. The editors have done a commendable job in integrating the diverse nature of human cognitive functioning and in focusing in on the neuropsychological aspects of school age children's learning. Their choice of contributors and the topics covered will certainly make this book a valued asset in the school psychologist's library. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Culture and Psychopathology.

Reviews the book, Culture and Psychopathology, edited by Ihsan Al-Issa (1982). This book consists of 16 chapters on different aspects and issues of the study of psychopathology cross-culturally by a number of different authors, many of them well-known authorities in the field. Topics covered include methodology in cross-cultural psychopathology, social class and affective disorders, culture-bound syndromes, personality abnormalities, alcohol abuse, sexual deviation, psychosomatics, and pain. The book will serve as a good reference both for those interested in the findings of the research on the influence of culture on psychopathology and for those concerned with the issues and problems of research in this area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of IQ testing 101.

Reviews the book, IQ Testing 101 by Alan Kaufman (see record 2009-11772-000). This is a timely addition to the paucity of literature available that addresses the historical aspects of the construct of IQ in light of current scientific and psychometric thought. This volume joins other titles in the Psych 101 Series by Springer Publishing. The series is designed to include numerous topics that are presented in a short, reader-friendly venue. These topics range from broad areas of study such as leadership and creativity, to specific psychological disorders such as anxiety. The series is designed mainly for students, but it also provides a concise resource for busy psychologists and clinicians, and makes for an excellent secondary text to courses on intellectual assessment, history of psychology, and measurement. This essentially tiny volume manages to cover the history of intelligence measurement, genetic versus environmental sources of intelligence, controversial issues in psychometrics and usage, summaries of research on cognitive profiles of specific populations, the future of the IQ construct, and measurement of cognitive abilities in general. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Childhood pain: Current issues, research, and management.

Reviews the book, Childhood pain: Current issues, research, and management by Dorothea M. Ross and Sheila A. Ross (1988). This book is an amalgamation of what is known about assessment and control of pain in children. It should be of interest to anyone involved with clinical pain in children, especially pediatricians, nurses, child life workers, and clinical psychologists. Coverage of topics in this book is extensive, with slightly more attention given to non-pharmacologic strategies for pain management, the authors' area of expertise. The style is easy to read and the inclusion of case studies and quotes from children make it credible. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)