Implications of psychological research on stress and technological accidents.

Psychological research on stress, disasters, and human-made technological accidents have important implications for policy, planning, and legal resolution of situations caused by environmental hazards. The incidence of technological accidents and catastrophes seems to have increased, and the biobehavioral sequelae of such accidents among victims have implications for mental and physical health as well as for intervention and prevention. In this article, research on the long-term effects of human-made disasters is discussed in the context of contributions that psychological research and theory can make in decisions regarding where potential hazards are located, how they are managed, and how accidents are handled. Unique psychophysiological processes associated with toxic accidents make these stressors more potent and likely to cause long-term uncertainty and chronic stress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The neglected entity in air disaster planning: Psychological services.

Psychological services for air disaster victims have been neglected in past airport and airline crash response programs. This article explores the psychological impact of air disasters on passengers and airline employees, highlighting the victims' emotional needs following a crash. Organizational efforts that have been implemented to address human problems resulting from air crashes are surveyed. The paucity of specific governmental and corporate initiatives to provide psychological aid to human survivors of air crashes is cited. Issues related to the development of volunteer crisis intervention services for airports are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predictors of bullying and victimization in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analytic investigation.

Research on the predictors of 3 bully status groups (bullies, victims, and bully victims) for school-age children and adolescents was synthesized using meta-analytic procedures. The primary purpose was to determine the relative strength of individual and contextual predictors to identify targets for prevention and intervention. Age and how bullying was measured were also considered as moderators. From an original pool of 1,622 studies conducted since 1970 (when research on bullying increased significantly), 153 studies were identified that met criteria for inclusion. A number of common and unique predictors were found for the bully status groups. The implications of the meta-analytic findings for future research on bullying and victimization prevention and intervention are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bi-directional influences between positive psychology and primary prevention.

The constructs associated with primary prevention are used to consider the tenets of positive psychology. At the same time, issues from the literature on positive psychology can help to expand and strengthen research on primary prevention. Conclusions are reached - about the potential bi-directional influences that these fields can have on each other that may serve to augment theory, research, and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Behavioral research in HIV/AIDS primary and secondary prevention: Recent advances and future directions.

Great advances have been made over the past decade in behavioral research on how to help persons avoid contracting HIV infections (primary prevention) and how to reduce or alleviate adverse consequences among persons who are living with HIV disease (secondary prevention). Within the primary prevention areas, research has shown the effectiveness of risk-reduction interventions undertaken with individuals, couples, small groups, communities, and at a social policy/structural level. Advances in HIV medical care have also created important new challenges and roles for behavioral scientists in the area of HIV secondary prevention. This article concludes by identifying key emerging issues in HIV behavioral research that will require attention in the years ahead. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Illinois School of Professional Psychology predoctoral minor in sexual abuse.

This article describes a predoctoral minor in sexual abuse designed to prepare psychologists to work with maltreated populations including child and adult victims, offenders, and abusive family systems. This program aims to help students develop clinical competence in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutic intervention, forensic issues, research, and program development. The considerations involved in designing the curriculum course content, clinical practicum and internship, and clinical research project are described. Additionally, issues confronted in developing this program are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A review of cognitive factors in the etiology of rape: theories, empirical studies, and implications

In the past decade, research into the etiology of rape has increasingly focused on cognitive variables. The studies reviewed in the present article provide evidence that men with a high proclivity to rape have more rape supportive attitudes, are more likely to consider victims to be responsible for rape, and are less knowledgeable about the negative impact of rape on the victims. These men tend to misperceive cues emitted by women in heterosocial interactions; fail to generate inhibitory self-verbalizations to suppress association of sex and aggression; and have more coercive, sexual fantasies. Furthermore, a high proclivity to rape is associated with a semantic network in which concepts of sex and power are closely linked in such a way that power cues are necessary precursors of sexual feelings. Multivariate studies suggest that rape-supportive attitudes interact with noncognitive factors in the etiology of rape. Implications for rape prevention and treatment of rapists are considered. Finally, methodological issues are discussed, and recommendations for future research are given.     

Global assessment of El Ni?o's disaster burden

BACKGROUND: Natural disasters have profound effects on health and require medical intervention as part of relief operations. The world's populations are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are responsible for most natural disasters. The El Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the most prominent global climate system associated with year-to-year weather variability and extreme events. We have estimated the burden on human health of natural disasters associated with ENSO. METHODS: We used time-series regression analysis of the relation between El Ni?o years and the annual rates of persons affected by natural disasters per 1000 population during 1964-93, globally and also by region and disaster type. Correlations between sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies (index of ENSO) and the rates of persons affected by natural disasters per 1000 population were determined globally, by region and by disaster type. FINDINGS: The rate of persons affected by natural disasters worldwide is strongly associated with ENSO; rates are greater during the first El Ni?o year (p = 0.05) and the following year (p = 0.01) than in the pre-Ni?o year. The correlation between rates of persons affected by natural disasters and SST anomalies in the Eastern Pacific (a key ENSO indicator) is highest in the last quarter of the previous year (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). These associations are strongest in South Asia, the region where more than 50% of all disaster victims live. Worldwide, rates of persons affected by drought/famine (half of all disaster victims) and by volcanic eruptions show significant associations with the ENSO cycle, being highest in the post-Ni?o year and El Ni?o year, respectively, and being significantly associated with SST anomalies. INTERPRETATION: The strong relation between ENSO and populations affected by natural disasters can be described as a "natural disaster cycle". Determining the phase in this cycle, using SST from the Eastern Equatorial Pacific, could benefit disaster preparedness on a global scale, for South Asia in particular, and for all populations affected by drought/famine and volcanic disasters.     

Received and perceived social support in times of stress: A test of the social support deterioration deterrence model.

The authors evaluated the impact of receiving social support on subsequent levels of perceived social support and psychological distress in 2 independent samples of victims of severe natural disasters: Hurricane Hugo (n?=?498) and Hurricane Andrew (n?=?404). A social support deterioration deterrence model was proposed that stipulated that postdisaster mobilization of received support counteracts the deterioration in expectations of support often experienced by victims of major life events. LISREL analyses of data collected 12 and 24 months after Hugo and 6 and 28 months after Andrew provided strong evidence for the hypothesized model: Perceived support mediated the long-term effects on distress of both scope of disaster exposure and postdisaster received support. Theoretical and application issues of social support are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Legal Impact and Dispute Resolution of Disaster in Taiwan: Lessons Learned from Typhoon Aere

The combination of a natural disaster and human ignorance, such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, can incur enormous property damage and loss of life. In August 2004, Typhoon Aere hit Taiwan and flooded over one-third of Sanchung City, in Taipei County. The attempt by a contractor to save New Taiwan Dollar 1,000 (about United States Dollar 30) resulted in enormous loss of property and as many as 18,941 claims. This case study examines the following possibility of tort claims, criminal charges, and administrative action in Taiwan. Alternative dispute-resolution (ADR) methods and processing proposition of disasters would be other issues discussed in this paper. The catastrophe revealed how government agencies and contractors deal with victims and restore order to society. Years of research expose that an integration of various dispute-resolution methods is constructive to achieve favorable outcomes, and a stepwise approach consisting of ADR methods is effective in resolving disputes after Typhoon Aere as well.     

Long-term results of femorotibial bypass with vein or polytetrafluoroethylene

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in health care workers exposed to a disaster, in order to facilitate early case identification and prevention of subsequent morbidity. METHOD: Following an air disaster, 355 military medical health care workers were studied over an 18-month follow-up period. Measures included assessment of peritraumatic reactions associated with the disaster, the frequency of other stressful events after the disaster, and standard PTSD rating scales at 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression of data on health care workers who cared for victims of the air disaster showed that PTSD was more likely to develop in those who had not completed college, those who had worked with burn victims, those who had experienced more stressful life events in a period of approximately 6 months following the disaster, and those who experienced emotional numbness immediately after the disaster. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that lower levels of education, exposure to grotesque burn injuries, stressful life events following exposure, and feelings of numbness following exposure are useful predictors of subsequent development of PTSD.     

Impact of child sexual abuse on developing sexuality.

This article reviews theoretical and empirical literature on sexual abuse and focuses on the effects of child sexual abuse on developing sexuality. The issues addressed include (a) prominent family qualities associated with sexual socialization, (b) theoretical formulations that account for the effects of sexual abuse on developing sexuality, and (c) research findings on the impact of child sexual abuse on the sexuality development of child victims and adult survivors. Directions for future research and implications for practitioners are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological interventions for terroristic trauma: Symptoms, syndromes, and treatment strategies.

Terrorist attacks combine features of criminal assaults, disasters, and acts of war. Accordingly, much of the clinical knowledge in treating this relatively new kind of traumatic event is adapted from experiences in treating victims of criminal assault, homicidal bereavement, natural and manmade disasters, war and political violence, workplace homicide, and school shootings. This article reviews the pertinent literature on these types of trauma and combines this information with the author's own experience in treating direct and indirect victims and survivors of recent terrorist attacks. The article describes the psychological syndromes resulting from terrorism and discusses crisis intervention, individual therapy, and family therapy modalities for treating victims of terror. Last, the role of mental health clinicians in the larger national and international response to terroristic trauma is highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Challenges to engaging Black male victims of community violence in healthcare research: Lessons learned from two studies.

A dearth of literature exists on barriers to conducting research with Black male victims of community violence, despite the need for evidence-based postinjury interventions. This study used qualitative data from a cross-sectional interview study (n = 16) and a pilot intervention study (n = 11) conducted in Boston, MA to identify challenges and facilitators to conducting research with Black male victims of community violence, particularly with regard to recruitment and maintenance of a study sample. Qualitative methods, including Grounded Theory and ethnography, were used to analyze the data. Challenges included a fear of police involvement, an impression of “snitching” when disclosing personal information, mistrust of research motives, suspicion of the informed consent process, the emotional impact of the trauma itself, and logistical issues. Facilitators to research included monetary incentives and motivation to help oneself and others. Participant recommendations on recruitment methods relating to approach and timing are provided. Findings from this study may assist in the planning of research studies for Black male victims of community violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

监测预警技术在泥石流灾害中的应用

我国幅员辽阔,地质环境多变,灾害分布范围广,常年受到地质灾害侵袭,给灾害多发区居民的生命财产安全带来极大危害,泥石流灾害的防治工作至关重要,研发泥石流灾害预警系统成为重中之重.针对目前泥石流灾害数据获取困难、数据量不足且预警准确率不高的问题,设计了用于泥石流影响因子数据采集和灾害预警的泥石流灾害监测预警系统.在系统中引...     

深部开采安全机理及灾害防控现状与态势分析

近年来,深部开采安全机理与灾害防控领域已取得一定的研究成果,但基于现行理论与技术还难以全面解决未来深部采矿过程面临的防灾减灾问题,至今尚未建立起完善的深部开采灾变与防控研究体系.本文开展了对深部开采灾害研究领域的文献调研和问题探讨,总结有关深部地应力场测量与分布规律、深部岩体力学与耦合损伤机理、深部动力灾害机理与预报、深部突水灾害机理与预警以及深部开采围岩变形机理与防控等方面的研究成果,进而分析当前研究的不足,凝练出深部开采诱发灾害研究领域亟待解决的关键问题,并就未来超深开采灾害研究态势予以分析.      

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: Communitywide strategies for youth.

National interest in health promotion and disease prevention has led naturally to a concern with primary prevention and with youth. This attention to youth has been particularly notable in efforts to prevent injuries and chronic diseases. Specific behavior patterns that are learned in childhood and adolescence are implicated in the development of chronic diseases. These behavior patterns logically become the targets for early intervention. Over the past two decades, studies on the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the primary cause of mortality in the Western world, have become numerous and comprehensive and have included substantial work with youth. This article provides a rationale for that focus. We review promising communitywide strategies for youth and argue that communitywide strategies ought to be most efficient and efficacious for primary prevention. Both interest in and research on communitywide strategies are relatively recent; consequently, few strategies can be recommended unequivocally. The need for future research in this area by multidisciplinary teams is identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

地质灾害防治工程勘查与设计质量控制

现如今经济社会高速发展,各项建设工作也在快速推进。然而与此同时,地质灾害问题却频繁发生,对社会建设各项活动开展以及人们生产生活,造成非常严重的影响,还威胁到人们的生命财产安全。地质灾害问题,现已成为影响社会经济可持续发展的重要阻碍因素。由此,地质灾害防治工程建设显得越发重要起来,地质灾害防治工程,为了有效应对地质灾害发生而建设的具有防护性和治理性的工程措施,为了保证地质灾害防治工程建设质量,必须要充分重视地质灾害防治工程勘查与设计工作,这是地质灾害防治工程建设必不可少的重要环节,应当予以高度重视,在实际工作当中,质量监督管理工作人员,要对自身职责与义务充分明确,并将此项工作作为日常工作的第一要务,更好地保证地质灾害防治工程整体质量,控制和减少地质灾害造成的不良影响。     

基于动力学监测指标的崩塌早期预警研究进展

崩塌灾害的早期预警一直是岩土工程领域研究的热点问题之一.传统的监测预警方法监测指标相对单一, 更多关注于加速破坏前兆的识别, 使得崩塌的早期预警存在诸多困难.本文首先引入动力学监测指标, 对岩土体破坏过程中的动力响应进行综述, 得出基于固有振动频率等动力学监测指标可以为危岩体的损伤提供数据支持.随后基于最新的实验研究发现动力学监测指标可以有效反应边坡的物理力学特征的变化, 进而可以实现岩体损伤与稳定性的动态识别和定量判断.在对国内外现状进行综述发现, 基于分离阶段破坏前兆识别的岩块体崩塌灾害预警思路, 具有更好的时效性, 是未来崩塌早期预警的发展方向, 同时对崩塌的早期预警指标体系进行展望, 得出基于动力学指标、静力学指标和环境量指标三位一体的早期监测预警指标体系, 必将在工程监测与灾害预警方面发挥更大潜力, 为从事应对崩塌等脆性破坏灾害预警预防的研究工作者提供有效参考.