Psychological characteristics of dieters and bulimics.

Two studies examined the continuum and discontinuity models of the relation between dieting and bulimia nervosa. In Study 1, 21 dieters, 19 bulimics, and 33 nondieting controls were compared on 24 measures. Multivariate analyses revealed that each of the groups differed significantly from the other 2. Univariate analyses found 18 significant differences between bulimics and dieters and 1 significant difference between dieters and controls. In Study 2, 86 Ss completed measures of psychological functioning, dieting, and bulimia nervosa. On the basis of regression analyses using factor scores from the psychological variables as predictors, high scores on a psychopathology factor and low scores on a defensiveness factor predicted both bulimia and dieting. Low self-concept scores also predicted bulimia. These data indicate that both continuity and discontinuity characterize the relation between dieting and bulimia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recovery and relapse in former bulimics.

21 undergraduate women who met criteria for bulimia nervosa (BN) for 3 mo completed the SCL-90 (Revised), the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI), and a recovery questionnaire. From among 3 definitions of recovery in BN, the majority of the Ss endorsed the definition "I am recovered but still struggle with food, weight, and/or body image." Elevated scores on the EDI were correlated with feeling an increased likelihood of relapse, an increased level of psychological distress, and a shorter period of being recovered. However, the Body Dissatisfaction, Perfectionism, and Interpersonal Distrust subscales of the EDI may not be reliable indicators of distress or confidence in one's recovery. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relapse crises and coping among dieters.

We examined situational antecedents of dieting relapse crises and dieters' attempts to cope with temptations to overeat. We analyzed postreatment interviews with 57 obese Ss with Type II diabetes, comparing situations in which Ss lapsed with those in which they overcame temptation to overeat. Cluster analysis yielded 3 categories of relapse crises: mealtime, low-arousal, and emotional upset situations. The cluster differed in outcome: Upset situations almost always resulted in overeating; situational factors, especially food-related cues, increased relapse risk; but performance of coping was the strongest correlate of outcome. Cognitive and behavioral coping responses were each equally associated with positive outcomes. When Ss reported combining both types of coping, they were less likely to report overeating. The dynamics of relapse crises among dieters resemble those that govern relapse crises in addictive behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological profiles of violent and nonviolent maritally distressed couples.

Compared 42 couples seeking counseling who had equal levels of marital distress but different levels of violence. 32 couples had experienced at least 1 episode of physical assault in the last year. Measures included the Profile of Mood States, the Index of Self-Esteem, assessments of violence in family and peer milieus, and assessment of alcohol use. More violent males reported alcohol problems than distressed males. Women in violent couples were significantly more anxious, confused, fatigued, and marginally more depressed than maritally distressed women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological differences among groups of critically ill hospitalized patients, noncritically ill hospitalized patients, and well controls.

Examined differences on 9 psychological measures among groups of 25 critically ill hospitalized patients, 25 noncritically ill hospitalized patients, and 25 normal well controls. The instruments used were the Purpose in Life Test, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior test, and 2 listening measures on which eye-blink rates were recorded. 4 multivariate discriminate function analyses were performed to determine those variables that discriminated groups of Ss. The critically ill group expressed (a) more "purpose in life," (b) an increased need for affection and inclusion, (c) a decreased "wanted control" from others, and (d) an increased rate of eye blinks in response to disease-related material. The critically ill group appeared to be psychologically unique, since there was little difference between the results of the other 2 S groups. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The dropout problem in outpatient psychotherapy groups for bulimics and compulsive eaters.

Two sets of factors explain the high dropout rate in eating disorder groups: the characteristics of this population and general group management problems. Predictable stages in the dropping-out process are described, based on the author's experience with overweight overeaters, normal-weight overeaters, and bulimics. Structural, strategic, and clinical solutions to the dropout problem are offered. Therapists can minimize the dropout problem by screening, by preparing members for uncomfortable moments, and by interpreting them when they arise. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological rehabilitation, skills-building, and self-efficacy.

Suggests features that should be incorporated with the skills building model suggested by W. A. Anthony (see record 1978-12897-001). This model of rehabilitation emphasizes the identification and elimination of skills deficits, that is, those performance deficits that have prevented Ss from functioning in the community. Reintegration of Ss into the community is the main goal. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological resources, positive illusions, and health.

Psychological beliefs such as optimism, personal control, and a sense of meaning are known to be protective of mental health. Are they protective of physical health as well? The authors present a program of research that has tested the implications of cognitive adaptation theory and research on positive illusions for the relation of positive beliefs to disease progression among men infected with HIV. The investigations have revealed that even unrealistically optimistic beliefs about the future may be health protective. The ability to find meaning in the experience is also associated with a less rapid course of illness. Taken together, the research suggests that psychological beliefs such as meaning, control, and optimism act as resources, which may not only preserve mental health in the context of traumatic or life-threatening events but be protective of physical health as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological correspondence of possessions, attitudes, and values.

Three studies were conducted to investigate individual consistency in the psychological functions of possessions, attitudes, and values. In the first study, participants listed favorite possessions, which other subjects classified by their similarity in source of value. The similarity data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling. In Study 2, new subjects rated each possession on four scales that represented subjective interpretations of the scaling dimensions, and mean scale ratings of objects were regressed over the scaling solution. The primary dimension distinguished symbolic or self-expressive objects (e.g., family heirlooms) from instrumental objects (e.g., a stereo). In Study 3, individual consistency in orientation toward symbolic or instrumental possessions, attitudes, and values was examined. The same subjects who listed possessions in Study 1 indicated their favorability toward symbolic and instrumental appeals and values. On the basis of the locations of their possessions in the scaling solution, individuals were classified into symbolic and instrumental possession groups, and attitudes and values of the two groups were compared. Results indicate that the self-expressive function of possessions, attitudes, and values is consistent within individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of bulimics, obese binge eaters, social phobics, and individuals with panic disorder on comorbidity across DSM-III—R anxiety disorders.

82 women, presenting as normal-weight bulimics, obese binge eaters, social phobics, and individuals with panic disorder, were compared on anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. All were administered the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule—Revised and completed the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, Drug Abuse Screening Test, and Self-Consciousness Scale. A striking proportion of eating disorder Ss were comorbid for 1 or more anxiety disorders, the most frequent diagnoses being generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. The results suggest that the place of anxiety in bulimia nervosa goes beyond that discussed within the context of the anxiety reduction model. Conflicting comorbidity findings among this and prior investigations are noted, however, and discussed in terms of the issue of differential diagnosis between eating and anxiety disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Combined cognitive-behavioral, psychopharmacological and nutritional therapy in eating disorders. 2. Anorexia nervosa--binge-eating/purging type

Thirteen women with anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type (AN-BP), 17-43 years old, were treated with a 4-month course of combined cognitive-behavioral, nutritional and antidepressant therapy (7 with amineptine and 6 with fluoxetine). Patients were monitored before and after 1, 2 and 4 months of treatment for body mass index (BMI), for eating disorder symptoms by the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and the Bulimic Investigation Test (BITE) and for depression and anxiety by the Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety. BMI, EDI scores, depression and anxiety improved significantly and equally in the two groups during the 4 months of therapy, while BITE scores did not change.     

Empathy and socialization in repeat offenders, first offenders, and normals.

Results of 2 experiments indicate that normal undergraduates and first offenders both differed significantly from repeat offenders but not from each other on empathy and socialization. R. Hogan's (1969) model of moral development and implications for future research in terms of differentiating between first and repeat offenders in prison groups are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Eating behavior of bulimics, self-identified binge eaters, and non-eating-disordered individuals: what differentiates these populations?

This article reviews and critiques the eating behavior literature comparing the binge and non-binge-eating episodes of three populations of normal-weight women: bulimics, self-identified binge eaters, and non-eating-disordered women. The specific behaviors evaluated are number of calories consumed during different types of eating episodes, frequency of binge eating, number of eating episodes, rate of food consumption, the macronutrient composition of the food ingested, and context and duration of eating. Differences in these populations' eating behavior are analyzed in terms of their theoretical contribution. It is concluded that differences in the observed behavior of these groups are consistent with restraint theory, purge opportunity, and the forbidden foods hypothesis. Conversely, results do not support carbohydrate craving theory or a deficit in the satiety mechanisms of bulimics. Suggestions for future research are presented.     

Distractibility in dieters and nondieters: An alternative view of "externality."

Performed 2 experiments in an investigation of the effects of distraction and emotional arousal on the proofreading performance of 60 dieting and nondieting female undergraduates. In Exp I, it was found that distraction initially impaired the performance of dieters and facilitated the performance of nondieters, a pattern previously shown by J. Rodin (see record 1973-27101-001) to apply to obese and normal weight Ss, respectively, and interpreted as evidence of greater externality in the obese. Subsequent retesting of the same Ss in succeeding months, however, revealed a complete reversal of the original results. In Exp II, the reaction to distraction found in the first phase of Exp I was obtained when Ss were in a situation of minimal threat. In a situation of high threat, the relative distractibility of dieters was reversed, as in the latter phases of Exp I. An explanation is offered for these data in terms of the greater emotionality of dieters, the susceptibility of cognitive performance to arousal (distraction, anxiety) manipulations, and the potentially competing effects of distraction and anxiety. Implications for the prevailing "trait" view of externality (stimulus binding) are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological androgyny: Theories, methods, and conclusions.

Methodological and conceptual problems in existing psychological androgyny research are illuminated by application of the 2-way ANOVA model, which views masculinity and femininity as a pair of crossed independent variables, with androgynous, male-typed, female-typed, and undifferentiated sex-role categories represented in the cells of the resultant 2-by-2 table. Foremost among previously overlooked theoretical points is that the J. T. Spence et al (see record 1975-27536-001) "high/high" and the S. L. Bem (see record 1974-27631-001) "balance" androgyny formulations represent 2 independent hypotheses, a main effects hypothesis and an interaction hypothesis. Androgyny research findings are summarized in terms of the effects and interaction predicted by these theories. There is no evidence of consistent interaction effects favoring the balanced over the sex typed. Furthermore, the consistency and strength of the masculinity effect relative to the femininity effect suggest that masculinity rather than main effects androgyny predicts psychological well-being. The data provide no support for the traditional model that masculinity is best for men and femininity best for women. (107 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Obesity: Psychological causes, correlations, and speculations.

Reviews the literature for consistencies and disagreements about psychological factors associated with obesity, particularly the issue of external cue sensitivity. Methodological problems associated with these studies are discussed, as well as alternative explanations for the findings. Research on the association between other personality variables and obesity is also presented. The problems inherent in defining and measuring the obese state and in viewing obesity as if it were a unitary syndrome are considered. (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological empowerment: Definition, measurement, and validation.

Psychological empowerment was defined from the perspective of the individual employee, and a measure was developed using three different samples. The psychologically empowered state was considered to be a cognitive state characterized by a sense of perceived control, perceptions of competence, and internalization of the goals and objectives of the organization. Using an initial sample of 311 employed individuals (mean age 30 yrs), a 9-item, 3-factor scale of psychological empowerment was developed with subscale reliabilities as follows: perceived control (.83), perceived competence (.80), and goal internalization (.88). In the validation sample of 66 employees from a single organization, empowerment as measured by the scale was negatively related to organizational centralization while being positively related to delegation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of clients' standard, exaggerated, and matching MMPI profiles.

Investigated the manner in which clients exaggerate the MMPI: (a) whether malingering indices developed on normals could detect clients' exaggeration, (b) whether D. N. Wiener's subtle and obvious items could detect malingering, and (c) whether malingered profiles were distinguishable from valid matching profiles. 40 United States Air Force male clients took standard MMPIs and exaggerated retests. 32 exaggerated retests were matched with similar valid profiles. Findings were: (a) exaggerated retests differed (p     

Cognitive controls and psychopathology.

Studied 90 psychiatric inpatients (nonpsychotic, nonschizophrenic psychotic, schizophrenic) and 35 normal controls to (a) determine whether some of the traditional cognitive controls could be isolated in these patients and (b) evaluate whether various diagnostic groups differed from each other and from normals in terms of these congitive controls. Ss were administered a battery of cognitive control tasks (e.g., the Phillips Scale of Premorbid Adjustment, WAIS, and Rorschach tests). With age, socioeconomic status, and verbal IQ as covariates, the factor structure for the total group was similar to that reported in other studies of cognitive control organization in the normal population. Schizophrenic and other psychiatric patients were not characterized by distinctly different organizations of cognitive controls. Although patients showed specific areas of cognitive dysfunctions, these seemed to be related to degree of disorganization. (41 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Organizational controls and leadership.

Organizations are complex systems that, like all other systems, require internal control mechanisms for self-regulation and balance. Such controls also have direct and hidden financial and human costs. Designing control systems in professional service organizations can be especially challenging due to the need for case-by-case flexibility and the values of professionals for autonomy and other prerogatives. Leaderships must continuously assess the benefits to be gained by certain controls against their financial and human costs. The mix of control mechanisms and the way they are used over time will be contingent on the turbulence and complexity of the agency's environment. The ability of the agency to influence its environment will rest on the skills of its leadership. The conflict between flexibility and control will be particularly troublesome for human service organizations in the future, as the greater diversity of human problems and professional solutions meets the limitations of social values and governmental involvement. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)