Psychometric Analysis of the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist: Factor Structure of Occurrence and Reaction Ratings.

A modified version of the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC; L. Ten et al, 1992) was administered across 6 different sites to 1,229 family caregivers of community-dwelling adults with dementia. The total sample was divided randomly into 2 subsamples. Principal components analyses on occurrence responses and reaction ratings from the first subsample resulted in a 3-factor solution that closely resembled the originally proposed dimensions (memory-related problems, disruptive behaviors, and depression). Confirmatory factor analyses on data from the second subsample indicated adequate fit for the 3-factor model. Correlations with other caregiver and care-recipient measures supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the RMBPC measures. In addition, female caregivers and White caregivers reported more problems, on average, than male caregivers and African American caregivers, respectively. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Do Behavioral Disturbances in Persons With Alzheimer's Disease Predict Caregiver Depression Over Time?

Random effects models were used to examine the association between behavioral disturbances in persons with Alzheimer's disease (N = 90) and caregiver depressive symptoms at 2-month intervals over an 18-month period. There was substantial variability in trajectories of change in caregiver depressive symptoms over time but no systematic increase in distress despite increased severity of dementia symptoms. Total behavioral disturbances were associated with higher levels of caregiver depressive symptoms: this effect was primarily attributable to aggressive behaviors. No consistent departure from linearity was evident in the relationship between behavior and depression over time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Successful behavioral treatment for reported sleep problems in elderly caregivers of dementia patients: a controlled study

Although sleep problems are common among dementia caregivers, there has been no research thus far describing treatment of such problems using behavioral techniques. In this study, 36 elderly dementia caregivers with disturbed sleep were randomly assigned to either a brief behavioral intervention or a wait list control. The active treatment consisted of standard sleep hygiene, stimulus control, and sleep compression strategies as well as education about community resources, stress management, and techniques to reduce patient disruptive behaviors. Caregivers in active treatment showed significant improvements in sleep at post-treatment and 3-month follow up. No significant differences between groups were observed for caregiver mood, burden, or patient behavior problems, suggesting that sleep improvements were not an artifact of depression treatment. Treatment responders tended to be younger and more compliant with treatment recommendations than non-responders. Results suggest that behavioral techniques may well be a viable alternative to medication for sleep problems in aging caregivers.     

A self-control behavior therapy program for depression.

A behavior therapy program based on a self-control model of depression was evaluated against a nonspecific group therapy condition and a waiting list control group, 28 depressed volunteer female Ss ages 18–48 were administered a psychological test battery including the Beck Depression Inventory and the MMPI and randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 experimental conditions. The experimental therapy procedure consisted of a 6-wk group treatment program that sequentially focused on modifying self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-control skills. In each phase specific self-control principles were discussed in conjunction with behavioral homework assignments involving activity schedules. The self-control therapy Ss showed significantly greater reduction in depression on self-report and behavioral measures. Self-control Ss also showed greater improvement in overall pathology on the MMPI. There was some evidence that self-control Ss improved on specific measures of self-control behavior. A 6-wk follow-up generally confirmed maintenance of improvement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Using a new taxonomy to combine the uncombinable: integrating results across diverse interventions

Researchers have examined numerous psychosocial and behavioral interventions intended to alleviate distress among family caregivers of persons with dementia. Many of these interventions are complex, combining numerous treatment components. Although some multicomponent interventions have been successful in reducing caregiver distress, the impact of specific elements of these interventions on outcomes is not known. The article presents results of an analytic approach that allows researchers to describe the individual elements of multicomponent interventions and to examine the relationships between those components and outcomes. This approach is successfully applied to interventions being evaluated in the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH) program. The results indicate that actively targeting caregiver behavior is effective in achieving positive outcomes with respect to caregiver depression.     

Depressive affect: A test of behavioral hypothesis.

Behavioral hypotheses about depression suggest that depression is a function of rate of reinforcement. Initial level of depression and locus of control were hypothesized to enhance this effect. 96 normal volunteer female Ss (62 nursing students and 34 high school students) were separated into groups on the basis of median splits on MMPI D and Rotter's Internal-External Control Scale scores, and were given either 80 or 20% positive reinforcement on a pseudosocial intelligence task. The lower rate of reinforcement resulted in more depressive behavior as measured by the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, self-confidence ratings, and response latencies. Partial support was obtained for the enhancement of the reinforcement effect with initially more depressed Ss. No locus of control effects were found. Ss who were more depressed initially underestimated the amount of positive feedback they received. Results are discussed in terms of behavioral accounts of depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Attachment style and emotion regulation in dementia patients and their relation to caregiver burden

One hundred and sixty-eight patients with mid- to late-stage dementia and their caregivers participated in a study of the relation between patient emotional characteristics, dementia symptomatology, and caregiver burden. Measures included premorbid attachment style, premorbid emotion regulation style, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. The attachment patterns (secure, avoidant, ambivalent) of these elderly patients resembled those obtained in samples of younger individuals in terms of emotion regulation characteristics; however, the distribution of attachment styles was significantly different, with a lower proportion of ambivalently attached individuals in the present sample. In terms of the behavioral symptoms of dementia, ambivalent patients had more depression and anxiety than secure and avoidant patients; the latter patients experienced more activity disturbance than ambivalently attached individuals and were higher on paranoid symptomatology than securely attached persons. Caregivers of securely attached individuals experienced less total burden than did caregivers of both insecure groups. In regression analysis, attachment style accounted for the largest proportion of unique variance in the prediction of caregiver burden (8%); only 1 of 7 patient symptoms contributed a significant independent effect, namely depressed affect, which accounted for 4% of the variance.     

Development of competence inventory for college men and evaluation of relationships between competence and depression.

Hypothesized that deficits in interpersonal and problem-solving skills are significantly related to nonclinical depression. A behavioral role-playing measure of competence in male college students was developed via a procedure introduced by M. R. Goldfried and T. J. D'Zurilla (1969). This new measure, the Problem Inventory for College Students (PICS), was administered to 92 undergraduate males to assess the relationships between competence and depression. Depression was assessed in 2 ways: The current presence or absence of a nonclinical state of depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the tendency toward experiencing frequent nonclinical depressions was measured by self-report. Ss who were currently depressed according to their BDI scores had significantly lower competence scores on the PICS than nondepressed Ss. Ss who reported experiencing frequent depressions did not earn significantly different competence scores on the PICS than Ss who reported seldom experiencing depressions. Results partially support the hypothesized relationship between competence and depression. The association between the PICS and the BDI indicates that incompetence is a concomitant of depression, if not a precursor. Results are a 1st step toward establishing the construct validity of the PICS as a competence measure for college males. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Modeling caregiver adaptation over time: The longitudinal impact of behavior problems.

Although cross-sectional research has established the link between care demands and various indicators of caregiver adaptation, few studies have examined the impact of care recipients' problematic behavior over time. The present analysis determines the importance of behavior problems when predicting rates of change in subjective stressors (role overload and role captivity) and depression. Using 4-wave longitudinal data (N?=?137) on dementia caregivers, the authors fit individual growth curve models for care demands (i.e., behavior problems, activities of daily living dependencies, and cognitive impairment), subjective stressors, and depression. Subsequent structural equation models found that increases in behavior problems were most likely to predict increases in role overload. The findings emphasize the deleterious long-term impact of behavior problems on individuals' emotional adaptation to caregiving. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Caregiver personality characteristics and adaptation to juvenile rheumatic disease.

Objective: To assess the impact of caregiver personality characteristics on the adaptation of children with juvenile rheumatic diseases (JRDs). Method: This study examined the relationships between caregivers' personality characteristics and adaptation among 59 children with JRDs. The NEO Five-Factor Inventory was administered to caregivers, and scores on each scale served as predictor variables. Criterion variables included child emotional and behavior problems, depression, self-esteem, and pain. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients and hierarchical regression analyses revealed that caregivers' personality scores were related to indexes of emotional functioning, depression, self-esteem, and pain. Conclusion: Identification of specific caregiver personality characteristics that enhance or detract from children's adaptation may facilitate early identification of risk and protective factors and the development of interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Behavioral analysis of client learning style during counseling.

Examined differences in the verbal behavior of 17 undergraduates classified as deep–elaborative learners and 13 undergraduates classified as shallow–reiterative learners on the basis of their scores on the Inventory of Learning Processes. Ss discussed personal problems in 2 30-min interviews with 1 of 2 female counselors. Verbal behavior of deep–elaborative Ss was rated as clearer, deeper, and more conclusion-oriented and personal than that of shallow–reiterative Ss by 2 male trained raters. Solely on the basis of this verbal behavior, both the raters and the counselors correctly identified the information-processing group to which each S belonged. There were no differences between groups on counseling satisfaction. Discussion of relationship problems was rated most deep–elaborative and discussion of academic problems most shallow–reiterative. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Academic procrastination: Frequency and cognitive-behavioral correlates.

Investigated the frequency of 342 college students' procrastination on academic tasks and the reasons for procrastination behavior. A high percentage of Ss reported problems with procrastination on several specific academic tasks. Self-reported procrastination was positively correlated with the number of self-paced quizzes Ss took late in the semester and with participation in an experimental session offered late in the semester. A factor analysis of the reasons for procrastination Ss listed in a procrastination assessment scale indicated that the factors Fear of Failure and Aversiveness of the Task accounted for most of the variance. A small but very homogeneous group of Ss endorsed items on the Fear of Failure factor that correlated significantly with self-report measures of depression, irrational cognitions, low self-esteem, delayed study behavior, anxiety, and lack of assertion. A larger and relatively heterogeneous group of Ss reported procrastinating as a result of aversiveness of the task. The Aversiveness of the Task factor correlated significantly with depression, irrational cognitions, low self-esteem, and delayed study behavior. Results indicate that procrastination is not solely a deficit in study habits or time management, but involves a complex interaction of behavioral, cognitive, and affective components. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of overt behavior and childhood depression among psychiatrically disturbed children.

Examined the relation of direct observations of overt behavior to depression among 62 child psychiatric inpatients (aged 8–13 yrs). Childhood depression was assessed by self-report and interview measures administered separately to Ss and their mothers. DSM-III diagnoses were also obtained from direct interviews and were supplemented with clinical information. Direct observations of Ss were obtained during free-time periods over several days. Multiple behaviors were observed and coded into 1 of 3 categories: social activity (e.g., talking with others and playing games), solitary behavior (e.g., working alone on a task and playing alone), and affect-related expression (e.g., smiling and frowning). Results show that depressed Ss (n?=?21) engaged in significantly less social activity and exhibited less affect-related expression than nondepressed peers (n?=?41). Moderate stability in performance was observed over a 4-wk test–retest interval. Overt behavioral measures were consistently related to parent-completed but not to S-completed measures of depression. Findings suggest that depressive symptoms are reflected in diverse behaviors in everyday life. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Causal attributions and perinatal depression.

85 1st-time mothers (18–35 yrs old) were followed from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy through the 2nd mo after childbirth. Initial attributional style was assessed (Attributional Style Questionnaire; ASQ) as well as causal attributions for a range of naturally occurring stressful events. Ss were assessed for level of depression with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression at 3 points. Pregnancy scores on the ASQ predicted level of postpartum depression among Ss who were not depressed during pregnancy. However, among Ss who were depressed during pregnancy, the ASQ was not a significant predictor of postpartum depression. Speed of recovery from postpartum depressive symptoms was significantly predicted by the ASQ. Other results indicate that the ASQ was not a good predictor of causal attributions for naturally occurring stressful events. Attributional style had a direct relationship to subsequent depression, rather than an indirect relationship mediated by causal attributions for actual stressful events. Unless findings can be attributed to problems in the measurement of attributions for actual events, modifications in the reformulated learned helplessness model may be indicated. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Childhood competence and behavior problems.

Examined the relationship between objective measures of childhood competence and behavior problems in 474 2nd–6th graders. Daily classwork measured the academic competence, and peer ratings measured social competence. Median splits formed 4 groups, with competent Ss highest and incompetent Ss lowest on the relatively independent dimensions of academic and social competence. Competent Ss excelled on attitudinal measures of a competent lifestyle and on the Harter Competence (HC) Scales. Teacher ratings on the Behavior Problem Checklist (BPC) attributed fewest problems to competent Ss. Conversely, incompetent Ss achieved the lowest HC and the highest BPC scores. Ss high on social competence and low on academic competence were distinguished by BPC conduct problems and nervousness. Peer nominations of depression on the Peer Nomination Inventory characterized all Ss low on social competence. (48 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social problem-solving abilities, social support, and adjustment among family caregivers of individuals with a stroke.

ABSTRACT. Objective: To investigate the unique contributions of social problem solving abilities and social support in the prediction of aspects of caregiver adjustment. Study Design: Correlational procedures were used to determine the unique contributions of social problem-solving abilities and social support in the prediction of caregiver depression, health, and life satisfaction. Mediating factors were examined with correlational and regression analyses. Participants: Caregivers of individuals who had a stroke (20 African Americans and 20 Caucasians). Main Outcome Measures: The general health scale from the Short-Form Health Survey and measures of life satisfaction and depression. Results: Social support was the best predictor of caregiver life satisfaction. Perceived control over emotions when solving problems was the best predictor of caregiver depressive behavior and health. Social problem-solving abilities were associated with caregiver depressive behavior and health; social support did not mediate these relationships. Conclusions: Problem-solving interventions may be most appropriate for the treatment and prevention of caregiver depression and health problems. Social support programs may be indicated for caregiver life satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social comparison information and judgments about depression and seeking counseling.

Examined the effects of social comparison information, and the interaction of this information with symptom severity and sex, on 40 male and 40 female undergraduates' evaluations of depression symptoms and their willingness to seek counseling. Ss were administered the Depression Adjective Checklist—Form E (DACL—E) and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Help Scale, as well as ratings of willingness to seek counseling and manipulation checks. A significant main effect was found on DACL—E scores for social comparison information. Ss who received serious social comparison information reported the highest depression scores. In addition, a significant interaction was found between social comparison information and sex of S in DACL—E scores. A significant main effect was also found on Ss' ratings of willingness to seek counseling for social comparison information and sex of S. Ss were more willing to seek counseling help when the social comparison information was serious. Also, female Ss were more willing to seek counseling than were male Ss. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A helper model for behavioral treatment of speech anxiety.

Assessed the effect of speech-anxious Ss acting as behavior therapists for other speech-anxious Ss. 41 undergraduates were divided into helper, helpee, latent helper, and waiting list control groups. Helpers learned behavioral techniques for anxiety reduction in a training seminar and then taught the techniques to the helpee group. Latent helpers only participated in the training seminar and did not train other Ss until after the posttreatment assessment. Both the helpers and helpees significantly reduced speech anxiety on each behavioral and self-report measure relative to the waiting list control group at posttreatment, and the improvement was maintained at a 3-mo follow-up. At posttreatment, the latent helpers improved on all self-report measures and one of the behavioral measures. The helpers showed more absolute improvement on each measure than the helpees or latent helpers; however, none of these differences was significant. The use of people with behavioral problems as therapists for others with similar problems is discussed from a therapeutic and an economic perspective. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Workshop report. National initiative to improve cancer survival information

The relationship between psychological morbidity in caregivers and depression in patients with dementia was examined using data collected on 193 patient-caregiver dyads attending a memory disorders clinic. Caregivers had high rates and levels of psychological morbidity which were associated with the severity of dementia (but neither the type nor duration), with the caregiver being a spouse and female and living with the person with dementia. A logistic regression analysis identified clinician-rated patient depression score and demanding problem behaviors as being independently and significantly associated with caregiver psychological morbidity. This new finding of a link between patient depression and caregiver psychological morbidity has implications for more focused treatment programs for both caregivers and patients.     

étude des composantes dépressives chez des adolescents à tendances suicidaires.

Studied symptoms of depression in adolescents with suicidal tendencies. Ss were 2,850 secondary school students (aged 12–18 yrs). Ss completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic variables, symptoms of depression, and suicidality. Results from the following subsamples were compared: (1) 105 Ss with suicidal ideation; (2) 206 Ss with suicidal ideation who had contemplated specific means of suicide; (3) 94 Ss who had attempted suicide; (4) 62 Ss with depression but without suicidal ideation; and (5) 336 age-, gender-, and grade-matched comparison Ss without suicidal ideation. The Dysphoria Scale by L. S. Radloff (1977) was used. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)