Occupational stress in Canadian universities: A national survey.

Stress surveys in U.K. and Australian universities demonstrated high occupational stress levels among faculty. This study investigated whether the same occupational stressors and stress outcomes applied at Canadian universities. Randomly selected staff (n = 1440) from 56 universities completed a Web-based questionnaire. The response rate 27%, was similar to those in the U.K. and Australian studies, as were most of the results. With respect to strain, 13% of the respondents reported high psychological distress and 22% reported elevated physical health symptoms. Less secure employment status and work-life imbalance strongly predicted job dissatisfaction; work-life imbalance strongly predicted increased psychological distress. Overall study participants were satisfied with their jobs and emotionally committed to their institutions. These results warrant consideration of contemporary academic work by both academic staff associations and university administrations with respect to the implementation of changes in policies and procedures that might lead to reductions in work-related stress and strain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The mental health needs of physically disabled persons: Their perspective.

Evaluated disabled persons' perceptions of the types of problems experienced by the disabled population and the extent of this population's need for psychological services. 145 severely physically disabled former clients of a state rehabilitation commission responded to a questionnaire. Data show that 55% of Ss were aged 16–29 yrs, while 88% were 55 yrs old or less. 61.3% of Ss were males; 41% of Ss were married, 13% were divorced, 8% were separated, and 36% were single. 75% reported substantial need; 8% felt there was minimal or no need. Perceived problem areas included personal/emotional, organic/biological, marital/family, and vocational/career planning. Results suggest that this group of consumers perceives that there is a significant need for mental health services among individuals who are physically disabled. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sex differences in referrals to a rehabilitation facility for the physically disabled: A research note.

Sex ratios for inpatient and outpatient referrals to a Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and to its psychological services were examined for six general diagnostic categories of injury and disease and compared with known proportions of males and females in the population in these categories. Of the diagnostic categories, only referrals of patients suffering from cerebral vascular accident (CVA) revealed sex ratios significantly different from population estimates. Problems in interpreting the statistics and in judging the adequacy of the estimated sex ratios, which may be confounded by differential age expectancies, were disclosed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A national survey of group psychotherapy services in correctional facilities.

Facilitating group psychotherapy in correctional settings presents dilemmas and concerns that are unmatched in other environments, often leaving clinicians grasping for therapeutic advantages. This article provides information regarding national practices of group psychotherapy services for male inmates in state correctional facilities (n?=?79) as reported by correctional mental health providers (n?=?162). The general findings of this study will be of interest to group psychotherapy providers employed in correctional facilities; however, of particular importance for doctoral-level psychologists is their potential role in fulfilling a need for the active development and evaluation of group psychotherapy programs in correctional settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Health-care utilization by disabled persons: a survey in rural Bangladesh

The purpose of the present study was to examine the utilization of health services by disabled persons in rural Bangladesh and to identify associated factors to inform the development of appropriate health services. Household surveys were conducted in two villages of Bangladesh by a trained primary-care specialist who lived in the study area for 4 months. About 81% of the sample had utilized some form of health care with more than half consulting unqualified practitioners of modern medicine. Disabled persons whose families perceived they were disabled were 14 times more likely than others to seek treatment. Being male and in the economically productive age group, having an acquired disability and having some form of belief about disability causation were associated with utilization. The conclusions of the study are that social and cultural barriers prevent certain groups, notably women and demographically dependent age groups, from accessing health care. Those who are economically beneficial to the family usually utilize health services. A combination of educational and economic initiatives such as a disability benefits allowance would strongly promote the health of disabled persons and create a general awareness of disability in Bangladesh. A long-term programme which includes disability training for health-care workers and use of financial institutions and existing local government infrastructure for intensive rehabilitation will improve quality of life for disabled persons and is proposed for urgent implementation.     

Preferences for physically disabled counselors in hypothetical counseling situations.

Obtained the preferences of 320 undergraduates for 1 of 3 disabled counselors or for a nondisabled counselor on each of R. E. and R. W. Thoreson's (see record 1973-21423-001) 20 hypothetical counseling situations. Chi-square analyses for the entire sample and the sample categorized by sex yielded significant findings. For the entire sample, significant counselor preferences existed for 18 of the 20 situations, and when categorized by sex, significant counselor preferences existed for 4 of the 20 situations. The general pattern for significant preference trends was in support of "an enhanced ability to understand and empathize" hypothesis. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Innovations for child witnesses: A national survey.

Numerous innovative procedural reforms have been proposed concerning child victims involved in legal cases. In this study, 153 district attorney offices nationwide were surveyed about their use of innovations, their perceptions of the innovations' effectiveness, reasons why they opt not to utilize innovations, and defense strategies used with child witnesses. Prosecutors were also asked about the type of cases they encountered in which children testified. Prosecutors reported mainly using inexpensive, easy-to-implement innovations, which were also typically rated as helpful in reducing children's trauma and enhancing guilty outcomes. Prosecutors reported rarely using expert witnesses and innovations that altered how children were interviewed or how they testified. The most common types of cases in which children testified involved sexual abuse. Frequent defense strategies to challenge child credibility concerned suggestibility, inaccurate memory, coaching, and delays in reporting abuse. Results are discussed in relation to the need for increased social science research on procedural reforms for child witnesses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Child care research: A case for Canadian national standards.

Research on child care is reviewed with respect to the effects of (1) licensing/regulation and (2) teacher education on the provision of high quality care for young children and developmental outcomes. A model is proposed indicating direct and indirect links between licensing and regulation, teacher education, the quality of child care, and child development outcomes. Discussion focuses on critical differences in American and Canadian demographics and attitudes toward social assistance and how this influences interpretation of research findings. Using the Canadian context as a framework, recommendations are made for national standards regarding (1) licensing and regulation of child care and (2) teacher education. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Micropsych: Applications in a residential facility for developmentally disabled persons.

Investigated the impact of a microcomputer system that was used to assist a psychologist in the assessment, training, and management of developmentally disabled persons living in a large residential facility. The microcomputer system generated evaluation reports, analyzed behavior patterns, and prepared comprehensive individualized behavioral intervention plans for individuals. These products were used by the psychologist to assist the facility's management with decisions about placement of residents and resource allocation. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Supported work: An innovative approach to the vocational rehabilitation of persons who are psychiatrically disabled.

Presents a model for the vocational rehabilitation of persons with severe psychiatric disability (SPD) that helps clients find private-sector jobs and provides support to both client and employer. Preliminary data on a supported work program in which 152 Ss with SPD participated suggest that the model is effective in returning individuals with SPD to competitive employment. Close monitoring of a subset of 34 Ss during the 1st yr of the program revealed that Ss whose disabilities were identified in adolescence (age 19 yrs or younger) were almost twice as likely to be employed as those with an adult onset. Clinical stability and level of motivation also appeared to affect program outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cardiovascular survey of 40-year old persons in Hordaland. A critical evaluation

The results of a heart screening programme in the county of Hordaland showed a high average heart infarction risk score in the two small municipalities, Fedje and Masfjorden where respectively ten and 24 men were screened. A closer look at the results revealed that in Masfjorden the results were affected by two men having very high heart infarction score. Median infarction risk score is a better measure than average infarction risk score, particularly in small municipalities. It does not seem to be a good policy to use the mass media for a preventive and health promotion strategy on the basis of the average infarction risk score.     

Review of Independent living for physically disabled people.

Reviews the book, Independent living for physically disabled people by Nancy M. Crewe, Irving Kenneth Zola, and Associates (1983). As stated by the authors, one of their goals in writing this text is to bring together a substantial portion of the rapidly growing body of independent living (IL) knowledge, some of which is relatively inaccessible. More importantly, the authors state their wish to present this knowledge in a way that will communicate the challenge and promise of the IL movement to their intended audience, whom they identify as professionals and students already in the field and in closely related fields, as well as disabled individuals. Generally speaking, this book succeeds in meeting its authors' stated objectives. A particularly important reason for this success may be the fact that the book presents the reader with a comprehensive view of the IL movement from a variety of vantage points—historical and cultural, urban and rural, domestic and international, disabled and nondisabled—as well as from numerous professional standpoints. Independent Living for Physically Disabled People is a well-organized and clearly written text that satisfactorily articulates the growing visibility of the IL movement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Religiosity of psychotherapists: A national survey.

Explored the religiosity of 425 marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists. Although 80% of the Ss indicated a religious preference, only 41% regularly attended religious services. According to the Religious Orientation Inventory, 230 of 425 Ss were classified as religious. This is consistent with findings of previous studies (e.g., A. E. Bergin; see record 1980-05877-001). The potential for change toward greater empathy for religious clients is underscored by the significant levels of unexpressed religiosity found among mental health professionals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological testing in outpatient mental health facilities: A national study.

Surveyed psychological testing trends in outpatient mental health centers, clinics, and services in the US. The sample was obtained from the National Directory of Mental Health and the National Registry of Community Mental Health Services. Of 900 facilities with a psychologist on staff, 413 (46%) returned questionnaires. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Wechsler scales were the instruments most frequently used, closely followed in usage frequency by the major projective techniques. The Wide Range Achievement Test, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), the Peabody, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Wechsler Memory Scale were also quite popular. Apparently, clinicians rely on traditional tests despite the proliferation of new assessment instruments in the clinical literature. Implications for graduate training are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Formalized postdoctoral fellowships: A national survey for postdoctoral fellows.

Why do some recent doctoral graduates participate in formalized postdoctoral fellowship programs? What activities do fellows engage in, and are fellowships meeting their training needs? By analyzing a national survey of 204 fellows, the authors address these and other questions. Desire for advanced training, particularly psychotherapy and assessment, was the most common reason for seeking and accepting a postdoctoral fellowship. It is interesting to note that training focused on new and emerging areas in psychology were not highly rated. Fellows reported engaging in a variety of activities, with nearly half of their work week spent providing direct clinical services. The majority of fellows were highly satisfied with their fellowship experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perception of a physically disabled counselor in a counseling session.

Conducted a counseling-analog study to determine whether an apparently physically disabled counselor compared with an able-bodied counselor would be perceived as exhibiting higher levels of 4 therapeutic ingredients. Ss were 189 undergraduates who were randomly divided into 2 groups. 1 group viewed a videotaped counseling session (role-played) with the counselor in a wheelchair. The comparison group viewed the same counseling dyad except the counselor was seated in a chair. Both groups rated their respective counseling tape sessions on the Barrett-Leonard Relationship Inventory. The disabled counselor was rated significantly higher on all therapeutic variables compared with the same counselor when viewed as nondisabled. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Position openings in rehabilitation psychology: A ten-year survey.

Examined rehabilitation psychology positions in the APA Monitor over a 10-yr period focusing on the mo February and September from the yrs 1976, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1986. The number of rehabilitation psychology positions has increased during this period, particularly in 1985 and 1986. The largest area of employment has been in the applied areas; the major increase over the last several years has been in the hospital/medical categories. The largest number of position openings has been in the eastern and central regions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Peer consultation groups for psychologists in private practice: A national survey.

We report the results of the first national survey of psychologists in private practice regarding their participation in peer consultation groups. The sample (71% return) was drawn from 800 randomly selected psychologists listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. We found that 23% of the sample currently belonged to peer consultation groups, and 24% had belonged in the past. Of those not currently in groups, 61% expressed the desire to belong if one were available. There were virtually no significant demographic differences between current members and nonmembers. We examined the following group characteristics: formation, length of existence, size, membership, leadership, theoretical orientation, range of experience, time and place, content, and group process. Groups tended to be small, informal, and leaderless; however, we found great variation among groups on all dimensions. Findings also showed a high degree of satisfaction with membership. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Undergraduate statistics in psychology: A survey of Canadian institutions.

Studied the curriculum in statistics courses required by undergraduate psychology departments in Canada. Questionnaires examining the content of undergraduate statistics courses were sent to 51 Canadian post-secondary institutes offering major degrees in psychology. Responses received from 59% of the institutions suggest that several basic statistical procedures constitute a small core content covered in almost all undergraduate statistics courses and that the incorporation of computer applications is relatively common. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Drug and alcohol use by Canadian university athletes: a national survey

To gauge the extent of drug and alcohol use in Canadian university athletes, we estimated the proportion of Canadian university athletes using social and/or ergogenic drugs through survey methods. A secondary purpose was to examine athletes' perceptions of the value of drug testing and drug education programs. Using a stratified random sampling procedure, 754 student athletes were surveyed in eight different sports from eight universities across Canada. Results showed that 17.7 percent of athletes have used major pain medications over the past twelve months, 3 percent reported use of weight loss products, 0.9 percent reported anabolic steroid use, 16.6 percent reported use of smokeless tobacco products, 94.1 percent reported use of alcohol, 65.2 percent reported use of caffeine products, 0.7 percent reported use of amphetamines, 1.0 percent reported use of barbiturates, 19.8 percent reported use of marijuana or hashish, 5.9 percent reported use of psychedelics and 0.8 percent reported use of cocaine/crack.