Assigned depressed outpatients (N=32) to either group assertion training or "traditional" group psychotherapy. Results showed that over a relatively short period of time, assertion training was more effective than traditional psychotherapy in increasing self-reported assertiveness and in alleviating depression. (Author)

Compared unipolar depressives with chronic intermittent depressives on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Results indicated mean profiles did not differ significantly, however, an MMPI clinician was able to sort the profiles into two groups. Hypothesizes that unipolar and chronic depressives may not differ on severity of…

Evaluated the reliability and validity of objective scoring procedures on the Draw-A-Person Test. Subjects were mentally retarded persons, psychotics, and normals. Reliability estimates for both scales ranged from .42 to .78. Positive evidence indicates that overall quality does relate to overall level of psychological adjustment. (Author)

A course to teach students how to interview medical patients, to allow for discussion of student concerns about entering into clinical work, and to make students aware of the complex psychosocial factors related to medical illness is described. (MLW)

Evaluated the application of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) to client case records as a measure of treatment effectiveness and examined its correspondence to other measures of outcome. Findings were that GAS scores converged significantly with therapist ratings of global improvement and GAS scores obtained from client reports at follow-up.…

The influence of factual knowledge about the aged, general attitudes toward the aged, and personal contact with the aged on first-year medical students' attitudes toward geriatric patients and geriatric medicine was examined. Entering medical students indicated a preference for working with younger patients rather than aged patients. (Author/MLW)

A logically constructed format for the recording of the patient's personality profile is proposed. The term "personality" is used in a broad sense and refers to data that should be part of the patient's clinical record in any clinical situation and that describe the patient's general vulnerability. (Author/MLW)

A clinical decision-making simulation that helps students understand the relationship between psychosocial factors and medical problem-solving is described. A group of medical students and one faculty member comprise a selection committee to agree on the order in which four patients will be selected for renal dialysis. (MLW)

Abilities of physicians to express emotions through voice tone were assessed and related to physician personality and patient ratings. Aspects of expressive ability were correlated with personality traits, and expressive ability was related to patients' satisfaction with their physicians. (Author)

Preoperative and postoperative intestinal bypass patients were evaluated. Results suggest that postoperative bypass patients have improved psychological health and an increased sense of freedom and well-being but may need assistance in improving self-concepts. (Author)

Cystic Fibrosis and its effects on children are described as well as one child's means of coping with a chronic illness such as this in a school setting. (JMF)

Results illustrate the usefulness of a conceptual model for assessing the interrelationships among pretreatment, and posttreatment variables and outcome. This approach facilitates the unraveling of these complex interrelationships by allowing for examination of the cumulative influences of prior variables on subsequent variables. (Author/BEF)

Skilled patients spoke, looked, smiled and gestured more than unskilled patients. They also showed more behavior variability in response to situational changes. Unskilled patients were deficient in component behaviors and in monitoring and other process skills. Deficiencies in speech contributed to impressions of social incompetence. (Author/BEF)

Seven Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) items distinguish alcoholics in treatment from normals and psychiatric patients. These items have substantial face validity. MMPI scales developed as screening devices for alcoholism did not discriminate the alcoholics in treatment and the psychiatric patients as strongly as did these seven…

This research report examines the characteristics of patients and their compliance with drug prescriptions and suggests that there is a need for education among patients receiving medication so that they do not prematurely terminate the medication process. (JN)