Investigated whether the relaxation part of systematic desensitization could be learned by cancer patients from a prerecorded audiotape. Results showed four of five patients assigned to a taped-relaxation group experienced nausea while listening to the audiotape, whereas none of five patients taught muscle relaxation in person reported nausea. (BH)

Depressed (N=20) and nondepressed outpatients (N=20) and normal controls (N=20) rated the frequency with which they used various interpersonal behaviors in different social roles and emotional circumstances. Results showed that the three subject groups displayed similar patterns. This contradicts an invariant, trait-like interpersonal style among…

Cluster analyzed the MMPI profiles of 70 male chronic pain patients into four homogeneous subgroups. Mean composites for each subgrouping were entered into a PDP 11 computer to generate an objective actuarial narrative description. Findings appeared to extend and replicate the work of earlier investigators. (Author)

Studied the quality of terminal care in 40 patients in an acute care facility and a chronic care facility. Minimial difficulty was observed in making the transition from active to comfort care. An evaluation method and a model of terminal care emphasizing improved communication and emotional support are proposed. (Author/JAC)

Cross-validated findings of Ludenia, et al. (1984) from two independent but similar samples of alcoholic inpatients (N=219) with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y. Results indicated that the STAI (Form Y) is a stable instrument across time when used to assess anxiety in an alcoholic population. (LLL)

Investigated the relationship of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC) to personality type and level of emotional distress using Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scores of 38 alcoholic males. No relationship was found between the MAC and magnitude of psychological distress, as measured by T scores. (JAC)

Attempted to replicate previous research which demonstrated that psychological test results of newly admitted alcoholics are not stable due to lingering alcohol toxicity. The present study (N=40) demonstrated that a 10-day delay in testing is sufficient to obtain stable results on some psychological tests. (Author/JAC)

This study describes the use of a rating scale to obtain feedback from a group of quadriplegic and paraplegic subjects with regard to what they felt to be important in occupational therapy treatment. (Author/JA)

Analyses of reports of patients' problematic concerns indicated, among other things, that patients and therapists generally agreed when concerns were present or absent in therapy session, but differed in interpretive emphasis. (CK)

Tests George Homans' contention that religion arouses a sense of anxiety concerning death and then alleviates the anxiety it creates. Evidence seems to indicate that religiosity may serve the dual function of afflicting the comforted and comforting the afflicted. (Author)

The results of this study support the continued use of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale in screening patients to identify those who abuse alcohol. (Author)

Conjoint therapy requires reciprocal respect of the two therapists as well as each therapist's fidelity to his/her own treatment plan. The patients' difficulties in shifting between group and individual treatment are discussed. A review of the literature and case studies are presented. (BEF)

Discusses aspects of narcissistic rage and shows how unconscious efforts to get back at one's imagined deprivers can be a major expression of that rage as well as a major aspect of masochism. Examples illustrate revengeful operations and the use of group psychotherapy as an ideal treatment mode. (Author/BEF)

Explored death-dip phenomenon, previously reported decrease in death occurring before significant dates, with cohort of 4,800 psychiatric patients. Compared dates of death with each individual's birthday, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Found no death-dip phenomenon, significant increase in accidental death preceding birthdays, suggested suicide…

A study looked at the process by which psychiatric nurses (n=6) make judgments as they care for people with impaired judgment. Results revealed an overarching theme--judgment as personal responsibility--and four major themes: closeness to clinical data, critical reflection, respect for one's knowledge and ignorance, and the existential nature of…