bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The construction and validation of a scale to assess psychological risk and well‐being in sex offender treatment providers
Authors: Clarke Jo , Roger Derek 
Published: September 2006

Purpose. Since 1991 over 1,400 Prison Service personnel have been trained in the delivery of therapeutic interventions with men convicted of sexual abuse. In that time anecdotal evidence of psychological difficulties experienced by treatment providers has emerged. However, empirical support for this evidence is sparse, and reflects a disproportionately low level of research into the impact on treatment providers of their work when compared with the efficacy of the treatment they deliver. One of the consistent shortcomings of the available research has been the lack of a valid and reliable psychometric assessment of the psychological well‐being of treatment providers, and this paper reports on the construction and validation of a scale designed to assess the personal and professional effects of working therapeutically with sex offenders.Method. A scenario technique was used to elicit items. Exploratory factor analysis of the responses of 182 active facilitators yielded a three‐factor scale comprising 61 items. The structure was replicated on an independent sample of 165 facilitators.Results. Negative reactivity to offenders (NRO) described generally adverse responses to offenders, ruminative vulnerability (RV) was characterized by emotional pre‐occupation with work and increasing sensitivity to emotional issues, and organizational dissatisfaction (OD) included items relating to lack of collegial and managerial support. Concurrent validation showed that the three factors were systematically related to a range of relevant variables.Conclusion. The new assessment of dynamic adaptation (ADA) scale should provide an invaluable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of SOTP training programmes.
The importance of reflective functioning to the diagnosis of psychic structure
Authors: Müller Christian , Kaufhold Johannes , Overbeck Gerd , Grabhorn Ralph 
Published: September 2006

Objective.  This pilot study examines the connection between the concept of Fonagy and Target's reflective functioning and the structure axis of operationalized psychodynamic diagnostics (OPD) and assesses the potential of both scales to predict therapy success.Method. In the study, 24 (female) patients of the psychotherapy ward of the Frankfurt University Hospital for psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy aged 18 to 55 were assessed on the basis of a 90‐minute, semi‐structured interview with regard to their capability for reflective functioning as well as with regard to their structural level according to OPD. In addition, the SCL‐90‐R was administered at the beginning and end of the 3‐month in‐patient therapy.Results. A significant correlation was found between reflective functioning and the structure axis of OPD. Reflective functioning also predicted improvement in overall mental condition through a 3‐month in‐patient therapy. This remained significant even when the influence of the overall assessment of structure according to OPD was removed.Conclusions. The independence of the concept of reflective functioning (RF) and its implications for the clinical stance are discussed.
Development of a self‐report measure of unconditional positive self‐regard
Authors: Patterson Thomas G. , Joseph Stephen 
Published: September 2006

Objectives.The development of a measure of therapeutic change that is theoretically consistent with person‐centred theory and client‐centred therapy would provide a tool for the evaluation of therapeutic change that is meaningful to both clients and therapists, and that could also be applied to outcome research. The present paper reports the development of a measurement scale based on the person‐centred construct ofunconditional positive self‐regard.Design.A cross‐sectional survey design was adopted to investigate the psychometric properties of the unconditional‐positive self regard scale (UPSR).Method.Data from 210 university students who completed the scale were subjected to principal components factor analysis in order to determine the factor structure of the scale. Comparison with theoretically similar and distinct measures was used to investigate validity, and internal reliability was assessed.Results.Factor analysis revealed that the resulting 12‐item UPSR scale is composed of two separate subscales, respectively measuringself‐regardandconditionalityof positive self‐regard. Internal reliability of the main scale and subscales was adequate with alpha co‐efficients all above .79. Comparison with other measures provides evidence supporting the validity of the new scale.Conclusions.Initial evidence indicates that the UPSR scale may be a potentially useful tool for the non‐medicalised evaluation of therapeutic change.
Clients' reasons for terminating psychotherapy: A quantitative and qualitative inquiry
Authors: Roe David , Dekel Rachel , Harel Galit , Fennig Shmuel 
Published: September 2006

Objective. To study private‐practice clients' perspective on reasons for psychotherapy termination and how these are related to demographic and treatment variables and to satisfaction with therapy.Design. Eighty‐four persons who had been in extended private‐practice psychotherapy which ended in the preceding three years participated in the study. Mean number of months in treatment was 27.70 (SD =18.70).Method. Assessment included rating scales and open‐ended questions assessing demographic variables, reasons for terminating therapy, and satisfaction with therapy.Results. Quantitative results revealed that the most frequent reasons for termination were accomplishment of goals, circumstantial constraints and dissatisfaction with therapy, and that client satisfaction was positively related to positive reasons for termination. Qualitative results revealed two additional frequently mentioned reasons for termination: the client's need for independence and the client's involvement in new meaningful relationships.Conclusions. Findings suggest that psychotherapy termination may at times be required to facilitate the pursuit of personally meaningful goals.
Acknowledging problematic voices: Processes occurring at early stages of conflict assimilation in patients with functional somatic disorder
Authors: Reid Marylou , Osatuke Katerine 
Published: September 2006

Objectives. This study elaborates the assimilation model's account of client processes at an early stage (Level 1). This model describes therapeutic change as a gradual assimilation of problematic experiences, or voices, into the client's personality. The Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale (APES; Stiles et al., 1991) measures client's increasing ability to recognize, accept and utilize these previously avoided voices.Design and methodology. Two researchers rated session excerpts from two psychotherapy cases, where the ‘problematic voice’ (PV) was initially unassimilated. Passages rated at APES Level 1, along with their verbal assimilation descriptions, were later scrutinized for change processes. Voice dynamics within each passage were detailed and reviewed, to hypothesize substage processes representing movement. Both procedures involved a convergence process: raters first independently analysed, then shared their findings over successive rounds.Conclusions. Across cases, shifts in the quality of negative affect were evident. Anxiety increased throughout this stage, as clients began to sustain exposure to intrusive problematic experiences. Later, Level 1 substages also showed an increase in conscious apperception of dominant voice characteristics including its resistance to experiencing PVs. Together, these relatively subtle changes indicated clients' increasing ability to familiarize themselves with PV qualities and recognize their historic defences against them, prior to identifying and accepting them as part of their personalities.
Course of improvement over 2 years in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Puschner Bernd , Kraft Susanne , Kächele Horst , Kordy Hans 
Published: September 2006

Objective. To assess and predict the level and course of symptomatic improvement in psychoanalytic (PAP) and psychodynamic psychotherapy (PD).Methods. In a comprehensive longitudinal study, the course of improvement of 116 patients in PAP and of 357 patients in PD was tracked over a period of 2 years and analysed via hierarchical linear models.Results. At baseline, over 90% of the patients reported substantial psychological, physical or interpersonal distress. In both forms of treatment, the course of improvement could be adequately fitted by a linear model. Symptom distress decreased notably within 2 years, with an especially sharp decline before the first formally scheduled therapy session. No significant differences between forms of treatment as to level or pace of symptom improvement could be observed. Prediction of speed of improvement was poor, with initial symptom distress showing the strongest influence while initial helping alliance had no predictive value. When comparing patients who finished their treatment within the 2‐year observation period with those with still ongoing treatments, the former showed quicker symptom improvement.Discussion. Strategies for the optimal allocation of valuable therapeutic resources should be reconsidered. An adaptive, outcome‐oriented allocation strategy of therapeutic resources is proposed.
A qualitative investigation of problem gambling as an escape‐based coping strategy
Authors: Wood Richard T. A. , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: September 2006

Background. There has been a small but growing body, of largely quantitative research, that has examined problem gambling in the context of poor coping skills. These studies suggest that gambling may be used as an alternative method of coping that some will use to distract themselves from having to deal with problems in their lives.Objectives. To examine the role that gambling plays in the lives of problem gamblers and the extent to which it may be used as a means of coping.Design. Fifty problem gamblers, ranging in age from 18 to 63 years, with an average age of 39 years, were interviewed. The focus of the interview was upon the participant's accounts of how their gambling problem had developed and the role that gambling played in their lives. A structured grounded theory approach was utilized.Results. Following the selective coding process, ‘gambling to escape’ was identified as the core category. This state was achieved through ‘mood modification’, involving fantasies, dissociation and/or changes in arousal. For some problem gamblers seeking mood modification was their primary motivation. For others mood modification was sought as a means to cope with one or two other psychological and/or psychosocial states consisting of ‘filling the void’ and/or ‘avoiding problems’. Two other factors sometimes influenced the need to gamble, either directly through ‘control beliefs’ or through ‘cognitive regret’.Conclusions. Escape was the prime characteristic of the gambling experience that facilitated the continuation of problem gambling among the interviewed participants. In relation to these findings, the implications for prevention, intervention, treatment and future research are discussed.
More than just a place to talk: Young people's experiences of group psychological therapy as an early intervention for auditory hallucinations
Authors: Newton Elizabeth , Larkin Michael , Melhuish Ruth , Wykes Til 
Published: September 2006

Objectives.Auditory hallucinations are extremely distressing, particularly when occurring during adolescence. They may be most responsive to psychological intervention during a three‐year critical period following symptom‐onset, but as yet no studies have investigated voices groups for young participants with adolescent‐onset psychosis. The aim of the current study is to explore the experience of group‐CBT amongst a group of young people experiencing distressing auditory hallucinations.Design.This project was planned and conducted in the tradition of idiographic, qualitative psychology. A small purposive sample was selected, and in‐depth, open‐ended interviews were conducted, in order to generate and explore rich, experiential accounts which are clearly situated and contextualized.Methods.Eight participants who had completed a cognitive behavioural group intervention were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview schedule. The transcribed data were analysed according to the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA;Smith, Osborn, & Jarman, 1999).Results.Two superordinate themes emerged. The first describes experiential features of the respondents' accounts of group therapy. The second theme posits a cyclical relationship between four key factors: the content of the hallucinated voices, the participants' explanations for, and reactions to these voices, and thus, their ability to cope with them.Conclusions.‘Voices groups’ are appreciated by young people with auditory hallucinations, as sources of therapy, information, and support. These results suggest a number of testable hypotheses about the efficacy of group treatment and its future development.
British outpatient norms for the Brief Symptom Inventory
Authors: Ryan Christian 
Published: September 2006

Background. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) is a popular measure of psychopathology frequently used as an outcome measure, but clinicians and researchers have had to rely on normative data based on US samples which may not be appropriate for the British population.Objectives. The aim was to develop culturally relevant outpatient norms for the BSI that would reflect hypothesized differences between US and UK population in responding to items on the BSI.Method. BSI and demographic data were collected for 378 patients referred to clinical psychology services in the Midlands, England, during routine practice.Results. Significantly higher rates of psychopathology were reported by the UK sample than for the normative group reported in the US.Conclusion. Outpatient normative data for British participants are presented. The study examines the impact of occupational status, age and gender differences on the level of reported distress.
Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for residual depressive symptoms
Authors: Kingston Tara , Dooley Barbara , Bates Anthony , Lawlor Elizabeth , Malone Kevin 
Published: September 2006

Objectives. Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a new group‐based intervention for prevention of relapse in recurrent depression which has not been scientifically evaluated regarding its clinical effectiveness for ameliorating residual depressive symptoms following a depressive episode. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of MBCT in reducing residual depressive symptoms in psychiatric outpatients with recurrent depression, and to particularly explore the effects of mindfulness techniques on rumination.Design. The design of this study was a mixed model complex design. Design 1 consisted of a consecutive series of patients. They were assigned to either MBCT or TAU. The independent variables were time and group allocation, and dependent variables were Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Rumination Scale. In Design 2, the TAU group proceeded to complete an MBCT group, and the BDI and Rumination Scale results of the two groups were collapsed.Method. Nineteen patients with residual depressive symptoms following a depressive episode, and who were attending outpatient clinic, were assigned to either MBCT or treatment as usual (TAU), with the TAU group then proceeding to complete an MBCT group. Depressive and ruminative symptoms were assessed before, during, and after treatment, and at one‐month follow‐up.Results. A significant reduction in depressive symptoms was found at the end of MBCT, with a further reduction at one‐month follow‐up. A trend towards a reduction in rumination scores was also observed.Conclusions. Group MBCT has a marked effect on residual depressive symptoms, which may be mediated through the mindfulness‐based cognitive approach towards excessive negative ruminations in patients with residual depressive symptoms following a depressive episode.
Dual relationships between clinical psychologists and their clients: A survey of UK clinical psychologists' attitudes
Authors: Kitson Cathy , Sperlinger David 
Published: September 2006

Objectives. To collect information from a large number and broad range of UK clinical psychologists in order to examine the relationships between their attitudes towards dual relationships and various other characteristics, for comparison with the results of previous studies (mainly in the USA).Design. The study was an anonymous postal survey.Method. Questionnaires were sent out by the British Psychological Society Direct Mail Service to 1,000 randomly selected full members of the Division of Clinical Psychology (total membership 3,330). The questionnaire covered attitudes in respect of the management of dual relationships, general demographic information and questions about training, supervision and work experience.Results. Of the questionnaires, 424 (42.4%) were returned with data available for analysis. The results appear to be consistent with other studies and, in general, the expected associations between variables were found. Overall, the dual relationship scenarios were rated as professionally appropriate only in limited circumstances; most consensus was found regarding the inappropriateness of sexual dual relationships.Conclusions. The findings are discussed in terms of their relationships with previous research. Implications for clinical psychology training and the profession of Clinical Psychology are considered.
Cognitive schemas, defence mechanisms and post‐traumatic stress symptomatology
Authors: Price Jason P. 
Published: September 2006

Objective. To identify specific ego defences and core schemas involved in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.Design. Stepwise regression with predictor models generated from ego defences and core schema variables.Method. Seventy‐seven participants completed the Impact of Event Scale, the 40‐item Defence Style Questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short‐form).Results. Four core schemas (Defectiveness, Dependency, Enmeshment and Failure) and three defence mechanisms (Splitting, Rationalization and Projection) were found to be significant predictors in PTSD symptomatology.Conclusions. The identified core schema and ego defences are seen to be theoretically consistent with present cognitive and psychodynamic conceptualizations of PTSD. The implications for future research are discussed.
Stability of the CORE‐OM and the BDI‐I prior to therapy: Evidence from routine practice
Authors: Barkham Michael , Mullin Tracy , Leach Chris , Stiles William B. , Lucock Mike 
Published: September 2006

Background. It is important to know the stability of standard outcome measures prior to therapy over differing periods of time that map onto the realities of waiting times in routine service settings.Method. We studied 1,684 clients who completed one or both the targeted measures Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measures (CORE‐OM) and Beck Depression Inventory‐I (BDI‐I) two times, at intervals of up to 12 months, prior to beginning psychotherapy. We also selected an additional 1,623 clients who completed the CORE‐OM (N=1,623), BDI‐I (N=980) or both at referral, but had no records of further contact with the service.Results. There was little change in the mean CORE‐OM or BDI‐I scores between referral and clinical assessment. The test‐retest correlations showed substantial stability on both measures, declining only moderately at the longer intervals studied.Conclusion. The high test‐retest correlations for periods of up to 6 months suggest that psychological disturbance was both reliably measured by the CORE‐OM and the BDI‐I, and reasonably stable among clients waiting to be assessed. Implications for routine practice are discussed.
Evidence supporting the hypothesis that one of the main functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor is mediation of cell stress responses
Authors: Matsumura Fumio , F.A. Vogel Christoph 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
We have previously proposed that one of the major consequences of activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) could be elicitation of ‘cell stress response’ reactions [Matsumura, Biochem. Pharmacol. 66 (2003), 527–540]. This hypothesis was based mainly on the similarity between the toxic symptoms, particularly those related to the wasting syndrome, and those induced by bacterial endotoxins, namely lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in vivo, as well as the biochemical and molecular consequences of their toxic actions in vitro. Since the basic action mechanism of LPS as an inducer of cell stress responses (CSR) is known to some extent, including knowledge of their specific receptors (i.e., toll-like receptors) and their signaling process through the inflammatory response messengers, the above comparison offered a good point of reference to this subject. Furthermore, the process of constructing this hypothesis itself has provided us with a good opportunity to give a fresh view on the toxic action patterns of TCDD.
Structure-based specificity mapping of secreted aspartic proteases of Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis using peptidomimetic inhibitors and homology modeling
Authors: Majer Filip , Pavlíčková Libuše , Majer Pavel , Hradilek Martin , Dolejší Elena , Hrušková-Heidingsfeldová Olga , Pichová Iva 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSecreted aspartic proteases (Saps) of pathogenicCandidaspp. represent a specific target for antifungal drug development. We synthesized a series of peptidomimetic inhibitors with different isosteric groups and modifications at individual positions and tested them with purified Saps fromC. albicans(Sap2p),C. tropicalis(Sapt1p), andC. parapsilosis(Sapp1p). The kinetic parameters indicated that all three proteases prefer binding of inhibitors containing bulky hydrophobic residues between positions P3 and P3′. The most divergent specificity was found for Sapp1p. The sequence alignment of Sap2p, Sapt1p, and Sapp1p, and homology modeling of Sapp1p with the crystal structure of Sapt1p and the complex of Sap2p with a peptidomimetic inhibitor showed that the overall folds of Sap2p, Sapt1p, and Sapp1p are similar. However, the N- and C-terminal loops formed by disulfide bonds between residues 47–53 and 258–292 are significantly shorter in Sapp1p, and a unique insertion following Tyr 129 in Sapp1p results in the formation of a loop that can interact with inhibitor residues. These Sapp1p structural differences might lead to its altered susceptibility to inhibition.
The solution structure of the membrane-proximal cytokine receptor domain of the human interleukin-6 receptor
Authors: Hecht Oliver , Dingley Andrew J. , Schwanter Andreas , Özbek Suat , Rose-John Stefan , Grötzinger Joachim 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe members of the interleukin-6-type family of cytokines interact with receptors that have a modular structure and are built of several immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type III-like domains. These receptors have a characteristic cytokine receptor homology region consisting of two fibronectin type III-like domains defined by a set of four conserved cysteines and a tryptophan-serine-X-tryptophan-serine sequence motif. On target cells, interleukin-6 (IL-6) initially binds to its cognate α-receptor and subsequently to a homodimer of the signal transducer receptor gp130. The IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) consists of three extracellular domains. The N-terminal immunoglobulin-like domain is not involved in ligand binding, whereas the third membrane-proximal fibronectin-like domain (IL-6R-D3) accounts for more than 90% of the binding energy to IL-6. Here, we present the solution structure of the IL-6R-D3 domain solved by multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy.