A note on deep-seated social values and countertransference in mother-infant dyadic psychotherapy.

Presents an example of countertransference in mother–infant dyadic psychotherapy based in the value expressed as "A mother takes care of her child." Once this social value is brought to conscious awareness, the interfering nature of this countertransference is recognized. The therapist is freed to work with the mother toward her underlying treatment goal, which is to "be a good mother." If she is not emotionally capable of being the child's primary caretaker, the objective of enhanced attachment can be abandoned and "being a good mother" can be translated into "allowing the child to have a competent caretaker." The treatment objective can become the mother's emotional separation from her infant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some steps towards a psychological matrix for health behavior.

Predictions related perceived internal control inversely to health problem expectancies and directly to probabilism, or uncertainty, within these expectancies. Questionnaire responses from 134 7-17 yr. old boys and girls revealed a significant relationship between probabilism and perceived internal control, but questioned the measurement and generality of internal control constructs. Perceived internal control and probabilism were directly related to age. Significant correlations suggest that (a) perceived vulnerability to health problems is a personality characteristic, and (b) the degree of probabilism within health problem expectancies exhibits the same organizational qualities shown in other perceptual-cognitive phenomena. Perceived internal control was not related to health problem expectancies. (French summary) (18 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A look at today's behavior therapists.

Studied questionnaire responses of 45 members of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy in order to develop a profile of characteristics and practices of behavior therapists. Findings indicate that behavior therapists are apparently becoming more flexible in their attitudes and practices and more eclectic. Most Ss have not had personal therapy, use a variety of behavioral techniques, and treat a wide range of adjustment disorders and a diverse set of clients. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)