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The present study investigated how stressors experienced by caregivers of people with personality disorders relate to each other and psychological distress, using the Stress Process Model (Pearlin et al. in Gerontologist 30(5):583–594, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/30.5.583, 1990). A community sample of caregivers (N = 106) completed an online survey. Partial Least Squares Path Modelling revealed that caregivers who were male, younger, or residing with their loved one were more likely to experience stressors. Salient primary stressors included the caregivers' worry and care-receivers' levels of instrumental demands and interpersonal problems. Important secondary stressors included strains in the caregivers' schedules, family relationships, and health, as well as reduced mastery and caregiving esteem. The model provided preliminary support for a pathway from demographic and relationship characteristics, through primary and secondary stressors, to heightened psychological distress. The present study clarifies the way caregiving stressors give rise to psychological distress; directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective condom negotiation skills support better sexual health for both men and women. The current study explored relationship motivation (motivation to establish and maintain long-term romantic relationships), gender, and sexual orientation as factors influencing the condom negotiation process. Participants (177 heterosexual women, 157 heterosexual men, and 106 men who have sex with men) read a vignette describing an encounter with a hypothetical new sexual/romantic partner and responded to embedded items and scales. Stronger relationship motivation predicted increased willingness to have condomless sex among women who perceived greater familiarity with the hypothetical partner. Gender and sexual orientation predicted different preferences for condom insistence strategies. The findings suggest that there are a number of conditions that make it more difficult to recognize risk during a sexual encounter and demonstrate how the process of condom negotiation can be impacted by gender, sexual orientation, and relationship motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the contribution of contingency, choice, and predictability (either alone or in concert) to the recognition of one's personal control. In eight different situations, participants rated the amount of control available to them rather than to a fictional competitor. Results showed that participants rated their control from highest to lowest as (a) contingency + choice + predictability, (b) contingency + no-choice + predictability, (c) contingency + choice + no-predictability, (d) contingency + no-choice + nopredictability, and (e) all four no-contingency combinations. The only other finding revealed that the no-contingency + no-choice + no-predictability condition received lower control ratings than all other conditions. Therefore, as hypothesized, contingency contributed more to the recognition of control than either choice or predictability. Results were discussed in terms of replicability, primary versus secondary control, and sense of agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As in most disciplines, the typical introductory class presents topics to students in a linear fashion, beginning (to use psychology as an example) with the history of the field, research methods, brain and neurons, sensation and perception, and so on. This study examined the impact of topic sequence on student achievement. The same professor taught two different sections of an introductory psychology university course during one semester. One section of the course received lectures in the standard linear order, while the other section received lectures in a nonlinear order, beginning with memory and consciousness, followed by history and research methods. Nonlinear-delivery students scored significantly higher on their midterm for four of the seven assigned chapters and performed better overall for the final examination than did linear-delivery students. Nonlinear-student attrition was also significantly lower (7.1% vs. 16.9%). These findings suggest that presentation of material in a nonlinear order better lends itself to student understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual arousal has emerged as an important contextual feature in sexual encounters that can impact safer-sex decision-making. We conducted two experiments that investigated the effects of sexual arousal among male and female participants. Experiment 1 (N = 144) examined the impact of sexual around on sexual health decision-making. Sexually explicit and neutral video clips as well as hypothetical romantic scenarios were used to evaluate the effects of sexual arousal on sexual risk-taking intentions. Men and women who reported higher levels of sexual arousal also displayed greater intentions to participate in risky sexual behavior (e.g., unprotected sex with a new sex partner). Experiment 2 (N = 122) examined the impact of sexual arousal on general risk-taking, using the same videos clips as in Experiment 1 and a modified version of a computerized Blackjack card game. Participants were offered a chance to make either a risky play or a safe play during ambiguous conditions. Increased sexual arousal in Experiment 2 was associated with impulsivity and a greater willingness to make risky plays in the Blackjack game. These findings suggest that, in situations where there are strong sexually visceral cues, both men and women experiencing strong sexual arousal may have lower inhibitions and may experience impaired decision-making. This phenomenon may have an impact during sexual encounters and may contribute to a failure to use appropriate prophylactic protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on analyses of Maclean's ranking data pertaining to Canadian universities published over the last 24 years, we present a summary of statistical findings of annual ranking exercises, as well as discussion about their current status and the effects upon student welfare. Some illustrative tables are also presented. Using correlational and cluster analyses, for each year, we have found largely nonsignificant, inconsistent, and uninterpretable relations between rank standings of universities and Maclean's main measures, as well as between rank standings and the many specific indices used to generate these standings. In our opinion, when assessed in terms of their empirical characteristics, the annual data show generally that this system of ranking is highly limited in terms of its practical or academic value to students. Among other difficulties with the interpretation of ranks, we also discuss the possibility that ranking exercises have unintended, though potentially serious, negative consequences for the intellectual and personal welfare of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a data-based perspective concerning recent (e.g., 2008) Maclean's magazine rankings of Canadian universities, including cluster analysis of the 2008 data. Canadian universities empirically resemble and relate to each other in a manner different from their formal classification and final rank ordering in the Maclean's system. Several pitfalls in ranking procedures, related to invalid and unreliable relationships among indices underlying the final ranks, are outlined, along with relevant findings from previous studies. In their present format, although they have become increasingly publicized and promoted, data based on the Maclean's system can seemingly be of only limited practical use to students. Perhaps more important, in our opinion, ranking exercises have unintended though potentially serious consequences for the intellectual and personal well-being of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional illness associated with significant impairment in quality of life. Compared to men, women are more likely to meet criteria for IBS, to seek treatment, and experience greater detriments in quality of life. In addition to physiological factors, psychosocial factors may contribute to such gender differences. We examined whether traits associated with masculine (agentic) and feminine (communal) gender roles were linked with adjustment to IBS. Women with IBS ( N = 144) completed online self-report measures of gender-related traits (agency, communion, unmitigated agency, unmitigated communion, lack of agency, lack of communion), IBS-specific quality of life (IBS-QOL), and psychological adjustment (negative and positive affect). Agency was positively associated with all dimensions of IBS-QOL and psychological adjustment. Select dimensions of IBS-QOL were lower among women higher in unmitigated agency (social reactions, body image) or unmitigated communion (interference with activity), and both traits were associated with increased negative affect. Lack of agency was associated with increased IBS-QOL (food avoidance) and decreased positive affect. Communion and lack of communion were not associated with either IBS-QOL or psychological adjustment. Findings may help elucidate psychosocial factors contributing to quality of life among women with IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary and update on recent research by the authors and others concerning rankings of Canadian universities is presented. Some specific data are reported in regard to the 2005 and 2006 ranking data published by Maclean's magazine. Some criticisms and difficulties with the use of rank-based data are outlined with regard to the issues of university selection and the interpretation of commonly used ranking indices. Also, aside from statistical and related matters, several implications of ranking exercises for the personal and academic welfare of Canadian students, at all educational levels, are described. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We presently introduce the Virtual Lecture Hall (VLH), an instructional computer-based platform for delivering Microsoft PowerPoint slides threaded with audio clips for later review. There were 839 male and female university students enrolled in an introductory psychology class who had access to review class lectures via the VLH. This tool was made available through the course website following the first midterm. Approximately 20% used the resource, and 18% completed a five-item survey tapping their perceptions of whether the VLH enhanced learning or increased grades; and whether they wanted the resource in other courses. The total number of student accesses was calculated, as was the total duration (in minutes) that students used the VLH. After accounting for initial midterm test score differences, results showed that students who used the VLH for 100 minutes or more scored, on average, 15% higher in their second midterm. The student perceptions of the VLH were also highly favourable. Directions for future research in resource development and implications for educators are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research reports of consistent gender differences in the selection of musical instruments (i.e. trumpets for boys and flutes for girls). As observed in other domains, social perception research shows comparably negative evaluations of individuals engaged in activities atypical to their gender. The present study investigated college students' evaluations of fictitious male or female musicians playing either a masculine (drum and tuba) or feminine (flute or harp) instrument. Using a semantic differential scale, the 98 students were asked their impressions of each of the four fictitious musicians according to masculine (dominant, leadership, activity), feminine (warm, sensitive, caring), or gender-neutral (adjustment, happiness, success) descriptors. Results showed that female musicians were perceived as more dominant, active, and better leaders than male musicians. Moreover, musicians of feminine instruments were perceived as more caring, warm, sensitive, and better adjusted; but less dominant and prone to leadership than musicians of masculine instruments. Finally, the hypothesised interaction between instrument gender and musician sex was significant. Specifically, males and females were judged equivalently for masculine instruments, but males playing feminine instruments were perceived as less dominant, active, and better leaders than females playing the same instruments. Implications for gender stereotypes and social role theory are discussed, and directions for future research are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Examines confirmatory factor structure of the group environment questionnaire on co-acting sports. Validity of the factor structure; Conceptualization of cohesion; Values of standardized factor loadings and error variances.

Research shows that using highly self-aware participants yields studies of higher reliability, validity, and statistical power; dispositional self-awareness is commonly measured using the Fenigstein Self-Consciousness Scale (Fenigstein, Scheier, & Buss, 1975). This study used confirmatory factor analysis to compare various factor models that may underlie that scale. Two independent student samples (296 from Bernstein, Teng, & Garbin, 1986, and 350 from a large Canadian university) completed the scale. Using 6 fit criteria, results from both samples supported the Burnkrant and Page (1984) 4-factor model, namely, that self-consciousness consists of 3 principle scales: Social Anxiety, Public Self-Consciousness, and Private Self-Consciousness (divided into Internal State Awareness and Self-Reflectiveness). We discuss the psychometric implications of enhancing scale reliability, validity, and self-awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the hypothesis that those who prefer solitude should perceive social isolation as a positive experience by asking university students to complete the Preference for Solitude Scale and a battery of social adjustment and maladjustment scales. Correlation between solitude and social anxiety, social loneliness and alienation.

This study investigated individual differences in the belief bias effect, which is the tendency to accept conclusions because they are believable rather than because they are logically valid. It was observed that the extent of an individual's belief bias effect was unrelated to a number of measures of reasoning competence. Instead, as predicted by mental models theory, it was related to a person's ability to generate alternative representations of premises: the more alternatives a person generated, the less likely they were to show a belief bias effect. In contrast to belief effects, which were predicted by the number of alternatives generated, scores on logical reasoning tasks were predicted by an individual's understanding of the concept of logical necessity. These two mediating variables, ability to generate alternatives and understanding of logical necessity, were themselves predicted by similar variables, such as cognitive motivation and abstract reasoning ability. Our findings strongly support the mental models interpretation of the belief bias effect, and suggest that individual differences in this effect are associated with a specific ability to generate alternatives, rather than with a general logical competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared three new validity indices; |F-Fb|, VRIN+|F-Fb|, and F+Fb+|F-Fb|; to the F, back-F, and VRIN according to their effectiveness in detecting degrees of profile randomness. Participants completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, and Kaemmer, 1989) according to standardized instructions. All profiles starting at Items 142, 284, or 426 were substituted with computer-generated random responses to produce 75%, 50%, and 25% random profiles, respectively. Twenty-five profiles were derived using 100% computer-generated items. Finally, one unaltered set of profiles was designated as 0% random. This generated five groups of MMPI-2 profiles, differing according to the degree of profile randomness (i.e., 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Results showed that the F and |F-Fb| indices were unable to distinguish authentic from all degrees of randomness, whereas the F+Fb+F-Fb scale could reliably distinguish all levels of randomness. The actuarial analysis found back-F and F+Fb+|F-Fb| misclassified the least number of profiles, suggesting the latter index should be included in the evaluation of MMPI-2 profile randomness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the relation between two Snyder Hope subscales, goal motivation as the agency and goal planning as pathways, and adjustment problems. Offer of better predictions by agency subscale than the Hope scale for psychasthenia and schizophrenia; Applications for health professionals and directions for research.

Simulation research indicates that the MMPI-2 validity scales easily detect faked-bad profiles that follow vague, but not specific, instructions. The present study compared the fake-bad validity scales (i.e., F, F-Back, F-K, Fake-Bad Scale, critical items, and O-S scales) for differences among one authentic and four simulation (fake-bad) groups. The simulation groups differed according to the type of disorder simulated (neurotic or psychotic) and the clarity of the behavioral descriptions they received (clear or unclear descriptions). Results indicated that the validity scales together could discriminate (a) clear from unclear description profiles; (b) neurotic from psychotic simulation profiles; and (c) authentic from simulated profiles. Actuarial analyses indicated that participants given clear character descriptions were more likely to escape detection than were participants given unclear character descriptions. Future research on incentive and punishment is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study assessing whether the weighted sum scores have an effect on child intelligence models. Comparison of exploratory and confirmatory investigations; Derivation of supplemented models and ability scores; Feasibility of factor solutions with special populations.

Presents information on a study which assessed the magnitude of sex differences in loneliness after accounting for the influence of masculinity and femininity. Number of participants in the study; What sex differences were observed; Evidence which shows that men tends to be more lonelier than women; How the findings of the study supports the theory that males are reluctant to admit feelings of loneliness.

This article evaluates and explores the correlation (+0.892) between the United States federal election winner and the most recent Washington Redskin home-game winner, a relation perfectly linked for 17 of 18 elections since franchise inception in 1936. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]