bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of gender differences in the perception of benefit resulting from the loss of a child
Authors: Polatinsky Stefan , Esprey Yvette 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe current study focused on a sample of adults (N = 67) experiencing bereavement following the loss of a child. The Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) was used to assess whether bereaved parents were able to perceive benefit from their trauma, and whether there were gender differences in perception of benefit. The impact of the following variables on the PTGI was also assessed: the nature and length of time since the loss, and the age and marital status of the bereaved. The results indicated that bereaved parents do perceive benefit from their loss. However, there was poor evidence to suggest perception of benefit along gender lines. Results also indicated a potential relation between greater perception of benefit and those bereaved through illness, and more perception of benefit for the longer the time elapsed since the bereavement. Lastly, there was a tendency for younger individuals and married respondents to obtain higher scores on the PTGI.
Attitudes Toward Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Diagnosis Among a Group of Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Chen Elizabeth A. , Schiffman Judith F. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractFew studies have been published on the attitudes of people with physical disabilities toward genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Articles in the lay press and social science literature on this topic, mainly written by disability rights activists and advocates, imply opposition to prenatal diagnosis and the field of clinical genetics by the physically disabled population. In this study, 15 adults with physical disabilities were interviewed regarding their attitudes toward genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis were generally viewed favorably by this sample of the disability community. Only a small percentage of the sample perceived genetics to be eugenic. Implications for genetic counseling and future research are discussed.
How Do Geneticists and Genetic Counselors Counsel Women from High‐Risk Breast Cancer Families?
Authors: Lobb Elizabeth , Butow Phyllis , Meiser Bettina , Tucker Katherine , Barratt Alexandra 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis qualitative study asked Australian Genetic Counselors and Clinical Geneticists working in cancer genetics to describe their practice when a woman attends a consultation about her family history and her risk of developing breast cancer. Twenty‐nine out of 36 Clinical Geneticists/Genetic Counselors returned the questionnaire (82%). Participants identified the key goals of the consultation as (a) identifying the individual needs and concerns of the woman, (b) providing information on genes and chromosomes, (c) giving an individual risk assessment in the context of supportive interaction, and (d) discussing the pros and cons of genetic testing and putting a surveillance plan into place. Respondents emphasized the dual importance of counseling/support and information provision in this setting, suggesting that one could not be given without the other. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
A Leader‐Led Supervision Group as a Model for Practicing Genetic Counselors
Authors: Kennedy Annette L. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractWith the stage set by the overview of supervision models in the previous paper, thispaper now presents the development and evolution of a currently ongoing leader‐ledsupervision group for experienced genetic counselors. I discuss the procedures forgetting started; the creation and maintenance of the contract; typical issues and themesconsidered; the format for case presentation; and the overall growth of the group and itsmembers.
Parents' Experiences with Genetic Counseling After the Birth of a Baby with a Genetic Disorder: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Collins Veronica , Halliday Jane , Kahler Stephen , Williamson Robert 
Published: December 2002

AbstractLittle is known about factors determining which families utilize genetic counseling services. We conducted semistructured interviews with parents of four children born with cystic fibrosis (CF) and ten with Down's syndrome (DS) to ascertain reasons for using, or not using, genetic counseling services in the state of Victoria, Australia. We also explored the usefulness of genetic counseling for the families who had experienced it, and the perceived role of genetic counseling. All mothers of children with CF see a genetic counselor as part of a structured education program following diagnosis through newborn screening. Information overload was identified by them as an important problem. There is no specific program for families of children with DS. Six of them had received genetic counseling and four had not, either because it was not specifically offered to them or because they did not pursue it in the context of misconceptions about its purpose. The timing of the offer of genetic counseling is important and needs to take into account parents' coping strategies after diagnosis. Several parents commented on the favorable aspects of counseling, including getting information they needed to deal with the diagnosis and relief of guilt. Better awareness of genetic counseling by referring physicians, and providing counseling at more than one visit, may contribute to a more effective service.
Caring for the Care‐Giver: The Benefit of a Peer Supervision Group
Authors: Bosco Amy Foster 
Published: December 2002

AbstractI presented the following case to my leader‐led peer supervisiongroup twice as the case evolved over the course of one year. During my firstmeetings with Mr. and Mrs. M we discussed a prenatal diagnosis of a skeletaldysplasia at thirty‐three weeks of pregnancy and the option of a third trimesterpregnancy termination. One year later I presented follow‐up on the outcome ofthe affected pregnancy, a new pregnancy, and Mrs. M's suicide. Although bothsegments of the case were completed by the time I presented, my peersupervision group was invaluable. With the encouragement and support of groupmembers, I could openly express and process my sadness and grief for the M'ssituation and the loss of Mrs. M's life.
A Method for Analyzing Videotaped Genetic Counseling Sessions
Authors: Liede Alexander , Kerzin‐Storrar Lauren , Craufurd David 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis study describes the development and evaluation of a multi‐item scale for analyzing the genetic counseling process, the Manchester Observation Code (MOC) for genetic counseling. The instrument is specific to the field of genetic counseling and is designed for analysis of the communication between counselor and client. Coding is done directly from videotaped sessions. Because communication is the means by which genetic counseling is accomplished, the method measures four relevant components of communication: (1) grammatical form, (2) purpose, (3) subject, and (4) cue source. The instrument enables an observer to code the counselor's statements into these four components. Three videotaped sessions were used to measure interrater reliability, or the consistency of rating for each of the four communication domains using this method. Three videotaped sessions were also used to measure test‐retest reliability, or the consistency of the designed method from one time to another. A total of 21 videotaped sessions were tested using the method. A statistical measure of reliability established consistency of the designed method; Cohen's kappa yielded 0.7 for interrater reliability and 0.79 for test‐retest reliability. These findings suggest this instrument may be used to identify important elements of the genetic counseling process.
The Psychological Burden Inflicted By Multiple Cancers in Li‐Fraumeni Families: Five Case Studies
Authors: Oppenheim Daniel , Brugieres Laurence , Chompret Agnes , Hartmann Olivier 
Published: December 2002

AbstractTo gain insight into the psychological, emotional, relational, and family problems of families afflicted by Li‐Fraumeni syndrome, we interviewed members of five such families in the Pediatric Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy Institute, where at least one member of the family had been treated. These interviews showed that families were psychologically fragile, that their interactions and thinking patterns were related to a family background plagued by the repeated occurrence of cancer, and was often marked by physical or psychological violence. They had complex imaginary etiologic explanations, and showed an ambivalent willingness to learn about cancer and the risks involved. They expressed their fear of transmitting doom and death, posed questions about whether their parents would have had them had they known the test result, and about what their own attitude would be toward childbearing. Thus genetic testing awoke disconcerting and unsolved questions for them. These first results can contribute to the design of supportive interventions and future clinical research.
Relationships among trauma exposure, chronic posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and self‐reported health in women: Replication and extension
Authors: Kimerling Rachel , Clum Gretchen A. , Wolfe Jessica 
Published: December 2002

AbstractFifty‐two women who served during the Vietnam era were assessed for war‐zone exposure, traumatic life events, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and self‐reported health status. Symptoms of PTSD were examined as mediators in the relationship between traumatic exposure and subsequent reports of health problems. Results showed that PTSD symptoms accounted significantly for variance in health problems reported by women with prior traumatic stressor exposure. When the cardinal symptom domains of PTSD (reexperiencing, numbing, avoidance, hyperarousal) were analyzed separately, the symptom cluster representing hyperarousal accounted uniquely for the variance associated with health complaints, beyond that contributed by other symptom clusters. Discussion of the results focuses on mechanisms underlying the relationship between specific symptoms of PTSD and self‐reported health. Implications for intervention within the medical system are also considered.
Dimensionality and reliability of the Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD in a postearthquake community
Authors: Inkelas Moira , Loux Laurie A. , Bourque Linda B. , Widawski Mel , Nguyen Loc H. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis study examines psychometric properties of the Civilian Mississippi Scale for posttraumatic stress disorder when administered in a community survey of 656 persons following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Internal consistency was lower (Cronbach's α = .73) than for previous analyses of civilian and combat versions of the Mississippi Scale. The analysis produced one strong factor composed of 25 items with regular wording and a second, weaker factor composed of 10 items with reversed wording. Internal consistency was higher when the 10 reversed items were removed (Cronbach's α = .86); the two factors were negatively correlated. Traumatic experiences and psychological distress measures explained more variance in the 25‐item factor than in the 35‐item scale. Further studies should focus on content analysis and performance of the reversed items.
Psychosocial resource loss as a mediator of the effects of flood exposure on psychological distress and physical symptoms
Authors: Smith Bruce W. , Freedy John R. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis study used the Conservation of Resources stress model to examine the role of psychosocial resource loss in the aftermath of Midwest flooding. Questionnaires were distributed through churches and completed by 131 adults in flood‐affected communities 6 weeks and 6 months after the flood's crest. Frequent psychosocial losses included losses of routine, sense of control, sense of optimism, accomplishing goals, and lime with loved ones. Path analysis revealed that psychosocial resource loss mediated the effects of flood exposure on both psychological distress and physical symptoms at 6 months postflood. The findings suggest that interventions designed to prevent psychosocial resource loss may reduce the long‐term effects of disasters.
Olfactory identification in combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Vasterling Jennifer J. , Brailey Kevin , Sutker Patricia B. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractRecent neuropsychological conceptualizations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) implicate dysfunction of the fronto‐limbic system, a brain system thought to be involved in the mediation of emotion. However, few studies have examined fronto‐limbic subregions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, in PTSD. As a measure of orbitofrontal integrity, olfactory identification was assessed in 26 Vietnam War veterans with PTSD, 25 Vietnam War veterans without mental disorders, and 17 Vietnam‐era, non‐war‐zone veterans without mental disorders. Relative to veterans without PTSD, those diagnosed with PTSD were less proficient in odor identification and verbal learning but not on other cognitive tests sensitive to dorsolateral prefrontal and mesial temporal functioning. Results bolster prior research indicating fronto‐limbic dysfunction in PTSD, and suggest involvement of the orbitofrontal region.
What parts of PTSD are normal: Intrusion, avoidance, or arousal? Data from the Northridge, California, earthquake
Authors: McMillen J. Curtis , North Carol S. , Smith Elizabeth M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe incidence and comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are addressed in a study of 130 Northridge, California, earthquake survivors interviewed 3 months postdisaster. Only 13% of the sample met full PTSD criteria, but 48% met both the reexperiencing and the arousal symptom criteria, without meeting the avoidance and numbing symptom criterion. Psychiatric comorbidity was associated mostly with avoidance and numbing symptoms. For moderately severe traumatic events, reexperiencing and arousal symptoms may be the most “normal,” and survivors with a history of psychiatric problems may be those most likely to develop full PTSD. A system that considers people who meet all three symptom criteria to have a psychiatric disorder yet recognizes the distress of other symptomatic survivors may best serve traumatized populations.
An examination of bias in volunteer subject selection: Findings from an in‐depth child abuse study
Authors: Mandel Francine S. , Weiner Merrill , Kaplan Sandra , Pelcovitz David , Labruna Victor 
Published: December 2002

AbstractRemarkably few reported studies tested the assumption that a research sample can be constructed which is representative of the population of interest. In order to investigate potential volunteer bias in abuse research, we utilized a database assembled for an NIMH funded study investigating the relationship among adolescent physical abuse, suicidal behavior, and psychopathology. Extensive information was available concerning the nonparticipant pool from which this sample was assembled, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of possible sample bias. The volunteer sample of 99 abused families who agreed to participate in our study was compared on a large number of variables with a random sample of 99 abused families who declined to participate. Comparisons of the two groups did not support the hypothesis that the non‐participating families represented a more dysfunctional population. The two groups were far more similar to, than disparate from, each other.
Psychometric evaluation of Horowitz's impact of event scale: A review
Authors: Joseph Stephen 
Published: December 2002

AbstractDespite being developed before the formal introduction of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the diagnostic literature, the Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz, Wilner, & Alvarez, 1979) remains one of the most widely used self‐report measures of posttraumatic stress. This paper presents an overview of research using the IES in an attempt to assess its psychometric status. It is concluded that the psychometric properties of the IES are satisfactory (although not as a PTSD diagnostic measure) and that continued use of the IES as a measure of intrusive and avoidant processes is warranted.
Dreams in the acute aftermath of trauma and their relationship to PTSD
Authors: Mellman Thomas A. , David Daniella , Bustamante Victoria , Torres Joseph , Fins Ana 
Published: December 2002

AbstractDreams following trauma have been suggested to aid emotional adaptation, yet trauma‐related nightmares are a diagnostic symptom of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There is little published data relating dreams to PTSD soon after trauma. We assessed dreams and PTSD in 60 injured patients after life‐threatening events and obtained follow‐up assessments in 39 of these participants 6 weeks later. Ten of 21 dream reports from morning diaries were rated and described as similar to the recent traumatic event. The participants reporting these distressing “trauma dreams” had more severe concurrent PTSD symptoms than those reporting other categories of dreams and had more severe initial and follow‐up PTSD than those without dream recall. These findings along with our preliminary longitudinal observations relating changes in dream patterns to outcome, suggest a relationship of dream characteristics and early adaptive versus maladaptive patterns of processing traumatic memory.
Psychometric properties of the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ): A valid and reliable measure of acute stress
Authors: Cardeña Etzel , Koopman Cheryl , Classen Catherine , Waelde Lynn C. , Spiegel David 
Published: December 2002

AbstractA reliable and valid measure is needed for assessing the psychological symptoms experienced in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Previous research suggests that trauma victims typically experience dissociative, anxiety and other symptoms, during or shortly after a traumatic event. Although some of these symptoms may protect the trauma victim from pain, they may also lead to acute stress, posttraumatic stress, or other disorders. The Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ) was developed to evaluate anxiety and dissociation symptoms in the aftermath of traumatic events, following DSM‐IV criteria for acute stress disorder. We present data from multiple datasets and analyses supporting the reliability and construct, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the SASRQ.
Intimacy dysfunction and trauma symptomatology: Long‐term correlates of different types of child abuse
Authors: Davis Joanne L. , Petretic‐Jackson Patricia A. , Ting Ling 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe relationships among interpersonal functioning, symptomatology, and childhood abuse were examined in 315 university women. Women reporting childhood abuse had lower quality of past interpersonal relationships, greater fear of intimacy, and greater trauma symptomatology than nonabused women had. Regression analyses indicated that experiencing both sexual and physical abuse, more extensive psychological abuse, and current sexual concerns, defensive avoidance, dissociation, and intrusive experiences were significant predictors of fear of intimacy. Dysfunctional sexual behaviors, impaired self‐reference, and depression were significant predictors of the quality of current interpersonal relationships, whereas sexual abuse or multiple abuse experiences in childhood and anger/irritability were predictors of the quality of prior interpersonal relationships. Implications for future research and treatment are discussed.
Prospective and retrospective life‐charting in posttraumatic stress disorder (the PTSD‐LCM): A pilot study
Authors: Osuch Elizabeth A. , Brotman Melissa A. , Podell Daniel , Geraci Marilla , Touzeau P. Lynn , Leverich Gabriele S. , McCann Una D. , Post Robert M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to design and conduct a pilot analysis evaluating the utility of a longitudinal, graphic approach to the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Representative patients were instructed in the use of a daily prospective life‐chart; they were interviewed and their past medical records were examined for monthly retrospective life‐charting. The life charts were used to record life events, activating and inhibiting PTSD symptoms, comorbid symptoms, and treatment. Patients readily completed the prospective life‐chart and retrospectively rated symptoms associated with traumatic and nontraumatic life events. Life‐charting facilitated longitudinal depiction of the relationship of life experiences to PTSD symptoms and comorbidities, and the tracking of responses to medications.
The validity of the children's PTSD inventory
Authors: Yasik Anastasia E. , Saigh Philip A. , Oberfield Richard A. , Green Bonnie , Halamandaris Phill , McHugh Margaret 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe Children's PTSD Inventory (CPTSDI) was administered to 76 traumatized and 28 nontraumatized youths. CPTSDI diagnoses were compared to DICA‐R and SCID PTSD diagnoses. Moderate to high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive power, and diagnostic efficiency were evidenced across criterion measures. Convergent validity was evidenced by significant correlations with the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, Children's Depression Inventory, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Internalizing scale, and the Junior Eysenck Personality Inventory (JEPI) Neuroticism scale. Discriminant validity was observed through nonsignificant correlations with the CBCL Externalizing and the JEPI Extroversion scales.
The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma and alexithymia in an outpatient sample
Authors: Zlotnick Caron , Mattia Jill I. , Zimmerman Mark 
Published: December 2002

AbstractOne aim of this study was to examine the strength of association between post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alexithymia relative to other psychiatric disorders in a sample of 252 treatment‐seeking psychiatric patients. The other aim of this study was to explore which type of childhood trauma was associated with a greater level of adult alexithymia. The study found that PTSD and borderline personality disorder (BPD) were the two disorders among selected psychiatric disorders to contribute independently to a higher degree of alexithymia. Another finding was that a greater severity of emotional neglect and physical neglect, rather than abuse, was significantly related to higher levels of alexithymia. In addition, the study found that among these variables, BPD had the strongest relationship to alexithymia.
The Experience of Leader‐Led Peer Supervision: Genetic Counselors' Perspectives
Authors: Hiller Elaine , Rosenfield Janet M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractAs we proceed through our professional lives, it is essential that we challengeourselves in order to continue to develop our genetic counseling skills. Conferences, workshops, post‐graduate courses, journal clubs, and involvement in professional organizations havebecome the traditional methods of continuing education for post‐graduate geneticcounselors. While these forums address the need to stay updated on scientific orinformation‐based topics, there is little available to counselors to promote growth incounseling skills. A group of Boston‐based genetic counselors describe how their leader‐ledsupervision group has established a setting to meet the needs of its members both forsupport and continued counseling training. We outline here the evolution of this group andhow it has become a valued part of our professional lives. We feel that the model of leader‐ledpeer supervision holds great value in helping genetic counselors continue to enhancetheir interpersonal skills in a supportive, safe, and challenging environment. It is our hopethat others will elect to form similar groups in their own communities, thereby creating newopportunities for growth within the genetic counseling profession.