bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in University Students' Attitudes and Anxiety about Statistics
Authors: Mji Andile
Published: September 2010

The Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale and the Attitudes Toward Statistics questionnaire were administered to 226 university of technology students. The former scale measures anxiety about learning statistics in terms of Worth of Statistics, Interpretation Anxiety, Test and Class Anxiety, Computational Self-concept, Fear of Asking for Help, and Fear of Statistics Teachers. The latter measures attitudes toward use of statistics and statistics course for which a student was registered. These African students were enrolled in Taxation, Marketing, or Accounting. Participants took a required course in statistics intended to improve statistical skills. There were 150 women and 57 men, chosen because they had no previous mathematics learning. Students' ages ranged between 16 and 26 years ( M = 20.1, SD = 2.0). There were no statistically significant sex differences on attitudes and anxiety toward statistics, but there were significant differences among areas of study programs.
Development of a Chinese Superstitious Belief Scale
Authors: Huang Li-Shia , Teng Ching-I
Published: September 2010

Traditional Western superstitious beliefs, such as black cats and the number 13 bringing bad luck, may not be applicable to different cultures. This study develops a Chinese Superstitious Belief Scale by conducting two studies with 363 and 395 participants, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis was used to construct the scale and then structural equation modeling was applied to verify its reliability and validity. The scale contains six dimensions, Homonym, Traditional customs, Power of crystal, Horoscope, feng-shui, and luck for gambling. Findings are helpful for understanding the difference between Chinese superstitions and the traditional Western superstitions and permits subsequent development of sociopsychological theories on correlates and effects of Chinese superstitions.
Perfectionism, Self-Efficacy, and Depression: Preliminary Analysis of the Japanese Version of the Almost Perfect Scale–Revised
Authors: Nakano Keiko
Published: September 2010

The Almost Perfect Scale–Revised is a self-report measure of perfectionism. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the scale's Japanese version and its relation to self-efficacy and depression. Japanese university students ( N = 249) completed the Japanese version of the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised along with the General Self-Efficacy Scale–12 and the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Exploratory factor analysis indicated three factors: Discrepancy, High Standards, and Order. Estimates of internal consistency reliability for the three subscales were high. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Almost Perfect Scale–Revised in another group of Japanese university students ( N = 206) supported the 3-factor structure. Cluster analyses using the three subscales yielded four clusters. In addition to adaptive perfectionists, maladaptive perfectionists, and nonperfectionists, identified in previous studies, a normal perfectionists group was identified, with mean scores similar to those of the total sample and depression and self-efficacy scores close to those of nonperfectionists. Adaptive perfectionists, characterized by high scores on High Standards and Order and low scores on Discrepancy, also had higher scores on self-efficacy and lower scores on depression than maladaptive perfectionists and even nonperfectionists. The influence of Japanese culture is discussed.
Postpartum Mental Illness: Perspectives from an Arabian Gulf Population
Authors: Ghubash Rafia , Eapen Valsamma
Published: September 2010

There is growing awareness of the importance of mental health issues in the perinatal period in Western societies, but very little information is available from Muslim and Arab countries. Qualitative information gathered using focus group discussions of women of childbearing age is presented along with additional information obtained from key informant interviews with grandmothers, husbands, and health care professionals in the United Arab Emirates. The participants were women attending a public sector clinic in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and a private clinic in Dubai on a particular day. There were 19 women in the age range 17 to 46 years ( M age = 29 yr.). The majority of the women who took part in the study did not recognize postnatal depression as a psychological issue but considered the problems a result of “evil eye” or “Jinn.” The present findings suggest the need for initiating awareness programs among women and training of health professionals on the detection and management of postnatal depression.
An Attributional Sequence Model of Jury Decision Making in Civil Torts
Authors: Spievak Elizabeth R. , Bettler Robert F.
Published: September 2010

A jury simulation study was designed to replicate and extend prior research on attributional decision-making sequences in a litigation context. Although previous studies implicated injury severity, causality, responsibility, and punishment, a maximum of three stages in various combinations were tested, and only occasionally in the context of civil litigation. The present effort integrated all four stages into a more inclusive model focused on civil jury decision making. Undergraduate participants ( N = 91) read six case vignettes and responded to attribution questions in each of four categories. Path analyses supported the hypothesized 4-stage attributional sequence.
Death Anxiety among Ethiopian Undergraduate Students
Authors: Raju P. Mohan
Published: September 2010

Measurement of Death Anxiety among 151 Ethiopian undergraduate students using Templer's scale and Thorson and Powell's scale revealed that the sample has slightly higher than average death anxiety. The results also indicate that in this largely Orthodox Christian sample, students were afraid of the pain in death and less afraid of what happens to their body after death. As some items in each scale did not work well, the Cronbach alphas were low, .61 for the 12 items of Templer's scale and .78 for the 15 items of Thorson and Powell's scale. The correlation between the two full-scale scores was .58 and between scale scores with only acceptable items was .67, indicating the possibility that both scales measure death anxiety equally well if some items are excluded. Results were not consistent with some previous studies in other cultures. Age was significantly related to both Templer's scale (.29) and Thorson and Powell's scale (.28). Death anxiety dimensions like time, control, and afterlife aspects seemed to have doubtful meanings in the Ethiopian sample.
Love Styles and Desire for Closeness in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Goodboy Alan K. , Booth-Butterfield Melanie
Published: September 2010

This study investigated differences in love styles (i.e., eros, ludus, storge, pragma, agape, mania) associated with the romantic desire for closeness. Participants were 197 undergraduate students ( M age = 19.8 yr., SD = 1.9; 92 men, 104 women) currently in a romantic relationship who completed a survey assessing their love styles and current desire for closeness with their partner (i.e., desired less closeness, the same level of closeness, or more closeness). Results indicated small significant differences in individuals' preferences for closeness with the eros and ludus love styles. Specifically, individuals who desired less closeness scored lower on eros love and higher on ludus love than partners who reported an ideal level of closeness or who desired more closeness.
Psychometric Data for a Farsi Translation of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale
Authors: Bayani Ali Asghar
Published: September 2010

This study examined the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of a Farsi version of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, with a sample of 306 undergraduate students (123 men, 183 women) ages 18 to 51 years. Participants completed Farsi versions of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Analysis confirmed the preliminary reliabilities and construct validity of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale.
Impairment in the Recognition of Facial Expression: A Case Study
Authors: Goukon Ayumu , Suzuki Toru , Noguchi Kazuhito
Published: September 2010

In this study, a case (HY) is described. This man, now 25 yr. old, lived in a persistent vegetative state for 6 yr. after encephalitis at the age of 10 yr. He was reportedly impaired at recognizing fear, and in everyday life, apparently had impaired recognition of anger as well. In testing with facial expressions, no obvious differences between HY and normal controls in anger perceptions were found. In this study, Japanese and Caucasian models of facial expression were used; on these tests, HY was impaired at recognizing facial expressions of anger only in the Japanese models.
Validation of the Personal Need for Structure Scale in Chinese
Authors: Shi Junqi , Wang Lei , Chen Yang
Published: September 2010

To validate the Chinese version of the Personal Need for Structure Scale, questionnaires were administered to 1,418 individuals in three samples. Item-total correlations and internal consistency of the scale were acceptable. The test-retest reliability was .79. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the Chinese version comprised two dimensions, as did the original version; Desire for Structure and Response to Lack of Structure. Correlation coefficients between the Personal Need for Structure Scale and other related measures indicated that the scale has acceptable discriminant validity and convergent validity.
Psychometric Properties of Chen, Gully, and Eden's “New General Self-Efficacy Scale” in a Greek Sample
Authors: Alexopoulos Demetrios S. , Asimakopoulou Sofia
Published: September 2010

The aim of the present study was to translate and investigate the psychometric properties of the New General Self-Efficacy Scale with a group of 551 Greek children (269 girls, 282 boys; ages 9 to 12 years, Grades 4, 5, and 6). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed which verified the one-factor model. The reliability, validity, and item analysis appeared to be adequate.
Are Women in China Sexist toward Other Women? a Study of Chinese College Students
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hennessy Dwight A. , Luo Jing , Song Yaping , Ren Kailin , Zhang Qian , Han Zhifang , Yao Ping
Published: September 2010

This study assessed the extent to which social sexism affects Chinese women's perception and evaluation of other women's performance. A sample of 100 college women was selected in a top university in Beijing, China, and was asked to read six scholastic essays and then evaluate the quality of the essays and competence of the authors. Male and female names were randomly assigned as authors of the essays, and the respondents were blind to the arrangement. Results showed that the essays assumed to be written by male authors did not receive higher scores than those assumed to be written by female authors on quality or competence items. Sexism is not marked among these highly educated young women.
Future Time Orientation and Temperament: Exploration of Their Relationship to Primary and Secondary Psychopathy
Authors: Bjørnebekk Gunnar , Gjesme Torgrim
Published: September 2010

The present study combines Lykken's theory about the role of reward sensitivity and punishment insensitivity in the development of antisocial behavior with Gjesme's theory of future time orientation. 158 adolescents comprised a target group of 79 adolescents who had defined behavioral problems and a matched referential group of 79 adolescents who did not have notable behavioral problems. The results suggest that attributes related to primary psychopathy are associated with a relatively weak or hyporeactive behavioral inhibition system, behavioral approach reactivity, and low future time orientation. Moreover, attributes related to secondary psychopathy are related to an overly sensitive (hyper-reactive) behavioral approach system and low future time orientation. Robust positive associations for behavioral approach reactivity and low future time orientation with primary and secondary psychopathy suggest that high behavioral approach/low future time orientation may represent a core feature common to the two factors of psychopathy.
Roles of Participation and Feedback in Group Potency
Authors: Gamero Nuria , Zornoza Ana , Peiró José M. , Picazo Carmen
Published: September 2010

The roles of group participation and group performance feedback were examined as antecedents of group potency, i.e., beliefs shared among a work group's members about the general effectiveness of the work group. Also examined were how group participation and the congruence of the feedback received from different sources about performance predicted convergence in members' beliefs about group effectiveness. The sample comprised 61 work groups of professionals involved in Master in Business Administration (MBA) programs (284 participants). Mean group size was 4.6 members ( SD = .58). 65% of participants were male, and 51% were between 30 and 40 years of age. Data were gathered at two measurement times. Increases in group participation were positively related to increases in group potency and the convergence in beliefs about group effectiveness among group members over time. Results supported the premise that group performance feedback is an antecedent of changes in group potency over time.
Memes and Suicide
Authors: Lester David
Published: September 2010

The concept of memes is analyzed, and its applicability to suicidology explored. Proposals are made for possible memes implicated in suicidal behavior. A classification of suicidal memes is proposed and the relationship between memes and archetypes of suicide is discussed. It is suggested that the terminology of meme theory can sharpen research into imitation effects in suicide.
General George S. Patton, Jr. and the Conquest of Fear
Authors: Grumet Gerald W.
Published: September 2010

General George S. Patton, Jr. was a highly successful World War II battle commander whose flamboyance and many idiosyncrasies made him a focus of interest for biographers. But he was an enigmatic and complex man whose success came at a high price. Despite his prominence and celebrity, there have been minimal efforts to examine his psychological makeup so crucial to his success on the battlefield. In this essay, Paton's personal story and how it relates to the stresses of war and to his leadership of men in arms is examined. Central to his success was his early triumph over dyslexia, his ability to control the fear and guilt inherent in combat, his intense physical activity, his theatrical skills, and his deep knowledge of the history and methods of warfare.
Age-Related Change in Emotional Experience in a Sample of Chinese Adults: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Shi Zhanbiao , Wang Li , Li Huanhuan
Published: September 2010

Age-related change in emotional experience was explored in a Chinese community sample. 968 healthy adults (483 women, 485 men) ranging in age from 18 to 66 years ( M = 37.5, SD = 12.3) took part. The frequency of experiencing negative and positive emotion was self-reported on the general dimension scales of Positive and Negative Affect Scale–Expanded Form (PANAS–X). Regression analyses indicated that the frequency of negative affect decreased with age, and the frequency of positive affect was not significantly associated with age. These findings are similar to those found in Western samples, as discussed in relation to socioemotional selectivity theory.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Translation of the Proactive Personality Scale
Authors: Zhou Le , Shi Junqi
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese translation of the Proactive Personality Scale. Four samples were surveyed. In Sample 1 and Sample 2, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the unidimensional structure of the 10-item abbreviated version of the scale. In Sample 2, Proactive Personality scores were found to be positively correlated with the personality factors of Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Openness, and Agreeableness, and negatively correlated with Neuroticism. In Sample 3, Proactive Personality was found to be positively related to self-efficacy and political skill. In Sample 4, demographics controlled, Proactive Personality explained significant incremental variance in the employees' self-rated career satisfaction and job performance as rated by immediate supervisors.
Estimates of General and Emotional Intelligence for Self and Parents in Iran
Authors: Yousefi Farideh
Published: September 2010

Estimations of IQ and emotional intelligence for self and parents were investigated. Previous studies in both Western and African cultures have found significant sex differences in self-estimates of IQ and emotional intelligence, while IQ was rated higher for fathers than mothers. These prior results suggest the findings should be invariant across culture, and were expected to be replicated here in a predominantly Islamic society with great sociopolitical changes with respect to the Islamic Revolution. 187 Iranian university students estimated their own and their parents' scores on IQ and 15 facets of emotional intelligence on a normal distribution graph. The present results showed no significant sex differences in self-estimates of these variables, while fathers were rated higher on IQ. The implications of these findings are offered in light of sociopolitical changes during the last three decades in Iran.
Work-Family Conflicts and Work Performance
Authors: Roth Lawrence , David Emily M.
Published: September 2010

Prior research indicates that work-family conflict interferes with family far more than it interferes with work. Conservation of resources provides a possible explanation: when shifting resources from family is no longer sufficient to maintain satisfactory work performance, then workers must acquire additional resources or reduce investments in work. One source of such additional resources could be high performance peers in the work group. The performance of workers with resource-rich peers may be less adversely affected by work-family conflict. In this study, 136 employees of a wholesale distribution firm (61% women, 62% minority) working in groups of 7 to 11 in manual labor and low-level administrative jobs rated their own work-to-family conflict. Their supervisors rated workers' performance. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that work-to-family conflict increasingly adversely affected job performance as work group performance decreased. Hence, work group performance may be an important moderator of the effects of work-family conflict.
Therapist Training, Feedback, and Practice for Dream Work: A Pilot Study
Authors: Crook-Lyon Rachel E. , Hill Clara E. , Wimmer Christian L. , Hess Shirley A. , Goates-Jones Melissa K.
Published: September 2010

Thirteen therapists (8 women, 5 men; M age = 29.1 yr., SD = 6.3; M counseling experience 2.7 yr., SD = 6.3, range = 1 semester to 8 yr.) received training in the cognitive-experiential model of dream work through a didactic-experiential workshop, individual feedback, and practice. All participants but one were enrolled in masters' or doctoral level counseling training programs. An examination of effect sizes indicated that (a) therapists' self-efficacy about using the dream model increased substantially and positive attitudes toward dreams increased slightly after the didactic-experiential workshop; (b) the process and outcome of the second dream session were better for therapists who received individual feedback after the first session than for therapists who did not receive feedback after the first session; and (c) for the subgroup of six therapists who conducted five sessions, therapists' attitudes toward using the dream model improved, and their self-efficacy for working with dreams and perceived self-competence in dream work increased.
Motivation and Temporal Distance: Effect on Cognitive and Affective Manifestations
Authors: Bjørnebekk Gunnar , Gjesme Torgrim
Published: September 2010

The implications of temporal distance on motivation-related concepts were examined. The results of an experiment, based on 585 Grade 6 students, indicated that both positive (approach) and negative (avoidance) motivation increased as the future goal or event approached in time. This increase in approach and avoidance motivation influenced the performance of the pupils differently. For pupils with success orientation, the performance increased. For pupils with failure orientation, the performance remained about the same.
Interaction of Age and Opioid Dependence on Length of Hospital Stay for Spine Surgery Patients
Authors: Hyer Leon A. , Walid M. Sami , Brooks Andrew M. , Darmohray Dana M. , Robinson Joe Sam
Published: September 2010

Clinical information suggests that opioid dependence is a major contributor to poor outcomes involving health status and to increased length of stay in hospital settings. Before spine surgery, 150 patients who were using an opioid medication for pain relief were interviewed using the six World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the diagnosis of opioid dependence. Three groups were defined: opioid-dependent, nonopioid-dependent, and a subclinical group. Results revealed an average of 20% of patients ( N = 30) who met the WHO criteria for the diagnosis of opioid dependence. There were significant positive correlations between age and number of positive WHO criteria, length of stay, and time under surgery. Length of stay was significantly higher for the older age group (> 55 yr.). ANCOVA analysis using two opioid dependence groups (+ and -) and age group as independent variables affecting length of stay, after controlling for type of surgery, pain intensity, and number of previous spine surgeries, revealed that effects of opioid dependence status and age were significant but their interaction was not. Age did add length of stay independently of opioid dependence status; older adults remain in the hospital longer for various reasons probably associated with comorbidities.
Distinctive Linguistic Styles in Children with ADHD
Authors: Kim Kyungil , Lee Chang Hwan
Published: September 2010

To assess whether the writing styles of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) combined type differ significantly from those of children in a nonclinical control group, writing samples from 17 children with ADHD combined type and 18 children in a nonclinical control group were compared using the language analysis program Korean Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. These writing samples, produced in response to instructions, served as dependent variables. Analysis showed that children with ADHD used fewer linguistic variables (e.g., sentences, phrases, and morphemes) than the control group. In addition, the ADHD group used fewer words reflecting cognitive processes and fewer pronouns than members of the control group. Also, the ADHD group showed a different pattern in the use of words referring to friends. This study provides preliminary descriptive data on language use among children diagnosed with a main subtype of ADHD.
Chewing Gum and Concentration Performance
Authors: Tänzer U. , von Fintel A. , Eikermann T.
Published: September 2010

The effect of chewing gum on performance was examined. Four Grade 3 (8- to 9-year-olds) classes in a German primary school participated; 2 classes chewed gum during a 16-min. concentration test. Chewing gum had a significant and positive effect on concentration performance.
Relationship between Anger and Paranoid Thoughts in a Nonclinical Sample
Authors: Yamauchi Takashi , Sudo Anju , Tanno Yoshihiko
Published: September 2010

Anger has been suggested to be associated with paranoid thoughts in nonclinical groups. For a clear evaluation of the relationship between anger and paranoid thoughts, successive preliminary surveys were conducted in a student group in Japan. A total of 102 undergraduate students completed two scales—the Paranoia Checklist and the Spielberger Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The participants filled out the questionnaires twice, at a 1-mo. interval. The synchronous effects model was used to examine the relationship between the variables. Structural equation modeling demonstrated an acceptable fit, and trait anger at Time 2 was found to have a weak effect on paranoid thoughts at Time 2, whereas paranoid thoughts at Time 2 had no effect on trait anger at Time 2. The findings suggest the possibility of a relationship between trait anger and paranoid thoughts in a non-clinical population.
Perceptions of Psychology as a Science among University Students: The Influence of Psychology Courses and Major of Study
Authors: Bartels Jared M. , Hinds Ryan M. , Glass Laura A. , Ryan Joseph J.
Published: September 2010

The goal was to examine the relationship between the number of psychology courses students have taken and their perceptions of psychology as a science. Additionally, differences in perceptions of psychology among psychology, education, and natural science majors were examined. Results indicated that students who had taken four or more psychology courses had more favorable perceptions of psychology as a science compared to those who had taken no courses or one course and those who had taken two to three courses. No significant differences in overall perceptions of psychology emerged among students in the three majors.
Death Anxiety as Related to Somatic Symptoms in Two Cultures
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Lester David
Published: September 2010

Two undergraduate samples from Kuwait (52 men, 157 women; M age = 21.2 yr., SD = 2.1) and the USA (46 men, 145 women; M age = 22.4 yr., SD = 5.3) answered the Somatic Symptoms Inventory, the Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety, and the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale. The Kuwaiti sample obtained significantly higher mean scores on all the scales than the American sample. Scores on the Somatic Symptoms Inventory were positively correlated with Death Anxiety scores, indicating that people who enjoy good physical health are less concerned with death.
Construction and Validation of the Factorial Arabic Neuroticism Scale
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M.
Published: September 2010

The present aim was to construct and validate the Factorial Arabic Neuroticism Scale. Based on the scales developed by Eysenck, Cattell, and Guilford, the item pool consisted of 226 nonrepeated items. Five Ph.D. referees shortened the pool to 84 items. Then, the item-remainder correlation, the exclusion of the items with significant correlation with scores on Extraversion, and several cycles of factor analyses yielded 20 items representing the final version. The principal components analysis yielded two high-loaded factors of General Neuroticism and Sleep problems and tension. Reliability coefficients alpha ranged from .89 to .94 and between .81 and .91 for test-retest, indicating good internal consistency and temporal stability, respectively. Criterion-related validity ranged between .75 and .79 against scores on the Neuroticism subscale of the NEO-PI–R. Females obtained significantly higher mean scores than males for three of six comparisons (by age) among school and university students ( N = 2,783). An English version is available. The scale may be recommended for use in research, especially on cross-cultural comparisons and for assessing the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy.
Preliminary Validity of the Barriers to Treatment Adherence Questionnaire in Fibromyalgia: Combining Quantitative and Focus Group Data
Authors: Dobkin Patricia L. , de Civita Mirella , Bernatsky Sasha , Sita Aurelio , Filipski Marta , Baron Murray
Published: September 2010

The goals of this study were to (1) provide preliminary reliability and validity of the Barriers to Treatment Adherence Questionnaire, developed for patients with fibromyalgia, and (2) examine barriers to adherence and general adherence to multimodal treatment during a 3-mo. period. A secondary goal was to explore in a focus discussion group format patients' perceptions of the adherence process and ways of managing the treatment program. 39 fibromyalgia patients were followed while participating in a combined outpatient program of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The Barriers to Treatment Adherence Questionnaire demonstrated good reliability. Construct validity of the Barriers to Treatment Adherence Questionnaire was supported through significant positive correlations with the General Adherence Scale at Months 1 and 3. In addition, a significant change was observed in scores on the Barriers to Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for the physiotherapy component of treatment, with scores decreasing between Months 2 and 3. Addressing barriers to improve adherence may maximize the benefit of treatment programs.
D-Cycloserine and Early Ethanol Exposure in Developing Rats
Authors: Isaac W. L. , McDaniel W. F. , Corley J. D. , Emard S. , McDonald C. , Young L. K. , Ray C.
Published: September 2010

Pregnant rats were exposed to one of the following treatments: 20% aqueous sucrose (w/v; Control), 20% aqueous sucrose with 20 mg D-cycloser-ine (DCS), 20% aqueous sucrose with 5% ethanol (ETH), or 20% aqueous sucrose with both 20 mg DCS and 5% ethanol (DCS + ETH). Treatments were delivered in 20 ml of drinking water provided daily, as pilot work had determined that this was the average daily water consumption for female rats. Treatments began on Day 10 or 11 of pregnancy and terminated on postnatal Day 10. As juveniles, offspring were tested for activity in an open field and motor coordination using a rotating rod. Ethanol and DCS+ Ethanol groups were the most active groups in the open field, and DCS and DCS+ Ethanol groups had fewer falls than the Control and Ethanol groups on the rod test. Results suggest that DCS might provide protection from ethanol's adverse effects on some developmental behaviors.
Factors Related to the Sensitivity to Unwanted Transparency
Authors: Tabata Naoya
Published: September 2010

The goal was to investigate variables related to the sensitivity to unwanted transparency, defined as the feeling that a person experiences during an interaction when the interacting partner seemingly notices something that the person would rather conceal. Undergraduates ( n = 309) were asked to complete self-report scales about their self-consciousness, shyness, nonverbal skills, secretiveness, and sensitivity to unwanted transparency. The combination of variables (private self-consciousness, shyness, and secretiveness and lack of nonverbal expressions) explained 23% of the variance in sensitivity to unwanted transparency.
Homeless People who are Animal Caretakers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Cronley Courtney , Strand Elizabeth B. , Patterson David A. , Gwaltney Sarah
Published: September 2010

Data from a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) were used to compare homeless people who report caring for animals with homeless people who do not report caring for animals, based on demographic variables and stated reasons for homelessness. Among homeless clients ( N = 4,100; M age = 39 yr., SD = 13.2), 5.5% reported animal caretaking; demographic differences between caretaking and not caretaking homeless clients and life factors related to homelessness were most often associated with animal caretaking. 41% of participants ( n = 1,664) were female, and 59% ( n = 2,436) were male. Findings suggest that first-time homeless, Euro-American women who were homeless due to domestic violence were the most likely to say they were caring for animals. The use of such an information system could aid in identifying this subpopulation and coordinating services for animal care.
Using the Revised Dictionary of Affect in Language to Quantify the Emotional Undertones of Samples of Natural Language
Authors: Whissell Cynthia
Published: September 2010

Whissell's Dictionary of Affect in Language, originally designed to quantify the Pleasantness and Activation of specifically emotional words, was revised to increase its applicability to samples of natural language. Word selection for the revision privileged natural language, and the matching rate of the Dictionary, which includes 8,742 words, was increased to 90%. Dictionary scores were available for 9 of every 10 words in most language samples. A third rated dimension (Imagery) was added, and normative scores were obtained for natural English. Evidence supports the reliability and validity of ratings. Two sample applications to very disparate instances of natural language are described. The revised Dictionary, which contains ratings for words characteristic of natural language, is a portable tool that can be applied in almost any situation involving language.
Alexithymia is Positively Associated with the Outcome of in vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment
Authors: Kakatsaki D. , Vaslamatzis G. , Chatziandreou M. , Anastasiadi K. , Dafni U. , Tzavara C. , Stefanidis K. , Loutradis D. , Antsaklis A.
Published: September 2010

The goal was to examine prospectively the relation of psychological factors to the outcome after in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a sample of Greek women. Previous studies investigating the relation of IVF outcome to anxiety and depression have yielded contradictory results; other psychological dimensions have not been studied. 81 women who followed an IVF program during a 6-mo. period were prospectively evaluated. Demographic and gynecological data were assessed and women completed questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, narcissistic traits, over-dependency, self-esteem, hostility, and alexithymia. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that successful IVF outcome correlated with more alexithymic characteristics and younger age. Correlation between alexithymia and successful IVF outcome is demonstrated. This might be explained by the “operational” nature of IVF techniques, to which alexithymic individuals would respond better.
Personality of South African Police Trainees
Authors: du Preez Elizabeth , Cassimjee Nafisa , Ghazinour Mehdi , Lauritz Lars Erik , Richter Jörg
Published: September 2010

There have been efforts to identify a “police personality” based on dispositional and socialization models. Personality traits of successful police applicants at the Police College in Pretoria, South Africa ( N = 1,145 police trainees), with regard to sex, ethnic group, and English language reading skills, were described in terms of scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory. South African police trainees generally evaluated themselves as substantially lower in Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance combined with lower Cooperativeness, but they scored much higher on Self-Directedness, Persistence, and Self-Transcendence compared to South African university students from the same area. These are characteristics expected from future police officers, which supports the dispositional model.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of Age and Sense of Authenticity among Japanese
Authors: Ito Masaya , Horikoshi Masaru , Kodama Masahiro
Published: September 2010

This study examined age differences on the sense of authenticity and its relation with mental health measured on the General Health Questionnaire. Participants were 963 Japanese ( M age = 51.5 yr., SD = 19.5). Scores on the Sense of Authenticity Scale increased across age cohorts. Correlations of –.45 to –.75 were observed between the sense of authenticity and mental health in all age groups.
Psychometric Evaluation of a Dutch Version of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions
Authors: Nederlof Angela F. , Hovens Johannes E. , Muris Peter , Novaco Raymond W.
Published: September 2010

Two studies were conducted to investigate the psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions, a brief test to measure anger disposition. In the first study, the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the scale were examined in a sample of 97 students. Factor analysis essentially yielded one factor, although further inspection found some evidence for a two-factor structure referring to “anger response” and “impairment.” The internal consistency was acceptable, and convergent and divergent validities were supported by a theoretically meaningful pattern of correlations with other self-report measures, such as the Aggression Questionnaire, Barrat's Impulsivity Scale–11, and the Symptom Checklist–90. In a second study, the test-retest reliability of the scale was examined in a separate sample of 37 students. A correlation coeffcient of .84 was found, supporting the reliability of the scale. Altogether, it can be concluded that the Dutch Dimensions of Anger Reactions seems to be reliable and valid for assessing anger disposition.
Associations of Prayer, Mind-Body Therapy, and Smoking Cessation in a National Survey
Authors: Gillum R. F. , Bennett Glen , Santibañtez Scott , Donahue Michael
Published: September 2010

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death. Many people use mind-body therapies and/or prayer to assist them in smoking cessation, but more information on their effectiveness is needed. In the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, 5,864 persons aged 18 or older reported smoking in the prior 12 mo.; among these, users of any of 10 mind-body therapies or prayer were compared to nonusers to assess smoking cessation attempts and smoking cessation over a 1-yr. period. Weighted logistic regression showed that the adjusted odds of reporting quit attempts during the year prior to interview or of reporting no longer smoking at interview were significantly higher in those using prayer alone, any mind-body therapy alone, or both, compared with those who used neither. In the subset of 2,839 persons who reported smoking 12 mo. prior to interview and attempting to quit during the year prior to interview, the odds of reporting no longer smoking at interview were no greater for those who used prayer, any mind-body therapy, or both, than in those using neither.
Development of a Short Form of the Japanese Version of the Interpersonal Relationship Inventory
Authors: Sumi Katsunori
Published: September 2010

The Interpersonal Relationship Inventory (Tilden, Nelson, & May, 1990a) is a 39-item self-report measure to assess three aspects (support, reciprocity, and conflict) of perceived social relationships. In this research, short forms of the Japanese version (Sumi, 2003) of the inventory were developed on the basis of data from two sources. For the item selection, data from 340 Japanese college students (148 women, 192 men; M age = 21.6 yr., SD = 1.6) who completed the original full form of the inventory were used to create three internally consistent short forms. The reliability and construct validity of the short forms were examined upon administering them to among 513 college students (226 women, 287 men; M age = 19.9 yr., SD = 1.4). All the subscales of the short forms had acceptable internal consistency (as = .70-.90) and test-retest reliability ( rs = .72-.81). Confirmatory factor analysis of each short form supported the fact that each form had a three-factor structure. Scores on the subscales shared acceptable overlapping variance with the corresponding subscale scores of the original full form, and these scores were weakly but significantly correlated with the scores for satisfaction with social support, loneliness, and perceived stress. All the short forms had acceptable reliability and construct validity.
Does Greater Phonological Storage Capacity Correlate with Levels of Intentionality and Theory of Mind?
Authors: Wynn Rachel M. , Coolidge Frederick L.
Published: September 2010

Greater phonological storage capacity may be associated with levels of intentionality, and therefore by assumption, Theory of Mind. The participants were 34 high school students in the Midwest (15 girls, 19 boys; age range = 15 to 17 years). The measures were digits forward and digits backward from the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–III and a measure purporting to assess Theory of Mind and Levels of Intentionality (Kinderman, Dunbar, & Bentall, 1998). There was found to be a weak nonsignificant correlation between digits forward and Levels of Intentionality, and a moderate and significant correlation between digits backward and Levels of Intentionality. The later correlation was significantly larger. The digits backward test requires not only greater phonological storage capacity but also appears to tap working memory resources. Findings suggest that greater phonological storage capacity is associated with higher intentionality, and by implication, perhaps more elaborate Theory of Mind, but only when the phonological task requires working memory functions.
Relationship between Personality Traits and Vocational Choice
Authors: Garcia-Sedeñto Manuel , Navarro Jose I. , Menacho Inmaculada
Published: September 2010

The relationship between occupational preferences and personality traits was examined. A randomly chosen sample of 735 students (age range = 17 to 23 years; 50.5% male) in their last year of high school participated in this study. Participants completed Cattell's Sixteen Personality Factor–5 Questionnaire (16PF–5 Questionnaire) and the Kuder–C Professional Tendencies Questionnaire. Initial hierarchical cluster analysis categorized the participants into two groups by Kuder–C vocational factors: one showed a predilection for scientific or technological careers and the other a bias toward the humanities and social sciences. Based on these groupings, differences in 16PF–5 personality traits were analyzed and differences associated with three first-order personality traits (warmth, dominance, and sensitivity), three second-order factors (extraversion, control, and independence), and some areas of professional interest (mechanical, arithmetical, artistic, persuasive, and welfare) were identified. The data indicated that there was congruency between personality profiles and vocational interests.
A Proposal for a Nomenclature for Suicide
Authors: Lester David
Published: September 2010

A classification scheme for completed suicide is proposed based on the classification of first, second, and third degree murder and voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.
Apartheid and Post-Apartheid Intern Clinical Psychology Training in South Africa
Authors: Pillay Anthony L.
Published: September 2010

An analysis of race and sex of clinical psychology interns was undertaken at a major training hospital complex during the Apartheid and Postapartheid periods. 7 of 87 (8.1%) interns trained in the apartheid period were Black African. Significantly more Black Africans and women were trained during the Post-apartheid period. The results were discussed within the context of South Africa's social and political transition, as well as international trends relating to sex and professional psychology.
Dysthanasia versus Euthanasia
Authors: Krysinska Karolina E. , Lester David
Published: September 2010

The concept of dysthanasia is contrasted with euthanasia, and the suggestion is advanced that it may not be merely the dictionary opposite of euthanasia.
A Novel Application of the File Drawer Formula: Rejected Study Bias in Meta-Analysis
Authors: Reed Justy
Published: September 2010

The file drawer formula in meta-analysis estimates the number of null difference effect sizes ( ESs) from unpublished studies in researcher file drawers that are necessary to reduce the mean ES to a magnitude no longer considered practical or meaningful. Unlike the file drawer concept, this paper proposes a novel use of Orwin's 1983 formula that produces an estimate of the potential bias in the mean ES due to missing ESs from studies that were located and retrieved, but rejected because of insufficient data for ES calculation.
Fear of Failure and Self-Handicapping in College Physical Education
Authors: Chen Lung Hung , Chen Mei-Yen , Lin Meng-Shyan , Kee Ying Hwa , Shui Shang-Hsueh
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fear of failure and self-handicapping within the context of physical education. Participants were 103 college freshmen enrolled in aerobic dance physical education classes in Taiwan. They completed the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory and Self-Handicapping Scale for Sport 3 mo. after entering the class. Hierarchical regression indicated that scores on fear of failure predicted self-handicapping scores.
Differential Sensitivity to Rotations of Facial Features in the Thatcher Illusion
Authors: Riby Deborah M. , Riby Leigh M. , Reay Jonathon L.
Published: September 2010

A developmental study is presented in which participants must detect the Thatcher illusion in order to match unfamiliar faces on identity. 114 participants between 6 and 67 years of age completed a matching task whereby face pairs were presented upright or under inversion. At all ages, participants were more accurate matching upright than inverted faces. In an altered version of the Thatcher task, where only the eyes or mouth were inverted, all participants were more accurate and faster to detect eye manipulations than mouth manipulations. The results are discussed in terms of the developmental significance of face inversion, the Thatcher illusion, and the salience for protection from the Thatcher illusion.
Quality of Life of Iranian Vocational Students with and without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Hematian Khadijeh , Alborzi Shahla , Khayyer Mohammad
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the present study was to compare the attitudes of individuals with and without intellectual disability toward their quality of life. Associations between demographic variables such as sex, age, father's education, and father's occupation and quality of life were also assessed. 40 people with intellectual disability from special schools were matched with 40 people from Shiraz Vocational Teaching Center on sex, age, and fathers' careers and educations. There was no significant difference between the two groups on total Quality of Life scores, but differences were found in subscales. The groups with intellectual disability reported higher scores on the dimensions of life satisfaction, competency/productivity, and social belongingness/community integration. The normal group scored higher on empowerment/independence. In the intellectual disability group, the father's career was a better predictor of quality of life.
Effectiveness of Three Intensities of Smoking Cessation Treatment in Primary Care
Authors: Secades-Villa Roberto , Alonso-Pérez Fernando , García-Rodríguez Olaya , Fernández-Hermida José Ramón
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three smoking cessation programs of varying intensity applied in a primary care setting. Participants were 89 individuals randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: brief counseling plus information pamphlet, self-help program with telephone follow-up, and intensive behavioral treatment. At the 12-mo. follow-up, intensive behavioral treatment (42.8% abstinence) was more effective than the self-help program (27.5%), which was in turn more effective than counseling (12.9%). Continued abstinence was also higher in the intensive treatment group (37.9%) than in the self-help (17.2%) and the counseling groups (9.7%), although these differences only reached statistical significance in the first and third of these groups. Treatment adherence was higher in the intensive behavioral group (82.8% of participants atended all the sessions) than in the self-help group (61.8% completed the program). The results appear to confirm a dose-response effect in the treatment of smokers and indicate satisfactory acceptability of intensive behavioral programs applied in primary care.