Describes the evolution of cultural sensitivity in the third and fourth editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Discusses five improvements in the DSM-IV: (1) descriptions of specific cultural features; (2) glossary of culture-bound syndromes; (3) outline of cultural formulation; (4) broader definition of Axis…

This two-part study examined complex decision-making (making a diagnosis) by psychiatric clinicians. In experiment one, 100 psychiatric clinicians were asked to rate items on the Child Behavior Checklist in terms of their relationship to oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Based on their ratings 27 items were found to be indicative of a diagnosis…

Discusses the need to increase the supply of psychotherapeutic services for those people with emotional problems who are mentally retarded or have IQs between 70 and 80. Suggests that clinical psychologists can play an important role in developing the needed services. (Author/GC)

Definitions of projective tests are critiqued. A distinction is made between projective tests and projective techniques. The unique feature of the latter is its scoring process: response categories are intensionally defined and comprise infinite sets of responses. A continuity from psychometric to projective tests is argued. Statistical…

The perspective of the child as an active problem solver is promoted. Three theoretical orientations consistent with this perspective are presented, and the value of conceptualizing treatment change in the context of developmental change is stressed. (Author/GK)

Single-case designs make available areas not easily studied in group research and make demands on an investigator that are not easily met in clinical situations. Single-case designs appear relatively straightforward, which may foster problems. Best guide for interpretation is recognition of logic of designs and common methodological problems.…

Review of the literature on computer technology in clinical psychology services for people with mental retardation is organized around stages of a scientist-practitioner working model: assessment, formulation, and intervention. Examples of technologies to facilitate work at each stage are given. Practical difficulties with implementation of…

Discussion of computer-assisted psychological evaluation focuses on its use as legal evidence. Topics discussed include legal criteria for expertise; clinical psychology and standards for expertise; factors relating to reliability and validity, including the proper use of data; computerized test administration; computer-based test interpretation;…

Notes that in the prevalent clinical training model, experienced clinicians provide direct supervision for trainees. Reviews literature to examine what and how evaluations of training could be conducted. Offers guidelines for developing an evaluation package to provide ongoing performance evaluation of internship training and data collection to…

Presents 1991 survey information from 129 directors of American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology on admission requirements, acceptance rates, financial assistance, and theoretical orientations. Programs assessed are Doctor of Psychology programs, practice-oriented Ph.D. programs, equal-emphasis Ph.D.…

There appear to be four major schools of thought concerning adolescent depression: (1) depression as a clinical disorder is not possible before late adolescence or early adulthood; (2) depression in children and adolescents is a unique clinical entity, different from adult depression; (3) adolescents manifest depression in the same way as adults;…

Reviews quantitative studies concerned with the effectiveness of transactional analysis (TA) as a method of improving interpersonal communication and promoting mental health. Describes TA in educational, occupational, and clinical settings and discusses its effects compared with other types of counseling. Proposes methodological improvements for…

Reviews the convergences and divergences between counseling and clinical psychology in terms of history, roles/functions, training conferences and experiences, work settings, and the future. Concludes that both specialties are converging in a number of ways, and discusses implications. (JAC)

Research reviewed indicates that the concept of the nuclear family is inadequate and misleading for an understanding of family dynamics or a guide for therapeutic intervention. Nonetheless, clinical practitioners and psychological theorists foster the nuclear myth. A new approach to the study of human relationships is needed. (Author/GC)

In this article, the development of egocentrically motivated altruism as one pragmatic alternative for regulation of the relationship between individuals and society is discussed in terms of its implications for clinical psychology. (Author/WI)