Review of Self-esteem: Research, theory, and practice.

Reviews the book, Self-esteem: Research, theory, and practice by Chris Mruk (1995). Historically, attempting to define self-esteem has been a lot like defining love, often tried and ever elusive. When one aspect was grasped, others remain out of reach. Dr. Mruk, in his book Self- Esteem: Research, Theory, and Practice acknowledges that self-esteem is both a popular and elusive construct. It is used as both cause and effect, as explanation and outcome, as a factor and as a goal to be attained. It is a construct currently invoked by educators and politicians, clinicians and sociologists, columnists and critics, the authors of popular self-help books and talk show hosts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The handbook of humanistic psychology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice.

Reviews the book, The handbook of humanistic psychology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice by Kirk J. Schneider, James F. T. Bugental, and J. Fraser Pierson (see record 2001-01409-000). Over 30 years ago Abraham Maslow (1971) envisioned a 3rd force psychology that would bring about “a change of basic thinking along the total front of man’s endeavors, a potential change in every social institution, in every one of the ‘fields’ of intellectual endeavor, and in every one of the professions.” Schneider, Bugental, and Pierson must have been guided by a similar vision as they edited the Handbook of humanistic psychology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice. The breadth of the handbook is impressive with chapters addressing everything from psychotherapy, pedagogy, medicine, and spirituality to ecology, literature, social action and the workplace. The editors have successfully recruited authors from a variety of disciplines—including psychology, psychiatry, philosophy, education, and politics—who are well respected both inside and outside humanistic circles and who are exceptionally qualified to address their topics. Fortunately, despite this far-reaching breadth, the editors have not spread the handbook too thin. In fact, in areas where it seems especially needed (e.g., methodology) there is a much welcome depth and detail that is far from typical of other handbooks. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Creativity: Theories and themes: Research, development, and practice.

Reviews the book, Creativity: Theories and themes: Research, development, and practice by Mark A. Runco (see record 2007-00543-000). This book consists of 11 chapters with the following titles: "Cognition and Creativity," "Developmental Trends and Influences on Creativity," "Biological Perspectives on Creativity," "Health and Clinical Perspectives," "Social, Attributional, and Organizational Perspectives," "Educational Perspectives," "History and Historiometry," "Culture and Creativity," "Personality and Motivation," "Enhancement and the Fulfillment of Potential," and "Conclusion: What Creativity Is and What It Is Not." Beyond this all-encompassing content, the volume is crammed with illustrations and with all those "boxes" that are so characteristic of introductory textbooks in psychology. Each chapter also begins with appropriate quotations and a didactic "Advanced Organizer." Finally, Runco closes with 63 pages of references and a 15-page subject index. The reviewer has one major complaint: Runco seems to have adopted an "open the floodgates" approach that sometimes results in the almost willy nilly insertion of ideas and material. One consequence of this tendency is that the illustrations and boxes are at times less useful than they ought to be. Another repercussion of Runco's leave-nothing-out approach is that it occasionally leads to the presentation of ideas with minimal if any discussion or commentary. The reviewer does assert though, that for someone in the market for a text for use in an introductory creativity course, a book that is wide-ranging and most current, Runco's Creativity is a good choice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Work motivation: History, theory, research, and practice.

Reviews the book, Work motivation: History, theory, research, and practice by Gary Latham (see record 2006-11764-000). The reviewer commends Latham for writing an empirically comprehensive and "personal" book on work motivation. Included is a history of work motivation studies throughout the last 100 years, directions for future research, and the author's reflections on what he has learned about the field on his own professional and personal journey through life. The reviewer praises the author's style highly, and recommends this book to all. (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 Re-envisioning psychology: Moral dimensions of theory and practice.

Reviews the book, Re-envisioning psychology: Moral dimensions of theory and practice by Frank C. Richardson, Blaine J. Fowers, and Charles B. Guignon (see record 1999-02563-000). Not often in the discipline of psychology does a work of genuinely praiseworthy philosophical sophistication come along that also manages to avoid not only being overly narrow in its relevance but also avoids being filled with unintelligible and pseudo-intellectual jargon. This excellent text is an example of one such work. The authors divided their text into three major sections beginning with a careful and ranging analysis of the ethical underpinnings of contemporary psychotherapy, followed by a timely and provocative discussion of individualism, social constructionism, and hermeneutics, and complete the volume with a preliminary exploration of the principle features of an interpretive psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Personality theory and research: An international perspective.

Reviews the book, Personality theory and research: An international perspective by Gordon L. Flett (2007). On the whole, this is an excellent textbook. It provides a balance between discussion of theory and research, both contemporary and historical, from an international and cross-cultural perspective. It makes a special effort to highlight research contributions made by researchers in Canada and countries other than the United States. The book also emphasises the science underlying personality psychology and acknowledges the practical aspects of personality theory and research. This textbook contains 14 chapters, which are well-written, focus on interesting empirical and real-world examples, and include sections that should facilitate student comprehension. This textbook provides a good introduction to personality theory and research. It makes a convincing argument that personality matters. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Cognitive therapy of anxiety disorders: Science and practice.

Reviews the book, Cognitive therapy of anxiety disorders: Science and practice edited by David A. Clark and Aaron T. Beck (2009). Drs. Clark and Beck’s book Cognitive therapy of anxiety disorders: Science and practise is a comprehensive review of cognitive therapy for anxiety from its empirical theoretical foundation to its clinical application to disorders. Although the focus of the text is ultimately on the cognitive treatment of anxiety, the rich theoretical background that is interwoven throughout makes this book of interest to academics and graduate students as well as clinicians. The book is divided into three parts, each with several chapters: 1) cognitive theory and research on anxiety; 2) assessment and intervention techniques used in cognitive therapy for anxiety; and 3) the application of cognitive therapy to specific anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, obsessive– compulsive disorder [OCD]). Overall, this book is an excellent resource for researchers and clinicians working in the field of anxiety disorders. The reference section alone makes it a valuable addition to one’s bookshelf, and the authors have done an excellent job of organising a vast, and at time disparate, body of research into a cohesive review of cognitive theory as it applies to anxiety. Although the treatment chapters may be a bit overly ambitious in attempting to review both the research and the application of the cognitive model to the treatment of specific disorders, the book in its entirety is clearly an essential text for those interested in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of cognitive therapy and anxiety. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Handbook of bereavement research and practice: Advances in theory and intervention.

Reviews the book, Handbook of bereavement research and practice: Advances in theory and intervention, edited by Margaret S. Stroebe, Robert O. Hansson, Henk Schut, and Wolfgang Stroebe (see record 2008-09330-000). The goal of this book is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the field of bereavement research and practise. To achieve this goal, the editors have enlisted the collaboration of several well-known grief and bereavement researchers. This latest effort tries to relate bereavement research more explicitly to contemporary society and practise issues than was done in the two earlier volumes. The handbook is to be commended for fairly presenting multiple, and at times contradictory, points of view on some of the more controversial issues in the field. This results in a fascinating, well-written book, with many thought-provoking chapters that will challenge some of the persistent misconceptions that psychologists may have about bereavement and the nature of grief work. This book will help guide students who want to pursue clinical work or research in this field. Seasoned researchers will likely also find this book very helpful in terms of its conceptual clarification of terms that are often poorly defined. Readers who are looking for practical advice on how best to help their clients grieve may, however, be disappointed. As the editors indicate, this is not a sourcebook for clinicians looking for practical tips. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Therapeutic communities for addictions: Readings in theory, research and practice.

Reviews the book, Therapeutic communities for addictions: Readings in theory, research and practice edited by George DeLeon and James T. Ziegenfuss Jr. (1986). DeLeon and Ziegenfuss present a collection of readings that are representative of the current thinking about therapeutic communities. Initially the concept of therapeutic communities was exclusively utilized in psychiatric settings. Since the 1960s the therapeutic community approach has been widened and predominantly applied in the treatment of drug abusers. The therapeutic community offers a systematic approach to achieve its main rehabilitative objective, which is the reorganization of the life-style, perception, and behavior of the addict. The overall conceptualization of the book is an excellent one. One aspect that it has failed to address is the impact on the staff, usually former addicts, of prolonged work within the TC. A chapter on burnout and how to combat it within the TC would have enriched the book. This book will appeal to the researcher, to the clinician, and to psychotherapists who may need to refer clients to a TC within their geographic area. It gives a clear understanding of historical roots, functioning, and contributions to treatment of addicts. It also explores the implications of extensive longtitudinal research findings on our dealing with the addicts in our society. Certainly a worthy book to add to our libraries on clinical understanding of such a critical problem. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Therapeutic communities for addictions: Readings in theory, research and practice.

Reviews the book, Therapeutic communities for addictions: Readings in theory, research and practice edited by George De Leon and James T. Ziegenfus Jr. (1986). The editors represent this collection of articles concerning therapeutic communities (TCs) and substance abuse as "a first." Its stated purpose is to educate "audiences within and outside of the field of addictions" about the relevancy of the TC as a rehabilitative model, to enhance the "credibility and efficacy" of the TC within the range of treatment models and services, and to stimulate dialogue and research among professionals. The first section of this three-part volume addresses the expression of the TC in its two main varieties: the self-help hierarchical model, widely used in the rehabilitation of substance abusers, and the democratic type, more commonly seen in the treatment of psychiatric patients. Part Two concerns the effectiveness of treatment outcomes and processes. Part Three elaborates on some issues previewed in Part Two. A balanced and comprehensive overview of the subject appears to have been accomplished through careful selection of the material. The authors have presented salient issues of theory, practice, research, and development of the TC model within a sociological framework. While this volume has broad appeal for practitioners, researchers, and students, it has special utility for the professional in the addictions field with limited exposure to this treatment modality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Piaget's theory of intelligence.

Reviews the book, Piaget's Theory of Intelligence by Charles J. Brainerd (1978). This book is much more than an introduction to Piaget's theory. It is also a comprehensive and long overdue critical evaluation of the theory, based on an extensive consideration of replication research. For each stage of cognitive development, as well as a concluding discussion of educational implications, Brainerd describes the theory and then reviews the relevant research bearing on the topics discussed. Important and complex aspects of the theory are discussed in terms of the predictions that should follow in controlled experiments, rather than merely presenting Piaget's ideas as revealed truth. Unfortunately, the text is purported to be an introduction to Piaget's theory for the undergraduate course in cognitive development, and in that capacity it would be less satisfactory than as a supplementary or even an advanced text. As an introductory text it may be too critical. Brainerd fares no worse than other recent authors who have attempted to introduce Piaget's ideas. The book's strength, as well as its uniqueness, clearly lies in its evaluative orientation. It is highly recommended for those readers already familiar with the theory, preferably from primary sources. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Coherence in thought and action.

Reviews the book, Coherence in thought and action by Paul Thagard (see record 2001-16098-000). This volume is a comprehensive presentation of the latest work of Paul Thagard and his research group on coherence theory, an area of inquiry to which the author has made ground-breaking contributions for over a decade. Coherence theory is a peculiar synthesis of philosophy and cognitive science that approaches problems in terms of the satisfaction of multiple constraints within networks of highly interconnected elements. The main aim of the present work is to extend the reach of coherence theory beyond its usual applications in cognition and epistemology to questions of ontology, ethics, politics, emotion, social consensus, and probabilistic reasoning. Thagard makes a persuasive if not wholly convincing argument that all of these domains can be thought about in roughly similar ways. Despite the complexity of the issues it treats, this is not at all a difficult book to read. Thagard has the knack for explaining difficult ideas in readily understandable language. However, his frequent crossing of disciplinary boundaries makes it a challenging task at times to evaluate his theory. Is it primarily a theory of human cognition, of philosophical epistemology, or is it mainly intended as a new procedure for addressing philosophical questions? It is perhaps all of these at once. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Self and others: Object relations theory in practice.

Reviews the book, Self and others: Object relations theory in practice by N. Gregory Hamilton (see record 1988-97224-000). Hamilton's book, Self and Others, is useful because it attempts to render much of the complexity of understanding object relational approaches more negotiable. Without question, the book is addressed to the beginner or relative beginner (i.e., the person who wishes to get an introduction to object relations). However, because of its elementary focus, the book can be especially valuable for clinicians, residents, and related mental health trainees who are in the process of learning about object relations theory. Too often it seems introductory books on object relations either assume a knowledge the reader does not possess or become so overly mired in discussing the intricacies of theoretical controversy (e.g., Kohut versus Kernberg) that they leave the beginning student of psychoanalysis in a state of bewilderment. Such is not the case with Self and Others. Hamilton's book, while not being without its limitations, does have some interesting features to offer for beginning instruction in object relations theory. The book attempts to show how object relations theory can be applied in practice. Some interesting and instructive definitions, case examples, and discussion are provided, and they all can prove of value to the interested student of object relations theory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Generalized anxiety disorder: From science to practice.

Reviews the book, Generalized anxiety disorder: From science to practice by Michel J. Dugas and Melisa Robichaud (2006). The reviewers commend the authors for providing a comprehensive overview of GAD. Chapters include information on diagnosis, assessment techniques and treatment modules. Dugas and Robichaud refer to their treatment as primarily cognitive and emphasize the difference between their approach and other cognitive and cognitive-behavioural treatments for GAD. The treatment presented does not employ relaxation training or other strategies to reduce physical tension and overarousal. Rather, this treatment makes use of specific cognitive interventions with the understanding that physical and affective symptoms will decrease with corresponding reductions in excessive worry. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The psychopath: Theory, research and practice.

Reviews the book, The psychopath: Theory, research and practice edited by Hugues Hervé and John C. Yuille (see record 2006-11788-000). This book begins with an historical overview of the construct of psychopathy and then works its way through a variety of important issues, including measurement, etiology, behavioural manifestations of the disorder, typologies, and practice considerations. A few notable exceptions notwithstanding, this text is a fine primer on psychopathy: It includes a number of outstanding chapters and other important issues in the area of psychopathy receive solid treatment. Although there is occasionally some drop-off in quality, I suspect that even the less outstanding chapters in this book would prove informative for students, lay consumer groups, and clinicians who do not routinely work with psychopaths. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Piecing together the neuroscience of creativity: Review of Creativity and the brain.

Reviews the book, Creativity and the brain by Kenneth M. Heilman (see record 2005-05841-000). This book is a well-written introduction to the neurobiology of creativity and related cognitive constructs. Although it may not be the best source for neuroscience professionals or those looking for specific information about the neural mechanics of creativity, it is definitely a worthy read for an interested layperson. Heilman walks the reader through a variety of issues related to creativity: intelligence, handedness, gender, neurological disorders, and several others. He is an excellent writer--good at explaining complex ideas such as brain physiology--and his diagrams and language are accessible and "user friendly." Most chapters begin with a basic overview of the neuroscience relevant to the chapter's specific topic. This organization is especially helpful to those unfamiliar with the basics. The thematic chapters, however, present a problem. Chapters such as Intelligence, Knowledge and Talents, Imagery, Gender, Aging, and Nurture are all appropriate topics for a book on creativity; however, the structure feels distracting, as if Heilman is skirting the issue of creativity and the neurobiology specific to it. Instead of delving into direct questions on structures or neurotransmitters in the brain, Heilman focuses on the neuroscience of constructs related to creativity. This book is a worthwhile exploration of the neurological mechanisms of cognitive constructs which are related to creativity--areas such as intelligence, aging, and disability. For an educated layperson looking for a clear, well-written, synopsis of these ideas, the reviewer recommends the book. However, as an academic book published by an academic press, it is neither current enough nor detailed enough to be of any special interest to a creativity or neuroscience researcher. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The Cambridge handbook of creativity.

Reviews the book, The Cambridge handbook of creativity edited by James C. Kaufman and Robert J. Sternberg (see record 2010-21837-000). Over a decade has passed since Sternberg edited the Handbook of Creativity for Cambridge University Press. In the intervening years, Kaufman and Sternberg tell us that more than 10,000 publications have been devoted to the topic of creativity. Creativity has become a valued resource. And yet, as Kaufman and Sternberg point out in this volume, even after six decades of research, definitions of creativity remain elusive. Creativity research continues to be the subject of much debate. Still, the chapters in this volume demonstrate that progress is being made with an increasing convergence of components, contexts, and complexity. The handbook is informative for students and newcomers to the field, as well as for those looking for up-to-date reviews of major theories and applications of creativity research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Child neuropsychology: An introduction to theory, research, and clinical practice.

Reviews the book, Child neuropsychology: An introduction to theory, research, and clinical practice by Byron P. Rourke, Dirk J. Bakker, John L. Fisk, and John D. Strang (1983). With the arrival of this landmark text, there is now an established child neuropsychology literature that suggests more clearly than ever before that injury to the growing brain is often accompanied by strikingly different behavioural sequelae than a similar injury to the mature brain. This volume opens with a repudiation of the "nature-nurture" controversy. The second chapter includes a relevant and well-communicated account of the embryonic and foetal development of the nervous system. Chapters on brain asymmetry and plasticity combine to form the scholarly core of the text. Methodological problems in the study of cerebral asymmetry are highlighted. Chapters on assessment and remediation together with individual case studies illustrate how theory and research affect the manner in which one performs as a clinician. A review of behaviour modification strategies and insight-oriented psychotherapy is one of the few areas of weakness in this otherwise excellent volume. Child neuropsychology is one of the first books of its kind and is recommended highly for anyone interested in the study of brain/behaviour relationships in children. Its use as a textbook for senior undergraduate or graduate courses in child neuropsychology is strongly endorsed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Creativity and reason in cognitive development.

Reviews the book, Creativity and reason in cognitive development edited by James C. Kaufman and John Baer (see record 2006-08155-000). This volume represents a good selection of various points of view with regard to the extent and nature of relationships between creative thinking and reasoning, but it does not present a definitive answer on the nature and extent of their association. Such clarity has not been achieved either for the concurrent or temporal-causal relationship between reasoning and creativity. Yet, although this volume does not lead its reader to a clear answer to the question at stake, it presents the reader with a large amount of interesting and relevant (although quite diverse and dispersed) information. The range of topics in the book is wide, and such width of coverage generates both feelings of respect for the field and the desire to contribute to investigations of these relationships. Thus, the book will be a good source of inspiration and knowledge regarding the current and further research and program development in the field of creativity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)