A clinical case of penile obsession and compulsive hypersexuality is interpreted from four different theoretical frameworks--psychoanalysis, behaviorism, Bowen-type multigenerational therapy, and structural/strategic systems theory--to illustrate how conceptual frameworks implicitly or explicitly underlie all therapeutic approaches. Implications…

Twice interviewed methadone maintenance patients in three cities using Addiction Severity Index. Of subjects followed, 35.4 percent reported having experienced recent psychological symptoms. Found no relation between length of time in treatment at first interview and psychiatric severity. Over one-year period, treatment that subjects received from…

Challenges the assumption that extensive training is required to develop effective skills in psychotherapy and psychodiagnosis. It is argued that educators of researchers in psychology should examine common assumptions about the nature of psychology practice and consider conceptions of professional work that emphasize reflection in action and…

Compared social and psychological features of Asian (n=13) and Caucasian (n=37) adolescents who had taken drug overdoses. Found that Asians were more socially isolated than Caucasians and that, despite Asians having low suicidal intent, they had higher rates of depression, hopelessness, long premeditation time, and previous overdose. (Author/NB)

Notes that psychotherapists and art therapists working with children identified as having been sexually abused have noticed certain graphic indicators seemingly peculiar to artwork of these children. Sees use of art therapy in treatment of sexually abused children as well substantiated. Reviews studies examining characteristics that appear more…

Examined stress factors affecting 4- to 18-year-old Central American refugee children living in Los Angeles. Factors included children's witnessing of war violence; children's separation from their caregiver; and abuse and family problems. Found that the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder increased with a combination of stressors. (SM)

Responds to article by Bagnato and Neisworth on social and treatment "invalidity" of intelligence testing for early intervention with preschoolers. Agrees with Bagnato and Neisworth that psychologists should employ wide variety of procedures and practices in their assessment of preschool children. Disagrees with conclusion that intelligence…

Responds to article by Bagnato and Neisworth on social and treatment "invalidity" of intelligence testing for early intervention with preschoolers. Contends that "intelligent" testing as part of appropriate assessment practice with young children will avoid many problems with "intelligence" testing as outlined by Bagnato and Neisworth. (NB)

The Groningen Social Disabilities Schedule for the assessment of social dysfunctioning of psychiatric patients is described. The measure is based on social role theory and the hierarchy in social disabilities as well as compatibility with the International Classification of Impairments. The semistructured measure allows for posing supplementary…

Evaluation of the Child Dissociative Checklist found it to be a reliable and valid observer report measure of dissociation in children, including sexually abused girls and children with dissociative disorder and with multiple personality disorder. The checklist, which is appended, is intended as a clinical screening instrument and research measure…

Presents current research on chronic fatigue syndrome, which currently afflicts mostly females between ages of 25 and 55. Notes that, because depression is common symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, mental health practitioners are often involved with victims and must formulate appropriate treatment strategy that considers physiological,…

Focuses on assessment of emotions and irrational beliefs in Rational-Emotive Therapy with school-aged children. Argues that, for children to understand and agree to process of disputing irrational beliefs, practitioner first assesses individual child's emotional vocabulary, his/her understanding of relationship between disturbed emotion and…

Review seeks to clarify issues of definition and assessment for school psychologists facing task of operationalizing and measuring social maladjustment exclusion in federal definition of serious emotional disturbance. For school psychologists in states with exclusion for social maladjustment, proactive recommendations are offered, emphasizing…

This comprehensive assessment process model includes primary, secondary, and situational risk factors and their combined implications and significance in determining an adolescent's level or risk for suicide. Empirical data and clinical intuition are integrated to form a working client model that guides the professional in continuously reassessing…

A one-year test-retest study tested the model that the relationship between maternal depression and adolescent suicidal symptoms is mediated by family functioning. Children (N=240) and their mothers, 77% of whom had a history of mood disorder, participated. Results are consistent with the hypothesized model. (Author/EMK)