Randomly assigned 54 body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) subjects to cognitive behavior therapy or no treatment. BDD symptoms were significantly decreased in therapy subjects and the disorder was eliminated in 82 percent of cases at posttreatment and 77 percent at follow-up. Subjects' overall psychological symptoms and self-esteem also improved. (RJM)

Focuses on how federal training funds have affected the directions of psychology and medicine. The significance for psychology's involvement in national health policy, particularly during this era of reform, is highlighted, as are those steps by the research, education, and practice communities within psychology, that are essential for…

Describes a teaching exercise in an undergraduate psychology course in which students read a book with unconventional perspectives on the field of study. Maintains that the activity develops critical reading and thinking skills by confronting students with controversial views. Identifies some of the books selected to fit the criteria of this…

Examines graduate recruitment and admissions processes for ethnic minority students in clinical psychology by surveying graduate admissions directors. Reports that 98% of programs reported efforts to recruit minority applicants with 82% using flexible criteria when evaluating applicants; directors identified community characteristics, financial…

Child psychologists are frequently involved in the assessment of ADHD symptoms among school-aged youth. There is limited information regarding the extent to which psychologists adhere to recommended assessment practices and whether differences exist in assessment strategies among psychologists from different specialty areas (clinical, counseling,…

Twenty-seven full-time students within the Physician Assistant Studies Program at The University of Texas--Pan American were anonymously surveyed to determine their levels of stress while enrolled in their first semester. The majority of respondents reported that their stress levels at this point in the program tell within the moderate to…

The Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides a case study for linking performance measurement, information technology, and aligned research efforts to facilitate quality improvement in a large, complex health system. Dialogue between clinical researchers and VA leaders occurs through structured activities (e.g., the Quality Enhancement…

We searched nine electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about care at the end of life and found 23 RCTs. We assessed their quality using the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration. The RCTs researched three themes: (a) the effect of providing palliative care through dedicated community teams on quality of life, on the…

Incorporating films in abnormal psychology courses often helps to enliven the class and engage students in the diagnostic process. This summary of films that have been effectively incorporated by clinical instructors may be of value to those wishing to enhance their classroom presentations of these content areas. Although use of mass-marketed…

Psychologists starting their careers now have a bleaker view of the job market than those who started a decade or more ago. Ways in which new doctoral graduates in psychology can find their first jobs in professional psychology are explored in this paper. The focus is upon what reviewers and interviewers may look for in the curriculum vitae of…

The possibility of lawsuits is a general condition of citizenship; potential lawsuits based on allegations of malpractice is a routine part of professional practice. This monograph provides a guide for taking some reasonable precautions to avoid malpractice suits. The text provides an outline that counselors may use in developing a legal and…

The Clinical Skills Inventory (CSI), an instrument designed to evaluate clinical skills acquired by students over the course of training in a doctoral clinical psychology program, is described. Uses of the CSI are: (1) an advising tool by faculty and students to determine individualized learning objectives and to plan training activities and (2)…

One clinical psychologist worked with terminally ill, end-stage Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients in a hospice type setting for an 18-month time period. Interventions included individual psychotherapy, mental status assessments, staff group sessions, and supportive services for families and significant others. During that time,…

A "modified essay examination" was used to help teach and to assess clinical problem-solving skills with 11 first trimester doctoral students. This examination provided a paper-and-pencil simulation of problems encountered in case management. Students were required to generate hypotheses, formulate questions, discuss issues, and make…

Briefly considering the literature, this paper reviews research in the area of temperament and points out the implications of findings for school psychologists. Following a brief discussion of several definitions of temperament, two issues given the most consideration in the theoretical literature are outlined: the genetic origins of temperament…