bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive impairment, emotional disorder and length of stay of elderly patients in a district general hospital
Authors: Johnston Marie , Wakeling Anthony , Graham Nori , Stokes Faith 
Published: July 2011

All patients over 65 in a district general teaching hospital (n = 204) were screened for cognitive impairment and emotional disorder using the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly, the Mini‐Mental State and the General Health Questionnaire. Patients scoring in the disordered range were psychiatrically assessed. These procedures gave an estimated prevalence of cognitive impairment of 22 per cent in the 164 patients satisfactorily assessed. Forty‐three per cent of patients scored beyond the GHQ cut‐off, but there was a high false positive rate.Cognitively impaired patients had a significantly longer hospital stay than the unimpaired. The majority (60 per cent) of these patients could not be discharged because of lack of an appropriate place elsewhere. Amongst all elderly patients whose discharge was prevented in this way, the cognitively impaired were markedly over‐represented. The data have implications for the efficient use of hospital beds and for the welfare of elderly patients in acute hospitals.
A communication skills programme for increasing patients' satisfaction with general practice consultations
Authors: Evans B. J. , Kiellerup F. D. , Stanley R. O. , Burrows G. D. , Sweet B. 
Published: July 2011

The research literature on patient perceptions of general practice consultations shows that, while patients are generally satisfied with the treatment they receive from doctors, they report less satisfaction with the amount and clarity of information they receive and doctors' expression of caring and respect. In the surgery, inadequate information transmission during the interaction also has the effect of increasing the level of anxiety reported by patients after their consultations. A communication skills programme was developed, incorporating variables from both the emotional and cognitive domains of the consultation. A group of GPs undertook training in this programme.It was hypothesized that patients of the trained doctors would report greater satisfaction and less anxiety, compared with patients of untrained general practitioners. Subsequent randomized interviews with patients of the trained doctors showed that these patients were significantly more satisfied with their consultations. Patients of the trained doctors also reported less state anxiety immediately following their consultations, as measured using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.Attempts by doctors to communicate more effectively in consultations therefore increased patients' positive feelings and reduced anxiety.
Making sense of a delusion of smell: A psychotherapeutic approach
Authors: Nelki Julia 
Published: July 2011

Drug treatment is now recommended as the treatment of choice in mono‐symptomatic delusional states and attempts are made to distinguish these from their ‘neurotic’ equivalents who may be given different treatments. Such psychotic/neurotic distinctions are not always possible and are sometimes unhelpful, if relevant dynamic issues are ignored. The most appropriate treatment may better be decided by an assessment of other factors such as personality, motivation and important details of a patient's childhood. A case report is presented of a young woman with a delusional belief that a foul smell emanated from her womb and who was treated successfully with weekly dynamic psychotherapy for 18 months. The process of therapy is outlined in the hope that psychotherapy may be offered more often to such patients.Dragon, smoking nostrils, fire, blood,…burning, dead, dead snakes…smell of death…the dead snake in the road, smelt like bad fish, smell of death, bad…dead, a smell, something dead.Marion Milner, A Life of One's Own
Dementia and mental handicap: Attitudes, emotional distress and caregiving
Authors: Whittick Janice E. 
Published: July 2011

Against the current climate of hospital closure programmes and community care, attitudes to caregiving were examined in three groups of carers, namely mothers caring for a mentally handicapped child, mothers caring for a mentally handicapped adult and daughters caring for a parent with dementia.An ‘attitude questionnaire’ was developed by the author and administered, postally, to the three groups. Daughters were found to be more likely than the mothers to see their caring role in a negative way and were more inclined to favour institutional care. Possible reasons for this are discussed.The relationship between attitudes and emotional distress (as measured by the GHQ‐30) were also examined for the sample as a whole. Negative and pro‐institutional attitudes towards the caregiving situation were associated with elevated levels of emotional distress.Implications at both a local and a national level for all those involved with carers are discussed in the light of these findings.
Reflections on the role of the supervisor*
Authors: Springmann Rafael R. 
Published: July 2011

Counter‐transference can be conceived of as being composed of two components: therapist‐induced counter‐transference (TIC), and client‐induced counter‐transference (CIC). These components are mostly intertwined into combined countertransference. One of the foremost tasks of the supervisor is to help the therapist to analyse counter‐transference, when encountered in the combined form, into its contributing components in order to apply each component in accordance with its defining origin.Strong transferential forces, that are independent of the specific contents of the therapy, are generated inside the supervisory situation, manifesting themselves, sometimes destructively so, in the therapy (parallel process in reverse). In order to forestall this destructive effect, these forces ought to be interpreted by the supervisor to the supervisee inside the supervisory situation.In order to gauge the extent of such interpretations as well as those of other dynamic manifestations in supervision, the supervisory situation is compared to therapy administered to the therapeutic couple ex parte.The situation of the supervisor vis‐à‐vis the patient is briefly discussed.
Damaged identity and the search for kinship in adult adoptees
Authors: Humphrey Heather , Humphrey Michael 
Published: July 2011

A postal questionnaire was sent to 100 members of an organization for helping adopted individuals to trace their origins. Replies were received from 42 women and 34 men, some of whom were interviewed in person or more often by telephone. The voyage of self‐discovery was evidently more crucial for women, whose need for a stronger sense of identity had been enhanced by marriage and motherhood.Relatively more men than women had sought help for personal problems in adulthood, although paradoxically more women reported an unhappy experience of adoption and a damaged sense of identity. Predictably, mother‐child reunions had often proved disappointing and occasionally distressing for both parties. In contrast, the discovery of lost siblings had usually brought more reward. This aspect of the search for biological relatives deserves more emphasis, in case adoptees (especially when reared as only children and/or when psychologically disturbed) might have more to gain from meeting a sibling than from meeting a parent.
Transforming identities: A repertory grid case study of the transition to motherhood
Authors: Smith Jonathan Alan 
Published: July 2011

This study follows one woman through her pregnancy and the transition to motherhood, exploring the relationship between this life‐event and aspects of her personal identity.Repertory grids were obtained from her four times during the transition, and at the end of the study she completed retrospective grids for how she thought she was during the pregnancy. Changes in the grids were analysed and the contemporaneous and retrospective grids compared. The graphical analysis was discussed with the participant.The study finds a growing integration in the woman's personal construct system (both intrapersonal and interpersonal) during the pregnancy. Discrepancies in the woman's retrospective perception were also found, and are discussed in terms of selective self‐perception or construction. The woman's reaction to the analysis is included in the paper.The study illustrates a methodology for exploring reflexivity, which is of growing concern in a number of areas of social science.
Infants born at risk: Consequences for maternal post‐partum adjustment
Authors: Bennett Dawn E. , Slade Pauline 
Published: July 2011

The role of infant risk and social support as predictors of post‐partum adjustment was investigated. Fifty‐three mothers whose infants reflected the range of neonatal conditions were interviewed six weeks after discharge of their infant from hospital. They were assessed on measures of emotional distress, depressive symptoms, social support and perceptions of, and concerns about, their infant and themselves. The results indicated that mothers of higher risk infants reported higher levels of emotional distress and depressive symptomatology, more concerns about themselves and their baby, more difficulty in expressing affection towards their baby and greater dissatisfaction with their social support.Using multiple regression techniques, depressive symptoms were predicted by neonatal risk and dissatisfaction with social support from family and friends, while emotional distress was predicted by neonatal risk and dissatisfaction with social support from the infant's father. The study underlines the need to place more emphasis on infant variables as factors in maternal post‐partum adjustment.
Predisposition to emotional distress and psychiatric illness amongst doctors: The role of unconscious and experiential factors
Authors: Johnson W. D. K. 
Published: July 2011

This paper explores the contribution of unconscious and experiential factors in accounting for the high rates of depression, alcohol and drug abuse and suicide within the medical profession.The first part of the paper reviews the literature on motivations to study medicine and proposes that, for some doctors, a component of their decision is a response to unconscious drives to compensate for childhood experiences of parental impotence, or emotional neglect.The second part of the paper utilizes the theoretical framework of Kohut to argue that these childhood experiences may also result in the development of a narcissistic disturbance, and a vulnerable self‐esteem. A model is outlined of how this may contribute to the development of emotional distress and psychiatric illness through the creation of a state of dependence on patients, emotional detachment and the denial of personal vulnerability. It is proposed that preventative strategies will need to include changing the emotionally ‘abusive’ nature of medical education, which tends to exacerbate this process.
Psychogenic needs and psychiatric symptoms in young Swedish women
Authors: Holmlund Ulla 
Published: July 2011

In a longitudinal study of personality, 66 women completed the Cesarec Marke Personality Schedule, a Swedish personality inventory, in order to assess their psychogenic needs at the age of 15 and 25. Psychiatric symptoms and a number of background variables were assessed independently after the completion of the Cesarec Marke Personality Schedule, with the aim of examining whether traits and background variables were related to psychiatric symptoms.The psychogenic needs Defence of Status and Guilt Feelings at the age of 15 were positively and significantly related to depressive and anxiety symptoms and high score on psychiatric morbidity in general. The psychogenic needs Defence of Status, Guilt Feelings and Succourance at the age of 25 were significantly related to the symptom constructs Somatization, Interpersonal‐sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety‐phobia, and General Morbidity. Subjects with a low score of psychiatric symptoms differed from high scoring subjects by having been raised by older parents, experienced a secure childhood, better relationships with siblings and peers, and a longer education.It may be hypothesized that high scores on Defence of Status and Guilt Feelings in combination with less favourable background variables may constitute a vulnerability factor for depression and anxiety.
The concept of sign in the work of Vygotsky, Winnicott and Bakhtin: Further integration of object relations theory and activity theory
Authors: Leiman Mikael 
Published: July 2011

In a recent paper Ryle introduced the idea of integrating object relations theory and activity theory, a conceptual tradition originated by Vygotsky and developed by a number of Soviet psychologists during the previous decades.A specific aspect of this integrative perspective will be examined, implied in Ryle's paper but not elaborated by him. It is the issue of sign mediation which was Vygotsky's primary contribution to the methodological problems of modern psychology. The aim is to show that object relations theory, especially the work of Winnicott, may bring fresh understanding into Vygotsky's early notions. It is further claimed that, by introducing the contribution of Mikhail Bakhtin and his circle to the notion of sign mediation, the profundity in Winnicott's understanding of the transitional object and of the potential space may be more fully appreciated. At the same time the ideas of Winnicott and Bakhtin will jointly clarify the limitations in Vygotsky's sign conception.
Measuring medical students' empathy skills
Authors: Evans B. J. , Stanley R. O. , Burrows G. D. 
Published: July 2011

Empathy is an important skill for the medical practitioner or medical students to develop when interviewing patients. It helps the interviewer establish effective communication, which is important for accurate diagnosis and patient management. Two facets of medical education limit students' development of accurate empathy: the traditional format of interviewing training and the social ethos of medical training and medical practice, which stress clinical detachment. A number of researchers and educators have developed consulting skills training programmes, designed to enhance students' empathic skills and ability. One difficulty for researchers has been the conceptual complexity of the term ‘empathy’ and greater difficulty in measuring the dimension.This paper reviews the range of approaches to the measurement of empathy and reports on a research study designed to evaluate a two‐stage measurement technique, involving a pencil‐and‐paper test of empathy and independent observer ratings of medical students' actual interview behaviours. Results lead to the conclusion that pencil‐and‐paper tests of empathy cannot incorporate the range of complex cognitive, emotional and behavioural components of the empathy construct. On the other hand, trained observers have been able to use items on a specially developed History‐taking Rating Scale to discriminate between the empathic behaviours of a group of students trained in consulting skills with those of a group of control students who each carried out videotaped history‐taking interviews with hospitalized patients.
Special Review: Evolution, mind and culture
Authors: GILBERT PAUL 
Published: July 2011

Book reviewed in this article:Darwin's Influence on Freud: A Tale of Two Sciences. By L. Ritvo.The Adaptive Design of the Human Psyche: Psychoanalysis, Evolutionary Biology, and the Therapeutic Process. By M. Slavin & D. Kriegman.The Adapted Mind: Evolutionary Psychology and the Generation of Culture. Edited by J. Barkow, L. Cosmides & J. Tooby.
Retraumatization of Holocaust survivors during the Gulf War and SCUD missile attacks on Israel
Authors: Robinson S. , Hemmendinger J. , Netanel R. , Rapaport M. , Zilberman L. , Gal A. 
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this work was to study the reaction to a new threat and a new trauma of people severely traumatized in the past, when the new trauma had associations with the original one caused by the Holocaust. The situation created during the Gulf War gave a rare occasion to study it. We also wanted to check if the reaction of Holocaust survivors to the war differed from that of the general population. In addition we wanted to find out if there was a difference in reaction to the war between two clinical populations: Holocaust survivors and patients who are not Holocaust survivors.Sixty‐six Holocaust survivors living in Israel, 31 of them undergoing psychiatric or psychological treatment either as in‐patients or as out‐patients, were interviewed during the Persian Gulf War. In addition to the clinical group, there was a non‐clinical group of 35 Holocaust survivors—21 whose homes were not damaged by SCUD missiles, and 14 whose homes were damaged by missiles.Those whose homes were damaged by SCUD missiles were retraumatized, and showed reactivation or exacerbation of the survivor syndrome. Six of them displayed the full syndrome of PTSD.
The ideas and experiences of pregnancy and childbirth of Asian and non‐Asian women in East London
Authors: Woollett Anne , Dosanjh Neelam , Nicolson Paula , Marshall Harriette , Djhanbakhch O. , Hadlow Jan 
Published: July 2011

This study examined differences between the ideas and experiences of pregnancy and childbirth of Asian and non‐Asian women giving birth in East London, and sources of variability in Asian women's accounts. In line with the findings of previous research, Asian women's ideas about diet in pregnancy, the gender of their children and postnatal care (e.g. the need for rest and recovery, and restrictions on their activities) were influenced by cultural beliefs and practices. However, in other ways Asian women demonstrated a strong commitment to Western maternity care. In contrast to some other studies Asian women wanted their husbands or partners present at delivery, indicating the extent to which traditional ideas are being modified. Qualitative analysis of Asian women's fuller accounts indicated that women subscribed to traditional practice as well as Western maternity care.Acculturation or familiarity with Western ideas about maternity care was associated with variability in Asian women's ideas and experiences, in line with previous research. However, in spite of frequent assumptions about its significance, religion was not associated with variability in Asian women's ideas and experiences. Parity, however, was a major variable, for Asian and for non‐Asian women, suggesting that the first birth has different significance for parents than subsequent births.The implications for the provision of maternity care are discussed, especially the need to go beyond stereotypical views based on women's ethnicity or religion to consider the beliefs and preferences of women as individuals and their personal circumstances.
Personality disorders: Research and management
Authors: RENTOUL ROBERT 
Published: July 2011

Book reviewed in this article:Interpersonal Diagnosis and Treatment of Personality Disorders, 2nd ed. By Lorna Smith Benjamin.Personality Disorders: Recognition and Clinical Management. By J. H. Dowson & A. T. Grounds.Schizotypal Personality. Edited by A. Raine, T. Lencz & S. A. Mednick.Personality Disorders: Clinical and Social Perspectives. By J. C. Derksen.Disorders of the Self—New Therapeutic Horizons: The Masterson Approach. By J. F. Masterson & R. Klein.
A group for the adult daughters of mentally ill mothers: Looking backwards and forwards
Authors: Williams Anne Sved 
Published: July 2011

A closed time‐limited therapy group was conducted for four women who had all been raised by mentally ill mothers. Themes recurring frequently included hatred of self and mother, current lack of extended family support, current parenting difficulties, ongoing stigma and isolation. All group members perceived themselves as troubled despite others' perceptions of them as resilient. The results for the individuals treated are outlined using clinical material, as statistical analysis was not undertaken. All were able to cease individual therapy.Conclusions focus on the benefits of such a group process of recognition and affirmation of the profound consequences of a mother's mental illness on her daughters and thence to grandchildren. The possibility of primary prevention using techniques from infant‐parent and child‐group therapy is discussed.
Developmental status and school achievements of minority and non‐minority children from birth to 18 years in a British Midlands town
Authors: Scarr Sandra , Capando Barbara K. , Ferdman Bernardo M. , Tower Roni B. , Caplan Janet 
Published: July 2011

The academic underachievement of minority children in Britain has received national attention in recent years. At the request of the Education Authority and the Community Relations Council in a Midlands town, a survey of the developmental status, school achievements, and post‐secondary outcomes of West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and non‐minority children was undertaken.The research is reported in three sections. The first surveys the health, developmental status, and home environments of preschool children from birth to 60 months. The second concerns longitudinal health and school achievements of a sample of children presently nine years old. The third reports reading, IQ, and school examination results for minority and non‐minority children in the same schools and a sample of middle‐class children from other schools; and data on the post‐secondary careers of youths from the same populations.In the population studied, minority children, especially West Indians, lag behind non‐minority children from the preschool years to late adolescence. The lesser intellectual and school achievements of West Indian children were found to be important handicaps in both further education and employment.
Observational learning of conservation: When imitative practice makes nearly perfect
Authors: Robert Michèle , Fortin Andrée 
Published: July 2011

Observational learning of conservation: When imitative practice makes nearly perfectThe present experiment tested the hypothesis that observational acquisition of conservation can be achieved through initial imitation. Non‐conservers, who had already completed a conservation‐related task either successfully or unsuccessfully, were exposed to a conserving model. During immediate post‐testing, one group performed conservation tasks which lent themselves to direct imitation of the model, and subsequently performed conservation tasks which did not so lend themselves. Another group performed the same two types of tasks in reverse order. Two other groups each repeated one of the types of tasks twice. Delayed post‐testing which involved both types of tasks followed one and eight weeks later. The initially competent observers always surpassed those who were less prepared. The latter persistently failed unless given optimal opportunity to practise the model's rule during immediate post‐testing. Overall, opportunity for imitative rehearsal was extremely beneficial. Because imitation promotes required mental organization, it does appear to be significant in cognitive development.