Evaluation of a mentored self -help intervention for the management of psychotic symptoms

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be promising for the treatment of individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms, who are often diagnosed with schizophrenia. Using a non-random non-equivalent comparison group design (n = 26), this study explores whether an individually mentored self-help and self-paced intervention based upon cognitive behavioral approaches to auditory hallucinations or "hearing voices" makes a significant positive difference for individuals with major mental disorder diagnoses and psychotic symptoms who are residing in the community and receiving community mental health services. The mentored self-help intervention uses a workbook (Coleman & Smith, 1997) that stemmed from the British psychiatric survivor and "voice hearers"' movements and from cognitive behavioral approaches to treating psychotic symptoms. Thirty individuals entered the study. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of 15 participants in the intervention group and 11 participants in the comparison group were carried out using standardized instruments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and the Hoosier Assurance Plan Inventory - Adult. Four specific research questions address whether levels of self-esteem, overall psychotic symptoms, depression-anxiety, and disruption in life improved in the intervention group, relative to the comparison group. Pre- and post-assessment scores were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results showed no significant difference on any measure, with the exception of the Brief Psychiatric Rating subscale for Anxious Depression, which showed a statistically significant pre-post difference with a strong effect size. A conservative interpretation of this single positive result is that it is due to chance. An alternative interpretation is that the mentored self-help intervention made an actual improvement in the level of depression-anxiety experienced by participants. If so, this is particularly important given high levels of depression and suicide among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. This alternative interpretation supports further research on the intervention utilized in this study. ^

Gimme' A Break: Offering Sabbaticals as an Optional Leave Benefit in the Lodging Industry

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the extended leave programs offered by lodging companies in the United States and to suggest a model that could be used in the lodging industry. This model mirrors successful sabbatical leave programs offered by leading companies featured in the annual report, 100 Best Companies to Work For (from this point forward, referred to as 100 Best), published on-line by Fortune Magazine, 2013 (CNN, 2013). While extended leave programs are not entirely lacking in the industry, our research discovered that such leave systems are rare. According to the companies investigated that offer a sabbatical leave program, this benefit offers highly sought after time away from work for top performing employees at the management and higher levels. The benefits reported include happier employees who have increased feelings of company loyalty, job satisfaction, and overall better attitudes. The sponsoring companies stated that those who take part in such leave contribute at a higher level upon their return, bringing fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the company’s success.

Tequila at Sunrise: Spring Break Travel Motivations and Risk Behaviors of American Students in Acapulco, Mexico

Little research has been completed regarding spring break motivations and behaviors of American students in foreign destinations, specifically in Mexico. This paper looks at push and pull motivations in relation to drug and alcohol consumption and findings indicate greater drug and alcohol use among those who selected “party reputation” and “to go wild” as travel motivations. Binge drinking, sexual activity, and drug use among students on spring break in Acapulco, Mexico were also analyzed and compared to past findings within the United States. Results suggest that students are involved in heavy alcohol consumption and significant drug use. Additionally, high rates of sexual activity occur on spring break and results suggest low condom use, placing students at higher risks for the contraction of sexually transmitted infections.

Looking At Residents’ Attitudes towards Spring Break Tourism in Texas through the Lens of Community Attachment

The growth of spring break tourism in many destinations has become problematic, predominantly due to the excessive behaviour of college students. This paper examines residents’ attitudes toward spring break tourism in South Padre Island (located in Texas, USA) through the lens of community attachment. By understanding the attitudes of residents of the host communities, tourism planners and policy-makers can create policies to shape the character of tourism according to the residents’ needs. The findings suggest that, at this point in time, community residents perceive that the benefits of spring break tourism benefits exceed its’ costs. Also, the short and intense season of spring break tourism allows residents to better deal with social costs.

Left to right: Kim de Mutsert, Nicole Poret, and Sharon Ewe taking a break during sampling, Taylor Slough

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. This image is made available for non-commercial or educational use only.

Left to right: Greg Koch, Kim de Mutsert, Sharon Ewe, Edward Castaneda taking a break during sampling, Shark River Slough

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. This image is made available for non-commercial or educational use only.