The structure of self-conception: Conceptualization and measurement.

Proposed a structural model of self-conception by considering identities as positional elements that can be located within a dimensional space defined by personal attributes. This model goes beyond conventional treatment of self-concept, which often equates self-conception with self-esteem or perceptions of ability, by combining structural approaches to personality in psychology with structural approaches to the self in sociology (particularly identity theory). Measurement procedures are also suggested, the most important of which involves measuring distance among identities within a correlated meaning (attributional) space. Empirical examples supporting the utility of both the proposed theory and measurement procedures are presented, and extensions of the conceptual model for addressing other problems are also offered. (53 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Shyness: Conceptualization and measurement.

Examined the concept of shyness and its measurement by collecting and analyzing data in 3 phases: (1) the revision and continued development of a measure of shyness, the Social Reticence Scale (SRS), which was designed by W. H. Jones and D. Russell (see record 1983-09411-001); (2) a psychometric comparison among 5 measures of shyness; and (3) an examination of the factor structure underlying the construct of shyness. Phase 1 assessed the reliability (n?=?252 college students) and validity (n?=?164 college students) of the SRS, including ratings of videotaped monologs and ratings by significant others. Phase 2, using 1,213 Ss (aged 15–25 yrs), compared the 5 shyness measures with one another on indices of internal consistency and with other relevant measures of emotionality, personality, relationships, and behavior. Items from the 5 shyness measures were combined in a factor analysis in Phase 3, and the resulting factors were correlated with the self-report and rating data obtained in Phase 2. Results confirmed that the shyness measures were valid, reliable, and empirically distinct from measures of related constructs. Behavioral validity was observed for several of the shyness scales. Additional analyses suggested that 3 interpretable factors underlie responses to the shyness scale—Social Avoidance and Distress, Social Facility, and Fear of High Status Others—but provided little support for drawing conceptual distinctions among types of shyness. (57 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychometric posttraumatic stress disorder measurement techniques: A review.

The strengths and weaknesses of 12 representative psychometric posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) measures are reviewed. Only 5 follow Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III)/DSM-III—Revised (DSM-III—R) criteria precisely. No comprehensive reliability assessments have appeared, but encouraging partial studies are available on 7. Consistently robust concurrent validations have appeared on 4. Weaker and/or inconsistent validations are available on 4 more, and the relationships of the remaining 4 instruments to other PTSD measures are unknown. None of the 12 have been shown to have good concurrent validity in nonclinical populations. Ten furnish both continuous severity/frequency measures and dichotomous present/absent outputs; 5 also generate continuous and binary outputs on individual symptoms, maximizing the number of uses to which they can be put. All but 1 can be administered by subprofessionals. At present, the literature seems to recommend the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD (T. M. Keane et al; see record 1988-18888-001), R. L. Spitzer and J. B. Williams's (1986) Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III PTSD module, and the C. G. Watson et al (in press) PTSD Interview. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Post-traumatic stress disorder. New research findings

This article reviews recent research results on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Epidemiological studies show that PTSD is a common disorder within the normal population with a high degree of chronic courses. Degree of severity as well as dissociative symptoms during the traumatic event seem to have an impact on course and outcome of PTSD. A genetic disposition, familial psychopathology and premorbid personality traits as background variables seem to have an influence on the development of PTSD whereas coping strategies, as well as social support, modify the course of the disease. The investigation of biological parameters refers to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis system, provocation studies, psychophysiological studies, and studies of the endogenous opiate system. In regard to therapy studies only those with a randomised allocation to two different therapies as well as with a control group without therapy or a waiting list group are considered, using the DSM-III or DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria for PtSD. Five pharmacological studies could show a positive effect by antidepressants. Six behaviour therapy studies (two systematic desensitisation and four flioding) produced an improvement of PTSD symptomatology. The pathogenetic models discussed here are memory imprinting, kindling, dysregulation of the opioid neuromodulation, classical conditioning and disturbed cognitive schemas, which reflect as single models only a facet of the pathogenesis.     

Posttraumatic stress disorder: Silent problem among older combat veterans.

Examines posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among older Vietnam combat veterans. It is suggested that PTSD among these veterans is generally chronic, silent, and exacerbated by the problems of aging. These Ss with PTSD can be divided into those with full PTSD and those with partial PTSD. Studies are cited showing prevalence rates for PTSD. The difficulties in measuring PTSD are described. Several moderating variables influence the expression of trauma problems at later life, including the presence of other stressors, health status, social support, and comorbidity. Several forms of therapy are considered, including cognitive behavioral therapy, reminiscence, and relaxational desensitization. Also, several treatment suggestions are given, advocating interventions of a stuck narrative in an aging population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conceptualization and measurement of ethnic identity: Current status and future directions.

In this article, the authors examine the conceptualization and measurement of ethnic identity as a multidimensional, dynamic construct that develops over time through a process of exploration and commitment. The authors discuss the components of ethnic identity that have been studied and the theoretical background for a developmental model of ethnic identity. The authors review research on the measurement of ethnic identity using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (J. Phinney, 1992) and present a revised version of the measure. The authors conclude with a consideration of the measurement issues raised by J. E. Helms (2007) and K. Cokley (2007) and suggestions for future research on ethnic identity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychobiologic research in post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD can be a chronic, devastating disorder for which treatment is only partially effective. For some, this disorder progressively worsens over time and appears to affect nearly every aspect of life, including work, interpersonal relationships, physical health, and view of self. Although generally understood as a psychological disorder, PTSD also may be viewed from a biologic perspective. There is now accumulating evidence to suggest that severe psychological trauma can cause alterations in the organism's neurobiologic response to stress even years after the original insult. Long-standing alterations in the biologic response to stress may contribute to a number of complaints commonly expressed by patients with PTSD. For example, increased sensitivity and sensitization of the noradrenergic system may leave the individual in a hyperaroused, vigilant, sleep-deprived, and, at times, explosive state that worsens over time. Being irritable and on edge makes it difficult to interact with family members, friends, coworkers, and employers. To quiet these symptoms of hyperarousal, PTSD patients often withdraw and use substances, particularly central nervous system depressants, that suppress peripheral and central catecholamine function. Alterations in other neurobiologic systems may further contribute to multiple symptoms, such as intrusive memories, dissociation phenomena, and even numbing. Characterization of the biologic underpinnings of PTSD relies to a large degree on available neurobiologic technology. Much of what has been discussed in this article has grown out of advances in physiologic, hormone, and receptor assay methodology. With further advances in neurobiologic technology, in areas such as brain imaging, it soon will be possible to better delineate acute and long-term stress-induced changes in central and peripheral nervous system functioning. Undoubtedly a far richer, more complex understanding of neurobiologic responses and alterations will emerge in the near future. It is believed that an improved neurobiologic understanding will facilitate the development of more specific, effective treatments for individuals who have been severely traumatized.     

Perceptions of life stress and chronic insomnia in older adults.

This study compared the level of self-reported stress of 42 older good sleepers (M age?=?68.2 years) and 42 poor sleepers (M age?=?68.7 years). The relations among subjective ratings of sleep, level of perceived stress, and negative mood were analyzed for each group. Good and poor sleepers reported similar amounts of life stress, but the relations between life stress and sleep perceptions differed for the 2 groups. Specifically, within the group of poor sleepers, those with higher life stress had greater difficulty falling asleep and less early morning waking than did poor sleepers with lower life stress. There was no association between life stress and any sleep measures for good sleepers. These results are compatible with the notion that good and poor sleepers may have different susceptibilities to poor sleep despite experiencing similar stressful life events. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Causal attributions in posttraumatic stress disorder: Implications for clinical research and practice.

In this paper we seek to illuminate connections among basic research findings in cognition and causal inference, clinical research on the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the practices of clinicians who work with trauma survivors. We examine one particular (and, we believe, important) aspect of PTSD: The creation and maintenance of causal attributions about trauma. We suggest that elements of two principal theories of causal induction (the connectionist model and the "Power PC" causal power model) clarify the role of causal attributions in creating and sustaining the symptoms of PTSD. By exploring the role of causal attributions in creating and sustaining posttraumatic symptoms, we hope to understand better the subjective experience of trauma and its sequelae. We then suggest new directions for clinical research on cognitive restructuring in PTSD patients as well as ideas for optimizing attribution-based therapies for trauma survivors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conceptual and perceptual priming and dissociation in chronic posttraumatic stress disorder.

Cognitive models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assert that memory processes play a significant role in PTSD (see e.g., Ehlers & Clark, 2000). Intrusive reexperiencing in PTSD has been linked to perceptual processing of trauma-related material with a corresponding hypothesized lack of conceptual processing. In an experimental study that included clinical participants with and without PTSD (N = 50), perceptual priming and conceptual priming for trauma-related, general threat, and neutral words were investigated in a population with chronic trauma-induced complaints as a result of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The study used a new version of the word-stem completion task (Michael, Ehlers, & Halligan, 2005) and a word-cue association task. It also assessed the role of dissociation in threat processing. Further evidence of enhanced perceptual priming in PTSD for trauma stimuli was found, along with evidence of lack of conceptual priming for such stimuli. Furthermore, this pattern of priming for trauma-related words was associated with PTSD severity, and state dissociation and PTSD group made significant contributions to predicting perceptual priming for trauma words. The findings shed light on the importance of state dissociation in trauma-related information processing and posttraumatic symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A different kind of comorbidity: Understanding posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.

Many traumatic events leave lingering physical injuries and chronic pain in their wake, in addition to trauma-related psychopathology. In this review, we provide an overview of developments in the recent literature on comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Starting with the conceptual models presented by Sharp and Harvey (2001) and Asmundson, Coons, Taylor, and Klatz (2002), this review summarizes newer studies that examine prevalence of these comorbid conditions. Additionally, we present an updated synthesis of research on factors that may maintain both chronic physical pain and PTSD in trauma survivors. Consideration of the impact of this comorbidity on psychosocial assessment and treatment also is discussed, with particular attention to issues that warrant additional research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Posttraumatic stress disorder in parents of children with chronic illnesses: A meta-analysis.

Objective: To estimate PTSD prevalence in parents of children with chronic illnesses or undergoing invasive procedures, and its association with higher risk of PTSD among parents. Methods: Sixteen studies reporting prevalence of PTSD in parents of children with chronic illnesses were identified through a systematic review in Pubmed, Web of Science, Pilots and PsycINFO databases. Main Outcome Measures: Pooled current PTSD prevalence was calculated for parents from these studies. Pooled PTSD prevalence ratios were obtained by comparing parents of children with chronic diseases with parents of healthy children. Meta-regression was used to identify variables that could account for the lack of homogeneity. Results: Pooled PTSD prevalence was 19.6% in mothers, 11.6% in fathers, and 22.8% in parents in general (p     

Recent research on human problem solving.

Though the research on human problem solving behavior from 1946 to 1957 has been characterized by a variety of problem tasks, diverse taxonomy of behavioral processes, non-dimensionalized variables, and a relative lack of integration of data and theory, several tentative conclusions are apparent. Among these it is suggested that problem solving performance varies as a function of simple sets and a few kinds of complex sets, of level of problem difficulty, of aids toward solution, and of such S variables as sex, age, and reasoning ability. 114-item bibliog. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relationship between acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: A 2-year prospective evaluation.

Previous research established that 78% of a sample of motor vehicle accident survivors initially diagnosed with acute stress disorder (ASD) were subsequently diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 6 months posttrauma. Although the previous study (A. G. Harvey and R. A. Bryant, see record 1998-02631-007) provided initial evidence for the utility of the ASD diagnosis, the relationship between ASD and PTSD was assessed over a relatively short period. The present study reassessed that original sample 2 years following the trauma to establish the longer term relationship between ASD and PTSD. ASD was diagnosed in 13% of participants, and 21% were diagnosed with subsyndromal ASD. In terms of participants who participated in all 3 assessments, 63% who met the criteria for ASD, 70% who met the criteria for subsyndromal ASD, and 13% who did not meet the criteria for ASD were diagnosed with PTSD at 2 years posttrauma. These findings indicate the importance of considering multiple pathways to the development of PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The standard problem: Meaning and values in measurement and evaluation.

Discusses the concepts of construct and content validity, the requirements of convergent and discriminant evidence, norm and criterion-referenced interpretations, values in measurement and the uses of counterhypotheses, and the identification of bias. The importance of construct-referencing all measurement is noted. The need for a dialectical evaluation where a particular thesis is confronted with its antithetical elements is stressed. This approach should help uncover assumptions and ideologies implicit in many measurement and evaluation activities. (61 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Current status of research and theory in human problem solving.

Summarizes problem-solving theories in 3 areas: traditional learning, cognitive-Gestalt approaches, and more recent computer and mathematical models of problem solving. Recent empirical studies are categorized according to the type of behavior elicited by the particular problem-solving task. Anagram, "insight," water-jar, and arithmetic problems are considered to be solved by covert trial-and-error behavior. Switch-light, classification, probability-learning, and numerous "miscellaneous" tasks are approached by overt trial-and-error behavior. (3 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Hassles" in the conceptualization and measurement of life stress variables.

In a previous study by the present 1st author et al, evidence was found that items in several leading stress measures, including a hassles scale developed by A. D. Kanner et al (1981), are confounded with measures of psychological distress. R. S. Lazarus et al (see record 1986-10770-001) disagree with the present authors' conclusions about the hassles scale and present additional data indicating that their measure is not confounded. Lazarus et al also argue in more general terms that the present authors' theoretical and methodological approach is a misguided quest for rigor. In rebuttal, the present authors offer further analyses of their data and compare their theoretical approach to that of Lazarus et al. On the matter of confounding, it is concluded that the hassles scale is even more confounded than originally supposed. With regard to the theoretical issue, it is believed that a rapprochement would be both feasible and useful. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Health-related quality of life measurement for evaluation research and policy analysis.

Describes a unit of health status, the "Well-Year," which expresses the output of health programs in terms of the number of years and the health-related quality of life produced by a treatment or program. Dividing the cost of the program by the number of Well-Years that it produces gives the cost–utility of the program. This cost–utility ratio can be used in a general health policy model to compare the efficiency of different programs or to assess the relative contribution of different programs and providers in the health-care system. Different components of the model are useful (1) for the effectiveness of medical interventions, (2) to assess the quality of care, (3) to improve clinical decision making, (4) to assess needs of different populations, and (5) to understand causes of variations in health. A comprehensive standardized measure of health status has many advantages for health planning, decision analysis, and program evaluation. An example demonstrates how the relative production of Well-Years by psychologists might be compared to the contribution of other health-care services. (66 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Acute stress disorder scale: A self-report measure of acute stress disorder.

The Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) is a self-report inventory that (a) indexes acute stress disorder (ASD) and (b) predicts posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ASDS is a 19-item, inventory that is based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria. The ASDS possessed good sensitivity (95%) and specificity (83%) for identifying ASD against the ASD Interview on 99 civilian trauma survivors. Test-retest reliability of the ASDS scores between 2 and 7 days was strong (r? =? .94). The ASDS predicted 91% of bushfire survivors who developed PTSD and 93% of those who did not; one third of those identified by the ASDS as being at risk did not develop PTSD, however. The ASDS shows promise as a screening instrument to identify acutely traumatized individuals who warrant more thorough assessment for risk of PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The psychophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis of 58 resting baseline studies, 25 startle studies, 17 standardized trauma cue studies, and 22 idiographic trauma cue studies compared adults with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on psychophysiological variables: facial electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC), and blood pressure. Significant weighted mean effects of PTSD were observed for HR (r = .18) and SC (r = .08) in resting baseline studies; eyeblink EMG (r = .13), HR (r = .23), and SC habituation slope (r = .21) in startle studies; HR (r = .27) in standardized trauma cue studies; and frontalis EMG (r = .21), corrugator EMG (r = .34), HR (r = .22), and SC (r = .19) in idiographic trauma cue studies. The most robust correlates of PTSD were SC habituation slope, facial EMG during idiographic trauma cues, and HR during all study types. Overall, the results support the view that PTSD is associated with elevated psychophysiology. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited by characteristics of the published literature, including its disproportionate focus on male veterans and neglect of potential PTSD subtypes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)