bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression and ritualistic behaviour in normal participants
Authors: Rassin Eric , Merckelbach Harald , Muris Peter , Stapert Sven 
Published: February 2003

Objective. Previous research has shown that normal and abnormal ritualistic behaviours do not differ in content. Rather, the differences between both categories of rituals pertain to characteristics such as frequency, intensity, discomfort and resistance. This study sought to investigate whether thought suppression is linked to these characteristics.Design. Cross‐sectional; questionnaires on thought suppression and rituals were administered to a sample of undergraduate students (N=166).Method. Habitual suppressors (N=20) and non‐suppressors (N=20), as measured by the White Bear Suppression Inventory, were selected and compared with regard to the characteristics of their rituals.Results. Suppressors experienced their rituals as more intense, discomforting and resistance‐provoking than did non‐suppressors. There were no group differences in the content, frequency, and perceived senselessness of rituals.Conclusion. Although the cross‐sectional nature of the present study precludes causal inferences, its findings are consistent with the view that chronic thought suppression may promote ritualistic behaviour. Clearly, the details of the link between thought suppression and rituals require further examination.
Variceal haemorrhage and post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Carroll R. E. O. , Masterton G. , Gooday R. , Cossar J. A. , Couston M. C. , Hayes P. C. 
Published: February 2003

Objective. Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is thought to be relatively common following extremely distressing life‐threatening events. Patients with liver cirrhosis can experience severe brisk variceal haemorrhage during which they vomit litres of blood and may exsanguinate. We predicted that a significant proportion of survivors would suffer from PTSD.Design. PTSD assessment of 30 patients who had a haematemesis of more than four units of blood secondary to variceal bleeding and were fully conscious at the time of the bleed.Method. Structured Clinical Diagnostic Interview (SCID‐DSM‐III‐R) and self‐report measures.Results. Most found the experience distressing, but only 1 out of 30 patients fulfilled DSM‐III‐R diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Conclusion. PTSD in a sample of patients who survived life‐threatening variceal haemorrhage is much rarer than might reasonably have been anticipated. Possible reasons for this low prevalence of PTSD are discussed.
Bulimia nervosa: Mood changes do have an impact on body width estimation
Authors: Kulbartz‐Klatt Yvonne J. , Florin Irmela , Pook Martin 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. This study was designed to investigate the impact of mood changes on body width estimation in women with bulimia nervosa. Design. A pre‐post controlled experimental design was chosen.Method. Mood changes were induced in 40 women with bulimia nervosa, 20 women with panic disorder and 40 women with no diagnosis of a psychological disorder. A combination of autobiographical memory method and music induction method was used to induce positive and negative mood, respectively. Before and after mood induction a video distorting technique was used for body width estimation.Results. Induction of negative mood increased and induction of positive mood decreased the body width estimations of women with bulimia. Patients with panic disorder and ‘healthy’ controls did not show these changes after mood induction.Conclusion. The findings suggest that change in mood state rather than the more habitual mood quality are relevant for bulimic women's body perception.
Factor structure of the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills for Individuals with Severe Retardation (MESSIER)
Authors: Paclawskyj Theodosia R. , Rush Karena S. , Matson Johnny L. , Cherry Katie E. 
Published: February 2003

Objective. A factor analysis of the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills for Individuals with Severe Retardation (MESSIER) was conducted to determine if there was an underlying factor structure which supported a distinction between positive and negative social skills.Design. Principal Axis Factoring with oblimin rotation was used to determine if a two‐factor solution was valid. This method was selected to account for shared variance between the items and for correlation between the factors.Method. The MESSIER was administered by trained staff to 805 individuals with severe and profound intellectual disability residing in a state residential facility.Results. Results of the factor analysis yielded two categories (positive and negative behaviours) that corresponded to the general division of the clinically derived subscales.Conclusions. The psychometric research on the MESSIER was extended with an examination of the factor structure. The results of the factor analysis, corresponding with the general division of the clinically derived subscales, are promising. Future research should be conducted to determine if factor scores can be used to determine norms.
Coping with anxiety and panic: A factor analytic study
Authors: Hughes Ian , Budd Rick , Greenaway Sharon 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. This study aimed to explore the coping styles that agoraphobia sufferers adopt when attempting to cope with symptoms of anxiety and panic. It aimed to extend Watts's (1989) Coping with Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) by including items to assess self‐vigilance. It was hypothesized that agoraphobia sufferers would adopt consistent coping styles that would be related to symptom severity.Design. A factor analysis was performed on questionnaire data. Method. A postal questionnaire was completed by members (N=112) of a self‐help group for agoraphobia and panic sufferers. All participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory, an Agoraphobia Severity Scale and a slightly modified version of the CAQ. Coping styles were identified via factor analysis of the CAQ items.Results. Three coping styles were identified, which were labelled Effective Coping, Avoidant Coping and Self‐vigilance. The latter two coping styles were found to be correlated with increased levels of agoraphobic symptomatology and with higher levels of anxiety.Conclusions. The present results support the previous research on coping tactics in anxiety and are compatible with cognitive therapy accounts of the role of self‐vigilance in anxiety disorders.
The Doors and People Memory Test: Validation of norms and some new correction formulae
Authors: Davis Cheryl , Bradshaw C. M. , Szabadi E. 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. To validate the normative data on the Doors and People Memory Test (D&P) using a new sample of normal participants, and to investigate the relationship between D&P performance and general intellectual level.Design. 281 normal participants (16‐75 years), subdivided into 10‐year age bands, were tested on the D&P and the National Adult Reading Test (NART).Method. Each participant's raw scores on the D&P were converted into scaled scores, and scaled memory ‘indices’ were derived using the test manual. Stepwise multi‐linear regression was used to predict the indices using age and NART error score as predictor variables. For each participant the discrepancy between the predicted and obtained values of each index was converted into a z score using the SD of the discrepancies from the whole sample.Results. The distributions of raw and scaled scores on the D&P were similar to those of the original standardization sample. The Visual‐Verbal and Recall‐Recognition Discrepancy indices had smaller dispersions in the present sample than in the original sample. None of the indices was significantly related to age. The Total Memory, Combined Visual Memory, Combined Verbal Memory, and Overall Forgetting indices were significantly correlated with NART error score.Conclusions. The present data constitute a cross‐validation of the normative data presented in the D&P test manual. Two points of dissimilarity are noted: (i) cutting scores derived for the Visual‐Verbal and Recall‐Recognition indices based on the test manual norms may be unduly conservative; and (ii) the relationship between some of the D&P indices and NART error score may lead to systematic errors in interpreting the scaled scores derived from the manual. ‘Correction formulae’ based on the regression equations derived from the present sample are provided.
Schizotypy, dissociative experiences and childhood abuse: Relationships among self‐report measures
Authors: Startup Mike 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. The traits and experiences that are seen as defining the schizophrenic and the dissociative disorders have been found to be present in continuously variable, non‐pathological forms in the general population. Although the theoretical accounts that have been offered for the two kinds of disorder differ radically, there are reasons to expect that the measures that have been developed to assess schizotypal traits and dissociative experiences will be correlated. The aims of this study were to investigate the degree of correlation between measures and the extent to which the covariation can be explained by questionnaire items with similar content and experiences of childhood sexual and physical abuse.Design. Cross‐sectional data from self‐report measures completed by 224 participants were subjected to multivariate analyses.Method. The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), three subscales from the Oxford‐Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O‐LIFE) and two items assessing childhood abuse were mailed to all adult members of a volunteer participant panel.Results. Moderately large correlations were found between the DES and both the Cognitive Disorganization and the Unusual Experiences subscales of the O‐LIFE. These correlations were hardly affected when items with overlapping content were excluded. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that the measures of abuse accounted for small but significant proportions of the variance in both the DES and the Unusual Experiences subscale, but large proportions of the covariation between the measures of dissociative experiences and schizotypy remained unexplained.Conclusion. The substantial correlations between measures point to limitations in the discriminant validity of the DES and two of the O‐LIFE subscales. Three possible explanations are offered for the observed associations between dissociative experiences and schizotypal traits.
Level and perceived stability of self‐esteem prospectively predict depressive symptoms during psychoeducational group treatment
Authors: Roberts John E. , Shapiro Anne M. , Gamble Stephanie A. 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. To investigate the combined roles of level and perceived stability of self‐esteem in prospectively predicting depression.Design. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured both before and after psychoeducational treatment for depression; level and perceived stability of selfesteem were measured before treatment.Method. Participants were 26 adults (16 female), age range 21‐75 years.Results. More stable self‐esteem was associated with greater depressive symptomatology at treatment completion, particularly among participants who began treatment with the lowest self‐esteem. Effects were specific to symptoms of depression in contrast with anxiety.Conclusion. These results suggest that a stable, well‐consolidated negative selfconcept is associated with prolonged depression and a poor response to psychosocial interventions.
The effect of training on rater reliability on the scoring of the NART
Authors: Alcott Drew , Swann Rachel , Grafham Amanda 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. This study investigates whether the accuracy of judging National Adult Reading Test (NART) words known to have lower inter‐rater reliability can be improved by training and use of the pronunciation guide.Design. Two groups (Experimental and Control), were compared with three repeated measures: Occasion (first and second i.e. ‘post‐training’), Word Reliability (high and low) and Pronunciation Guide (without and with guide).Methods. Ten words were selected from the NART: five lower reliability and five high reliability words. These were presented aurally in correct and incorrect form to participants (N = 20) who judged correctness of pronunciation without or with a pronunciation guide. Each group repeated the task again, the Experimental group having received training.Results. Accuracy was significantly worse for the low reliability words. The experimental group's accuracy was significantly better after training than the control group's and their own performance prior to training. The use of the guide enhanced accuracy, particularly for the low reliability words.Conclusion. Training in administration of the NART improves raters accuracy and use of the pronunciation guide. This offers an alternative to the suggestion of improving the NART s reliability by replacing lower reliability words and therefore would avoid the need to re‐standardize a modified test.
The measurement of expressed emotion in relationships between staff and service users: The use of short speech samples
Authors: Moore Estelle , Kuipers Elizabeth 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. Research on expressed emotion (EE) has demonstrated a remarkable consistency across cultures and over time; the psychosocial climate in relationships is important in determining the course of problems in mental health. The rating of EE might be described as the least accessible aspect of this literature to those who have not undertaken a training course. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to obtain EE ratings for staff‐patient relationships via interview and speech sample methods, in order to estimate the validity of the shorter method (the Five‐Minute‐Speech‐Sample, FMSS); second, to examine the generalizability of the FMSS rating method to raters who were not previously trained to rate EE.Design and Method. Staff (N = 15) working in a day hospital service for people with enduring mental health problems were interviewed about their work with at least one patient (N = 32), and also asked to provide an FMSS on each relationship. Ratings of FMSS‐EE were subsequently compared with the Camberwell Family Interview‐EE ratings. Following an hour‐long training period, the FMSS‐EE ratings of five postgraduate students were then compared with those of a criterion rater.Design and Method. Staff (N = 15) working in a day hospital service for people with enduring mental health problems were interviewed about their work with at least one patient (N = 32), and also asked to provide an FMSS on each relationship. Ratings of FMSS‐EE were subsequently compared with the Camberwell Family Interview‐EE ratings. Following an hour‐long training period, the FMSS‐EE ratings of five postgraduate students were then compared with those of a criterion rater.Results. Correspondence between the two measures of EE was found to be good, with overall agreement achieved in 89.7 of cases. Raters with very limited training in the concept and rating of EE were accurate in identifying the overall rating of the relationship in question, but less accurate in identifying specific critical comments.Conclusion. The FMSS technique can be used reliably to identify negative relationships even by raters given very limited training. Clinical and research applications are suggested.
Recall of shame and favouritism in relation to psychopathology
Authors: Gilbert P. , Gerlsma C. 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. There is good evidence that early rearing experiences affect vulnerability to subsequent psychopathology. Recent research on memories of rearing style have been influenced by attachment theory and have focused primarily on domains of emotional warmth and control. However, early experiences of being shamed, criticized and made to feel inferior, together with believing one's sibling is favoured over oneself, are also likely to play a role in vulnerability. This study therefore explored recall of being shamed and sibling favouritism.Method. A large community sample (N = 638) and a varied non‐psychotic patient sample (N = 213) completed two recall of parent rearing scales (the PBI and EMBU). These gave measures of recall of emotional warmth, overprotection control, being shamed and shown up, and self or sibling favouring. Participants also completed the SCL‐90‐R scale.Results. Patients recalled less warmth, more control, more shame and more favouring of siblings than the community sample. The difference was greatest for shame, and following MANOVA analysis shame remained significantly different between the two groups even after controlling for emotional warmth and control. Similarly, recalling being less favoured than a sibling and shamed had robust associations with indicators of psychopathology and these were only marginally reduced when emotional warmth was controlled for. Moreover, hostility (as measured by the SCL‐90‐R) was specifically related to recall of being shamed but not emotional warmth.Conclusion. This study suggests that over and above issues of emotional warmth and control, recall of direct experiences of being shamed, feeling inferior and less favoured in a family, may be particularly pathogenic. They operate independently of warmth and may be especially important in proneness to hostile feelings. Given this, therapists may wish to specifically explore shame issues with patients.
The prediction of parasuicide repetition in a high‐risk group
Authors: Sidley Gary L. , Calam Rachel , Wells Adrian , Hughes Trevine , Whitaker Kim 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. This study explores whether the specificity of risk assessment for parasuicide repetition can be improved by measurement of two psychological variables (overgenerality of autobiographical memory and future fluency for positive events) in the immediate aftermath of the index parasuicide.Design. In a longitudinal study, parasuicide patients deemed to be at high risk of repetition on the basis of sociodemographic factors (Kreitman & Foster, 1991) were followed‐up over a 12‐month period.Method. As soon as practicable after taking a deliberate drug overdose, patients completed the Autobiographical Memory Test, the Personal Future Test and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The relative power of each of these measures, together with the number of sociodemographic risk factors, in predicting parasuicide repetition was investigated using a forward step‐wise logistic regression analysis.Results. The most potent short‐term predictor of parasuicide repetition was found to be scores on the Beck Hopelessness Scale, whereas in the longer term the number of previous parasuicides was the major predictor.Conclusion. For the heterogeneous parasuicide population as a whole, psychological variables are unlikely to improve upon the Beck Hopelessness Scale, sociodemographic risk factors and clinical interview in the prediction of parasuicide repetition.
The development and validation of the Visual Analogue Self‐Esteem Scale (VASES)1
Authors: Brumfitt Shelagh M. , Sheeran Paschal 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. To develop a visual analogue measure of self‐esteem and test its psychometric properties. Design. Two correlational studies involving samples of university students and aphasic speakers.Method. Two hundred and forty‐three university students completed multiple measures of self‐esteem, depression and anxiety as well as measures of transitory mood and social desirability (Study 1). Two samples of aphasic speakers (N = 14 and N = 20) completed the Visual Analogue Self‐Esteem Scale (VASES), the Rosenberg (1965) self‐esteem scale and measures of depression and anxiety. (Study 2).Results. Study 1 found evidence of good internal and test‐retest reliability, construct validity and convergent and discriminant validity for a 10‐item VASES. Study 2 demonstrated good internal reliability among aphasic speakers.Conclusion. The VASES is a short and easy to administer measure of self‐esteem that possesses good psychometric properties.
A qualitative investigation of the organization of traumatic memories
Authors: Harvey Allison G. , Bryant Richard A. 
Published: February 2003

Objective. Previous research has indicated that cohesive organization of traumatic memories may be necessary for the processing and resolution of post‐trauma symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the qualitative features of memory organization, dissociation and perception of threat in traumatic memories recalled by individuals with and without acute stress disorder (ASD).Design. Survivors of motor vehicle accidents (MVA) with either ASD or no ASD participated in a study on traumatic memories within 12 twelve days of the MVA.Method. Participants audiotaped recollections of their memories of the MVA were coded in terms of disorganized structure, dissociative content and perception of threat. Result. The recollections of ASD participants were characterized by disorganization and dissociation more than those of non‐ASD participants.Conclusion. The current findings suggest that disorganized memory structure may be one process that impedes access to, and modification of, trauma‐related cognitive schema.
Dot probe performance in two specific phobias
Authors: Wenzel Amy , Holt Craig S. 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. The present study applied MacLeod, Mathews & Tata's (1986) dot probe attentional deployment methodology to individuals with specific phobias.Design. Attentional deployment towards spider‐related, blood‐related, positive, negative, and neutral words was examined.Method. Individuals with either spider phobia (N = 13) or blood/injury phobia (N = 14) and non‐anxious controls (N = 14) completed the dot probe attentional deployment task.Results. Individuals with specific phobias did not demonstrate an attentional bias towards phobia‐related stimuli relevant to their particular fears.Conclusion. Semantic‐based information processing paradigms may not be sufficiently potent to demonstrate biased performance towards threatening stimuli in individuals with mild specific phobias who are otherwise healthy.
Intrusive memories, post‐traumatic stress disorder and myocardial infarction
Authors: Bennett Paul , Brooke Stuart 
Published: February 2003

Objectives. To identify the associations between two personality variables (alexithymia, negative affect), social support, awareness of myocardial infarction, and the severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms.Design. A cross sectional design was adopted with simultaneous measures of both dependent and independent variables.Method. A random sample of 69 patients who had an MI between 6 and 12 months previously were sent postal questionnaires measuring alexithymia, negative affect, social support, awareness of myocardial infarction, the severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms and a number of demographic details.Results. Forty‐four individuals completed and returned all the questionnaires. A 10 prevalence of post‐traumatic stress symptoms was found. Regression analyses were conducted to identify independent associates of the dependent variables with and without the inclusion of the measure of negative affect. Alexithymia, age, social support and awareness at the time of having a myocardial infarction, were each strongly predictive of one or all measures of symptoms.Conclusions. Evidence supporting the impact of each of the variables on the course of post‐traumatic stress disorder was supported in a population of myocardial infarction patients. If these variables were found predictive in a longitudinal study, they would indicate possible risk factors for post‐traumatic stress disorder in this population.