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Reasoning under time pressure. A study of causal conditional inference.

Exp Psychol. 2009;56(2):77-83

Authors: Evans JS, Handley SJ, Bacon AM

In this study, we examine the role of beliefs in conditional inference in two experiments, demonstrating a robust tendency for people to make fewer inferences from statements they disbelieve, regardless of logical validity. The main purpose of this study was to test whether participants are able to inhibit this belief effect where it constitutes a bias. This is the case when participants are specifically instructed to assume the truth of the premises. However, Experiment 1 showed that the effect is no less marked than when this instruction is given, than when it is not, although higher ability participants did show slightly less influence of belief (Experiment 2). Contrary to the findings with syllogistic reasoning, use of speeded tasks had no effect on the extent of the belief bias (both experiments), although it did considerably reduce the numbers of inferences that were drawn overall. These findings suggest that the belief bias in conditional inference is less open to volitional control than that associated with syllogistic reasoning.

PMID: 19261582 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Factor structure of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: youth version in German female and male detainees and community adolescents.

Psychol Assess. 2009 Mar;21(1):45-56

Authors: Sevecke K, Pukrop R, Kosson DS, Krischer MK

Substantial evidence exists for 3- and 4-factor models of psychopathy underlying patterns of covariation among the items of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) in diverse adult samples. Although initial studies conducted with the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) indicated reasonable fit for these models in incarcerated male adolescents in the United States and the United Kingdom, only one published study has addressed the factor structure of PCL:YV psychopathy in female adolescents, and no prior studies have addressed it outside of these countries. We used confirmatory factor analysis to investigate the factor structure underlying PCL:YV scores in 314 incarcerated (143 male, 171 female) and 193 in-school (99 male, 94 female) adolescents, ages 14 to 19 years. The 2-factor model provided adequate fit only for incarcerated male adolescents and the 4-factor model was problematic in all samples, but the 3-factor solution provided an adequate model in incarcerated and community male adolescents. None of the models provided consistently acceptable fit among female adolescents. Current findings provide evidence for the robustness of the 3-factor model of psychopathy in incarcerated and community male adolescent samples but raise doubts about the applicability of this model to female adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID: 19290765 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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“What would you do, what if it’s you?” Strategies to deal with a bully.

J Sch Health. 2009 Apr;79(4):201-4

Authors: Morrison CT

PMID: 19292853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Humor in advertisements enhances product liking by mere association.

J Exp Psychol Appl. 2009 Mar;15(1):35-45

Authors: Strick M, van Baaren RB, Holland RW, van Knippenberg A

Humor in advertising is known to enhance product liking, but this attitude change is often considered nonpredictive of product choice. Previous research relied exclusively on explicit self-report measures to assess attitudes and purchase intentions. The present research shows that unobtrusive association of a product with humor can affect persuasion through implicit attitude change. Participants viewed humorous and nonhumorous cartoons in a mock-up magazine. One of two products was consistently presented in the vicinity of the humorous cartoons, whereas the other product was consistently presented in the vicinity of the nonhumorous cartoons. The results of an evaluative priming task showed enhanced evaluations of products paired with humor (Experiment 1, 2, and 3). Furthermore, these enhanced evaluations mediated the relation between association with humor and product choice (Experiment 2 and 3). Paradoxically, products paired with humor were also less recognized than the control products (Experiments 2 and 3). In summary, the present research demonstrates that mere association with humor enhances product evaluations and product choice in a way that is dissociated from the accessibility of the product in memory.

PMID: 19309215 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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[Oils: more than a skin care substance]

Pflege Z. 2009 Apr;62(4):210-3

Authors: Meister K, Seeling S

PMID: 19365939 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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[Management of childhood urinary incontinence by group education: promoting self efficacy on the way to continence]

Pflege Z. 2009 Apr;62(4):214-7

Authors: Hacker B, Gäbel E

PMID: 19365940 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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[Establishment of a therapeutic alliance in smoking cessation within the framework of behavioral and cognitive therapies]

Rev Mal Respir. 2009 Mar;26(3):339-45

Authors: Guichenez P

The therapeutic alliance that is created within the framework of behavioural and cognitive therapy is called the collaborative relationship. The active participation of the patient is fundamental. This initial stage is indispensible but insufficient for treatment. As a first step we have developed the notion of a collaborative relationship requiring empathy, truthfulness, warmth and professionalism and the technique of discussion of the 4 R. The four techniques to increase motivation are discussed. The notions of reaction and resistance as well as the pitfalls of this therapy are explored. Finally a practical example of therapeutic alliance is presented.

PMID: 19367210 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Safety and efficacy of vardenafil versus sertraline in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a randomised, prospective and crossover study.

Andrologia. 2009 Jun;41(3):169-75

Authors: Mathers MJ, Klotz T, Roth S, Lümmen G, Sommer F

We investigated safety and efficacy of vardenafil and sertraline in premature ejaculation (PE). Seventy-two men graded their primary PE on a scale of 0-8 (0 = almost never, 8 = almost always). Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was measured. Patients were included if they scored their PE as 4 or greater and their IELTs were less than 1.30 min. After 6 weeks of behavioural psychosexual therapy, 49 patients still had a PE of 4 or greater and an IELT less than 1.30 min and they were randomised: 6 weeks vardenafil (10 mg) or sertraline (50 mg). After a wash-out phase for 1 week, medication was changed in a cross-over design. Initially, all 72 men with PE received behavioural therapy. Twenty-three men were satisfied with treatment and excluded. The remaining 49 men graded their PE as 5.94 +/- 1.6 and IELT was 0.59 min and patients were randomised. Four men discontinued the study. Vardenafil improved PE grading: 2.7 +/- 2.1 (P < 0.01) and IELT increased to 5.01 +/- 3.69 (P < 0.001). PE grading improved 1.92 +/- 1.32, (P < 0.01) and IELT 3.12 +/- 1.89 (P < 0.001) with sertraline. It is concluded that vardenafil and sertraline are useful agents in the pharmacological treatment of PE.

PMID: 19400851 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Multimodal treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children.

Am Fam Physician. 2009 Apr 15;79(8):640, 642

Authors: Felt BT, Lumeng J, Christner J

PMID: 19405407 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Current strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Am Fam Physician. 2009 Apr 15;79(8):657-65

Authors: Rader R, McCauley L, Callen EC

Symptoms of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affect cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional, social, and developmental functioning. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. An estimated 2 to 16 percent of school-aged children have been diagnosed with the disorder. The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the primary care setting is similar to that in the general community, depending on the diagnostic criteria and population studied. The causality of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is relatively unknown. Most recent studies focus on the role of dopamine; norepinephrine; and, most recently, serotonin neurotransmitters. The disorder is classified into three general subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined. Screening tools and rating scales have been devised to assist with the diagnosis. Appropriate treatment can dramatically improve the function and quality of life of the patient and family. Pharmacologic treatment includes stimulants, such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts, or nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine. Behavioral approaches, particularly those that reward desirable behavior, are also effective. A combination of pharmacologic and behavioral therapies is recommended.

PMID: 19405409 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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