Elements of the Socratic method: III. Universal definitions.

Describes the content, process, and functions of universal definitions as used in psychotherapy. In the Socratic method, systematic questioning and inductive reasoning are used jointly to derive a universal definition. The content of universal definitions focuses on behavior labels (e.g., aggressive), evaluative standards (e.g., success), and abstract qualities (e.g., love). The process of using universal definitions in psychotherapy follows refutation, collection, and division to identify the essence of the concept. The functions of universal definitions include clarifying category membership, identifying potential causes, building new knowledge, broadening the client's perspective, limiting overgeneralizations, and guiding behavior change. Through the Socratic method, clients learn how to explore general emotional and interpersonal issues in an independent manner. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Elements of the Socratic method: VI. Promoting virtue in everyday life.

The Socratic method in psychotherapy includes a systematic series of questions designed to help clients confront broad life issues, respect their lack of knowledge, and make philosophical changes in their approach to life through therapeutic dialog. The Socratic method also helps clients explore aspects of virtue and vice as related to their current psychological problems and life goals. The cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation, justice, and piety are discussed as they pertain to contemporary psychotherapy. By evaluating virtues in general as well as in specific terms, clients can make life changes in their attitudes and behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Review of major theories of personality disorder.

Reviews the book, Review of major theories of personality disorder edited by J. Clarkin and M. Lenzenweger (see record 1996-97764-000). This book provides a comprehensive review of several major theories of personality disorder that exist today. With most studies examining specific aspects of the assessment and diagnosis of personality disorders, the editors hope to fill a void in contemporary work by presenting several broad theoretical frameworks. Some of the approaches to personality disorders discussed include the cognitive model, psychoanalytic approach, interpersonal theory, evolutionary theory, and a neurobiological framework. The reviewers note that although this variety provides a broad spectrum of approaches, it fails to integrate the different models. However, overall, the reviewers believe that this is a solid text that provides new information and divergent views. This book may be useful to academic psychologists who are interested in learning the theoretical underpinnings of different approaches to personality disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethical and competent care of suicidal patients: Contemporary challenges, new developments, and considerations for clinical practice.

Clinical work with suicidal patients has become increasingly challenging in recent years. It is argued that contemporary issues related to working with suicidal patients have come to pose a number of considerable professional and even ethical hazards for psychologists. Among various concerns, these challenges include providing sufficient informed consent, performing competent assessments of suicidal risk, using empirically supported treatments/interventions, and using suitable risk management techniques. In summary, there are many complicated clinical issues related to suicide (e.g., improvements in the standard of care, resistance to changing practices, alterations to models of health care delivery, the role of research, and issues of diversity). Three experts comment on these considerations, emphasizing acute versus chronic suicide risk, the integration of empirical findings, effective documentation, graduate training, maintaining professional competence, perceptions of medical versus mental health care, fears of dealing with suicide risk, suicide myths, and stigma/blame related to suicide. The authors' intention is to raise awareness about various suicide-related ethical concerns. By increasing this awareness, they hope to compel psychologists to improve their clinical practices with suicidal patients, thereby helping to save lives. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Morphology of metal surface generated by nylon/abrasive filament brush

Nylon/abrasive brushing tools are used in surface finishing processes for a wide range of applications, including blending, polishing and edge-radiusing of both ductile and brittle materials. In this paper, the surface topography and machined materials that are generated during orthogonal brushing of a flat 6061-T6 workpiece are examined using scanning electron microscopy. Also, the microscopic morphology of nylon/SiC filaments is examined in as-received and steady-state configurations. This information is used to postulate a qualitative model for material removal mechanisms and the wear/attrition characteristics of the filament material system.     

Elements of the Socratic method: V. Self-improvement.

The Socratic method includes the use of systematic questioning, inductive reasoning, universal definitions, and a disavowal of knowledge. The present article describes a focus on self-improvement that often guides the clinical application of the Socratic method. Self-improvement is based on three general goals: self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and self-regulation. Each of these goals is discussed in terms of the benefits it provides the client, obstacles that prevent or hinder its development, and the process of improving it through psychotherapy. The focus on self-improvement in psychotherapy is clarified through several brief case examples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multiplicity and stability of premixed laminar flames: an application of bifurcation theory

Numerical bifurcation techniques are used to describe multiple steady states for a premixed, laminar flame stabilized on a flat flame burner. The flame is assumed to be adiabatic, and the kinetic mechanism is approximated by a single reaction. The numerical methods make it possible to determine all steady states and eliminate computational difficulties near singular points. The possibility of defining solutions near singularities is particularly important in flame modeling for it is near such points that ignition and burn-out may occur. Three steady states are identified: a stable upper state corresponding to a flame burning at or near the adiabatic flame temperature, a lower solution representing an extinguished stable state, and an unstable intermediate state. Sensitivity of the solutions to changes in kinetic parameters is enhanced near burn-out. It is expected that the ability to predict flame behavior near such singular points will be particularly useful in the determination of flame kinetics.     

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of panic disorder.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be effective for many clients with panic disorder. Therapy can be conceptualized in terms of four central components. First, the initial preparation for therapy involves establishing a working alliance, educating the client about panic symptoms and treatments, and conducting a diagnostic assessment. Second, skills training is used to cultivate active coping skills that the client can use to tolerate symptoms of emotional distress. Third, exposure is used to encourage clients to test and refine their newly developed coping skills. Fourth, relapse prevention is used to help clients discontinue psychological and biological treatments without suffering lasting setbacks. Through the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, most clients can learn to control their symptoms of panic and reduce their anticipatory anxiety. Treatment gains can be maintained after therapy is discontinued. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Defining the boundaries of professional competence: Managing subtle cases of clinical incompetence.

Flagrant cases of professional incompetence are often identified and corrected through formal remediation procedures. However, many subtle cases exist that can go undetected and uncorrected. This article describes a 5-component schema for categorizing the elements of competence necessary to provide quality psychological services: factual knowledge, generic clinical skills, orientation-specific technical skills, clinical judgment, and interpersonal attributes. Case examples are used to illustrate the types of problems that are likely to occur in these different areas. Peer education and supportive confrontation are suggested as appropriate means of addressing subtle cases of incompetence. Also, suggestions are made for system changes (graduate training, licensure requirements, and continuing education) designed to promote competence among clinicians. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Chemorheological studies of the effect of heparin on the course of coagulation

The influence of sodium heparin on viscoelastic change during coagulation was determined in vitro for whole blood samples from ten normal subjects at heparin concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.45 units/(ml whole blood). A four-parameter chemorheological model was used to describe the time course of coagulation as measured by the Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. One parameter compares closely with the whole blood activated partial thromboplastin time, while the other three may be related to the chemical kinetics of clotting. The chemorheological model and experimental techniques were then tested in a dog preparation. It was found that rheological measurements are more self-consistent than either thrombelastography or the activated partial thromboplastin time for the assay of in vivo heparin in two dogs.