This study conducted a systematic review to assess the quality of existing literature on psychological treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and to quantify the evidence for their efficacy. Three independent reviewers (2 from England, 1 from the United States) coded the quality of 32 studies, 17 of which provided data suitable for meta-analysis.…

An exciting period in mental and physical health research is beginning, resulting from a paradigm shift from an outdated biomedical reductionism approach to a more comprehensive biopsychosocial model, which emphasizes the unique interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors required to better understand health and illness. This…

This report considers the effective and varied components of treatment of an uncommon manifestation of conversion disorder in an adolescent girl. The patient was referred for treatment of hearing loss with no apparent organic cause. The treatment approach was multifaceted and based on general principles for treatment of conversion disorder in…

Subjects were classified into left movers, right movers, and bidirectionals according to the characteristic direction of their eye movements in response to questions. The three groups were compared on their preferential use of defense mechanisms and on the number of psychosomatic complaints. (Author)

Study supported in part by Grant MH-10993 from the National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Public Health Service.

Discusses the advantages of a holistic health program. Notes common problems aided by a holistic health approach. Considers the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol and their relationship to mental and emotional distress. Provides nutritional information and recommendations for counselors. (RC)

Describes biofeedback as the monitoring of a physiological function and the awareness of that by the person. Has been used in counseling as a relaxation aid. Other potential uses include improving clients' internal locus of control, reducing depression, diagnosing, and monitoring progress. Includes cautions and recommendations for counselor…

Reviews the use of family therapy in dealing with illnesses such as childhood diabetes, asthma, pain, and anorexia nervosa. Marital and family therapy may be effective in treating some psychosomatic problems. Family assessment is helpful in the management of all psychosomatic problems. (Author/JAC)

Discusses Indochinese students from the perspectives of the language barrier and the emotional stress of readjustment on these students in the school setting. Offers solutions which educators may use to overcome language and emotional difficulties. (CM)

Examined whether perception of racist experiences would predict differently for self-reported health symptoms compared to an objective health measure (cardiovascular reactivity) among African Americans, noting the influence of spirituality. Perceived racist experiences and racial stress negatively related to health symptoms and inversely related…

The current study examined psychological and physical health outcomes of the written disclosure paradigm and the hypothesis that the principles of therapeutic exposure account for the beneficial effects of the paradigm. Participants were randomly assigned to either a written disclosure condition or a control condition. Reactivity to the writing…

Negative affectivity has been defined as a predisposition to experience intense states of negative emotions. As a trait concept it is a dimension that reflects stable and pervasive differences in negative mood and self-concept. There has been systematic evidence linking negative affectivity to anxiety, depression, psychosomatic complaints, pain…

Adults with chronic tension headaches were assigned to auditory electromyograph (EMG) feedback (N=9), to progressive relaxation (N=9), and to placebo treatment (N=9). Data indicated that biofeedback and verbal relaxation instructions were equally superior to the medicine placebo on all measured variables in the direction of clinical improvement,…

Adolescence is considered a transitory phase in the life course. Failure in school during adolescence can carry with it the risk of an occupational and social downward mobility in the future life course in comparison to the family of origin. The stress associated with this risk can have detrimental effects on the social and emotional climate…