bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and Cognitive Characteristics of Fathers of Aggressive and Weil-Behaved Boys
Authors: Morris Paul W. , Home Arthur M. , Jessell John C. , Passmore J. Laurence , Walker John M. , Sayger Thomas V.
Published: September 2018

This study sought to determine if fathers of aggressive boys differed from fathers of well-behaved boys in (a) problem-solving efficiency, (b) family relationships, (c) behavioral interactions with sons, and (d) cognitions about these interactions. The sample consisted of 17 fathers of aggressive boys and 12 fathers of well-behaved boys whose sons were nominated by their classroom teacher.
The Role of Psychophysiological Hyperventilation Assessment in Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Authors: Fried Robert , Golden William L.
Published: September 2018

Common clinical problems including anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia, and psychophysiological disorders including migraine and Raynaud’s disease have been shown to be related to, or exacerbated by, hyperventilation. Demonstrating the connection between the symptoms and breathing has been reported to enhance the effects of behavioral treatment methods including breathing retraining and cognitive coping strategies. The reported hazards of the hyperventilation challenge additionally make the use of a psychophysiological hyperventilation profile (PHVP) a safer adjunct to cognitive behavioral strategies.
Interdependence Theory and the Client-Therapist Relationship: A Model for Cognitive Psychotherapy
Authors: Dolce Jeffrey J. , Thompson J. Kevin
Published: September 2018

Interdependence theory is a cognitive model of interpersonal behavior that elucidates how interacting individuals have an effect on each other’s behavior and affective states (Kelley & Thibaut, 1978). This model is adapted to the client-therapist relationship and illustrated as a method of facilitating rapport and producing congruent therapeutic goals. It is concluded that interdependence theory offers a framework for enhancing the relationship in directive cognitive-oriented therapies.
The Therapist-Client Relationship in Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Implications for Treating Depression
Authors: Jacobson Neil S.
Published: September 2018

The relationship between therapist and client is discussed with regard to how the partnership may be used to promote positive therapeutic changes with a depressed client. A case illustration with a client receiving a cognitive-behavioral intervention is offered. It is concluded that the therapist-client relationship should be incorporated into the conceptual underpinnings of cognitive treatments of depression.
Consciousness Streaming: A Single-Subject Within Session Analysis of Therapeutically Relevant Verbalizations
Authors: Szykula Steven A. , Czajkowski Laura , Laylander Julia A. , Sayger Thomas V.
Published: September 2018

A case study is presented that exposes the psychotherapy technique of “consciousness streaming” to an empirical analysis of its potency. This technique is proposed to be one way of reducing “resistance” (as defined herein) of some clients. The subject was an adult female with a diagnosis of major depression and borderline personality disorder. Applied behavioral analyses of her in-therapy, verbal responses to consciousness streaming and therapeutic interviewing are compared. The data indicated that the consciousness streaming technique was superior to therapeutic interviewing in producing higher purity ratios (as opposed to frequency) of therapeutically relevant client verbalizations. A discussion on the utility of this experimental demonstration is presented, and suggestions are offered for future research and clinical application.
Cognitive Primacy, Cognitive Behavior Guidance, and their Implications for Cognitive Therapy
Authors: Kreitler Hans , Kreitler Shulamith
Published: September 2018

In its first part the paper presents evidence for the overall primacy and functional autonomy of cognition and discusses the implications of this issue for cognitive treatment of anxiety disorders and old-age depression with special emphasis on the hitherto neglected processes of initial input identification. In its second part the five stages of the input-output model underlying the theory of cognitive orientation (by Kreitler and Kreitler) are invoked in order to demonstrate that each of its five stages has its stage-specific pathogenic cores whereas the eventual formation of normal or abnormal molar behavior depends on all the stage-specific functions. Different psychotherapeutic schools prefer a particular stage or even a stage-specific process as a focus for intervention and thus are limited in their therapeutic achievements. Finally, it is suggested that by virtue of its theoretical and technical means only cognitive therapy could improve the functioning of all five stages and thus increase the rate of therapeutic success. The last section specifies methods developed and pretested by the authors for the assessment and modification of the major constructs of the model, namely, meanings, beliefs and behavioral programs.
Resistance, Reactance, and Reluctance to Change: A Cognitive Attributional Approach to Strategic Interventions
Authors: Kirmayer Laurence J.
Published: September 2018

The metaphor of resistance supports a view of psychotherapy as a struggle against patients’ willful opposition. Strategic psychotherapy claims a special efficacy in working with resistant interactions through a shift in metaphor from resistance to the notion of joining. This paper provides a rationale for the application of joining interventions in terms of cognitive attribution theory. The same conservative cognitive processes that give rise to symptoms also result in many of the interactional phenomena of resistance. Attributions of causality and control to self or other lead to cognitive processes of dissonance reduction, reactance, emotional exacerbation, and withdrawal. The broad concept of resistance can then be replaced by a more detailed description of cognitive modes allowing psychotherapists to tailor interventions to the specific cognitive mechanisms that maintain symptoms. The cognitive attributional approach to resistance makes it apparent that there is no need for subterfuge or misdirection in strategic psychotherapy.
A Critique of Problem-Solving Training: Where to From Here?
Authors: Larson Lisa M.
Published: September 2018

Over the past 20 years, a growing number of studies have accumulated which have become labeled as “problem-solving training studies,” focused on an adult population (D’Zurilla, 1986; D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1982). The purpose of this paper is to examine the general issue of problem-solving training from several different avenues. First, problem-solving training studies are briefly reviewed and summarized. Second, the use of the stage sequential model as the predominant model in problem-solving training is discussed. The author considers how problem-solving training might be enhanced if alternative conceptualizations of problem solving are employed. Third, the operational definition of real life problem solving is described as one continued source of confusion in the problem-solving training literature. Finally, the author addresses the need for future researchers to consider individual versus group training, individual difference variables, and problem attributes as to how they impact training.
The Relationship of Cognitions, Assertion, and Anger Arousal
Authors: Mizes J. Scott , Morgan Glen D. , Buder Jane
Published: September 2018

Several recent conceptualizations of anger have emphasized the importance of cognitive mediating processes. While there have been a few investigations showing correlations between cognitive distortion and anger, they have suffered methodological shortcomings. Anger difficulties have also been related to social skills deficits. The association has been inferred mainly through assertion treatment studies which usually show improvement in anger difficulties. There have been few studies examining an a priori relationship between assertion deficits and anger. The current correlational study of college students examined the relationship between self-report measures of general cognitive distortion, assertion-specific cognitive distortion, assertion, and anger difficulties. General cognitive distortion, though not assertion or assertion-related cognitions, was found to be related to anger. Moreover, hypotheses regarding which general cognitive distortions would be related to anger were largely supported. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Three Treatment Approaches for Obsessions
Authors: Neziroglu Fugen , Neuman Jeffrey
Published: September 2018

Obsessions are considered more difficult to treat than compulsions because of their intangible and subjective nature and the special problems which they pose for gaining stimulus control. This study applied a single subject design with repeated measures for each of six patients. Exposure to imagery, thought stopping, and rational-emotive therapy (RET) were the independent variables. Three separate treatment phases were employed, which consisted of baseline, intervention, and follow-up. The dependent variables were self-reports of the frequency, intensity and duration of obsessions. For three patients RET appeared to be an effective strategy. For one of the three exposure was effective but further gains were made during RET. Three patients did not respond to any of the treatments. It appears that RET may be effective with obsessional patients who have historically been quite resistant to behavioral treatment. It seems that thought stopping is an ineffective approach and that exposure needs to be investigated further.
Marital Attitude Survey: A Measure of Dysfunctional Attributions and Expectancies
Authors: Pretzer James , Epstein Norman , Fleming Barbara
Published: September 2018

The Marital Attitude Survey (MAS) was designed to assess potentially dysfunctional attributions and expectancies regarding relationship problems. The eight MAS subscales measure attributions regarding one’s partner’s malicious intent and lack of love, attribution of causality to one’s own behavior and personality, attribution of causality to the partner’s behavior and personality, perceived ability of the couple to change, and expectancy of change in the relationship. All subscales except the subscale assessing attribution of causality to own behavior exhibited adequate internal consistency and showed evidence of construct validity in relation to measures of marital dysfunction. Multivariate analyses indicated that considering subscales in combination increases the measure’s ability to discriminate between clinical and nonclinical samples. The results demonstrate the utility of the MAS as a measure of dysfunctional cognitions associated with marital distress.
The Effectiveness of Rational-Emotive Therapy in the Reduction of Muscle Contraction Headaches
Authors: Finn Thomas , DiGiuseppe Raymond , Culver Clayton
Published: September 2018

The study tested the effectiveness of RET in treating muscle contraction headaches. Thirty-five adult subjects diagnosed as muscle contraction headache sufferers completed one of four treatment conditions: Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET); Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR); Headache discussion (HAD), which discussed historical roots of symptoms and monitored cognitive responses but learned no specific coping techniques; and a Waiting list symptom monitoring group (WLC). Dependent measures consisted of data on each subject’s weekly headache duration, frequency, severity, and number of headache-free days. These measures were derived from a daily headache diary. Frontalis EMG was also measured. After a treatment program of 10 weekly one-and-one-half-hour group therapy sessions, both the RET and PMR groups had significantly lower headache severity scores, headache frequency, than the HAD and WLC groups. While changes in headache duration and headache-free days were not significant, patterns of these means were consistent with the other measures showing a decrease in headache pathology. At follow-up, ratings of headache improvement done by each subject and by a significant other showed the RET group reported greater improvement than the PMR and HAD groups, which did not differ. The results suggest that RET and PMR were equally effective in the treatment of muscle contraction headaches.
The Relationship Between Catastrophic Cognitions and the Components of Panic Disorder
Authors: Robinson Susan , Birchwood Max
Published: September 2018

Cognitive models of panic postulate that panic attacks arise from the catastrophic misinterpretation of somatic symptoms. Hitherto, research has concentrated on the link between cognitions and the somatic sensations experienced during panic attacks; little attention has been directed towards the relationship between cognitions and other critical components of Panic Disorder (e.g., avoidance behavior). Fifty-eight patients presenting with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (DSM-III-R) rated their degree of belief in nine “core” catastrophic cognitions and completed self-report measures of the critical symptoms of Panic Disorder. Results demonstrated a link between cognitions of physical catastrophe and somatic symptoms. Additionally, strong links were detected between the cognitions of losing control and “experiential” symptoms, between the cognition of insanity and depressive symptoms, and between the cognition of social embarrassment and avoidance behavior. Implications for the cognitive model and treatment of Panic Disorder are discussed.
Training Inpatient Staff in Cognitive Therapy
Authors: Friedberg Robert D. , Fidaleo Raymond A.
Published: September 2018

The therapeutic potential of cognitive therapy in psychiatric hospitals is enhanced through conceptually homogeneous milieus and skillful staff training. This paper describes methods, processes, and issues to be considered in developing staff training programs. An emphasis is placed on case conceptualization and matching training to patients’ needs. Further, a general training program is delineated and challenges facing trainers are discussed. Finally, questions which may guide future research directions are suggested.
Rational-Emotive Approaches to Peace
Authors: Ellis Albert
Published: September 2018

Psychotherapy supposedly influences people’s values and actions and directly and indirectly affects their attitudes toward peace and war. This paper suggests that psychotherapy in general, and rational-emotive therapy (RET) in particular can directly help clients and their close associates, as well as indirectly help many members of the public, to acquire attitudes and behaviors to make them more peaceful toward themselves, toward their families and neighbors, and ultimately toward different ethnic, political, and foreign groups. RET has a specific theory and practice regarding how people inevitably have differences and disagreements and how, mainly by demanding that others absolutely must see how right they are and commanding that they have to agree with them, they frequently and needlessly construct self-defeating and society-sabotaging arguments and fights about their disagreements. A number of RET cognitive, emotive, and behavioral methods of achieving peaceful relationships are presented in this article.
A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach for the Treatment of Obsession With an Aggressive Theme
Authors: Gangdev Prakash S.
Published: September 2018

A highly structured cognitive-behavioral approach was employed for the treatment of obsession with aggressive theme. The cognitive techniques included identifying and correcting the cognitive distortions. “Thought is equal to action” was the chief distortion identified. The therapy session lasted over an hour. At the end of the session the client was free of the obsession. The improvement was sustained at two and five weeks after the single session.
A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Approach for Problem Gambling
Authors: Sharpe Louise , Tarrier Nicholas
Published: September 2018

The treatment literature on problem gambling is sparse and strongly influenced by a disease model adopted from the drug and alcohol literature. Many of the treatment programs that are described in the literature are centered on in-patient facilities and there is little in the way of guidelines for the clinician working in an out-patient setting. This paper describes a strategic treatment approach which emphasizes the importance of the client’s cognitions and beliefs in initiating and maintaining gambling behavior. It is recommended that assessment should also incorporate techniques from motivational interviewing (Miller, 1983). A number of treatment stages are suggested: stabilization, self-management, cue exposure, construction of alternative behavioral repertoires, improvement of self-esteem, and maintenance. A case study is described to demonstrate this strategic approach.
Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Compulsive Water Drinking: A Case Report
Authors: Gangdev Prakash S.
Published: September 2018

This article describes the specific cognitive behavioral techniques that were employed to treat a client with a 20-year history of compulsive water drinking. It is suggested that working with client’s placement of attention is necessary, especially when there are no ‘thoughts’ to debate with.
Demoralization Predicts Nonresponse to Cognitive Therapy in Depressed Outpatients
Authors: Stewart Jonathan W. , Mercier Mary Ann , Quitkin Frederic M. , McGrath Patrick J. , Nunes Edward , Young Jeffrey , Ocepek-Welikson Katja , Tricamo Elaine
Published: September 2018

Thirty-nine depressed outpatients meeting DSM-III criteria for nonmelancholic major depression or dysthymic disorder were treated with 16 weekly individual cognitive therapy sessions. Prior to treatment, they completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hopelessness Scale, and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale. Independent of knowledge of outcome, the authors chose from these scales items indicating demoralization, that is, that patients perceived their ability to positively affect their own future as too likely to be ineffectual to warrant efforts at change. After cognitive therapy, 20 patients were considered responders (51%) although three quickly relapsed (44% responded and maintained). Nonresponders had significantly higher pretreatment demoralization scores than did responders. These results suggest that high levels of demoralization may predict poor response of depression to cognitive therapy, although the small sample size precluded differentiation of demoralization from hopelessness.
Context: The Fulcrum of Constructivist Psychotherapy
Authors: Efran Jay S. , Clarfield Leslie E.
Published: September 2018

Because contexts constitute the background of events, they are notoriously easy to ignore or take for granted. However, the constructivist, who appreciates the social and historically situated nature of the psychotherapy enterprise, considers alterations of context the most powerful form of intervention available. The focus is not on details of content, but on the framework that determines the meaning of that content. Metaphor is used to bridge gaps in experience. When a person is enabled to embrace a more inclusive context, elements that initially appeared to be in opposition can be effectively integrated. In this article, the nature of context is discussed and examples from therapeutic practice are given.
Creation of Meaning in Incest Survivors
Authors: Clarke Katherine M.
Published: September 2018

This paper describes an integrated constructivist treatment for addressing creation of meaning issues in incest survivors. The treatment involves the reaccessing and reprocessing of emotional schemata. It is compared to a cognitive restructuring treatment which considers issues of meaning as faulty beliefs which must be corrected by logical analysis and replacement. A preliminary treatment study found a significant increase in meaning resolution in incest survivors who were offered the integrated treatment approach. No changes were found on self-esteem.
The Postmodern Self in Psychotherapy
Authors: Mahoney Michael J.
Published: September 2018

The complexities involved in encountering and counseling the “postmodern” self in psychotherapy are illustrated via a single session with a client whose self-presentation and in-session behavior were unusual and perplexing. No conclusions are offered.
Supervising Cognitive Psychotherapy and Training Supervisors
Authors: Perris Carlo
Published: September 2018

Independent of theoretical orientation, most schools of psychotherapy rightly regard supervision as one of the most important components of the training of therapists. The issue of supervision seems sorely neglected in the cognitive psychotherapy literature, however. The aim of this article is to contribute to filling the gap that apparently exists. Aspects discussed include a conceptualization of the supervisory process from the point of view of the supervisee and the supervisor, and issues related to the interpersonal context of supervision with special regard to possible sources of conflict between supervisor and supervisee. Finally, issues relating to the formal training of supervisors will be treated and the approach of the Swedish Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy will be highlighted.
Stress Inoculation Training as a Preventative Intervention for High School Youths
Authors: Hains Anthony A. , Ellmann Steven W.
Published: September 2018

This study examined the effectiveness of a school-based prevention intervention to reduce the incidence of negative emotional arousal and other psychological problems in adolescents in response to stress. The prevention program was modeled after a stress inoculation training program and included a variety of cognitive behavioral interventions (i.e., cognitive restructuring, problem solving, anxiety management training). Reductions on anxiety, depression, and anger self-report scales were noted after training, especially in youths who were classified as being high in emotional arousal, and these gains were maintained at follow-up. The waiting list control group showed similar improvements after they received training. Improvements in grade point average, school attendance, physical health problems, and self-reports of total, daily, and major negative stress events were not found, except for some within-group improvements at follow-up.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy in Psychosomatic Illness: A Cognitive Experiential Perspective
Authors: Tosi Donald J. , Murphy Michael A.
Published: September 2018

This paper examines the role of cognitive factors in psychosomatic illness and their modification through cognitive hypnotherapy. The use of cognitive experiential therapy (GET) with essential hypertension is highlighted. Research and technique are elaborated.
A Cognitive Perspective on Bereavement: Mechanisms and Treatment
Authors: Gluhoski Vicki L.
Published: September 2018

A cognitive view of bereavement is outlined which argues that mourners are affected in two realms: (1) their core beliefs about themselves, their world, and the future are altered; (2) they process information differently. Specific beliefs that are salient include self-efficacy, vulnerability, and self-worth. It is also argued that the bereaved process information through their loved-one schema and this accounts for their enduring, intense symptoms. Treatment implications for each of these problem areas are addressed.
Perceived Limitations of Standard Cognitive Therapy: A Consideration of Efforts to Revise Beck’s Theory and Therapy
Authors: Clark David A.
Published: September 2018

In this paper I discuss five basic principles that make Beck’s cognitive therapy (CT) a distinctive school of psychotherapy. In light of these principles, four major criticisms of Beck’s standard cognitive theory and practice are considered. These include: (a) standard CT has a limited view of emotion; (b) CT has an inadequate view of interpersonal factors; (c) CT ignores the therapeutic alliance; and (d) CT overemphasizes conscious controlled processing. Each of these criticisms are evaluated on whether they can be accommodated within the standard CT approach advocated by Beck thereby leading to refinement of his theory and therapy, or whether efforts at revision and/or integration with other schools of psychotherapy result in a transformation so radical as to threaten the distinctiveness of Beck’s therapy.
Cognitive Development and Cognitive Therapy
Authors: Leahy Robert L.
Published: September 2018

Beck’s cognitive theory of psychopathology is integrated with Piaget’s and Bowlby’s structural cognitive-developmental theories. Automatic thought distortions, maladaptive assumptions, and early maladaptive schemas are formed at the preoperational level of intelligence and are marked by structural limitations of moral realism, imminent justice, dichotomous and intuitive thinking, and magical causality. The specific negative content of self-other schemas is based on early object representations reflecting pathology in the attachment process. Personality disorders are described as the persistence of preoperational structure and early object representations which are submitted to compensation and avoidance through maladaptive life-scripts. A case formulation based on this model is described.
Common Features of PTSD Cases Amongst a Group of Military Staff Referred From the Southeast Region of Turkey
Authors: Sungur Mehmet , Surmeli B. Aksin , Ozcubukcuoglu Ahmet
Published: September 2018

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the typical psychiatric symptoms that emerge following a distressing event that is outside the range of usual human experience. These events include any serious threat to a person’s life or physical integrity. Similar events are experienced by the members of the Turkish Armed Forces who work in the southeastern region of Turkey and are under the threat of continual terrorist attacks, which often prove to be fatal and cause great distress and anxiety. This study investigates the possibility of a rise in the number of PTSD cases in the military staff due to the increasing life-threatening events that occur in the southeastern region of Turkey. Referrals made in 1992 from the southeast military sample to the psychiatry Department of Gulhane Military Academy, the main military hospital in Turkey, are investigated. The study compares and contrasts the role of the trauma and premorbid vulnerability factors, investigates the severity of symptoms, the degree of disability caused by the disorder, the range of concurrent psychiatric disorders along with PTSD, the different onset patterns of morbidity, and the demographical characteristics of the cases.
Health Information Search and Retirement Planning
Authors: Carlson Mary Bell , Britt Sonya L. , Goff Briana Nelson
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with a composite measure of financial behaviors among soldiers. Using primary data from a sample of soldiers before deploying to a war zone, results suggest that past behaviors and some personal factors play a significant role in soldiers' financial behaviors. Personal factors, such as high levels of subjective financial knowledge, higher self-mastery, and lower levels of financial anxiety, all had positive effects on financial behaviors. Soldiers with any amount of credit card debt had worse financial behaviors compared to soldiers with no credit card debt, while soldiers with greater amounts of emergency financial savings were more likely to have better financial behaviors than those who had very little or no emergency financial savings. Understanding these financial behaviors helps service providers to reduce the stress and anxiety soldiers and their families experience before a deployment.
Enhancing Links between Research and Practice to Improve Consumer Financial Education and Well-Being
Authors: Hensley Billy J.
Published: September 2018

A recent meta-analysis of the effect of financial literacy and financial education on downstream financial behaviors has shown a weak collective impact of the work of financial education. While the findings are not stellar, they do not support a dismantling of financial education programs and funding. This paper examines the findings of the meta-analysis and discusses the implications for the field. In this discussion, a more thoughtful consideration of the ways to provide financial education and the manner about how to influence behavior is highlighted. In addition, this article proposes a systematic examination of why timely educational approaches should coexist with longer-term financial education programming. The field also needs a more rigorous examination of factors that impact intervention effectiveness, including a call for improved research protocol and evaluation and a plea for greater visibility between researchers and practitioners.
Normal Birth: Two Stories
Authors: Scaer Roberta M.
Published: September 2018

The author shares two stories: one of a normal birth that took place in a hospital with a nurse-midwife in attendance and another of a home birth unexpectedly shared by many colleagues. Both are told with the goal to inform, inspire, and educate.
Nutrition Column: An Update on Water Needs during Pregnancy and Beyond
Authors: Montgomery Kristen S.
Published: September 2018

Adequate water intake is essential to maintaining life. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be encouraged to increase their intake of water and other fluids to meet their bodies’ needs. Infants do not need additional water; breast milk or formula contributes adequate amounts of water to their diet.
Childbirth Education in a World of Challenges
Authors: Humenick Sharron S.
Published: September 2018

In this column, the author considers the impact of widespread crises and global tensions on pregnancy and early parenting. Childbirth educators can help alleviate the impact of societal stress on expectant families.
Soy Protein
Authors: Montgomery Kristen S.
Published: September 2018

Soy protein comes from soybeans and offers multiple health benefits, some of which are just beginning to be discovered. This column reviews the health benefits of soy products with a special focus on women and children’s health. To date, little has been written or researched that is directly related to perinatal health. Thus, the column has a more broad focus so that childbirth educators have a general resource to gain knowledge related to the use of soy-based foods.
A Maternal-Fetal Attachment in African-American and Hispanic-American Women
Authors: Ahern Nancy R. , Ruland Judith P.
Published: September 2018

This pilot study used Cranley’s Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) to explore the feasibility of comparing maternal-fetal attachment behaviors of African-American and Hispanic-American gravidas. Data analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups’ MFAS total scale score means; however the Hispanic-American gravidas displayed significantly higher scores in two of the subscales. While study limitations were apparent, the results lend support to health care professionals’ responsibilities to be cognizant of potential similarities and differences in the cultural care needs of pregnant women.
Web Site Resources for Waterbirth
Authors: Montgomery Kristen S.
Published: September 2018

In this column, the author reviews Web sites that provide information and resources on waterbirth.
Birthing Failures: Childbirth as a Female Fault Line
Authors: Schneider Dana A.
Published: September 2018

In a qualitative study, 119 women completed an online, open-ended survey about their childbirth experiences. In response to the question, “What ways, if any, did you experience failure?,” 65% of women identified feelings of failure. Overwhelmingly attributing the failures to themselves, participants reported that they experienced failures of mind, body, action/inaction, representing “what I feel,” “who I am,” and “what I did or didn’t do” and leading some participants to conclude that they were “less of woman,” “less of a mother,” or ultimately failed the baby. Such perceived failures can be unintentionally perpetuated by a system that neglects to address the complex experiences and interpretations of birthing women. Helping women anticipate and process the psychosocial and emotional aspects of the birth experience may serve as a protective factor against women internalizing perceived failures as their own, and preventing long term consequences of such feelings. The findings of this study highlight the importance of assessing women’s personal experiences and interpretations of childbirth during the prenatal phase to address expectations and increase preparedness.
Promoting Birth Advocacy
Authors: Budin Wendy C.
Published: September 2018

In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses the many ways that Lamaze International promotes birth advocacy. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth.
Lamaze Advocacy Day Recap
Authors: Walsh Allison
Published: September 2018

In this article, a participant of the first Lamaze Advocacy Summit provides a recap of the event. Legislative advocacy is becoming increasingly important to fight the U.S. rising maternal death rate and racial disparities within maternal–child health outcomes. The activities, goals, and emotions of the event are described.
A Qualitative Study of Social, Cultural, and Historical Influences on African American Women’s Infant-Feeding Practices
Authors: DeVane-Johnson Stephanie , Giscombe Cheryl Woods , Williams Ronald , Fogel Cathie , Thoyre Suzanne
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to describe cultural factors influencing African American mothers’ perceptions about infant feeding. Analysis of six focus group discussions of diverse African American mothers yielded sociohistorical factors that are rarely explored in the breastfeeding literature. These factors are events, experiences, and other phenomena that have been culturally, socially, and generationally passed down and integrated into families, potentially influencing breastfeeding beliefs and behaviors. The results from this study illuminate fascinating aspects of African American history and the complex context that frames some African American women’s choice about breastfeeding versus artificial supplementation feeding. This study also demonstrates the need for developing family centered and culturally relevant strategies to increase the African American breastfeeding rate.
Mothers’ Perception of Confidence with Self-Care and Infant Care
Authors: Kapp Minna
Published: September 2018

Considering the limited amount of time for postpartum stays, mothers may not acquire sufficient knowledge and experience to comfortably care for themselves and their infant until they are home. It is not known how confident mothers are at the time of hospital discharge or how confident they will feel after a couple of weeks at home. A convenience sample of 104 postpartum women, 16 to 44 years of age, participated in a study to determine mothers’ confidence with self-care and infant care in the hospital and 2 weeks after discharge. Confidence with self- and infant care was measured using the Maternal and Infant Care Confidence Scale (MICCS). Findings indicated that mothers’ perceived confidence with self-care and infant care skills was significantly greater at home than in the hospital. Specifically, primiparas were significantly more confident at home with the exception of skills related to nutrition, activity, car seat and safety, and recognizing signs of infection in the infant. Multiparas were significantly more confident at home with all aspects of care with the exception of skills concerning nutrition. Implications for using the MICCS to develop a plan of care based on mothers’ confidence needs are discussed.
Development of the Stimulus Intensity Modulation Scale
Authors: Blenner Janet L.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to theoretically base, develop, and test items for the Stimulus Intensity Modulation Scale (SIMS) which was intended for use in healthy as well as ill populations. According to stimulus intensity modulation theory, persons vary in their need for stimuli, depending on their nervous system’s ability to modulate sensory stimuli. Content validity was established for the SIMS and a principle component extraction with varimax rotation resulted in a three-factor solution supporting the theoretical factors of pain tolerance, attention and habituation. Item analysis resulted in a final scale of 27 items. An internal consistency of .81 was achieved for the overall SIMS. Respective subscale coefficients of .82, .74, and .63 were obtained. Test-retest coefficients of .92, .83, .79 and .95 for the total scale and its subscales, respectively, were obtained over a 1-month period. Discriminant validity and freedom from socially desirable response bias was also accomplished.
Measuring Managerial Motivation: The Power Management Inventory
Authors: Henderson Melinda C.
Published: September 2018

Psychometric properties for Part I ofhe Power Management Inventory (Hawker & Hall, 1981) are presented following validation of the instrument with samples of nurse managers (N=54) and executives (N=92). The content validity indices were .85 for management issues (item stems), .65 for Personalized Power (PP), .75 for Socialized Power (SP), and .70 for Affiliative Motive (AM) scales. Internal consistency reliabilities were acceptable (.63 to .87). Test-Retest correlations (n = 19 managers) ranged from .74 to .85. Correlation of nurse manager (n = 50) scores with subordinate scores of managers were significant (p < .05) for PP (r = .32) and AM (r = .29). Correlation of nurse executive (n = 59) scores with chief executive officer scores of executives were significant for PP (r = .32, p < .01) and AM (r=.25,p< .05). Mean scores on PP, SP and AM failed to profile the motive pattern for “successful” managers. About 29% of the managers and 39% of the executives were categorized as having no power motive preference. Use of the PMI for career counseling/decisions in nursing is not recommended, however, its use as an organizational development tool is endorsed.
The Index of Readiness: Development and Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Fleury Julie
Published: September 2018

This article describes the development and initial psychometric evaluation of a measure of individual appraisal of readiness to initiate health behavior change. Items were developed from inductively generated data to index dimensions of individual appraisal of readiness. Quantification of Index of Readiness content validity was established through the ratings of 10 experts, following criteria established by Imle and Atwood (1988). The instrument was tested in successive steps with 146 individuals who were participating in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program, for reliability and validity, including internal consistency reliability, and three forms of validity assessment (content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity). The three subscales of Revaluation of Lifestyle, Identification of Barriers, and Goal Commitment demonstrated internal consistency. Criterion-related and construct validity were substantiated. With refinement, this measure will provide a basis for nursing interventions designed to enhance individual motivation in relation to specific health behaviors.
Using Health Care Records as Sources of Data for Research
Authors: vonKoss Krowchuk Heidi , Moore Mary L. , Richardson Lenora
Published: September 2018

Health care records are comprehensive in nature, and provide continuity of health care; therefore, they are vital components in the delivery of services. Health care records also are extremely important for researchers, since they are a rich source of critical information, and the documentation in them is considered to be legally and medically accurate and reliable. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of using health care records as data sources for research and discusses the research method issues related to these data sources. The issues addressed are illustrated with examples from three large studies in which health care record reviews represented the only source of data or were a primary information source.
Informational Coping Styles: A Validity Study
Authors: Ross Carolyn J. M. , Maguire T. O.
Published: September 2018

Informational coping style may be an important determinant of coping with threatening situations that has important implications in terms of matching nursing interventions to patients. Two studies were conducted to examine aspects of the construct validity of a pen-and-paper instrument designed to measure informational coping style, the Miller Behavioral Style Scale (MBSS). In Study I, the MBSS was administered to 271 university students to examine item response frequencies, item correlations and internal consistency of the subscales. In Study II the coping responses to a series of different hypothetically threatening situations were examined in a sample of 60 students drawn from the sample used in Study I. The results of Study I indicate a need for revision of the items in the MBSS. The results of Study II provide modest evidence of construct validity and underrepresentation of the MBSS in terms of coping strategies. Furthermore, there was evidence to suggest that the structural approach used in the MBSS fails to capture the precise context in which a coping strategy would be applied and the extent to which a strategy would be used.
Measuring the Perception of Choices in the Nursing Home
Authors: Brooke Virginia M. , Short Robert A.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to measure the perception of choices among elders who live in a nursing home. The perception of choices, defined as a subjective appraisal of alternatives as understood by the individual, includes the freedom to make decisions, individuality of judgment, and availability of options. The instrument—Perception of Choices in a Nursing Home (PCL)—is a 10-item dichotomous scale designed for administration to frail elderly. A study with three phases involved 228 elderly in 19 different nursing homes. The results of principal component’s factor analysis supported the presence of one dimension interpreted as having choices. The internal consistency reliability was a = .84, n = 99; and a = .74, n = 129. Low mental status did not affect internal consistency reliability but affected retest reliability, r = .67. The PCL correlated significantly with depression, r - .31, p =.001, and powerlessness, .36, p =.005.
Applying the Cantril Methodology to Study Self-Esteem: Psychometrics of the Self-Anchoring Self-Esteem Scale
Authors: Carpenter Janet S.
Published: September 2018

The importance of the construct of self-esteem is evidenced by its extensive inclusion in prior research as a measure of well-being or adaptation to illness. Despite the construct’s importance, current measures of self-esteem are inadequate when used among populations experiencing illnesses, such as cancer. Use of an alternative measure of self-esteem is proposed which addresses limitations of existing measures. The Self-Anchoring Self-Esteem Scale (SASES) is an adaptation of Cantril’s methodology used to study quality of life, which requires individuals to subjectively define high and low endpoints of a 10-point ladder prior to providing numerical ratings. Data collected from three cross-sectional studies involving four samples of healthy individuals and women with cancer supported psychometric properties of the scale.
Evaluation of a Measure of Learned Resourcefulness for Elders
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A.
Published: September 2018

Learned resourcefulness is important in promoting independence and healthy, productive lifestyles among older adults, and therefore it is essential to have a measure of learned resourcefulness that is reliable and valid for this population. However, for elders published psychometric tests of Roseblaum’s Self-Control Schedule (SCS), which is the measure of learned resourcefulness, are limited to internal consistency estimates. This study examined the ease of sdministration and psychometric properties of the SCS in three samples of healthy elders (age 65+). The findings yield promising evidence that the instrument is fairly easy for elders to understand when administered during face-to-face interviews. Evidence of reliability and validity is considerable, and the SCS shows acceptable internal consistency and contruct validity. These findings support the potential usefulness of the measure of learned resourcefulness for adults
An Expanded Neonatal Morbidity Scale for Premature Infants
Authors: Pleasure Jeanette , Gennaro Susan , Cnaan Avital , Wolf Francine
Published: September 2018

We revised a neonatal morbidity scale (the NMS) that has served as a means for comparison of neonatal illness in studies of high-risk neonates after initial hospital discharge. With an inception cohort approach, 89 premature infants at an urban university hospital were studied with the expanded scale (the ENMS). The original scale, published in 1983, was reworked and expanded based on advances in the diagnosis and management of neonates. A social risk scale was added. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to judge validity of the newly revised scale and to examine its predictive ability for outcomes at six months of age. Concurrent validity was supported by the relationship between the ENMS-SRS and: birthweight (R2 = .54), gestational age (R2 = .50), length of stay (R2 = .47). Inter-rater reliability was .95. The ENMS, embodying a contemporary patient profile, is valid for a population of premature infants in a U.S. urban setting and has predictive validity for a few outcomes within six months of discharge from a special care unit.
A Reliability and Validity Study of the Women’s Role Strain Inventory
Authors: Lengacher Cecile A.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to theoretically conceptualize, develop and test the Women’s Role Strain Inventory (WRSI) which assesses role strain in women who have multiple roles. There is limited research published related to role strain of women, although role strain, role conflict and role stress have been documented to have negative and positive effects (Hall 1975, Hall 1992). The theoretical basis for this study is based upon Goode’s Theory of Role Strain (1960) and Sieber’s Theory of Role Accumulation (1974). The pilot consisted of 62 female nurses, and the sample used for construct validity consisted of 445 female nurses. Content validity resulted in a content validity index of (.91). Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation resulted in a three-factor solution supporting Goode’s (1960) theory of role strain, and Sieber’s (1974) theory of role accumulation. Alpha coefficients for the three subscales were .89 (role distress), .86 (role enhancement), and .81 (role support). Internal consistency of .93 was achieved for the overall WRSI. Test-retest coefficients ranged from .61 to .91. The high reliability and validity of the WRSI make it a reliable and valid instrument to measure role strain of women.