Adjustment to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the importance of psychological factors

Research has indicated a weak relationship between the degree of physical problems and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The importance of adaptive psychological functioning to maintain optimum quality of life has long been recognized, but there is a lack of empirical evidence concerning the nature of psychological factors involved in adjustment to COPD. Ninety-two males completed questionnaires to determine their coping strategies, levels of self-efficacy of symptom management and social support. Adjustment was measured in terms of depression, anxiety and quality of life. Symptom severity, socioeconomic status, duration of disease and age, which have been demonstrated to be of consequence in COPD, were used as control variables in hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Higher levels of catastrophic withdrawal coping strategies and lower levels of self-efficacy of symptom management were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety and a reduced quality of life. Higher levels of positive social support were linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, while higher levels of negative social support were linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety. To maximize quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psychological factors need to be carefully assessed and addressed.

A cognitive complexity metric applied to cognitive development

Two experiments tested predictions from a theory in which processing load depends on relational complexity (RC), the number of variables related in a single decision. Tasks from six domains (transitivity, hierarchical classification, class inclusion, cardinality, relative-clause sentence comprehension, and hypothesis testing) were administered to children aged 3-8 years. Complexity analyses indicated that the domains entailed ternary relations (three variables). Simpler binary-relation (two variables) items were included for each domain. Thus RC was manipulated with other factors tightly controlled. Results indicated that (i) ternary-relation items were more difficult than comparable binary-relation items, (ii) the RC manipulation was sensitive to age-related changes, (iii) ternary relations were processed at a median age of 5 years, (iv) cross-task correlations were positive, with all tasks loading on a single factor (RC), (v) RC factor scores accounted for 80% (88%) of age-related variance in fluid intelligence (compositionality of sets), (vi) binary- and ternary-relation items formed separate complexity classes, and (vii) the RC approach to defining cognitive complexity is applicable to different content domains. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Expectations of the effects of drinking on couple relationship functioning: An assessment of women in distressed relationships who consume alcohol at harmful levels

Based on a cognitive-social learning model of alcohol use, it was hypothesised that women with both alcohol and relationship problems would endorse more positive expectations of the effects of alcohol consumption on their relationship and would report lower relational efficacy than women without relationship or alcohol problems. Measures of relationship-referent alcohol expectancies and relational efficacy were completed by 174 married women with both alcohol and relationship problems (n = 20), alcohol problems alone (it = 26), relationship problems alone (n = 30), or neither problem (n = 98). Women without either alcohol or relationship problems strongly rejected expectations of enhanced relationship functioning (e.g., enhanced intimacy, increased emotional expression) following alcohol consumption, whereas women with both alcohol and relationship problems were ambivalent about these positive expectations. Women with both problems also reported lower relational efficacy than the other groups of women. Negative expectations about the effect of alcohol consumption on relationships in women with low relational efficacy may inhibit harmful drinking. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

D2 dopamine receptor gene polymorphism discriminates two kinds of novelty seeking

Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality as applied to substance misuse has received mixed support. Contrary to the model, recent data suggest that a combination of high novelty seeking (NS) and high harm avoidance (HA) represents a significant risk for the development of severe substance misuse. A genetic polymorphism previously implicated in severe substance dependence, the A1 allele of the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene, was examined in relation to NS and HA amongst 203 adolescent boys. Specifically, we hypothesized that subjects with the A1 + allele (A1/A1 and A1/A2 genotypes) would report stronger NS and would exhibit a more positive relationship between NS and HA than those with the A1-allele (A2/A2 genotypes). These predictions were supported. The correlation between NS and HA in 81 A1 + allelic boys (r = 0.27, P = 0.02), and that in the 122 A1- allelic boys (r = -0.15, P = 0.09), indicated that this relationship differed according to allelic status (F = 8.52, P < 0:004). Among those with the A1-allele, the present results are consistent with the traditional view that novelty seeking provides positive reinforcement, or the fulfillment of appetitive drives. In contrast, novelty seeking in those with the A1 + allele appears to include a negative reinforcement or self-medicating function. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perceptions of younger, middle-aged, and older adults in Australia and Japan: Stereotypes and age group vitality

This study investigated the perceptions of young adults in Japan and Australia about their own age group, as well as middle-aged and older adults. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 155 Japanese and 171 Australian students rated people in the three age groups on traits of personal vitality and benevolence, and also rated their age group vitalities. Results indicated that Australians perceived both middle-aged and older adults in more positive terms than did Japanese and also perceived the vitality of these age groups as higher. On the other hand, both Japanese and Australian young people judged the vitality of their own group as lower than that of middle-aged adults. These results suggest that norms of filial piety, especially its respect dimension, in Japan may be eroding, whereas older Australians may be gaining in social stature.

Rites of passage: Understanding participation of children with developmental coordination disorder

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) experience difficulty participating in the typical activities of childhood and are known to have a more sedentary pattern of activities than their peers. Little research has been done to investigate the impact of these deficits on the lives of children with DCD and the importance of their participation in the typical activities of childhood. This qualitative study explored the impact of the disorder and the importance of participation for children with DCD from the perspective of the parent. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with parents of children with DCD who attended a university clinic specializing in using the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (COOP) approach, a cognitive-based intervention. Findings revealed that incompetence in everyday activities had serious negative effects for the children. Conversely, intervention that was focused on enablement at the activity and participation level had a significant positive impact on the children's quality of life. Emerging themes highlighted the notion that performance competency played an important role in being accepted by peers and being able to be part of the group. As well, parents reported that successful participation built confidence in their children and allowed them to try other new activities. The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health provides a unique framework for analyzing and understanding the impact of the physical disability on the lives of families with children with DCD. Results illustrate how intervention that focuses on enabling children to choose their own functional goals in the area of physical activity has important implications for enabling participation and building the social networks of children with DCD. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Increased TUNEL positive cells in human alcoholic brains

Alcohol-sensitive neuronal cell loss, which has been reported in the superior frontal cortex and hippocampus, may underlie the pathogenesis of subsequent cognitive deficits. In the present study, we have used the TUNEL labeling to detect the DNA damage in human alcoholic brains. Seven out of eleven alcoholics exhibited TUNEL-positive cells in both superior frontal cortex and hippocampus, which were co-localized with GFAP immunoreactivity. In contrast, almost no positive cells were detected in the non-alcoholic controls. None of the TUNEL-positive cells showed any typical morphological features of apoptosis or necrosis. TUNEL-positive cells observed in the present study may indicate DNA damage induced by ethanol-related overproduction of reactive oxygen species. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The egalitarian leader: A comparison of leadership in Australia and New Zealand

This article compares leadership in Australia and New Zealand based on data collected as a part of the GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior effectiveness) 62-nation culture and leadership project. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to demonstrate that etic (universal) dimensions of 'Charismatic' and 'Self-Protective' leadership are evident in both cultures, but that the dimensions have emic (local) culturally determined manifestations. These emic manifestations were stronger in New Zealand than in Australia. Leadership effectiveness incorporated the negative emic dimension of 'Bureaucratic' leadership (both countries), and the positive emic dimension of 'Egalitarian leadership' in Australia and 'Team leadership' in New Zealand. Both models of leadership nonetheless represent styles of leadership based on egalitarian principles.

Is emotional intelligence training for leaders justified?

In this paper, we present the results of a qualitative study of subordinate perceptions of leaders. The study represents a preliminary test of a model based on Affective Events Theory, which posits that leaders who are seen to be effective shape the affective events that determine employees' attitudes and behaviours in the workplace. Within this framework, we argue that effective leaders ameliorate employees' hassles by providing frequent, small emotional uplifts. The resulting positive affective states are then proposed to lead to more positive employee attitudes and behaviours, and more positive regard for the leader. Importantly, leaders who demonstrate these ameliorating behaviours are likely to require high levels of emotional intelligence, defined in terms of the ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions in self and others. To investigate this model, we conducted interviews and focus groups with 10 leaders and 24 employees. Results confirmed that these processes do indeed exist in the workplace. In particular, leaders who were seen by employees to provide continuous small emotional uplifts were consistently held to be the most effective. Study participants were especially affected by negative events (or hassles). Leaders who failed to deal with hassles or, worse still, were the source of hassles, were consistently seen to be less effective. We conclude with a discussion of implications for practicing managers, and suggest that our exploratory findings provide justification for emotional intelligence training as a means to improve leader perceptions and effectiveness. [Abstract from author]

Inhibition of early tumor growth requires Jα18-positive (natural killer T) cells

The role of natural killer T (NKT) cells in the immune response to tumor cells has been largely unexplored. As a model of adoptive tumor immunotherapy, cells from the draining lymph nodes of mice immunized with a tumor-specific or irrelevant antigen were transferred to naive recipients with established tumor. Inhibition of early tumor growth (day 4) required the transfer of both CD8(+) and Jalpha18(+) (NKT) cells from immunized animals without regard to immunogen. In contrast, CD8(+) cells, but not Jalpha18(+) cells, were necessary for the inhibition of late tumor growth (day 8). Thus, the developing tumor changes in sensitivity to NKT-mediated events and the role for NKT cells cannot be replaced by the presence of tumor-specific cells during early tumor growth. This suggests that recruitment/activation of Jalpha18(+) NKT cells is an important consideration during the immune therapy of early stage tumors.

Intervenção nas práticas parentais num grupo de cuidadores

A Formação Parental, enquanto medida de intervenção socioeducativa, tem sido um alvo de interesse gradual, quer a nível internacional, quer a nível nacional. As profundas mudanças ocorridas, na esfera social e familiar, são agentes que têm vindo a promover o desenvolvimento de iniciativas de intervenção neste domínio. A consciência dos desafios que acarretam o desempenho das funções parentais nos dias de hoje, tem sido um incentivo na procura de respostas e auxílio aos intervenientes neste difícil processo de educar. Também o contributo teórico da Psicologia, nomeadamente nas áreas de estudo sobre a Formação Parental, a família, os estilos parentais, o envolvimento parental, e a sua pertinência para o desenvolvimento e equilíbrio infanto-juvenil, têm vindo e estimular o crescente investimento nesta área de intervenção. O presente estudo teve por objetivo construir, implementar e avaliar a eficácia de um programa de Promoção de Práticas Educativas Parentais. Neste estudo participaram 4 cuidadores (3 do sexo feminino e 1 um do sexo masculino), todos eles residentes no meio urbano (n=4), casados (n=4) e com uma média de idades de aproximadamente 42 anos (M=42,25), variando entre os 40 e os 45 anos. A maioria tem o 12º ano (n=3, 75%), apenas 1 (25%), possui habilitações superiores ao nível de licenciatura. Os dados foram recolhidos através de um Questionário Sociodemográfico e do Questionário de Práticas Parentais (Versão Portuguesa de M. Gaspar & P. Santos de 2008, revisto em 2013). No que respeita aos resultados obtidos, existem algumas modificações positivas na promoção de competências parentais ajustada, recorrendo à utilização de estratégias de disciplina positiva em todos os sujeitos, depois da intervenção. Referente as outras variáveis, nomeadamente, os diferentes estilos de disciplina, promoção do autoconhecimento enquanto pessoas e pais, fomentar a autoestima atendendo a aspetos pessoas e parentais, incentivar o bem-estar subjetivo/felicidade dos participantes com relevância na parentalidade não houve ocorrência de alterações positivas.

CAUSE-FIT, POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS WITHIN HYBRID COLOMBIAN ORGANIZATIONS

ABSTRACTSocially oriented ventures have provided livelihoods and social recognition to disadvantaged communities in different corners of the world. In some cases, these ventures are the result of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. In Latin America, this type of undertaking has responded positively to unmet social needs. The social cause drives these organizations and their human resources and they give high value to organizational cause-fit. This paper presents empirical evidence of the effects of perceived cause-fit on several worker attitudes and behaviors. Psychological contract theory was adopted as theoretical background. Employees working in a hybrid (for-profit/socially oriented) Colombian organization created by a CSR program participated in the survey. Data provided by 218 employees were analyzed using PLS structural equation modeling. The results suggest the ideological components of the employee-employer relationship predict positive attitudes and cooperative organizational behaviors towards hybrid organizations.