Studied the incidence of bias related to race and socioeconomic status which could confound the diagnosis of alcoholism. Graduate psychology students made a diagnosis based on videotapes. Results indicated lower socioeconomic class individuals were more often diagnosed correctly for alcoholism, and Blacks were diagnosed alcoholic more often than…

Reviewed fee information of outpatients to determine if a relationship exists between fee assessment, third party coverage, and patient payment of balance. Also assessed the impact of a change in billing format. The only association found was between presence of third party coverage and likelihood that the patient returned. (Author/JAC)

The options for the possible articulation between the behavioral sciences and health education are examined. Health and illness trends, the evolution, strengths, and weaknesses of the behavioral sciences and health education, and points of commonality and differences are discussed. (JN)

Compared unipolar depressives with chronic intermittent depressives on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Results indicated mean profiles did not differ significantly, however, an MMPI clinician was able to sort the profiles into two groups. Hypothesizes that unipolar and chronic depressives may not differ on severity of…

Evaluated the reliability and validity of objective scoring procedures on the Draw-A-Person Test. Subjects were mentally retarded persons, psychotics, and normals. Reliability estimates for both scales ranged from .42 to .78. Positive evidence indicates that overall quality does relate to overall level of psychological adjustment. (Author)

Clinicians and nonclinicians made causal attributions to actor behaviors. Analysis showed clear observer attribution bias for both groups. A greater bias occurred with deviant actor behavior and in situations that featured actor actions over opinions over emotions. Results are discussed in terms of applicability to clinical practice. (Author/JAC)

Results partially support the hypothesis that the cognitive structure of in crisis statuses is characterized by higher levels of differentiation and articulation compared with the resolution status. Findings indicate that a synthesis of aspects of cognitive and ego psychology is highly desirable. (Author)

Recent graduates from doctoral programs in clinical psychology rated the adequacy of their training. Respondents were relatively satisfied with their training and were most satisfied with traditional skills in therapy and assessment. Results suggest that satisfaction with training and satisfaction with professional work role are not the same.…

A study of depressed patients showed either cognitive or behavioral treatment can effectively alleviate the depressed condition by a short-term approach. A cognitive approach was more effective in decreasing depression and maintaining this effect. A strong inverse correlation between self-concept and depression after treatment was demonstrated.…

Presents the maximum likelihood factor structure of the Family Environment Scale. The first bipolar dimension, "cohesion v conflict," measures relationship-centered concerns, while the second unipolar dimension is an index of "organizational and control" activities. (Author)

Results indicate that clinicians can become favorably disposed toward a family member seen separately, but not toward cases of parents or the family as a whole. (Author)

Investigated extent and mechanisms of therapeutic generalization across distinct areas of agoraphobic dysfunction among 27 severe agoraphobics. Analysis of possible cognitive mechanisms revealed that perceived self-efficacy accurately predicted treatment and transfer effects even when alternative factors were held constant. Agoraphobia appears to…

Examined effects of two types of cross-cultural experiences upon knowledge and understanding of ethnic minority groups--an intensive relationship with a single member of the ethnic group or a breadth of experiences with a single ethnic group. Results suggest that actual one-to-one exchange of ideas with an individual was more effective technique.…

Reviews conceptual schemata and organizing principles that ego psychology has contributed to our understanding of emotional disturbance. Argues that ego psychology can be converted to testable, pragmatic, and usable precepts for psychotherapeutic practice. Finds theory particularly well suited to practice domain of clinical social work. (JBJ)

Validation issues that arise with measures of constructs and behavior are addressed with reference to general reasons for using assessment procedures in clinical psychology. A distinction is made between the representational phase of validity assessment and the elaborative validity phase in which the meaning and utility of scores are examined.…