How multiculturalism obscures racial factors in the therapy process: Comment on Ridley et al. (1994), Sodowsky et al. (1994), Ottavi et al. (1994), and Thompson et al. (1994).

Argues that counseling psychologists have prematurely abandoned the study of racial factors in the psychotherapy process in favor of an all-inclusive version of multiculturalism. Using 4 multicultural articles (T. M. Ottavi et al [see PA, Vol 81:31317]; C. R. Ridley et al [see PA, Vol 81:30590]; G. R. Sodowsky et al [see PA, Vol 81:27909] and C. E. Thompson et al [see PA, Vol 81:30597] for illustrative purposes, this article suggests that the definitional imprecision of racial and cultural constructs has contributed to equivocal theoretical conceptualizations, methodological ambiguities, and practitioner confusion. Also, in reaction to the articles, future directions for research on racial factors in the psychotherapy process are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Phonological, orthographic, and lexical codes: Comment on Carello et al. (1994).

In a series of experiments, N. Sebastián-Gallés (1991) showed lexical involvement in reading in Spanish (a language that has a shallow orthography). These results were assumed to be inconsistent with the model of prelexical phonology in reading. C. Carello et al (1994) disagree; they argue that the results of Sebastián-Gallés parallel previous data found in Serbo-Croatian (which also has shallow orthography). However, the results cannot be explained within the prelexical model, nor do the Sebastián-Gallés data parallel previous ones. Finally, some general problems with current models of prelexical reading are identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Asian-American mental health and help-seeking behavior: Comment on Solberg et al. (1994), Tata and Leong (1994), and Lin (1994).

Research on Asian Americans has traditionally been ignored or has failed to create a realistic understanding of their status in society. There is widespread belief that Asians in the US are a model minority who are somehow immune to the stresses of minority status and in need of no special consideration. The 3 studies in the special section on Asian Americans Seeking Counseling (V. S. Solberg et al, S. P. Tata and F. T. Leong, and J. C. Lin; see PA, Vol 81:39326, 38266, and 38246, respectively) contribute greatly to dispelling false images and stereotypes about the mental health needs of Asian Americans. Despite the importance of these studies, future research would profit from a focus on the diversity of the Asian-American population and the development of theories and practices indigenous to Asian culture. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Confidence in protection: Comment on Goldberg et al. (1999).

S. Goldberg, J. E. Grusec, and J. M. Jenkins (see record 1999-15264-001) presented a provocative and compelling argument for a narrow definition of infant–mother attachment that is true to J. Bowlby's (1969) original theory. In particular, S. Goldberg et al. emphasized protection as the central feature of attachment and considered the importance of such a narrow definition for empirical precision in studies of the interactional antecedents of attachment. This comment considers a number of questions raised by S. Goldberg et al.'s article, including practical, theoretical, and developmental issues stemming from an attachment-as-protection perspective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dopamine and reward: Comment on Hernandez et al. (2006).

Many lines of evidence suggest that the dopaminergic projection from the midbrain tegmentum to the forebrain must play a critical role in mediating the behavioral effects of natural and artificial rewards, with brain stimulation reward and addictive drugs included in the latter category. However, a closer look reveals many incongruities. The work of G. Hernandez et al. (2006; see record 2006-09890-013) resolves several puzzles. It implies that the dopaminergic projection does not carry the signal that encodes the magnitude of a brain stimulation reward. It suggests that the elevation in the tonic levels of dopamine consequent on brain stimulation reward modulates the registration of the magnitude of the reward. This reconciles the psychophysical evidence with the pharmacological, electrophysiological, and anatomical evidence. However, some serious puzzles do remain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Looking weakly in all the worng places? Comment on Shapiro et al (1994).

This invited comment applauds the impressive outcome study conducted by D. A. Shapiro et al (see record 1994-38260-001) in which psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy was compared with cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of depression. Our limited argument with their article is the uncritical support accorded to the equivalent outcomes conclusion and the implicit rejection of differential efficacy among the psychotherapies as a function of patient variables. Two principal objections are that Shapiro et al overestimated the statistical power of their analyses to detect genuine interactions and selected variables that are not particularly relevant or amenable to psychological treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The study of change in psychotherapy: A reexamination of the process–outcome correlation paradigm. Comment on Stiles and Shapiro (1994).

W. B. Stiles and D. A. Shapiro (see record 1995-10433-001) present a provocative argument that the yield of process research has been minimal because of researchers' overreliance on the drug metaphor and its corollary, the correlational design. Although Stiles and Shapiro raise excellent points regarding the possible misinterpretations of correlational research, their conclusion that the process-outcome correlation paradigm is flawed and has outlived its usefulness is questioned. The basic thesis is that Stiles and Shapiro did not provide a fair test of the correlation paradigm. The process variables used to test the paradigm do not have the strong theoretical and empirical grounding necessary to support the assumption that they should be related to outcome. In this article, examples are described, of programmatic process research that has used the correlation paradigm, along with other methods of inquiry, to advance the understanding of how change occurs and to improve treatment efficacy. It is contended that the correlational method is one useful tool of discovery and that it has contributed significantly to the advancement of the field when the process variables studied are grounded in solid theory and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognitive processes in dissociation: Comment on Giesbrecht et al. (2008).

In their recent review “Cognitive Processes in Dissociation: An Analysis of Core Theoretical Assumptions,” published in Psychological Bulletin, Giesbrecht, Lynn, Lilienfeld, and Merckelbach (see record 2008-11487-001) have challenged the widely accepted trauma theory of dissociation, which holds that dissociative symptoms are caused by traumatic stress. In doing so, the authors have outlined a series of links between various constructs—such as fantasy proneness, cognitive failures, absorption, suggestibility, altered information-processing, dissociation, and amnesia—claiming that these linkages lead to the false conclusion that trauma causes dissociation. A review of the literature, however, shows that these are not necessarily related constructs. Careful examination of their arguments reveals no basis for the conclusion that there is no association between trauma and dissociation. The current comment offers a critical review and rebuttal of Giesbrecht et al.’s argument that there is no relationship between trauma and dissociation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Structural equation modeling: Reply to Marsh et al. (1994).

In our previous article (B. S. Randhawa et al; see record 1993-23567-001), we concluded that (1) the endogenous latent variable (self-efficacy) mediated the exogenous latent variable (attitude) and the endogenous latent variable (mathematics achievement) and that (2) self-efficacy and attitude were more strongly related to achievement for boys than for girls. H. W. Marsh et al (see record 1995-03503-001) claimed that we inappropriately applied the structure equation modeling and consequently our conclusions are unsubstantiated. We defend our analysis and conclusions. We show that a philosophically different perspective in their reanalysis of the covariance matrices and the fact that their input data were derived from our reported truncated summary results may have been the basis for the differences in their results and conclusions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of observational coding in family therapy research: Comment on Alexander et al. (1995).

The author recommends a systematic, context-sensitive method for using observation to increase understanding of how change actually occurs in couples and family therapy. In this method, a task analysis of in-session performances on a specific task leads to the building of a model of the change process. This approach is exemplified in the process of in-session conflict resolution in couples therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of ADHD symptoms: Comment on Gomez et al. (2003).

R. Gomez, G. L. Burns, J. A. Walsh, and M. A. de Moura (see record 2003-02033-001) examined the degree to which parent and teacher ratings of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are accounted for by trait, source, and error variance. The importance and limitations of Gomez et al.'s findings are discussed in the context of clinical and research assessments of children suspected of having ADHD. Gomez et al.'s findings make clear that multimethod and multisource assessment protocols should be used in diagnosing children with this disorder. Further, clinicians and researchers must avoid relying too heavily on 1 source of data when evaluating the severity and frequency of ADHD symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reaction to the Special Section on supervision research: Comment on Ellis et al. (1996), Ladany et al. (1996), Neufeldt et al. (1996), and Worthen and McNeill (1996).

Both the post-positivistic (M. V. Ellis, N. Ladany, M. Krengel, and D. Schult; N. Ladany, C. E. Hill, M. M. Corbett, and E. A. Nutt; see PA, Vol 83:21766 and 24267, respectively) and interpretive (S. A. Neufeldt, M. P. Karno, and M. L. Nelson; V. Worthen and B. W. McNeill; see PA, Vol 83:24269 and 24281, respectively) studies in this special section on supervision research are reviewed from the perspective of rigor and relevancy to the critical questions facing educators and practitioners of supervision. The value of different empirical methods to uncover the meaning and structure of supervision is discussed in light of these researchers' contribution to building a theory of practice. Empirical findings of both methods are needed to guide the systematic teaching of psychotherapy in supervision and the teaching of supervision itself. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Meaning and measurement of family: Comment on Gorman-Smith et al. (1996).

D. Gorman-Smith, P. H. Tolan, A. Zelli, & L. R. Huesmann (see record 83:27124) highlight important issues for the treatment of conduct problems. Their results suggest that the concept of family and the family treatment of serious delinquency should target two dimensions: parenting practices and family characteristics. Additionally, they raise important questions about the meaning, and hence the measurement, of family. The debate articulated in this comment focuses on whether the family is considered to be a collection of individuals with unique perspectives, a unique whole with its own beliefs and emotions, or both a collection of individuals and a whole. In this article, the author argues that family research can be improved if researchers specify three components of the measurement of family: (a) target of the assessment, (b) method of the assessment, and (c) method of aggregation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Toward an LGBT-informed paradigm for children who break gender norms: Comment on Drummond et al. (2008) and Rieger et al. (2008).

In this commentary, the author reviews methodological and conceptual shortcomings of recent articles by K. D. Drummond, S. J. Bradley, M. Peterson-Badali, and K. J. Zucker (see record 2007-19851-005) as well as G. Rieger, J. A. W. Linsenmeier, L. Gygax, and J. M. Bailey (see record 2007-19851-006), which sought to predict adult sexual identity from childhood gender identity. The author argues that such research needs to incorporate a greater awareness of how stigmatization affects identity processes. Multidimensional models of gender identity that describe variation in children’s responses to pressure to conform to gender norms are particularly useful in this regard (S. K. Egan & D. G. Perry, 2001). Experiments on the interpretation of developmental data are reviewed to evidence how cultural assumptions about sexuality can impact theories of sexual identity development in unintended ways. The author concludes that understanding the development of children presumed most likely to grow up with sexual minority identities requires a consideration of the cultural contexts in which identities develop and in which psychologists theorize. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Family as crucible for violence: Comment on Gorman-Smith et al. (1996).

The article discusses three issues. First, observations of families evaluated while the participants were adolescents predicted their violent criminality measured 30 years later; this finding supports the conclusion that family interaction and socialization practices contribute to the causes of violence. Second, confounding data suggest that researchers should develop a taxonomy of violence before deciding whether violence should be studied apart from its embeddedness in other forms of deviance. Third, unhealthful experiences leave their residues, and it is a mistake to assume that knowledge about the effectiveness of restorative interventions follows from knowledge about causes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Considering phasic alerting in Alzheimer's disease: Comment on Tales et al. (2006).

A. Tales, R. J. Snowden, M. Brown, and G. Wilcock (2006; see record 2006-20657-014) have questioned the authors' view (see record 2004-12990-007) of a possible interdependence between attentional systems mediating exogenous spatial orienting and phasic alerting as well as the authors' suggestion that phasic alerting deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be influencing their performance on tests of spatial orienting. Consistent with this possibility, both laboratories have previously demonstrated increased spatial orienting and decreased phasic alerting in patients with AD. In Tales et al.'s current study, however, they have instead suggested that their results provide evidence for functional independence between these attentional systems in AD. In this commentary, the authors address the misinterpretations of their study and evaluate the degree to which Tales et al.'s study addresses the issues that they raise. Given Tales et al.'s difficulty performing analyses on response time data because of variance issues, the presence of a reduced (although not significant) alerting effect in Tales et al.'s AD group (consistent with the authors' previous findings), and a potential floor effect in their measure of alerting, the authors question the validity of Tales et al.'s conclusions and reaffirm their position that not considering interactions among attentional systems can lead to inaccurate characterizations of the mechanisms by which they operate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Models of intelligence in late life: Comment on Hultsch et al. (1999).

The authors comment on D. F. Hultsch, C. Hertzog, B. J. Small, and R. A. Dixon's (1999) report of the latest results of the Victoria Longitudinal Study, which are presented as a test of the engagement hypothesis, and on their reanalysis of the data from the Veterans Study (Pushkar Gold et al., 1995), which proposes an alternative model of intellectual function. Differences between the methodologies, variables, and concepts of engaged lifestyle in the 2 studies lead to different tests of the engagement hypothesis and different conclusions. Failure to report specified paths and unjustified assumptions lessen the credibility of the Hultsch et al. model for the Veterans Study data. The authors conclude that their original model, which indicates a small but significant effect of engaged adult lifestyle on the maintenance of intellectual verbal abilities in later life, provides a better explanation of the Veterans Study data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On gender role conflict in men—Future directions and implications for counseling: Comment on Good et al. (1995) and Cournoyer and Mahalik (1995).

15 yrs of research on gender role conflict indicate it has been a fruitful construct in counseling psychology. G. E. Good, J. M. Robertson, J. M. O'Neil, L. F. Fitzgerald, M. Stevens, K. A. Debord, K. M. Bartels, and D. B. Braverman (1995) and R. J. Cournoyer and J. R. Mahalik (1995) add to the empirical knowledge and are certain to stimulate thinking in this area. In this comment, issues related to (a) psychological maladjustment, (b) test development, (c) life span development, and (d) practice implications are discussed. Although clear progress is being made, much more is unknown about how gender-related variables positively and negatively affect male development and, subsequently, the practice of counseling psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Do People Need Self-Esteem? Comment on Pyszczynski et al. (2004).

In spite of impressive empirical evidence consistent with aspects of terror management theory (TMT) reviewed by T. Pyszczynski, J. Greenberg, S. Solomon, J. Arndt, and J. Schimel (2004), several fundamental assumptions of the theory remain untested or lack support. Specifically, Pyszczynski et al. (2004) have not demonstrated that (a) people need self-esteem, (b) pursuing self-esteem is an effective means for reducing anxiety, (c) pursuing self-esteem helps people achieve their important goals, (d) having or pursuing self-esteem is the only way to deal with anxiety to achieve important goals, or (e) death is the real issue driving the pursuit of self-esteem. The authors suggest there is a different paradigm for thinking about death, one in which awareness of one's mortality serves as a precious reminder of the limited time one has to accomplish one's most important goals. All of these questions can be addressed with empirical research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The investigation of exposure and cognitive therapy: Comment on Tarrier et al. (1999).

This article outlines concerns relating to the N. Tarrier et al. (1999) investigation (see record 1999-00242-002) comparing imaginal exposure and cognitive therapy. Specifically, the authors offer N. Tarrier et al. the opportunity to operationally define and clarify the claim that more patients treated by imaginal exposure "worsened" during treatment. Equally, in light of N. Tarrier et al.'s low effect sizes in relation to past research the authors also highlight the need to utilize accountable treatment integrity checks. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)