A multiple family group intervention for first‐time juvenile offenders: Comparisons with probation and dropouts on recidivism

This study evaluated a multiple‐family group‐intervention program (MFGI) for first‐time juvenile offenders. The recidivism rate for subjects who completed the MFGI (the Family Solutions Program) was compared to recidivism rates of two other groups of first‐time juvenile offenders. Using logistic regression analysis predicting who will recidivate, juvenile first offenders who were placed on probation (N = 95) were 9.3 times more likely to re‐offend compared to the Family Solutions Program (FSP) graduates (N = 267). Families referred to FSP but who dropped out (most never attended the 10 session program) (N = 93) also were 4.4 times more likely to re‐offend compared to FSP graduates. An intent‐to‐treat model comparing the combined group of FSP graduates and dropouts with the probation group indicated that a youth in the probation group was 8.1 times more likely to re‐offend than a youth referred to the FSP. Results indicating better outcomes on recidivism for FSP graduates were significant for both male and female youths. Implications for policy and practitioners are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 177–200, 2004.     

Effects of a parent education program on parents and their preadolescent children

This study assessed the effects of the Survival Training for Parents (STP) program on parental attitudes and on the self-esteem and manifest anxiety of preadolescent children. The STP program presents Adlerian parenting principles in six 2¹/₂-hour sessions to the parents of preadolescents, as an outreach service of a community mental health center. Participants were selected from volunteers from two school districts in northeastern Ohio. Parents in the experimental condition participated in the STP program while control group parents were wait-listed. Eighteen parent-child pairs completed pre and posttesting. Analyses of covariance using the pretest as covariate showed that STP was effective in changing parent attitudes of confidence (p <.01), causation (p <.01), and understanding (p <.05) at posttest. The children of participants in STP improved in self-esteem in school ( p <.05) at posttest. The results are compared to other parent education outcome studies.     

Effectiveness of interprofessional shared decision-making training: A mixed-method study

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the learning effects and examined the participants’ perceptions of an interprofessional shared decision-making (IP-SDM) training program.MethodsThis mixed-method study used a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design in the quantitative phase and semi-structured interviews in the qualitative phase. The 6-week curriculum design, based on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, consisted of two simulated objective structured clinical examinations with standardized patients and blended teaching methods through various course modules.ResultsA total of 39 multidisciplinary healthcare personnel completed the 6-week training program, and 32 of them participated in qualitative interviews. The IP-SDM training program effectively improved the SDM process competency of the participants from the perspectives of the participants, standardized patients, and clinical teachers. The interviews illustrated how the curriculum design enhanced learning; the effectiveness results indicated improvements in learners’ attitude, knowledge, skills, and teamwork.ConclusionThis IP-SDM training program improved multidisciplinary healthcare personnel’s competency, self-efficacy, and intention to engage in IP-SDM.Practice implicationsApplying Kolb's experiential learning cycle and blended teaching methods to develop and implement the IP-SDM training program can improve multidisciplinary healthcare personnel’s knowledge, attitude, skills, and teamwork in IP-SDM.     

Increasing the frequency of daydreaming

Increased Ss' self-reported daydreaming as measured by the Daydreaming Frequency scale of the Imaginal Processes Inventory. Thirty-nine female undergraduates were assigned to one of four treatment groups. The treatments consisted of being presented with either a positive or neutral talk about the value of daydreaming and training vs. no training in the use of imagery. In addition, each S completed questionnaires that assessed level of depression, control of imagery, locus of control, and attitudes toward daydreaming. There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in daydreaming from pretest to posttest. A 6-month follow-up of 32 of the 39 Ss indicated that the increase was still maintained (p<0.05). Changes in the responses to the questionnaires after the treatment procedure were also reflective of a more positive approach to daydreaming.     

Parental attitudes and children's self-concept and behavior following parents' participation in parent training groups

This study assessed changes in parental attitudes and children's self-concept and behavior following parents' participation in one of two skills training programs: behavioral skills and communication skills. At posttest, communication skills group parents demonstrated greater mutual understanding in the area of parent-child communication than did comparison group parents. These results were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Children of parents who participated in either training group showed positive changes in self-concept at posttest that were maintained at follow-up. The parentrated behavior of both groups of children did not improve at posttest. However, at follow-up, communication skills parents perceived their children as less withdrawn/hostile and perceived themselves as playing a greater role in the causation of their children's behavior.     

Clinicians' implicit and explicit attitudes about the legitimacy of functional neurological disorders correlate with referral decisions

Objectives

Uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of functional neurological disorder (FND) remains among some health care professionals. Despite treatment guidelines and consensus recommendations, variability in clinical practice referral decisions persists. Evidence from other conditions suggests such clinical decision making is impacted by practitioners' implicit and explicit attitudes. We aimed to identify whether health care professionals hold implicit and/or explicit attitudes about the legitimacy of FND and whether these attitudes are associated with referral decision making.

Design/Methods

We included 66 health care professionals who work with people with neurological conditions: n = 37 medical doctors, mainly neurologists (n = 18) and psychiatrists (n = 10), and n = 29 doctoral level practitioner psychologists. Participants completed an Implicit Association Test (IAT), Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), a referral decision-making vignette task and self-report measures of explicit attitudes on FND-legitimacy, therapeutic optimism and clinician confidence. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was used as a comparator condition.

Results

Participants self-reported strong explicit FND-legitimate and MS-legitimate attitudes but demonstrated an implicit FND-illegitimate/MS-legitimate bias. Deeper examination provided by the IRAP data indicated pro-FND-legitimate attitudes, but no bias for or against FND-illegitimate—contrasting the pro-MS-legitimate, anti-MS-illegitimate attitudes for the comparator condition. Attitudes about FND-illegitimacy were negatively associated with likelihood of referral to physical interventions such as physiotherapy. Medical doctors had lower treatment optimism and stronger explicit attitudes that FND is illegitimate than psychologists.

Conclusions

At an implicit level, clinicians are uncertain about the illegitimacy of FND, and such attitudes are associated with lower likelihood of referral to physiotherapy in particular. Improved education on FND among health care professionals is indicated.     

Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors Among US Adults With and Without Jail Experience: Implications for Health Promotion

Contact with correctional facilities adversely affects midlife health status and contributes to health disparities in the United States. Sexual health of correctional populations has become a focus for public health research and health promotion programs. Relying on the Health Belief Model, most research has focused almost exclusively on case studies of inmates' disease risk, perceptions of disease susceptibility, and condom use. There is a dearth of research on attitudes and behaviors beyond disease risk perceptions and condom use, particularly within a nationally representative sample of adults. Utilizing social cognitive theory, theory of reasoned action, and related theories, this study examines four alternative sexual attitudes and behaviors among a nationally representative sample of adults with and without jail experience. Results show that jail experience is associated with attitudes concerning sexual exclusivity and intimacy, as well as group sex participation and number of partners. Results also demonstrate that alcohol consumption is strongly associated with jail experience and all four outcomes. Findings offer implications for health promotion within correctional populations. Community-based programs focused on correctional populations could be a fruitful line of public health practice, and programs should take into account social contexts, broad attitudes, and risk factors such as substance abuse.     

Valid or voodoo? A qualitative study of attorney perceptions of risk assessment in sentencing and plea bargaining

Prior research largely has explored judicial perceptions of risk assessment in sentencing. Little is known about how other court actors, specifically, prosecutors and defense attorneys, perceive risk assessments in the sentencing process. Here, we report a qualitative study on the use of risk assessment by prosecutors and defense attorneys in Virginia. A prior survey (n = 70) pointed to a statistically significant difference in how prosecutors and defense attorneys view the role of recidivism risk in sentencing. On the basis of the results of this quantitative study, we collected follow-up qualitative data via interview (n = 30) to explain this unexpected difference. Analysis confirmed the survey findings that prosecutors and defense attorneys differ in their perceptions of risk assessment in sentencing. Results suggest that court actor perceptions vary as a function of professional role in the service of the identified client (the community or the defendant) and their interests. Although perceptions diverged on utility risk assessment in sentencing, both prosecutors and defense attorneys were outspoken in their skepticism of the Nonviolent Risk Assessment instrument that is used to predict recidivism risk in Virginia. This latter finding identifies obstacles that may emerge as jurisdictions adopt a risk-based approach to sentencing. We conclude with recommendations for addressing these barriers that may provide useful guidance on the implementation process.     

Evaluation of a family life education program for rural high-risk families: A research note

Seventy-nine participants attended a 16-session family life education program for high risk rural families. The program was based on an ecological model of child abuse; its components included education, communication skills training, ancillary income support, and childcare services. The participants met weekly and attended both large-group presentations and small-group discussions. The Child Abuse Potential Inventory and a questionnaire were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The Inventory, which was administered as a pre- and posttest, showed a significant decrease in abuse scores across the program. A seven-week follow-up with the same inventory indicated the decrease in abuse scores was maintained. Data from the questionnaire showed that participants enjoyed the program and indicated that they acquired information about child development, parenting skills, and available community resources.     

Changes in health care providers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding domestic violence, following a multifaceted intervention.

PURPOSE: To improve domestic violence (DV) identification, management, and referral in a not-for-profit rural health network, training for health care professionals was implemented using a train-the-trainer approach, two one-hour training sessions, and dissemination of a clinical protocol. The multifaceted approach also involved modifications of emergency department medical records, distribution of office enablers, and a local public health campaign. The authors measured the effectiveness of this campaign. METHODS: After implementation of a multifaceted training and public awareness campaign, a questionnaire designed by the Centers for Disease Control to measure knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intended behaviors (KABB) of health care providers relative to DV was administered to 380 health care professionals in the fall of 1997, with a follow-up survey completed after the intervention in the fall of 1999. RESULTS: The response rates for the pre- and post-intervention surveys were 67% (n = 380) and 56% (n = 273), respectively. Two scales were correlated in the base-line survey: self-efficacy (related to DV response) and familiarity with referral resources. Reporting of victim identification in the preceding year increased from 36% to 39%. Those with training were more likely to have identified a victim within the year (OR = 2.86; 95% CI, 1.73-4.74). Among the 232 respondents with complete data, multiple analysis of variance demonstrated statistically significant overall improvement across all scales. Nine of the 13 KABB scales revealed significant increases from pre- to posttest and included: screening, workplace resources, making referrals, provider self-efficacy, victim autonomy, victim understanding, legal requirements, staff preparation, and too busy/can't help. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive training program for health care providers can increase their self-efficacy in responding to DV victims.     

Families’ and health care professionals’ attitudes towards Li-Fraumeni syndrome testing in children: A systematic review

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a highly penetrant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline TP53 mutations. Genetic testing is not routinely offered in asymptomatic children at risk of the condition as the benefits are debatable and the attitudes of families and health care professionals (HCPs) may vary. This review assessed the attitudes of families and HCPs towards offering genetic testing to children for LFS, with a focus on perceived advantages and disadvantages and involvement of children in the decision-making process. We searched three key databases (Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE) to identify quantitative and qualitative studies. We screened 729 articles identifying eight studies for detailed review. Most parents perceived TP53 genetic testing to be beneficial in childhood, despite previous lack of surveillance guidelines. Parents raised some concerns, including decreased insurability and diminishing the child's autonomy. Most children tested reported no negative emotional concerns after testing, even if tested positive. Despite generally positive interest clinicians remain hesitant. Most families saw the value in involving children in decision-making. Families' acceptance of TP53 testing in childhood was high. This review highlights the need for research on the long-term psychosocial impacts of testing and the attitudes of families to be reflected in professional guidelines.     

The impact on behavioral training upon the knowledge and effectiveness of juvenile probation officers and volunteers

The feasibility of studying the effects of behavioral training for probation workers upon both the workers and their probationers was examined by randomly assigning ten probation officers and volunteers to a training group and a control group. Pre-and post-tests were administered to assess the knowledge and competence of the probation workers, various kinds of problem behaviors that the workers and parents observed in the delinquent youth, and various kinds of problem behaviors that the youth observed in themselves. The training included both didactic and experiential elements. The behavioral training significantly improved the knowledge and the competetnce of the probation workers and significantly decreased the number of problem behaviors observed by both the workers and the parents. No evidence was found that the workers' behavioral training affected the number of problem behaviors that the youth observed in themselves. The difficulties of conducting such a study are discussed along with recommendations for addressing these difficulties in future research.     

Assertiveness training for disabled adults in wheelchairs: self-report, role-play, and activity pattern outcomes.

Thirty-four physically disabled adults participated in an 11-week assertiveness training (AT) program. Ss were randomly assigned to either AT or a waiting-list (WL) condition. Each was asked to complete three self-report measures, a role-play test, and a social and recreational activity diary. The AT Ss showed significant improvements on both self-reported assertiveness and role-play performance from pre- to posttreatment, whereas WL controls showed no changes on these measures. No significant changes in frequency of social or recreational activities were found at posttest for either AT or control Ss. A mixed pattern of results was shown at 6-month follow-up. Posttest gains were maintained across all self-report measures of assertiveness and acceptance of disability, whereas role-play performance approached baseline levels at 6-month follow-up. Overall results support the use of AT in enhancing perceived social efficacy and interpersonal skill of physically disabled adults in wheelchairs.     

Effect of elaboration on the acquisition and maintenance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Investigated the influence of training on the acquisition and retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills by 38 sixth-grade children. Three training methods were compared: precise elaboration, imprecise elaboration, and maintenance rehearsal. Each of these methods was coupled with behavioral training and compared to a no-treatment control condition. Three CPR situations were selected for training: breath and pulse present, breath absent/pulse present, and breath and pulse absent. Data were collected at pretest, posttest, and 1-, 3-, and 5-month follow-ups, the dependent variable responses occurring in sequence. Results indicated that children in the three treatment conditions acquired and maintained the CPR responses at a significantly higher level than the control group. Evidence for the potential superiority of the precise elaboration group over the other conditions was provided.     

Cognitive mediation of treatment change in social phobia

Ninety individuals with social phobia (social anxiety disorder) participated in a randomized controlled trial and completed cognitive-behavioral group therapy, exposure group therapy without explicit cognitive interventions, or a wait-list control condition. Both treatments were superior to the wait-list group in reducing social anxiety but did not differ from one another at posttest. Changes in estimated social cost mediated treatment changes in both treatment conditions from pre- to posttest. However, only participants who received cognitive-behavioral therapy showed continued improvement from posttest to 6-month follow-up, which was associated with a reduction of estimated social cost from pretest to posttest. These results suggest that cognitive intervention leads to better maintenance of treatment gains, which is mediated through changes in estimated social cost.     

A comparison of three covert assertion training procedures

Assessed the effectiveness of covert modification procedures in an assertion training program (N = 52). At pretest, Ss chosen on the basis of high scores on an assertion questionnaire were compared to low scoring Ss in a behavioral role play test. Significant differences between these groups were obtained on behavioral ratings. After the pretest, the nonassertive Ss were assigned randomly to a no-treatment control group or to one of three treatment groups that received covert assertion training procedures. One treatment group received a program that emphasized the generation of alternative responses, while a second group received training directed at restructuring hypothesized negative self-statements. The third treatment group received a social skills treatment program that employed covert rehearsal procedures. All the treatment groups were superior to the control in behavioral ratings of assertiveness during the posttest in those situations that had been employed previously in treatment; two were superior in those that had not been used and thereby provided evidence of transfer of training. Results are discussed with regard to assessment issues in assertion training programs and the use of cognitively oriented procedures in producing behavioral changes.     

The effectiveness of online,family‐based media literacy education for substance abuse prevention in elementary school children: Study of the Media Detective Family Program

The present study investigates the effectiveness of a family‐based, online media literacy education (MLE) program for substance abuse prevention in children from rural areas. A total of 83 families were randomly assigned to receive Media Detective Family (MDF; n = 47) or a control computer program (n = 36) between pre‐ and posttest questionnaires. A total of 51% (N = 42) completed a 3‐month follow‐up questionnaire. Children receiving MDF reported a significant reduction in their use of substances over time compared to children in the control group (d = ?.80). Parents receiving MDF reported that the program was convenient and engaging. The current study showed that an online substance use prevention program using MLE and designed for families is an effective intervention method for reducing children's substance use.     

The influence of assertion training on three aspects of assertiveness in alcoholics.

This study examined three outcomes of assertion training considered relevant for alcoholics: (a) assertive behavior in negative situations; (b) discomfort in negative situations that call for assertive behavior; and (c) expectations of assertive behavior in sober vs. intoxicated states. Subjects were 38 male alcoholics in an inpatient treatment program. Although some behavioral competencies were acquired after assertion training, such training did not differentially reduce discomfort in negative situations or the discrepancy between perceptions of assertiveness in sober vs. intoxicated states at posttest or at 6-week follow-up.     

The effects of soccer training and timing of balance training on balance ability

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a soccer training session on the balance ability of the players and assess whether the effectiveness of a balance program is affected by its performance before or after the regular soccer training. Thirty-nine soccer players were randomly divided into three subject groups (n=13 each), one control group (C group), one training group that followed a balance program (12 weeks, 3 times per week, 20 min per session) before the regular soccer training (TxB group), and one training group that performed the same balance program after the soccer training (TxA group). Standard testing balance boards and the Biodex Stability System were used to assess balance ability in the C, TxB, and TxA groups at baseline (T0) and after completing the balance program (T12). The same tests and additional isokinetic knee joint moment measurements were carried out in the TxB and TxA groups pre- and post-soccer training. Two main results were obtained: (1) No differences (p>0.05) were found in balance ability and knee joint moment production between pre- and post-soccer training. (2) The balance program increased (p<0.01) the balance ability in the TxB and TxA groups, and the improvement in the TxA group was greater (p<0.05) than that in the TxB group post-soccer training. Result (1) is in contrast to the notion of a link between fatigue induced by a soccer training session or game and injury caused by impaired balance, and result (2) has implications for athletic training and rehabilitation.     

An evaluation of three approaches to the teaching of a behavioral therapy

Evaluated the relative efficacy of three approaches to teaching mental health professionals how to do social skill training (SST). All three conditions received a minimal of a common reading package and videotaped modeling of competent SST. Ss in a structured learning format (SLF) as well receive instructions, rehearsal and feedback for a total of 20 hours (N = 39). Therapists in a seminar format (SF) condition discussed topics associated with SST raised by the readings and films for 20 hours. In addition to modeling and the readings, Ss in the workshop format (WF) condition received concise instructions on how to carry out SST during 6 hours of training. All three conditions showed equivalent and significant pre- to posttraining improvement on a questionnaire measure of familiarity with SST; however, only the SLF and CW conditions improved significantly on a test of the therapists' evaluative skills. Finally, on a measure of therapist behavior during a simulated SST session, the three groups showed roughly equivalent improvement. The results were interpreted in terms of the particular ingredients present in each condition, and directions for future research were discussed.