Examined the usefulness of the Psychiatric Evaluation Form (PEF) scales to quantify clinical interview data for children (N=207) who were survivors of the Buffalo Creek flood. Ratings from interviews conducted six months apart and by interviewers with different purposes were significantly correlated, suggesting the PEF scales are valid. (JAC)

The Hand Test was administered to 30 male and 10 female eighth- to tenth-grade students transferred to an alternative school for acting-out behavior. When retested 21 days later, responses were significantly consistent supporting the reliability of the Hand Test variables related to acting-out behavioral tendencies. (Author/CM)

Presents a training device to facilitate counselor conceptualization of client psychological functioning. Conceptualization is defined as the counselor's synthesis of cognitive behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of the client's intrapsyche dynamics. Presents a specific case conceptualization format, along with an explanation of each…

Determined the construct validity of the California Test of Personality-Secondary Level (CTP) to ascertain whether 12 components of personality are separate and meaningful (N=1,800). Findings indicated that the 180 items of the CTP are represented better as a nine-factor construct. (PAS)

Investigated the relationship between the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 4-3 high-point pair and the Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) scale in prisoners, psychology clinic outpatients, and inpatients at a state hospital. Results suggested the O-H scale and the 4-3 high-point pair are correlated and seem to measure the same types of…

A case study describes the developmental course of a young man with mild learning disabilities and the core features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It illustrates how an inclusive account of challenging behavior can be developed using concepts from mainstream psychological activity. The implications of developing alternative accounts…

Describes a stereotype measurement suitable for classroom demonstration. Illustrates C. McCauley and C. L. Stitt's diagnostic ratio measure and examines the validity of the "kernel of truth" hypothesis. Uses this as a starting point for class discussion. Reports results and gives suggestions for discussion of related concepts. (Author/NL)

Presented 33 case histories of suicidal patients to crisis workers (N=19) for ratings of short- and long-term suicide risk. Ratings revealed considerable variability raising question about reliability of such global assessments. The variability, as measured by the standard deviation, was comparable between short-term and long-term ratings.…

Compares the functioning of true-positive, false-positive, and true-negative adolescents on clinical and psychosocial functioning. False-positive persons did not differ significantly from the true-positive (diagnosed) participants on most of the measures of psychosocial dysfunction, indicating that "false positive" is not a benign…

Reviews seven books: (1) "Cross-Cultural Psychology" (Berry and others); (2) "Biological Asymmetry and Handedness" (Bock and Marsh); (3) "Interpersonal and Identity Development" (Vandenplas-Holper and Campus); (4) "Natural Theories of Mind" (Whitten); (5) "The Psychological Examination of the…

This introduction to a special section provides the basic definitions and presents the measurement approaches and data analytic techniques that are collectively referred to as chaos theory. The conceptualization and assessment of unstable behavioral disorders can be strengthened by incorporating elements of chaos theory. (SLD)

Psychological assessments were administered to 33 World War II aviators who had been prisoners of war (POWs). Aviators showed fewer effects of captivity than age-similar, generally less well-educated, nonaviator POWs, but appeared less psychologically robust than Vietnam War POWs. Implications for the measurement of psychopathology are discussed.…

Examines ways to apply control theory to the clinical practice of psychology. Offers general methods to assess psychological problems and to facilitate healthful change. Profiles what constitutes mental health from a control systems perspective, emphasizing the control of variables to achieve desired ends. (CH)

This paper discusses the assessment of psychiatric and behavior disorders occurring in people with developmental disorders and the problems arising when such behavior results in offenses against the law. The paper argues that a multidisciplinary approach is needed in such cases, given the complex interaction among possible brain pathology,…