bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sorptive Characteristics of Tetraalkylammonium-Exchanged Smectite Clays
Authors: Chun Yuan , Sheng Guangyao , Boyd Stephen A.
Published: September 2003

The size of quaternary <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">NH4+ cations defines their packing configurations in the interlayers and the basal spacings of organoclays, and hence strongly influences the sorptive properties of organoclays. A series of organoclays (TAA-SACs) was prepared from a smectite (SAC) fully exchanged with symmetrical tetraalkylammonium (TAA) cations of progressively increasing sizes with the carbon number of single alkyl group from 1 to 6. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the packing configurations of monolayer, monolayer-to-bilayer transition, bilayer, and bilayer-to-trilayer transition in the interlayers of SAC. Calculations of the interionic distances between TAA ions support such packing configurations. Sorption of benzene by TAA-SACs displayed a high-low-high uptake trend and progressively weaker sorptive interactions as the size of TAA ions increased. Both the siloxane surfaces and TAA ions contributed to the overall sorption, with their relative contributions dependent on the TAA interionic distances and the basal spacings of TAA-SACs. High benzene sorption by small TAA-SAC (tetramethylammonium(TMA)-SAC) was attributed to the strong interactions between the siloxane surfaces and benzene molecules. With large TAAs, high sorption was due to the effective solute partitioning. Compared to benzene sorption, TCE sorption by small TAA-SACs (TMA-SAC and tetraethylammonium(TEA)-SAC) was less effective and displayed an abnormal trend, due largely to the lack of the siloxane surface-TCE interactions and to the stronger hydration of TMA as compared to TEA ions. The results provide strong evidence to support the use of either small or large quaternary <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">NH4+ cations in preparation of organoclays as effective sorbents for removing organic contaminants from water.
HRTEM Image Filtration: Nanostructural Analysis of a Pillared Clay
Authors: Clinard Christian , Mandalia Tushar , Tchoubar Denise , Bergaya Faiza
Published: September 2003

Nanostructural analysis of pillared clay samples using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy has been developed. Montmorillonite samples were pillared using partially hydrolyzed Al and Fe solutions. Two samples, M01 and M05, corresponding to Fe/(Fe+Al) ratios of 0.1 and 0.5, respectively, were analyzed. The different steps of image filtration, resulting from filtration by ring-shaped masks, are illustrated and discussed from lattice imaging of sample M01. This procedure is used to show the heterogeneous distribution of the basal spacings in the different ordered domains. Domains of mesoporosity and distribution of the different Fe species are studied specifically in the sample M05. The quantitative HRTEM results are discussed and compared with X-ray diffraction patterns obtained from the same sample.
Influence of Cation Size on the Curvature of Serpentine Minerals: HRTEM-AEM Study and Elastic Theory
Authors: Perbost Régis , Amouric Marc , Olives Juan
Published: September 2003

The influence of cation size on the misfit between the tetrahedral and the octahedral sheets of serpentine layers, and thus on the curvature of serpentine minerals, has been studied using an experimental approach, based on scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopies (SEM and HRTEM, respectively) coupled with analytical electron microscopy (AEM), and a theoretical approach, based on the elastic theory of thin plates and the surface stress concept.

Various Ni3(Si,Ge)2O5(OH)4 serpentine syntheses were prepared, with progressive tetrahedral substitution for Si by the larger Ge ion, the ratio Ge/(Si + Ge) ranging from 0 to 100%. Other parameters (temperature, time duration, water pressure) were fixed. From SEM-HRTEM observations and AEM analyses of all samples, two types of serpentine minerals were characterized: (1) curved structures of tubular or ‘roman-tile’ shape (curvature radius of 10 nm for 0% Ge, increasing with the Ge content), when the Ge tetrahedral content is <25%; (2) perfectly plane structures, with hexagonal or triangular shape (view normal to the layers), for greater Ge contents. These results prove the direct influence of cation size on the crystal curvature.

From a theoretical point of view, a single serpentine layer with a misfit between its tetrahedral and octahedral sheets can be considered as an elastic thin plate subjected to two different surface stresses, σ+ and σ−, on its two faces. The difference σ+ − σ− between these two surface stresses was calculated from the above geometrical misfit, and the curvature of the serpentine layer was related to σ+ − σ−, according to the elastic theory of thin plates. The calculated curvature radii, and the Ge content of transition from curved to plane structures, are in agreement with the above observed values. Curved serpentine crystals may then be considered as a stacking of such elastically curved single serpentine layers.
Infrared Study of CO2 Incorporation into Pyrophyllite [Al2Si4O10(OH)2] during Dehydroxylation
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhang Ming , Redfern Simon A. T.
Published: September 2003

We report infrared spectroscopic observations of the incorporation of CO2 into pyrophyllite that has been heated between 200°C and 1250°C for periods of 15 min, 1 h and 5 days. The presence of CO2 is characterized by the ν3 band of CO2 near 2347 cm−1, detectable in samples in which dehydroxylation has commenced after heating above 450°C. With increasing temperature, the CO2 signal becomes more intense. The signal reaches its maximum intensity near 800°C with an annealing time of 15 min. Further heating leads to a decrease in the CO2 signal and the occurrence of an extra signal near 2156 cm−1 that implies the presence of CO. The process is characterized by significant time-dependence, indicating its kinetic nature. The peak positions of CO2 signals show systematic variations with temperature. Our results suggest that the CO2 molecule is associated with the local structure rather than being present as free gaseous CO2, and that the local structure of pyrophyllite is gradually modified during high-temperature treatments. However, no signals related to carbonate molecules (<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">(CO32−)) were detected. The results suggest that CO2 or other carbon-based molecules may diffuse into some clay minerals during dehydroxylation and may become altered due to structural modifications at high temperatures. This may have significance for possible CO2 sequestration in shales and clay formations.
Removal of Anionic Contaminants using Surfactant-Modified Palygorskite and Sepiolite
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Willms Cari A. , Kniola Kristine
Published: September 2003

In this study, the feasibility of using surfactant-modified palygorskite (PFl-1) and sepiolite (SepSp-1) for removal of anionic contaminants from water was evaluated from batch experiments. The results showed that both minerals had strong affinity for hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA), a cationic surfactant used for surface modification. The HDTMA sorption capacities were 520 and 260 mmol/kg for PFl-1 and SepSp-1, respectively. Accompanying HDTMA sorption, the sorption of counterion bromide reached 380, and 210 mmol/kg, for PFl-1 and SepSp-1, respectively, indicating that the sorbed surfactant molecules form admicelles on the minerals’ surfaces. After modification by HDTMA to sorption maxima, these clays showed strong affinity for anionic contaminants such as chromate and nitrate. The chromate sorption capacities were 42 and 34 mmol/kg for HDTMA-modified PFl-1 and SepSp-1, respectively. Desorption of counterion bromide due to sorption of chromate followed a straight-line relationship, suggesting that the sorption of chromate on surfactant-modified palygorskite and sepiolite was also due to anion exchange as with other surfactant-modified clay minerals and zeolites.
Microwave Exfoliation of Vermiculite and Phlogopite
Authors: Obut Abdullah , Girgin İsmail , Yörükoǵlu Abdülkerim
Published: September 2003

Vermiculites and phlogopites can be exfoliated by chemical and thermal treatment methods to obtain chemically inert, adsorbent, fire-resistant, low-density materials with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The water content of the clay generally determines the extent of exfoliation and the presence of interstratification is claimed to increase the rate of exfoliation. Considering the strong interaction between water and microwaves, the effect of microwave power on exfoliation characteristics of vermiculites and phlogopites after treatment with water and hydrogen peroxide solution were studied at 600, 950 and 1300 W for microwave exposure times of 10, 20, 30, 60, 120 and 300 s. It was observed that the water molecules in the interlayers of the individual flakes were driven off quickly by microwave treatment causing layer separation in the samples. The vermiculite sample showed 2.8 and 5.6 times, respectively, the exfoliation ratio of the phlogopite samples, in accord with their water contents.
Chemistry of Mg Smectites in Lacustrine Sediments from the Vicalvaro Sepiolite Deposit, Madrid Neogene Basin (Spain)
Authors: Cuevas Jaime , de la Villa Raquel Vigil , Ramirez Susana , Petit Sabine , Meunier Alain , Leguey Santiago
Published: September 2003

The chemical and structural properties of Mg smectites in the Vicálvaro sepiolite deposit have been studied in detail. The characterization was performed on different size-fractions of selected smectitic samples (5−2 µm; 2−1 µm; 1−0.5 µm; <0.5 µm and <0.1 µm). The chemical compositions of individual particles (5−1 µm) and of bulk undifferentiated fine fractions (1−<0.1 µm) were determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy-scanning electron microscopy and interpreted with the aid of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) methods. The XRD and IR data demonstrate that all of the Mg smectite materials studied are mainly composed of a complex mixture of stevensite, saponite and mica-type minerals. Although the presence or absence of saponite cannot be confirmed absolutely, stevensite is a significant component of these Mg smectites. This is proven by the calculated layer charge reduction after the Hofmann-Klemen effect. The results are in close agreement with the suggested mechanism of topotactic overgrowth of stevensite on pre-existing phyllosilicate templates. This characterizes clay diagenesis in saline-lake systems.
Variety and frequency scales of antisocial involvement: Which one is better?
Authors: Bendixen Mons , Endresen Inger M. , Olweus Dan
Published: September 2003

Purpose. The aim of this study was to examine whether a scale including frequency scores of antisocial behaviour is a more sensitive and better measure of antisocial involvement than a variety scale.

Methods. Data from a representative sample of 1,292 Norwegian students aged 13 and 14 years was used to compare a 17‐item variety scale with two versions of a frequency scale covering the same 17 items. Internal consistency of the scales, stability coefficients (for 1‐year and 2‐year intervals), and associations with conceptually related variables (e.g. aggression, opposition, alcohol consumption) were examined.

Results. Results indicated that using a scale including the (raw) frequencies of antisocial acts committed instead of a variety scale would result in reduced internal consistency, lower stability over time, smaller group differences and weaker associations with conceptually related variables. Similarly, in regression analyses the (raw) frequency scale contributed little to the explained variance in conceptually related variables over and beyond that contributed by the variety scale.

Conclusions. Although the results for a log‐transformed frequency scale were about as good as for the variety scale, both practical, methodological, and to some extent, conceptual considerations argued against replacing the variety scale with the transformed frequency scale. However, there may be some minor benefits from using an appropriately transformed frequency scale as a supplement to a variety scale, and there are also situations where inclusion of frequency scores in antisocial scales may be essential.
Firesetting and playing with fire during childhood and adolescence: Interview studies of 18‐year‐old male draftees and 18 − 19‐year‐old female pupils
Authors: Perrin‐Wallqvist Renée , Norlander Torsten
Published: September 2003

Purpose. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interest of young men and women in playing with fire in childhood and as adolescents.

Methods. Two interview studies were performed with fifty 18‐year‐old men and forty‐five 18‐19‐year‐old women.

Results. The two studies showed that playing with fire is a common phenomenon among children. In the male group, 70% reported playing with fire in childhood, and in the female group, the proportion was 44%. None of the young men played with fire at the age of 18, while 44% of the young women did. In the draftee's study, playing with fire resulted in uncontrollable fires destroying three buildings, one car and a grass wall. There was one uncontrollable fire in the girls' study. The reasons for not playing with fire in childhood were said to be parental exhortation, prohibition, supervision, fear, and respect for fire. The motives for playing with fire in childhood were curiosity and distraction in the male group, and excitement‐seeking and amusement in the female group.
How do offenders define bullying? A study of adult, young and juvenile male offenders
Authors: Ireland Jane L. , Ireland Carol A.
Published: September 2003

Purpose. The main aim of the present study was to explore how offenders define bullying and how this relates to school‐based definitions, with a subsidiary aim of exploring age differences.

Methods. The sample was selected from two separate prisons in the UK housing male offenders (one adult prison and one housing both young and juvenile offenders) and consisted of 322 offenders (127 adults, 95 young offenders and 100 juveniles). Offenders were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to assess their perceptions of bullying, including an assessment of what types of behaviours made up bullying based on the Direct and Indirect Prisoner Behaviour Checklist (DIPC©: Ireland, 1999).

Results. Differences were found between school‐based definitions and those applied by offenders. In particular, offenders reported that a single act of aggression could be considered bullying and that there was not always an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim. Victims were often seen to provoke bullies. Bullies were not always respected by their peers and one‐quarter of offenders felt that the term ‘bullying’ was a ‘childish’ one. Offenders reported a range of discrete aggressive behaviours, both direct and indirect in nature, which could be considered to be bullying. Indirect behaviours were reported as bullying less frequently than direct behaviours.

Conclusions. The study demonstrated how school‐based definitions of bullying do not readily apply to offenders and the findings are discussed in relation to the specific population and environment under study.
Using the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles with English prisoners
Authors: Palmer Emma J. , Hollin Clive R.
Published: September 2003

Purpose. This study considers the use of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) within an English prison population.

Method. The reliability and validity of the PICTS scales were investigated, and scores compared with data from an American prison population.

Results. The results suggested that the PICTS was functioning in a similar way in both populations, although the English population's scores were higher. The calculation of test‐retest change scores over the duration of 6‐12‐month sentences allowed the sensitivity of PICTS scales to change over time to be analysed, an aspect of the PICTS functioning that had not previously been examined. This analysis over time suggested that evenwhen the effect of age was controlled for, changes were occurring over the duration of the sentence.

Conclusion. The potential of the PICTS as a measure of change, aswell as assessment, is discussed.
Stalking actions, prior offender‐victim relationships and issuing of restraining orders in a Finnish sample of stalkers
Authors: Häkkänen Helinä , Hagelstam Camilla , Santtila Pekka
Published: September 2003

Purpose. Various stalking styles were first clustered by using multidimensional scaling (MDS), and then different stalking styles were analysed against prior restrainee‐victim relationship and violation of the restraining order.

Methods. The court and police files of a random sample of 240 Finnish stalking cases, in which a restraining order had been issued, were content analysed for the existence of 30 dichotomous stalking action variables. MDS was performed in order to identify different stalking styles.

Results. The solution of a multidimensional scaling analysis suggested three distinct structural themes for the actions: instrumental/pursuit, instrumental/ manipulation and expressive/violence. The themes were partially associated with the nature of the prior victim‐restrainee relationship. In all, 35% of the restrainees violated the restraining order. No significant associations were found between violating the restraining order and restrainee, victim or circumstantial characteristics. Violation correlated significantly with the action themes instrumental/pursuit and expressive/violence. The number of stalking actions was also significantly higher for the stalkers who violated the restraining order. In addition, in all of the cases where the victim had voluntarily met with the restrainee, the restraining order was violated. Among the violators, the proportion of restrainees employing violent stalking actions and threats significantly decreased following the issuing of the restraining order.

Conclusions. The results suggest that stalking can be interpreted thematically. Violation of the restraining orders is associated with certain stalking themes and the number of stalking actions. Further violence is decreased by the issuing of the restraining orders. Restraining orders playa significant role in victim protection and intervention.
Assessing reconviction, reoffending and recidivism in a sample of UK sexual offenders
Authors: Falshaw Louise , Bates Andrew , Patel Vaneeta , Corbett Carmen , Friendship Caroline
Published: September 2003

Purpose. The rate of sexual reconviction for sexual offenders is known to be low. Sexual reconviction, however, is currently the most commonly used outcome measure in sex offender treatment evaluation studies. It is expected that sex offender treatment programmes will reduce the likelihood of reconviction amongst participants. A low base rate of sexual reconviction means that any reduction in reconviction (which could be attributed to treatment) will be small and unlikely to be statistically significant. This study aimed to assess other offence‐related outcomes for sexual offenders, in addition to reconviction.

Methods. The sample comprised 173 sexual offenders who had completed a community sex offender treatment programme. Follow‐up information was collected forthe sample from programme files containing multi‐agency information. Official reconviction rates were also calculated using both Home Office and police data.

Results. Collecting evidence of any offence‐related sexual behaviour during this study multiplied the sample's sexual reconviction rate by a factor of 5.3.

Conclusions. The results show that broadening the outcome measure under observation indicates a higher level of offence‐related sexual behaviour displayed by sexual offenders than reflected by reconviction data. These results have implications for the outcomes measured in treatment evaluation research for sexual offenders.
The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 andthe interviewing of vulnerable groups: A practitioner's perspective
Authors: Nield Roger , Milne Rebecca , Bull Ray , Marlow Kerry
Published: September 2003

Purpose. To discover practitioners' appreciation of the legislative changes that the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, largely implemented in 2002, will have on investigative interviewing of vulnerable groups.

Method. Police officers and social workers completed a questionnaire that asked about their perceptions of the Youth Justice and Criminal Justice Act 1999.

Results. Practitioners thought that a large number of interviewees would be eligible for the special measures allowed within the remit of the new act. It was believed that the act would result in achieving best evidence with respect to accuracy and recording of interviews and in less discrimination against vulnerable groups. However, it was believed that implementing the act would be demanding in terms of time and money.

Conclusion. Police officers and social workers share positive and negative views concerning the implementation and efficacy of the new legislation.
Judicial intervention in court cases involving witnesses with and without learning disabilities
Authors: O'Kelly Caitriona M. E. , Kebbell Mark R. , Hatton Chris , Johnson Shane D.
Published: September 2003

Purpose. This paper outlines the extent and nature of judicial interventions in court cases involving witnesses with learning disabilities and from the general population.

Method. Court transcripts, mainly concerning serious sexual crime, were obtained from a total of 32 witnesses, 16 involving people with learning disabilities and 16 involving people from the general population. Each intervention made by a judge was documented and coded into one of three categories: interactions with witnesses, interactions with lawyers, and interactions with the jury.

Results. No significant differences were found between the judicial treatment of witnesses with learning disabilities and those from the general population. In particular, judges did not intervene more frequently tosimplify lawyers' questions, call breaks, suggest methods by which a witness could reply, ask lawyers to simplify their questions, prevent oppression of the witness and move the lawyer on, and ensure the witness could understand the question.

Conclusions. The implications of the findings are that judges should intervene, as they are legally entitled, to ensure that witnesses with and without learning disabilities give the most complete and accurate evidence possible.
Child and adult witnesses with intellectual disability: The importance of suggestibility
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H. , Henry Lucy
Published: September 2003

Purpose. The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between learning (intellectual) disability and interrogative suggestibility among children (11‐12 years old) and adults.

Method. The Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS 2) was administered to 110 children and 221 adults who were categorized into three groups according to fullscale IQ scores: (1) normal IQ (>75); (2) mild impairment (IQ score 55‐75); and (3) moderate impairment (IQ score <55).

Results. Highly significant differences in memory and suggestibility emerged in both the child and adult samples across groups. Using memory as a covariate in the analysis eliminated the significant group differences for ‘yield 1’ among the children, but not for adults. There was no significant influence of memory on ‘shift’ in either group. Whereas ‘shift’ was significantly influenced by intellectual disability in children, no significant difference emerged across groups among adults.

Conclusions. Children and adults with learning disability have much poorer memory and higher suggestibility scores than their contemporariesof normal intelligence. Differences in suggestibility are only partly explained by poorer memory scores. The findings reveal important differences between children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Children with learning disabilities are more susceptible to altering their answers under pressure than are adults with learning disabilities.
The efficacy of the appropriate adult safeguard during police interviewing
Authors: Medford Sarah , Gudjonsson Gisli H. , Pearse John
Published: September 2003

Purpose. The main aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of the appropriate adult (AA) safeguard for vulnerable adult and juvenile suspects undergoing police interviews.

Method. We examined the records of suspects held in custody by the London Metropolitan Police at 74 charging stations during February 1997 (Medford, Gudjonsson, & Pearse, 2000). Adult suspects whose custody record indicated psychological vulnerability were included in the study, as well as juvenile suspects. Audiotaped interviews of suspects were analysed using a special coding frame. The contribution (or lack of contribution) made by the AA, the extent to which they fulfilled their role, and the effect of their presence on other persons and interview outcome were examined and analysed.

Results. Of the 501 interviews available for analysis, 365 (73%) were with adult suspects and 136 (27%) with juveniles. An AA was present during 212 (58%) adult interviews and 135 (99%) juvenile interviews. The AAs of juveniles, who were mainly family members and friends, contributed more in interview, both appropriately and inappropriately, than did social workers and volunteers, although overall there was little direct intervention bythe AA.

Conclusions. Although AAs contribute little to the police interview in terms of verbal interactions, their mere presence during the police interview has three important effects. First, in the case of adults, but notjuveniles, it increases the likelihood that a legal representative will be present. Second, it appears to be associated with less interrogative pressure in interview. Third, in the presence of an AA, the legal representative takes on a more active role.
Quality of life, distress and self‐esteem: A focus group study of people with chronic bronchitis
Authors: Nicolson Paula , Anderson Pippa
Published: September 2003

Chronic bronchitis (a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality resulting in around 5% of deaths in the UK. Over recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on patient‐based evaluation of health and social care, which has led to a rapid growth in quality of life measures and an increase in measuring quality of life for COPD patients. However, less attention has been paid to patients' perceptions and experiences of everyday life, specifically their active engagement in the psychological, emotional and social aspects of adjustment and adaptation to living with chronic bronchitis. This study employs a series of four focus groups (N = 20) to identify key experiences of living with chronic bronchitis. The results, obtained through using both thematic and conceptual qualitative analysis, within a broadly symbolic interactionist framework, describe the subjective and sometimes contradictory ways in which the disease leads to psychological distress, dependency on medication, and disruption to social and family relationships, and has a negative impact on self‐esteem. The study further argues for greater awareness of qualitative approaches to the broad view of quality of life as complementary to quality of life assessments.
Social barriers to emotional expression and their relations to distress in male and female cancer patients
Authors: Zakowski Sandra G. , Harris Casey , Krueger Nancy , Laubmeier Kimberly K. , Garrett Susan , Flanigan Robert , Johnson Peter
Published: September 2003

Objective: Emotional expression is an important means of coping with stressful experiences such as cancer. Social barriers to expression may have adverse effects. Research has suggested that men are less likely to express their emotions and have different patterns of social support compared to women. We examined whether male cancer patients have a lower tendency to express emotions, are less likely to perceive social barriers to expression, and are differentially affected by social barriers from different support sources as compared to women.

Design: Questionnaires were administered to 41 women and 41 men using a cross‐sectional study design.

Method: Patients diagnosed with gynaecological or prostate cancer within the past 5 years completed questionnaires on moods, intrusive thoughts, social constraints and emotional expressivity.

Results: There was a trend towards greater emotional expressivity in women as compared to men, but no significant gender differences in perceptions of social constraints from spouse/partner or others. Multiple regression analyses revealed that men experienced significantly greater distress in association with social constraints from their spouse/partner than did women.

Conclusion: Men may be more vulnerable to social barriers to expression than previously assumed. Gender differences in emotional expressivity may be less important than the social context in which expression takes place.
The illness representations of multiple sclerosis and their relations to outcome
Authors: Vaughan Rachel , Morrison Leslie , Miller Edgar
Published: September 2003

Objectives: The main aims of the present study were to explore the illness representations of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and investigate the relationship of these beliefs to outcome. Based on Leventhal et al.'s self‐regulation model, the commonly accepted generic five‐component structure of illness representations including identity, time‐line, consequences, cause, and cure/controllability was used.

Design: A cross‐sectional, correlational design was employed for the study. Interrelationships among the illness representation components and the relationships between the components and outcome were explored using Pearson's r. To determine the contribution of the illness representation components to the explained variance in outcome, a series of stepwise multiple regression analyses was used.

Method: A total of 99 participants took part in the study. A series of measures were completed to assess (1) illness representations and (2) five specific areas of outcome.

Results: Participants' illness representations of MS were consistent with the medical nature and understanding of this illness indicating that they held the perceptions of a strong illness identity, chronic time‐line, no particular cause and no cure. Beliefs in the serious consequences of MS and limited control were also reported. Some important interrelationships among the illness representation components were demonstrated where a strong illness identity, chronic time‐line view and perception of low control were related to more serious consequences. Overall, evidence was provided to suggest that illness representations contribute to outcome. The consequences component was associated with, and contributed to, the explained variance for each of the five outcome areas, indicating that the perception that MS has many negative effects on an individual's life was associated with greater levels of difficulty in all of the outcome areas. In addition, for each of the outcome variables, different combinations of illness representation components explained their variance. For example, higher levels of depression were associated with perceptions of a stronger illness identity, more serious consequences, acute time‐line, and low control.

Conclusion: Overall support is provided for the application of the five‐component structure of illness representations to MS and the likely contribution of such beliefs to outcome. The concept of illness representations therefore provides a useful framework for understanding the psychosocial effects of this illness.
Cognitive adaptation: A comparison of cancer patients and healthy references
Authors: Stiegelis Heidi E. , Hagedoorn Mariët , Sanderman Robbert , Van der Zee Karen I. , Buunk Bram P. , Van den Bergh Alfons C. M.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: Taylor's theory of cognitive adaptation proposes that adjustment depends on the ability to sustain and modify illusions (i.e. unrealistic optimism, exaggerated perceptions of control, and self‐aggrandizement) that buffer against threats but also against possible future setbacks. Because the question of whether cancer patients show these illusions has received little attention, the present study compared patients' perceptions of optimism, control, and self‐esteem at different stages of the cancer process with that of healthy references. The effects of these perceptions on psychological distress were also assessed.

Design: The present study has a longitudinal design. Including a group of healthy references enabled us to draw more firm conclusions about the effect of cancer upon cognitive perceptions. Methods: The participants were 67 cancer patients and 50 healthy references. Patients filled out questionnaires prior to their first radiotherapy (T1), at 2 weeks (T2), and at 3 months (T3) after completing radiotherapy. Healthy references were assessed at similar intervals.

Results: T tests revealed that patients experienced significantly higher levels of optimism and self‐esteem than the healthy reference group. Concerning control, no group differences were found. Importantly, regression analyses showed that lower levels of optimism and control at T1 were predictive of feelings of anxiety at T3. Lower perceived control also predicted depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Results support the theory of cognitive adaptation in that patients are indeed able to respond to cancer with high levels of optimism and self‐esteem and that lower levels of optimism and control are predictive of psychological distress.
Help‐seeking intentions for breast‐cancer symptoms: A comparison of the self‐regulation model and the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Hunter Myra S. , Grunfeld Elizabeth A. , Ramirez Amanda J.
Published: September 2003

Purpose: Delays in seeking help for symptoms have been found to be associated with poorer outcome in breast‐cancer patients. This study explores symptom perceptions and health beliefs as predictors of intentions to seek medical help in a general female population. The utility of the self‐regulation model of illness cognition and the theory of planned behaviour were examined in predicting help‐seeking intentions for potential symptoms of breast cancer in a general population sample.

Methods: A general population sample of 546 women completed a postal questionnaire comprising items examining components of the self‐regulation model and the theory of planned behaviour. Help‐seeking intention was determined by asking participants to rate the likelihood of visiting their GP for a range of breast symptoms.

Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that the cognitive component of the self‐regulation model accounted for approximately 22% of the variance in help‐seeking intention. Identity (β = 0.45, p < .001) emerged as a significant predictor of intention to seek help. Inclusion of the components of the theory of planned behaviour accounted for an additional 7% of the variance; the significant predictors were attitude to help‐seeking (β = 0.19, p <.001) and perceived behavioural control (β = 0.12, p <.01).

Conclusions: Intention to seek medical help for a potential breast‐cancer symptom may be mediated, partly, by cognitive representations of the identity and consequences of breast cancer and by attitudes towards help‐seeking and perceived behavioural control. Although less than one‐third of the variance was accounted for, these results have important implications for future research (in terms of identifying which variables should be examined) and for the development of a model of help‐seeking behaviour in women with breast‐cancer symptoms.
The adjustment to diabetes of school‐age children with psychological adjustment problems
Authors: Chisholm Vivienne
Published: September 2003

Objective: To determine whether diabetic children with psychological adjustment problems have greater difficulties in specific areas of disease adaptation than their welladjusted diabetic peers by comparing their diabetes‐related adjustments in the family, school and peer environments.

Method: Mothers of 47 school‐age preadolescent children with diabetes completed a standardized assessment of general psychological functioning. Children with psychological adjustment problems were then compared with children who did not exhibit problems along the following dimensions: their demographic and medical profiles, maternal diabetes knowledge, associations between general psychological functioning and diabetes control, and the quality of their diabetes adjustment.

Results: No differences were found between children with psychological adjustment problems and their better‐adjusted peers along any of the demographic or health status variables tested or in maternal diabetes knowledge. However, children with adjustment problems were more likely to receive visits from the hospital's home‐care team and to be absent from school. Also, for children with psychological difficulty, indices of diabetes control and general psychological functioning were related, and the nature of this relation differed across the school and family environments. In addition, poorer psychological adjustment was associated with diabetes‐specific problems in both mother and child. These included individual adjustment problems such as feeling different, relationship difficulties with family and peers, and difficulties with the treatment protocol, in particular, with the dietary regime.

Conclusion: These findings are considered in relation to (1) the importance of multi‐method techniques in research which concerns adjustment to diabetes, in particular the need to use both psychological and disease‐specific instruments, and (2) clinical evaluations and interventions for children with diabetes and their families.
Religion and mental health: Towards a cognitive‐behavioural framework
Authors: James Abigail , Wells Adrian
Published: September 2003

Purpose: Religion is frequently ignored within the clinical domain. Yet when examined, empirical evidence indicates that specific aspects of religiosity are correlated with mental health. The established associations between religious dimensions and mental health could be mediated by cognitive‐behavioural mechanisms. This paper proposes a preliminary conceptual framework in which two types of cognitive and behavioural mechanisms are described, (1) generic mental models that provide a basis for guiding appraisals of life events and (2) self‐regulation of thinking processes (metacognitive control).

Method: A critical analysis of extant literature was employed to examine support for each of the mechanisms.

Discussion: Evidence supports the idea that a religious framework can serve as a generic mental model that influences appraisals and affects well‐being. The benefits derived depend on the salience of the framework, level of certainty with which attributions can be accepted, and the content of the information. Evidence for the self‐regulation mechanism is weaker. Although consistent with this supposition, it requires further empirical evaluation.

Conclusion: The relationships between religious variables and mental health may depend on cognitive‐behavioural mechanisms. Developments in this area might encourage clinicians to consider further the ways in which religious variables might be utilized and assessed in therapy. However, there is a need for further efforts to incorporate religious and spiritual factors in the clinical arena.
Time is of the essence: A selective review of the fall and rise of brief therapy research
Authors: Shapiro David A. , Barkham Michael , Stiles William B. , Hardy Gillian E. , Rees Anne , Reynolds Shirley , Startup Mike
Published: September 2003

For compelling reasons of equity and the advance of public health, brief psychotherapy has become the dominant format in both practice and research. One consequence of this is the apparent decline of a distinct stream of brief therapy research. However, much of the agenda formerly identified with that research stream is of increasing importance to the field. Time is indeed of the essence in current psychotherapy research. For example, factors conducive to the time efficiency of brief psychodynamic therapy have been described recently. The important question ‘How much therapy is enough?’ has been addressed by studies inspired by the dose‐response analysis of Howard and colleagues. The value of ultra‐brief interventions has been examined. These issues are considered in a selective review, drawing in particular on the work of the Sheffield/Leeds psychotherapy of depression research group. This research treats the number of treatment sessions as an independent variable, thereby providing a causal analysis of the dose‐response relationship over a range from two to 16 sessions, illuminated by a comparative analysis of change processes in treatments of different durations. Its results enable some specification of the extent and nature of incremental benefit derived from additional sessions in the psychotherapy of depression.
Social comparison and submissive behaviour in eating disorder patients
Authors: Troop Nicholas A. , Allan Steven , Treasure Janet L. , Katzman Melanie
Published: September 2003

Animal analogues of anorexia nervosa suggest that submissive behaviour and social defeat may be implicated in the onset of wasting diseases. Data from human sufferers of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosaare also consistent with the presence of submissive behaviours and perceived low social rank (e.g. low self‐esteem, helplessness, and feelings of shame). A total of 101 patients with eating disorders completedthe Submissive Behaviour Scale and the Social Comparison Rating Scale, and their responses were compared with 101 age‐ and sex‐matched student controls. Patients with eating disorders reported significantlyhigher levels of submissive behaviour and a more unfavourable social comparison than did student controls. Furthermore, levels of submissive behaviour and unfavourable social comparison were significantlyrelated to severity of eating disorder symptoms, even after taking account of depressive symptoms and other psychopathology. These preliminary results suggest that ranking theory may have some applicationto eating disorders. Further research is required to determine whether rank plays a specific role in eating disorders (beyond the increased rates of depression which also occur in eating disorders) and, if so, what is its preciserole.
Verbal and non‐verbal disclosure of recalled negative experiences: Relation to well‐being
Authors: Pantchenko Tania , Lawson Marie , Joyce Marie R.
Published: September 2003

This study investigated the relationship between methods of disclosure of recalled negative experience and well‐being. Six first‐year undergraduate class groups (N = 100) at an Australian university completed pre‐ and post‐intervention measures of psychological and psychophysical well‐being. For the disclosure intervention, three groups wrote, drew, or drew‐and‐wrote about a recalled negative experience (RNE groups); the three non‐disclosure groups wrote, drew, or drew‐and‐wrote on neutral topics (NT groups). The expectation that disclosure of negative experiences would enhance well‐being was partly supported, with writing and drawing‐and‐writing disclosure groups reporting increased psychological, but not psychophysical, well‐being. As predicted, verbal disclosure methods were more effective than non‐verbal methods, with the draw‐and‐write group showing the greatest improvement. Unexpectedly, disclosure via drawing alone was associated with decreased psychological well‐being. Against predictions, changes were found in two NT groups: The draw‐and‐write group reported improved psychological, and the draw group improved psychophysical well‐being. It was concluded that verbal disclosure, especially when combined with the non‐verbal method of drawing, may enhance psychological well‐being, but that drawing, without accompanying verbalization, may decrease psychological well‐being. It is suggested that future studies address variables such aslevel of disclosure, content and time of the negative experience, with time taken to manifest changes in well‐being, using both subjective and objective indicators.
Positive change processes and post‐traumatic growth in people who have experienced childhood abuse: Understanding vehicles of change
Authors: Woodward Clare , Joseph Stephen
Published: September 2003

Post‐traumatic growth is an emerging area of research concerned with the positive psychological changes that can follow the experience of traumatic events. The aim of this study is to explore themes of post‐traumatic growth within personal experience narratives of individuals who have experienced some form of early emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Using thematic analysis, we identified three domains of themesrelated to positive change processes: inner drive toward growth, vehicles of change, and psychological changes. Understanding the different vehicles of change has implications for facilitating post‐traumatic growth in clients who have experienced traumatic events.
Narrative transformation as an outcome in the psychotherapy of schizophrenia
Authors: Lysaker Paul H. , Lancaster Rebecca S. , Lysaker John T.
Published: September 2003

Assertions that changes or transformations in narratives contribute significantly to recovery from schizophrenia persist as a cornerstone of some psychotherapies. Yet when narrative transformation occurs in schizophrenia, what is there about the client's story that tangibly changes, and how might that be measured? To address this issue, we review literature on the importance of narrative transformation and identify narrative qualities that might theoretically change. We then report content and thematic analyses of the qualities of narratives that might potentially change over 14 months of psychotherapy. These analyses suggest that narratives in schizophrenia may gain complexity and dynamism, but the changes do not entail the creation of a new story or the ‘awakening’ of an ‘old’ self. From these analyses, the hypothesis that narrative transformation may occur in terms of growth in the richness of the internal dialogue that produces narrative is posed for future research.