measured-response

Prospective memory performance across adolescence.

J Genet Psychol. 2006 Jun;167(2):179-88

Authors: Wang L, Kliegel M, Yang Z, Liu W

In the present study, the authors explored age differences in event-based prospective memory (PM) across adolescence. The tasks consisted of an ongoing task (OT; i.e., personality questionnaire items, math problems) and an embedded prospective task that required participants to remember to make a special response whenever they encountered a PM cue (i.e., a negative word in the OT). The 341 participants (aged 13-22 years) revealed a significant main effect of age, which indicated better PM performance of young adults compared with teenagers. Moreover, when emphasizing the OT versus the PM task, teenagers' PM profited from PM emphasis more than did young adults' PM. The authors discuss the data in the context of limited executive capacity as a factor influencing cognitive development across adolescence.

PMID: 16910209 [PubMed - in process]

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Prospective Memory Complaints Can Be Predicted by Prospective Memory Performance in Older Adults.

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2006 Aug 7;22(3):209-215

Authors: Zeintl M, Kliegel M, Rast P, Zimprich D

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to explore if prospective memory complaints reflect actual prospective memory performance in older adults. Methods: Three hundred and sixty-four older adults aged 65-80 years were investigated with regard to prospective memory complaints, prospective memory test performance, self-reported depressive symptoms, and self-reported memory capacity. Results: Separate analyses revealed that about half of the participants showed a significant relation between subjective and objective prospective memory. Conclusion: Older adults appear to be heterogeneous with regard to the association between objective and subjective prospective memory. For older adults with relatively few depressive symptoms and memory concerns, prospective memory complaints may serve as a valid criterion in the assessment of prospective memory ability. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 16899998 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Self-regulatory strategy and executive control: implementation intentions modulate task switching and Simon task performance.

Psychol Res. 2006 Aug 22;

Authors: Cohen AL, Bayer UC, Jaudas A, Gollwitzer PM

Two tasks where failures of cognitive control are especially prevalent are task-switching and spatial Simon task paradigms. Both tasks require considerable strategic control for the participant to avoid the costs associated with switching tasks (task-switching paradigm) and to minimize the influence of spatial location (Simon task). In the current study, we assessed whether the use of a self-regulatory strategy known as "implementation intentions" would have any beneficial effects on performance in each of these task domains. Forming an implementation intention (i.e., an if-then plan) is a self-regulatory strategy in which a mental link is created between a pre-specified future cue and a desired goal-directed response, resulting in facilitated goal attainment (Gollwitzer in European Review of Social Psychology, 4, 141-185, 1993, American Psychologist, 54, 493-503, 1999). In Experiment 1, forming implementation intentions in the context of a task-switching paradigm led to a reduction in switch costs. In Experiment 2, forming implementation intentions reduced the effects of spatial location in a Simon task for the stimulus specified in the implementation intention. Results supported the prediction that the need for high levels of cognitive control can be alleviated to some degree by making if-then plans that specify how one responds to that critical stimuli.

PMID: 16924541 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The development of body, environment, and object-based frames of reference in spatial memory in normal and atypical populations.

Cogn Process. 2006 Sep;7 Suppl 5:68-9

Authors: Nardini M, Atkinson J, Braddick O, Burgess N

PMID: 16915438 [PubMed - in process]

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Social support and quality of life of patients prior to stem cell or bone marrow transplantation.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):451-62

Authors: Frick E, Ramm G, Bumeder I, Schulz-Kindermann F, Tyroller M, Fischer N, Hasenbring M

OBJECTIVES: To determine the positive and detrimental aspects of social support prior to allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation/stem cell transplantation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Patients completed the German version of the Illness-specific Social Support Scale (ISSS) and the Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). RESULTS: Participants were 282 patients (62% autologous SCT, 39% women, 97% haematological malignancies, 72% with partner). We found satisfactory reliability values for both ISSS scales: positive support (Cronbach's alpha=.91) and problematic support (=.73). Patients living with a partner displayed higher scores in positive interaction than patients living alone (p<.001). Analysis showed a significant main effect of partnership, p<.001; F(1)=8.345, and better scores for women, p<1; F(1)=2.758. Furthermore, we determined a negative correlation between problematic interaction and emotional/social function (p<.001) and a positive correlation with insomnia, but no correlation between positive interaction, QLQ-C30, and Karnofsky's index. CONCLUSIONS: We could distinguish between helpful and harmful support, and determine clinically important associations of problematic support. Partnership seems to be a major source of positive interaction.

PMID: 16870055 [PubMed - in process]

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Patient preferences for medical doctors.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):439-49

Authors: Furnham A, Petrides KV, Temple J

A sample of 395 white, native English-speaking adults were asked to rate eight medical doctors (general practitioners (GPs) and consultants), representing all permutations of the following three attributes: age (<35 versus >50), training location (UK versus Asia) and gender. Approximately half the participants were allocated in a group with a condition involving an intimate type of health problem and the rest in a group with a non-intimate condition. Participants showed a preference for UK-trained doctors, although it was unclear whether this was due to the homogeneous composition of the sample. There were significant two-way interactions involving patient gender and doctor gender in the first case and doctor age and training location in the second. Additional interactions were specific to either the general practitioner or the consultant ratings. Overall, there were more significant effects in general practitioner ratings, suggesting that people de-emphasize their preferences when selecting consultants.

PMID: 16870054 [PubMed - in process]

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A validity and reliability study of the coping self-efficacy scale.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):421-37

Authors: Chesney MA, Neilands TB, Chambers DB, Taylor JM, Folkman S

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the psychometric characteristics of the coping self-efficacy (CSE) scale, a 26-item measure of one's confidence in performing coping behaviors when faced with life challenges. DESIGN: Data came from two randomized clinical trials (N1=149, N2=199) evaluating a theory-based Coping Effectiveness Training (CET) intervention in reducing psychological distress and increasing positive mood in persons coping with chronic illness. METHODS: The 348 participants were HIV-seropositive men with depressed mood who have sex with men. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and comparison conditions and assessed pre- and post-intervention. Outcome variables included the CSE scale, ways of coping, and measures of social support and psychological distress and well-being. RESULTS: Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) revealed a 13-item reduced form of the CSE scale with three factors: Use problem-focused coping (6 items, alpha=.91), stop unpleasant emotions and thoughts (4 items, alpha=.91), and get support from friends and family (3 items, alpha=.80). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability are strong for all three factors. Concurrent validity analyses showed these factors assess self-efficacy for different types of coping. Predictive validity analyses showed that residualized change scores in using problem- and emotion-focused coping skills were predictive of reduced psychological distress and increased psychological well-being over time. CONCLUSIONS: The CSE scale provides a measure of a person's perceived ability to cope effectively with life challenges, as well as a way to assess changes in CSE over time in intervention research.

PMID: 16870053 [PubMed - in process]

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Application of a chronic illness model as a means of understanding pre-operative psychological adjustment in coronary artery bypass graft patients.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):401-19

Authors: Oxlad M, Wade TD

OBJECTIVES: To increase understanding of the factors associated with pre-operative psychological adjustment in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients by assessing the utility of a chronic illness model developed by Scharloo, Kaptein, Weinman, Willems, and Rooijmans (2000). DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was employed. METHOD: Elective CABG patients (N=119) completed self-report measures of illness representation, self-rated health, social support, coping methods, and pre-operative adjustment (depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology) an average of 30 days prior to surgery. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to assess the mediational relationships proposed by the chronic illness model. RESULTS: Five 3-variable mediational chains were assessed. In all instances, the results conformed to the relationships suggested by the chronic illness model where the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables was reduced when the mediator variable was controlled. However, a significant reduction of this relationship was found in three of the five chains examined. The most rigorous support for the model occurred, where increased use of avoidance coping mediated the relationship between poorer self-rated health and increased PTSD symptomatology, and also where increased use of avoidance coping partially mediated the relationship between a more negative illness representation and increased PTSD symptomatology, and poorer self-rated health and increased depression. CONCLUSIONS: The chronic illness model of Scharloo and colleagues shows potential in explaining pre-operative adjustment in CABG patients. Longitudinal examination of the model is recommended.

PMID: 16870052 [PubMed - in process]

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Post-traumatic stress disorder and illness perceptions over time following myocardial infarction and subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):387-400

Authors: Sheldrick R, Tarrier N, Berry E, Kincey J

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and illness perceptions in people who suffered the acute medical trauma of a myocardial infarction (MI) or a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The study tested hypotheses regarding changes in PTSD symptoms and illness perceptions over time, associations between PTSD and illness perceptions and cognitive predictors of PTSD. DESIGN AND METHOD: The study employed a longitudinal design and measured the illness perceptions and PTSD symptoms of an MI group (N=17) and a SAH group (N=27). Data were collected within 2 weeks of admission (T1), 6 weeks after admission (T2) and 3 months after admission (T3). Statistical analysis was undertaken to examine associations between illness perceptions and PTSD and to examine cognitive predictors of PTSD. RESULTS: The prevalence of PTSD within the total acute medical trauma sample was 16% at 2 weeks, 35% at 6 weeks and 16% at 3 months. Illness perception factors of identity, timeline (acute/chronic), consequences and emotional representation were strongly correlated with PTSD at all three time points. PTSD symptoms and illness perceptions were shown to have changed over time. The results also showed that several illness perception factors are significant predictors of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: Both PTSD symptoms and illness perceptions changed significantly over time following an MI or SAH. Illness perception factors are significant predictors of PTSD.

PMID: 16870051 [PubMed - in process]

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A case series to pilot cognitive behaviour therapy for women with urinary incontinence.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):373-86

Authors: Garley A, Unwin J

OBJECTIVE: Psychological factors have been identified with respect to female urinary incontinence. However, there is limited research regarding psychological interventions. The effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a treatment for women with urinary incontinence was investigated. DESIGN: The study adopted an AB case series design with a follow-up phase. METHODS: Ten women with urinary incontinence each attended individual sessions. The Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) were administered pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-months post-treatment. Participants kept weekly records of bladder functioning. An unstandardized client satisfaction questionnaire was administered at 3-months post-treatment. RESULTS: Anxiety and depression, as measured by the HADS did not show any significant changes. Improvements in incontinence-related quality of life reached statistical significance at the post-treatment administration and were maintained at the 3-months post-treatment follow-up. Significant changes in bladder functioning were not apparent until the 3-month post-treatment follow-up. The satisfaction questionnaires suggest that the participants found the intervention of value. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study tentatively suggest that incontinence-related quality of life might be improved by involvement in a CBT intervention. Some modest improvements occurred in bladder functioning. Further research is required to confirm these findings.

PMID: 16870050 [PubMed - in process]

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Age differences in control beliefs regarding health: control, strategy and capacity.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):357-71

Authors: Bernardes SF, Lima ML

OBJECTIVES: A new model of perceived control has been proposed (Skinner, 1995) in which 3 types of control-related beliefs were distinguished: control, strategy and capacity. This model has not yet been applied to health issues. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to apply it to the health domain, exploring age differences in the way children and teenagers conceptualize control-related beliefs. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective age cohort study was carried out with older children and teenagers attending public schools in Lisbon's metropolitan area. METHOD: A newly developed instrument (HPCQ) was administered to 188 healthy participants (91 6th graders and 97 11th graders). RESULTS: Analyses of variance showed no age differences in individuals' strategy beliefs. Generally, children showed stronger capacity beliefs and a higher perceived control over their own health than teenagers. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the belief in being a lucky person was a central predictor of control in later childhood. In adolescence, chance-related factors lost their predictive power, and effort and attributes-related beliefs remained controls' primary predictors. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the heuristic value of this recent conceptualization of control-related beliefs. Moreover, they contribute to the development of more effective and reliable health-related school-based prevention/intervention programmes aiming at these particular age cohorts.

PMID: 16870049 [PubMed - in process]

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Physical activity and self-rated health: interactive effects of activity in work and leisure domains.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):533-50

Authors: Parkes KR

OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal study examined the effects of physical activity on self-rated health (SRH); specifically, predicted interactions between leisure activity and job activity, and between leisure activity and age, were evaluated in relation to SRH. METHODS: Survey data on age and leisure activity together with relevant covariates (education, body mass index, smoking and negative affectivity) were collected from oil industry employees. Three job activity levels were identified (sedentary, active and strenuous). At 5-year follow-up, SRH, body mass index and smoking were reassessed. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the longitudinal data (N=314). RESULTS: The job activity x leisure activity interaction (controlled for baseline SRH and covariates) predicted follow-up SRH (p<.025). Individuals in sedentary jobs benefited disproportionately from leisure activity; active and strenuous jobs were associated with lower SRH, irrespective of leisure activity. The age x leisure activity interaction was also significant (p<.025); leisure activity was significantly and positively associated with SRH only among younger individuals. Changes in body mass index and smoking contributed additively to the model, but did not mediate physical activity effects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of leisure physical activity for employees in sedentary jobs, but suggest that other factors (such as adverse environmental conditions) may underlie the lower SRH associated with physically demanding work. The results also indicate that, irrespective of job activity level, younger individuals benefit more from leisure physical activity than older ones. Thus, the study informs interventions designed to improve the health of employees through increased physical activity.

PMID: 16870060 [PubMed - in process]

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Towards an idiothetic understanding of the role of social problem solving in daily event, mood and health experiences: a prospective daily diary approach.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):513-31

Authors: Baker SR

OBJECTIVES: Utilising D'Zurilla's (1986, 1990) transactional social problem solving model as the theoretical framework, the present study sought to examine the dynamics of the social problem solving process in relation to intraindividual experiences of events, mood, and physical health in daily life. DESIGN: The study incorporated both idiographic and nomothetic strategies, combining a daily diary approach within a prospective design. As such, each individual's experience of events, mood, and health were assessed on a daily basis, and the prospective relations between social problem solving and these day-to-day experiences examined. METHODS: Participants' (university students) completed a measure of social problem solving at baseline followed, approximately 5 weeks later, by daily self-reports of mood (positive & negative), events (hassles & uplifts), and physical health (health status & URI symptoms) for a period of 14 days. The data were analysed using multilevel hierarchical modelling. RESULTS: Days on which individuals had greater than their average hassles were associated with higher negative and lower positive mood (i.e. domain specific & cross-over effects), whilst greater uplifts were linked to positive mood only. With regard to health, individuals reported worse status and more URI symptoms on days with greater than their average negative (hassles, negative mood) but not positive influences (uplifts, positive mood). Both social problem solving orientations and skills dimensions were associated prospectively with daily health outcomes, and these relationships were not moderated by day-to-day experiences of mood or events. CONCLUSIONS: The data clarify the importance of social problem solving to within-person daily event, mood, and health experiences. The implications of these findings for contemporary transactional social problem solving models are discussed.

PMID: 16870059 [PubMed - in process]

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The development of insomnia within the first year: a focus on worry.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):501-11

Authors: Jansson M, Linton SJ

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to study the relationships between sleep-related worry and subjective sleep perception as a function of stage of chronicity. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study consisting of 136 individuals with a short history of insomnia was used. METHODS: The 136 participants were grouped to form two different levels of chronicity based on their duration of insomnia: short (3-7 months; n=69) and long (>7-12 months; n=67). Two domains of sleep-related worry (sleeplessness and health) were used as predictors of subjective sleep perception (sleep onset latency, time awake after sleep onset, and total sleep time). RESULTS: The association between worry for sleeplessness and subjective sleep perception was significantly different across the stages of chronicity. In the group with a short duration of insomnia, worry for sleeplessness was not related to subjective sleep perception. Worry for sleeplessness was however a significant predictor of subjective sleep perception in the group with a long duration of insomnia (unique variance: 33% on sleep onset latency, 19% on time awake after sleep onset, and 13% on total sleep time). Even if marked differences were observed between the two groups, worry for health was not significantly different across stages of chronicity on subjective sleep perception. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that the role of sleep-related worry to subjective sleep perception may increase over time. Given that worry was a mechanism with an increasingly stronger impact over time, this supports the idea that worry is a potential mechanism related to the development of insomnia.

PMID: 16870058 [PubMed - in process]

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Augmenting the theory of planned behaviour with the prototype/willingness model: predictive validity of actor versus abstainer prototypes for adolescents' health-protective and health-risk intentions.

Br J Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;11(Pt 3):483-500

Authors: Rivis A, Sheeran P, Armitage CJ

OBJECTIVES: The present research tested: (a) whether prototype perceptions and descriptive norms from the prototype/willingness model (PWM; Gibbons, Gerrard, Blanton, & Russell, 1998) enhance the prediction of adolescents' intentions to engage in health-protective and health-risk behaviours after variables from the theory of planned behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) and past behaviour have been taken into account and (b) whether images of the type of person who engages in a health behaviour (actor prototypes) and images of the type of person who does not engage in a health behaviour (abstainer prototypes) have equivalent predictive validity. DESIGN: An experimental design with a single between participants factor (actor versus abstainer prototype) was employed. METHOD: Participants in this study were 247 school pupils who completed measures of TPB variables, PWM variables and past behaviour in relation to three health-protective and three health-risk behaviours. RESULTS: Findings indicated that PWM variables accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in behavioural intentions after TPB variables and past behaviour had been taken into account (Mean deltaR2=.05). Perceived similarity to prototypes was the most consistent additional predictor of intention. Actor and abstainer prototypes exhibited equivalent predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS: The present research suggests that variables from the PWM, especially prototype similarity, enhance the predictive validity of the TPB. The findings also provide new evidence that acquiring the characteristics of both health and risk images may be goals among adolescents and suggest that both healthy and risky prototypes constitute useful cognitive targets for interventions.

PMID: 16870057 [PubMed - in process]