bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Burns G. Leonard , Walsh James A. , Patterson David R. , Holte Carol S. , Sommers-Flanagan Rita , Parker Colleen M.
Published: April 2003

Summary: Rating scales are commonly used to measure the symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). While these scales have positive psychometric properties, the scales share a potential weakness - the use of vague or subjective rating procedures to measure symptom occurrence (e. g., never, occasionally, often, and very often). Rating procedures based on frequency counts for a specific time interval (e. g., never, once, twice, once per month, once per week, once per day, more than once per day) are less subjective and provide a conceptually better assessment procedure for these symptoms. Such a frequency count procedure was used to obtain parent ratings on the ADHD, ODD, and CD symptoms in a normative (nonclinical) sample of 3,500 children and adolescents. Although the current study does not provide a direct comparison of the two types of rating procedures, the results suggest that the frequency count procedure provides a potentially more useful way to measure these symptoms. The implications of the results are noted for the construction of rating scales to measure the ADHD, ODD, and CD symptoms.
Two Short Tests Fail to Detect Vigilance Decrements
Authors: Botella Juan , Contreras María José , Shih Pei-Chun , Rubio Víctor
Published: April 2003

Summary: Deterioration in performance associated with decreased ability to sustain attention may be found in long and tedious task sessions. The necessity for assessing a number of psychological dimensions in a single session often demands “short” tests capable of assessing individual differences in abilities such as vigilance and maintenance of high performance levels. In the present paper two tasks were selected as candidates for playing this role, the Abbreviated Vigilance Task (AVT) by Temple, Warm, Dember, LaGrange and Matthews (1996) and the Continuous Attention Test (CAT) by Tiplady (1992) . However, when applied to a sample of 829 candidates in a job-selection process for air-traffic controllers, neither of them showed discriminative capacity. In a second study, an extended version of the CAT was applied to a similar sample of 667 subjects, but also proved incapable of properly detecting individual differences. In short, at least in a selection context such as that studied here, neither of the tasks appeared appropriate for playing the role of a “short” test for discriminating individual differences in performance deterioration in sustained attention.
Openness to Experience and Depression* * The original data upon which this paper is based are available at www.hhpub.com/journals/ejpa
Authors: Carrillo J.M. , Rojo N. , Sánchez-Bernardos M.L. , Avia M.D.
Published: April 2003

Summary: The present study examines, in the context of the Five Factor Model, the contradictory role played by the Openness to Fantasy and Openness to Actions facets (of the Openness to Experience factor) in the prediction of depression. The fact that our data are taken from a sample of the Spanish general population is also a cross-cultural contribution that must be emphasized. 112 participants - 50% females and 50% males - filled out the NEO-PI and the BDI depression questionnaires. A stepwise regression shows that the Fantasy facet of Openness to Experience makes a different - though still contradictory - contribution to the prediction of depression than the Actions facet. Both facets are statistically significant in the prediction of depression, but they apparently go in opposite directions. Whereas Openness to Actions predicts a lack of depression, Openness to Fantasy seems to be a predictor of depression. In order to clarify the possible role of gender in this “crossed prediction,” a univariate ANOVA was performed, taking depression from the BDI as a dependent variable and Gender, Fantasy and Actions as fixed factors. From this analysis we have seen that the contradictory role played by Fantasy in the prediction of depression is linked to gender: Women scored high in Fantasy and are thus statistically more susceptible to depression. These results are discussed from the point of view of the PB theory of depression.
The Structure of Children's Perceived Self-Efficacy: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Pastorelli Concetta , Caprara Gian Vittorio , Barbaranelli Claudio , Rola Jarek , Rozsa Sandor , Bandura Albert
Published: April 2003

Summary: The present study investigated the replicability of the factor structure of the Children's Perceived Self-Efficacy scales (CPSE; Bandura, 1990 ) in Italy, Hungary, and Poland. The findings of this cross-national study support the generalizability of the factor structure of children's social and academic efficacy. Perceived efficacy to resist peer pressure to engage transgressive conduct had a somewhat different factor structure for Hungarian children. Gender and national differences in the pattern of efficacy beliefs underscore the value of treating perceived self-efficacy as a multifaceted attribute. There were no overall gender differences in perceived social efficacy, but girls in all three societies have a higher sense of efficacy for academic activities and to resist peer pressure for transgressive activities. Italian children judge themselves more academically efficacious than do Hungarian children and more socially efficacious than their counterparts in both of the other two countries. An analysis of the facets of academic efficacy revealed that Hungarian children have a high sense of efficacy to master academic subjects but a lower efficacy than their Italian and Polish counterparts to take charge of their own learning. Polish children surpassed their counterparts in academic self-regulatory efficacy.
Testing Practices in European Countries
Authors: Muñiz José , Bartram Dave , Evers Arne , Boben Dusica , Matesic Kruno , Glabeke Kathia , Fernández-Hermida José R. , Zaal Jac N.
Published: April 2003

Summary: Tests constitute one of the technological tools most frequently used by psychologists in their professional practice. Like any other scientific technology, tests can be used both in appropriate and inappropriate ways. Currently, various institutions, both national and international, are developing projects and activities aimed at improving testing practices. In Europe, the Task Force on Tests and Testing created by the European Federation of Professional Psychologists' Associations (EFPPA) designed a questionnaire to sample the opinions of professional psychologists about tests and testing in order to help in making the right decisions for improving testing practices in Europe. This paper presents the results obtained using the EFPPA Questionnaire. A sample of 3,455 Spanish, 2,407 English, 2,079 Dutch, 321 Slovenian, 218 Croatian, and 210 Belgian psychologists responded to the questionnaire. In general, European psychologists show a positive attitude toward tests and testing, while at the same time expressing the need for institutions to adopt a more active role in promoting good testing practices. Results show that the tests most frequently used are intelligence tests, personality questionnaires, and depression scales. Finally, the results are analyzed in detail, and some possible measures for improving testing practices in Europe are discussed.
The Social Desirability Scale-17 (SDS-17)
Authors: Stöber Joachim
Published: April 2003

Summary: Four studies are presented investigating the convergent validity, discriminant validity, and relationship with age of the Social Desirability Scale-17 (SDS-17). As to convergent validity, SDS-17 scores showed correlations between .52 and .85 with other measures of social desirability (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Lie Scale, Sets of Four Scale, Marlowe-Crowne Scale). Moreover, scores were highly sensitive to social-desirability-provoking instructions (job-application instruction). Finally, with respect to the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding, SDS-17 scores showed a unique correlation with impression management, but not with self-deception. As to discriminant validity, SDS-17 scores showed nonsignificant correlations with neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism, and openness to experience, whereas there was some overlap with agreeableness and conscientiousness. With respect to relationship with age, the SDS-17 was administered in a sample stratified for age, with age ranging from 18 to 89 years. In all but the oldest age group, the SDS-17 showed substantial correlations with the Marlowe-Crowne Scale. The influence of age (cohort) on mean scores, however, was significantly smaller for the SDS-17 than for the Marlowe-Crowne Scale. In sum, results indicate that the SDS-17 is a reliable and valid measure of social desirability, suitable for adults of 18 to 80 years of age.
A Short Version of the Beck Depression Inventory Without Omission of Clinical Indicators
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M.
Published: April 2003

Summary: The original Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-O) consists of 21 item groups. Each group contains four options (i. e., 84 overall statements). The proposed short BDI version contains only 21 statements denoting the highest degree of clinical depression, i. e., the last alternative in each item group. Items of the short version were introduced in two response forms: Likert (L) and Yes/No (Y/N) format. Two depression subscales derived from the Symptom Check List-90 and the Hopkins Symptom Check List were also used. A sample of 203 male and female volunteer Kuwaiti undergraduates was recruited. It was found that the BDI-O had relatively lesser skew and kurtosis. However, the M/SD ratio was well balanced in the BDI-L and not in the original and BDI-Y/N versions. Cronbach's α, correlations with four other scales, and loadings onto two separate factors of depression were high in both BDI-O and BDI-L - although they were higher in the BDI-L. It also had improved factorial structure. Nevertheless, the proposed short BDI-L version contains only one-fourth of the BDI-O without deleting any of its symptom indicators. Therefore, it was concluded that the short BDI-L version can make a good contribution to enhancing the BDI cost-effectiveness, especially in empirical research projects containing loaded test batteries.
Transactional and Transformational Leadership in Nursing: Structural Validity and Substantive Relationships
Authors: Vandenberghe Christian , Stordeur Sabine , D'hoore William
Published: April 2003

Summary: Confirmatory factor analysis in a large sample of nurses (N = 1059) working in Belgium was conducted to examine the dimensionality and nomological validity of Bass's (1985 ) transactional and transformational leadership model. Three transactional factors (Passive and Active management-by-exception, and Contingent reward) and three transformational factors (Charisma, Intellectual stimulation, and Individualized consideration) from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Form 5X-rater) were examined. Results showed that the six-factor solution displayed the best absolute fit indices. However, because of high interscale correlations and lack of differential relationships with criterion variables, transformational facets and Contingent reward could reasonably be combined to form a single factor, Active leadership. Complementary analyses conducted to detect potential higher-order factors in the MLQ model revealed that Active leadership is best viewed as a second-order factor subsuming transformational and Contingent reward leadership.
The Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters
Authors: Méndez Francisco X. , Hidalgo María D. , Inglés Cándido J.
Published: April 2003

Summary: This study analyzes the psychometric properties of the Spanish translation of the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY; Matson, Rotatori & Helsel, 1983 ), which assesses the degree of appropriate social behavior. This social behavior self-report was applied to a sample of 634 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. The exploratory factor analysis isolated four factors: Aggressiveness/Antisocial Behavior, Social Skills/Assertiveness, Conceit/Haughtiness, and Loneliness/Social Anxiety, which accounted for the 33.28% variance. The internal consistency was high (α = .88). Correlations with similar self-reports, the Assertiveness Scale for Adolescents, the Teenage Inventory of Social Skills, and the Assertiveness Scale for Children and Adolescents, were statistically significant. Inappropriate social behavior measured with the MESSY correlated positively with the Psychoticism and Neuroticism scales, and negatively with the Extraversion scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Female adolescents obtained lower scores in Aggressiveness/Antisocial Behavior and in Conceit/Haughtiness, and higher scores in Social Skills/Assertiveness, displaying greater appropriate social behavior than male adolescents. No significant differences were found for gender in Loneliness/Social Anxiety, the only factor in which a worsening with age and a significant gender× age interaction effect were found.
A Global Self-Report Measure of Person-Job Fit
Authors: Brkich Mariana , Jeffs Danielle , Carless Sally A.
Published: April 2003

Summary: This study reports the development of a short, global measure of person-job fit (P-J fit). The P-J Fit scale provides an assessment of the degree to which an individual's knowledge, skills, abilities, needs and values match job requirements. After a pilot study, the scale was tested with two samples: Sample 1 consisted of 308 professionals from three occupational groups and Sample 2 consisted of 174 adults working in call centres and related administrative areas. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the nine items assess a single, global construct of P-J fit. Construct and criterion-related validity were demonstrated by correlating the scale with empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Influence of General and Crystallized Intelligence on Vocabulary Test Performance
Authors: Ullstadius Eva , Gustafsson Jan-Eric , Carlstedt Berit
Published: April 2003

Summary: Vocabulary tests, part of most test batteries of general intellectual ability, measure both verbal and general ability. Newly developed techniques for confirmatory factor analysis of dichotomous variables make it possible to analyze the influence of different abilities on the performance on each item. In the testing procedure of the Computerized Swedish Enlistment test battery, eight different subtests of a new vocabulary test were given randomly to subsamples of a representative sample of 18-year-old male conscripts (N = 9001). Three central dimensions of a hierarchical model of intellectual abilities, general (G), verbal (Gc'), and spatial ability (Gv') were estimated under different assumptions of the nature of the data. In addition to an ordinary analysis of covariance matrices, assuming linearity of relations, the item variables were treated as categorical variables in the Mplus program. All eight subtests fit the hierarchical model, and the items were found to load about equally on G and Gc'. The results also indicate that if nonlinearity is not taken into account, the G loadings for the easy items are underestimated. These items, moreover, appear to be better measures of G than the difficult ones. The practical utility of the outcome for item selection and the theoretical implications for the question of the origin of verbal ability are discussed.
Extension of the Three-Component Model of Commitment to Five Foci1
Authors: Stinglhamber Florence , Bentein Kathleen , Vandenberghe Christian
Published: April 2003

Summary: We tested the generalizability of Meyer and Allen's (1991) three-component model of commitment to five foci, using a sample of university alumni (N = 478) and a sample of hospital nurses (N = 186). First, measures of affective, continuance, and normative commitment to the organization, the occupation, the supervisor, the work group, and customers were developed and tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Results provided strong support for the three-component model both within and across foci. They also showed that “high sacrifice” and “low alternatives” were distinguishable subcomponents within the continuance organizational commitment scale. Second, using hierarchical regression analysis, we show that commitments directed to foci other than the organization contribute unique variance in intent to quit the organization, above and beyond organizational commitment. Finally, logistic regression analysis used to examine the relationships between commitment components and actual turnover measured 18 months after among the alumni sample revealed that affective organizational commitment and high sacrifice were the single significant predictors of turnover.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the French Translation of the Abbreviated Form of the Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQR-A)
Authors: Lewis Christopher Alan , Francis Leslie J. , Shevlin Nark , Forrest Sarah
Published: April 2003

Summary: There is increasing interest in the abbreviated form of the Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised (EPQR-A) as a research tool for psychologists. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties of a French translation of the EPQR-A in order to facilitate its use among French researchers. Data from a sample of French undergraduate university students were used. The dimensionality of the EPQR-A was examined in terms of the underlying latent factors. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we found evidence for the unidimensionality of the four EPQR-A subscales of extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and the lie scale. These results are consistent with those of previous research with the original English version of the EPQR-A ( Francis, Brown, & Philipchalk, 1992 ; Forrest, Lewis, & Shevlin, 2000 ). It is concluded that the French translation of the EPQR-A can be recommended for further use.
Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence and the Berlin Model of Intelligence Structure (BIS)
Authors: Beauducel André , Kersting Martin
Published: April 2003

Summary: Assessment of intelligence is often based on fluid (gf) and crystallized intelligence (gc), and - in the German-speaking countries - the Berlin Model of Intelligence Structure (BIS). As yet, however, the two approaches have not been systematically related to each other. The present study therefore aims to identify possible relationships between the approaches. We hypothesize that gf is related to “processing capacity” and “memory” in the BIS, whereas gc is related to “fluency” and “knowledge” and, to a lesser degree, to “processing capacity.” We also assume “processing speed” to be related to both gf and gc. All components of the BIS that are relevant to the present study were measured by means of the BIS-r-DGP test, which, together with “knowledge” scales, was administered to 9,520 persons in the context of personnel selection. The following results were obtained: First, the BIS was replicated by factor analysis of the BIS-r-DGP test. Second, “knowledge” was shown to form an additional component. Third, gf and gc emerged clearly from hierarchical factor analysis. Finally, with the exception of the relation of “fluency” to gc, all hypotheses were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis.
Long-Term Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Additional Autogenic Training in the Psychotherapy of Depressive Disorders
Authors: Krampen Günter
Published: April 2003

This paper presents the results of a 3-year follow-up study on the effectiveness of additional autogenic training (AT; a psychophysiological self-control method using self-inductions of physical and mental relaxation) in the psychotherapy of outpatients with depressive disorders. Subjects were 55 patients (aged 22-69 years) with depressive disorders diagnosed according to ICD-10. Subjects were randomized to one of three groups: Group A participated in 40 single psychotherapy sessions over a period of 20 weeks; Group B learned AT in the first 10 weeks and had 20 single psychotherapy sessions as well as AT practice in the second 10 weeks; Group C was the waiting-list control group in the first 10 weeks and had 20 single psychotherapy sessions as well as AT learning in the second 10 weeks. Tests for depressive symptoms (BDI) and psychosomatic complaints (AT-SYM) were given before the start of treatment, after 10 weeks, after 20 weeks, as well as 8 months and 3 years after the end of treatment. In addition, at both follow-ups information were gathered on disease course, relapses, psychotherapy and medical treatments, as well as AT practice. Long-term follow-up shows that controlled and supervised use of AT before or in combination with psychotherapy has more positive effects than psychotherapy alone. Compared to psychotherapy without AT (Group A), combined psychotherapy and AT (Groups B and C) resulted in significantly lower rates of relapse and treatment reentry as well as in significantly more stable positive treatment effects in the reduction of depression and psychosomatic symptoms at the second follow-up.
Contextual Influences in the Relationships Between Academic Standing and Academic Self-Beliefs
Authors: Chambres Patrick , Martinot Delphine
Published: April 2003

The goal of the present research was to examine the relationships between academic achievement and the academic self-concept and their role in the construction of academic self-beliefs. In four studies, we assessed (1) the general academic self-knowledge of students, (2) the academic self-knowledge of older students, and (3) academic self-knowledge in a specific discipline when participants were assigned a specific social position. In the first two studies, all participants exhibited self-beliefs related to superiority, including those whose academic standing was poor. The pattern was weaker for poor students whose academic history was longer (Study 3). When referring to a specific academic situation (English class), however, participants endorsed traits as self-descriptive that were consistent with their academic standing. When assigned a specific social position based on academic achievement, only average students endorsed traits that conformed to their assigned social position.
The Role of Meta-Analysis in the Significance Test Controversy
Authors: Andersson Gerhard
Published: April 2003

The critique against significance testing has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years. This paper focuses on the relation between meta-analysis and this controversy. A contradiction in the literature can be seen in that significance testing has been blamed for the poor accumulation of knowledge in psychology, while at the same time meta-analytic reviews have claimed the opposite. Although a majority of meta-analytic experts argue against significance testing, this critique cannot account for the success of meta-analysis. Rather, it may be that meta-analysis has facilitated the recognition of the significance test critique. Taking the significance testing critique seriously has important implications for meta-analysis in that its research base (e. g., studies) is viewed as unreliable. Although the significance test controversy may lead to further fragmentation of psychology, it is not clear that this will negatively affect the practice of meta-analysis.
European Differences in Self-Perceived Multiple Intelligences
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Rakow Tim , Sarmany-Schuller Ivan , De Fruyt Filip
Published: April 2003

In this study, 140 Belgian, 227 British, and 177 Slovakian students estimated their own multiple IQ scores as well as that of their parents (mother and father) and siblings (first and second brother and sister). Various factor analyses yielded a clear three-factor structure replicating previous studies. A sex × culture ANOVA on self-ratings of three factors that underline the seven intelligences (verbal, numerical, cultural) showed culture and sex effects as well as interactions. As predicted, males rated their own overall IQ, though not that of their parents or siblings, higher than females did. Males also rated their numerical IQ, but not their verbal or cultural IQ, higher than females did. There were few culture differences but many interactions, nearly all caused by Slovakian females, who rated aspects of their own and their fathers' IQ higher than Slovakian males, while the pattern for the Belgians was precisely the opposite. Participants believed their verbal IQ was higher than their numerical IQ and their cultural IQ. Males believed their verbal and numerical IQ score to be fairly similar, though much higher than their cultural IQ, while females believed their verbal IQ the highest, followed by numerical and cultural IQ. Females also believed they were more intelligent than both parents. Overall results showed consistency in the sex differences in ratings across cultures but differences in level of estimated IQ possibly as a result of cultural demands for modesty.
Changing “EUROpe”
Authors: Marques J. Frederico
Published: April 2003

The present paper reviews some of the changes that the introduction of a new currency—the euro—will bring to our everyday behavior, from the point of view of the psychological literature on numerical cognition. Problems that can be foreseen converting and using the euro are reviewed, including changes in terms of language (i. e., money labels and its lexicosyntactic structure) and price comparison. Possible answers to some of these problems are presented, considering the numerical cognition literature and several widely reported effects (e. g., the problem size/difficulty effect, symbolic distance effect). New opportunities for research in this domain both within countries and across countries are also discussed.
Ethical Dilemmas of South African Clinical Psychologists
Authors: Slack Catherine M. , Wassenaar Douglas R.
Published: April 2003

This study asked a sample of 487 South African clinical psychologists to describe situations that they identified as ethically troubling. Forty-nine psychologists described 51 incidents that were categorized according to Pope and Vetter's (1992) system. Psychologists most often described dilemmas involving confidentiality, followed by dual relationship dilemmas. These ethical concerns are presented and discussed in the light of current South African ethical codes and relevant professional literature. The results are compared with six similar international studies. Results suggest that the concerns voiced by South African psychologists resemble those raised by their international colleagues. Similarities with findings from the United States and Finland may be the most marked. These results are discussed in the light of current professional trends. Implications for the development of specific ethical guidelines and professional education are also discussed.
Psychology and the Challenge of Metamorphosis
Authors: Trentini Giancarlo
Published: April 2003

A metamorphosis of Europe is undoubtedly taking place. In fact, Europe is at the same time the object and subject of transformative movements that will shake its foundations. Within the current European metamorphosis, what is the challenge to be accepted or launched by psychology? This challenge corresponds to a series of anthropological-cultural contradictions present in the system: Is European psychology functional to the scientific-technological apparatus or to the human beings involved and the interrelations thereof? Will the values of psychology strive toward achieving human well-being? Is and will the contribution of psychology to the constitution of a new Europe be of an objectivist or of a subjectivist nature? Will the contribution of psychology be characterized by an individualistic approach or by a group-centered one? One “fundamental” of Europe does exist, which centers around three institutional foundations of the European cultural strata that have bccome interconnected in time and space: Greek thought, the Renaissance mind, and the three Christian religions (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant). The contribution of psychology could be focused mainly on taking care of needs (maternal code) or on supporting development (paternal code). Psychology should choose between a positivistic or a holistic approach or, still better, integrate both of them. Psychology should stress its attention to its manifold roots and not only be subdued to the Anglo-Saxon culture. A complementary and nonconflictual approach will be the best strategy. Where and how do psychologists stand today in the important distinction between the “academic culture” and the “militant culture,” which means pure and applied research? Are they scientists or technicians? Are they explorers of knowledge or of applications? Are they intellectuals or executives? Scholars or professionals? Dedicated to pure or to empiric research? Episteme or Doxa priests? And can the challenge of the European metamorphosis be productively inserted into the solution of the predicaments? The European psychological culture should answer the challenge of metamorphosis of the continent by trying to find an enlightened solution to the above-mentioned contradictions.
Psychological Assessment
Authors: Fernández-Ballesteros Rocío
Published: April 2003

Psychological assessment is one of the key disciplines of scientific psychology. During this century it has been confused with psychology itself. The activity of any psychologist—whether in basic and applied fields, with sophisticated equipment in the laboratory, or when employing psychological tests or other assessment methods in applied fields—involves assessment at some stage. In this article, a series of challenges at the end of 20th century and avenues for development for the forthcoming decades are described. First of all, a continuation of the progress made during this century can be expected. A second avenue reviewed is related to the relationships between new technologies and the cognitive and neuropsychological sciences. Moreover, it can be expected that new social needs will produce several challenges. Finally, it can be predicted that there will be advances in the control of the assessor's as well as of the subject's behaviors during the assessment process.
Awareness and Decision Making in Professional Ethics
Authors: Swain Ronny
Published: April 2003

The paper describes the development of the 1998 revision of the Psychological Society of Ireland's Code of Professional Ethics. The Code incorporates the European Meta-Code of Ethics and an ethical decision-making procedure borrowed from the Canadian Psychological Association. An example using the procedure is presented. To aid decision making, a classification of different kinds of stakeholder (i.e., interested party) affected by ethical decisions is offered. The author contends (1) that psychologists should assert the right, which is an important aspect of professional autonomy, to make discretionary judgments, (2) that to be justified in doing so they need to educate themselves in sound and deliberative judgment, and (3) that the process is facilitated by a code such as the Irish one, which emphasizes ethical awareness and decision making. The need for awareness and judgment is underlined by the variability in the ethical codes of different organizations and different European states: in such a context, codes should be used as broad yardsticks, rather than precise templates.
Handwriting Analysis and Personality Assessment
Authors: Greasley Peter
Published: April 2003

It has been estimated that graphology is used by over 80% of European companies as part of their personnel recruitment process. And yet, after over three decades of research into the validity of graphology as a means of assessing personality, we are left with a legacy of equivocal results. For every experiment that has provided evidence to show that graphologists are able to identify personality traits from features of handwriting, there are just as many to show that, under rigorously controlled conditions, graphologists perform no better than chance expectations. In light of this confusion, this paper takes a different approach to the subject by focusing on the rationale and modus operandi of graphology. When we take a closer look at the academic literature, we note that there is no discussion of the actual rules by which graphologists make their assessments of personality from handwriting samples. Examination of these rules reveals a practice founded upon analogy, symbolism, and metaphor in the absence of empirical studies that have established the associations between particular features of handwriting and personality traits proposed by graphologists. These rules guide both popular graphology and that practiced by professional graphologists in personnel selection.
Prediction of Postnatal Affective Changes by Autobiographical Memories
Authors: Mackinger Herbert F. , Loschin Gertrude G. , Leibetseder Max M.
Published: April 2003

Specificity and categoric descriptions of autobiographical memories (AM) are reported to be psychological trait markers for vulnerability for depression. Thus, they should permit the prediction of future affective changes. Fifty pregnant women were tested for their recall of AM as well as twice—during pregnancy and 3 months after delivery—with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; Cox, Holden & Sagovsky, 1987 ). The main scope of the study was the evaluation of the potential of AM in predicting affective changes in a nonclinical sample of women following childbirth. Using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, categoric descriptions in response to negative cue words allowed a significant prediction of affective changes.
Evolutionary Psychology
Authors: Bereczkei Tamas
Published: April 2003

Evolutionary psychology (EP) presents a new, integrated approach to human behavior, by explaining how the mental programs, designed by evolutionary selection, guide our social behavior. It claims that cognitive and emotional processes—that is domain-specific algorithms—have been selected in our evolutionary environment as devices of solving particular adaptive problems faced by the Pleistocene hunter-gatherers. Evolutionary psychologists can develop testable explanations that focus on aspects and mechanisms of behavior that cannot readily be explained with current psychological theories. An adaptationist approach provides a powerful explanatory framework that helps us to eliminate the old dichotomies from our thinking, such as innate and learned, universality and diversity, etc. At the same time, however, evolutionary psychology implies several problems and difficulties that should be solved in the future in order to avoid useless confrontations with psychologists. The message of Darwinism to psychology is that the analysis of the evolution of mental capacities and the explanation of the adaptive mechanisms of behavior are crucial contributions to forming an integrated view of ourselves.
Economic Socialization
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Kirkcaldy Bruce
Published: April 2003

This descriptive study was concerned with parents beliefs and behaviors with respect to their children's pocket-money allowance (“Taschengeld”) in order to investigate their attempts to socialize their children into the economic world. Some 238 German parents completed a questionnaire looking at attitude toward, beliefs about, and uses of allowances to educate their children. Nearly all (99.6%) believed children over 5 years should receive pocket money on a weekly basis, but that the pocket money should not be dependent on their doing household chores. Parents were in favor of their children saving, though strongly against their borrowing and lending money. A factor analysis of a 15-item attitudinal scale yielded five clear interpretable factors. Regressional analyses showed that parental gender and income/salary were the best predictors of beliefs and attitude toward allowances. Comparison between this data and the British data of Furnham (1999) shows both similarities and differences, albeit mainly in degree. The results are discussed in terms of parental theories about how to economically educate their children.
The Mental Health and Social Exclusion European Network
Authors: Leonori Luigi , Muñoz Manuel , Vázquez Carmelo , Vázquez José J. , Bravo Mary Fe , Nuche María , Brandt Preben , Bento Antonio , Horenbek Bernard
Published: April 2003

This report concerns the activities developed by the Mental Health and Social Exclusion (MHSE) Network, an initiative supported by the Mental Health Europe (World Federation of Mental Health). We report some data from the preliminary survey done in five capital cities of the European Union (Madrid, Copenhagen, Brussels, Lisbon, and Rome). The main aim of this survey was to investigate, from a mostly qualitative point of view, the causal and supportive factors implicated in the situation of the homeless mentally ill in Europe. The results point out the familial and childhood roots of homelessness, the perceived causes of the situation, the relationships with the support services, and the expectations of future of the homeless mentally ill. The analysis of results has helped to identify the different variables implicated in the social rupture process that influences homelessness in major European cities. The results were used as the basis for the design of a more ambitious current research project about the impact of the medical and psychosocial interventions in the homeless. This project is being developed in 10 capital cities of the European Union with a focus on the program and outcome evaluation of the health and psychosocial services for the disadvantaged.
A Psychosemantic Analysis of the Dynamics of Russian Life Quality (1917 to 1998)
Authors: Petrenko Victor F. , Mitina Olga V.
Published: April 2003

This articles concerns the perception by Russians of the social aspects of Russian life after the October Revolution of 1917. The methodology of research is the construction of subjective semantic spaces on the basis of the evaluation by Russian citizens of the quality of life under the different governments. The authors analyze the influence of respondents' age and political orientation on their assessment of the past and the present. This research proposes to reconstruct the system of categories (superordinate personal constructs in the terminology of G. Kelly, 1955 ) through which people perceive life in Russian society and assess the governments of the USSR and its legal successors (1917 to 1998). Another aspect of the research is the evaluation of Russian life quality under the various governments within this time period.
The Effects of a Caffeine Placebo and Experimenter Expectation on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Walach Harald , Schmidt Stefan , Bihr Yvonne-Michelle , Wiesch Susanne
Published: April 2003

We studied the effect of experimenter expectations and different instructions in a balanced placebo design. 157 subjects were randomized into a 2 × 4 factorial design. Two experimenters were led to expect placebos either to produce physiological effects or not (pro- vs. antiplacebo). All subjects except a control group received a caffeine placebo. They were either made to expect coffee, no coffee, or were in a double-blind condition. Dependent measures were blood pressure, heart rate, well-being, and a cognitive task. There was one main effect on the instruction factor (p = 0.03) with the group “told no caffeine” reporting significantly better well-being. There was one main effect on the experimenter factor with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” having higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008). There was one interaction with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” to receive coffee doing worse in the cognitive task than the rest. Subjects instructed by experimenter “antiplacebo” were significantly less likely to believe the experimental instruction, and that mostly if they had been instructed to receive coffee. Contrary to the literature we could not show an effect of instruction, but there was an effect of experimenters. It is likely, however, that these experimenter effects were not due to experimental manipulations, but to the difference in personalities.
Child and Adolescent Empirical Psychotherapy Research
Authors: Lis Adriana , Zennaro Alessandro , Mazzeschi Claudia
Published: April 2003

This paper reviews child and adolescent psychotherapy research, with a focus on two major theoretical classes of psychotherapies: cognitive-behavior and psychoanalytic psychotherapies. Our interest is particularly drawn to different issues: definition of psychotherapy and research on outcome and process. Specific attention is given developmental issues. We identify the major results and problems and propose methodological strategies for improving psychotherapeutic treatment research for child and adolescent disorders. Some areas that need to be addressed in the future are also discussed, such as the effects of specific techniques, the intensity and duration of treatment outcome and process, the effect of comorbidity, and the relationship between research and clinical practice.
A Dynamic Systems Approach to Personality
Authors: Pervin Lawrence A.
Published: April 2003

David Magnusson has been the most articulate spokesperson for a holistic, systems approach to personality. This paper considers three concepts relevant to a dynamic systems approach to personality: dynamics, systems, and levels. Some of the history of a dynamic view is traced, leading to an emphasis on the need for stressing the interplay among goals. Concepts such as multidetermination, equipotentiality, and equifinality are shown to be important aspects of a systems approach. Finally, attention is drawn to the question of levels of description, analysis, and explanation in a theory of personality. The importance of the issue is emphasized in relation to recent advances in our understanding of biological processes. Integrating such advances into a theory of personality while avoiding the danger of reductionism is a challenge for the future.
A Genetic Perspective on the Developing Brain
Authors: van Baal G.C.M. , van Beijsterveldt C.E.M. , Molenaar P.C.M. , Boomsma D.I. , de Geus E.J.C.
Published: April 2003

Changes in genetic and environmental influences on electroencephalographic (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) indices of neural development were studied in two large cohorts of young (N = 418) and adolescent (N = 426) twins. Individual differences in these indices were largely influenced by genetic factors, and throughout development, the stable part of the variance was mainly genetic. Both EEG power (which describes the amount of variability in brain electrical potentials that can be attributed to different frequencies) and long-distance EEG coherence (which is the squared cross-correlation between two EEG signals at different scalp locations and can be regarded as an index for cortico-cortical connectivity) were highly heritable. ERP-P300 latencies and amplitudes were low to moderately heritable. Clear differences between young children and adolescents could be observed in the heritabilities of EEG and ERP indices. The heritabilities of EEG power and EEG coherence were higher in adolescents than in children, whereas the heritabilities of P300 latencies were lower. Both cohorts (young children and adolescents) were measured twice: The children were tested when they were 5 and again at 7 years, the adolescents when they were 16 and again at 18 years. Therefore, within these age ranges a more detailed analysis of age-related changes in heritabilities and in the emergence of new genetic influences could be studied. The heritabilities of EEG powers and P300 amplitudes and latencies did not change much from age 5 to age 7 and from age 16 to 18 years. The heritabilities of a substantial number of connections within the cortex, however, as indexed by EEG coherence, changed significantly from age 5 to age 7, though not from age 16 to 18. The only changes in the heritabilities in adolescents were connections within the prefrontal cortex, which is in agreement with theories of adolescent development. These age-related changes in the heritabilities may reflect a larger impact of maturation on cortico-cortical connectivity in childhood than in adolescence. Evidence was found for qualitative changes in brain electrophysiology in young children: New genetic factors emerged at age 7 for posterior EEG coherences and for P300 latency at some scalp locations. This supports theories of qualitative stage transitions in this age range, as previously suggested using behavioral and EEG data.
The Temperamental Determinants of Stressors as Life Changes
Authors: Sobolewski Adam , Strelau Jan , Zawadzki Bogdan
Published: April 2003

Behavioral genetic studies have demonstrated the heritability of many variables taken to be measures of environment and previously thought to be determined only by environment. It has been also shown that personal variables may determine the appearance of stressors understood as life changes (events). The hypothesis underlying this study predicted that the genetic factor does not contribute to the variance of subject-independent stressors, whereas in case of subject-dependent stressors the contribution of the genetic factor is essential. Further, it was hypothesized that temperamental traits that moderate the intensity of experienced stressors account for a considerable portion of the genetic variance of subject-dependent stressors. The study was conducted on 245 pairs of MZ and 219 pairs of DZ twins aged from 19 to 66. Stressors were assessed with the Polish adaptation of the Rahe 's Recent Life Changes Questionnaire. Based on two preliminary studies, life events were divided into three following categories: subject-independent life events, negative subject-dependent life events, and challenges. Temperament traits were measured by means of the Formal Characteristics of Behavior-Temperament Inventory. The data, based on structural equation models and multivariate genetic analysis, allowed for the following conclusions: (1) The variance of independent stressors can be explained by environment only, whereas the additive genetic model best fits the subject-dependent stressors. (2) Heritability of negative, subject-dependent stressors is lower than in case of challenges. (3) Temperament variables, among them especially activity, explain only one type of stressors challenges. (4) Additional analysis of data confirm the role of activity as a moderator that increases the risk of environmental effects and evokes challenges.
Naturally Occurring and Suggestion- Dependent Memory Distortions: The Convergence of Disparate Research Traditions
Authors: Mazzoni Giuliana
Published: April 2003

Two lines of research that have revealed the existence of memory distortions are reviewed. Both began at the beginning of this century and continue through today. One is a coherent research tradition aimed at investigating suggestion-dependent memory distortions produced by clinical and social psychological manipulations; the other consists of a series of unrelated studies on naturally occurring memory distortions. These latter studies are aimed at establishing some of the basic processes underlying the functioning of normal human memory and have not previously been considered together as part of the literature on memory errors.