Search

Purpose In this project, we propose and test a new device – wearable sociometric badges containing small microphones – as a low-cost and relatively unobtrusive tool for measuring stress response to group processes. Specifically, we investigate whether voice pitch, measured using the microphone of the sociometric badge, is associated with physiological stress response to group processes. Methodology We collect data in a laboratory setting using participants engaged in two types of small-group interactions: a social interaction and a problem-solving task. We examine the association between voice pitch (measured by fundamental frequency of the participant’s speech) and physiological stress response (measured using salivary cortisol) in these two types of small-group interactions. Findings We find that in the social task, participants who exhibit a stress response have a statistically significant greater deviation in voice pitch (from their overall average voice pitch) than those who do not exhibit a stress response. In the problem-solving task, participants who exhibit a stress response also have a greater deviation in voice pitch than those who do not exhibit a stress response, however, in this case, the results are only marginally significant. In both tasks, among participants who exhibited a stress response, we find a statistically significant correlation between physiological stress response and deviation in voice pitch. Practical and research implications We conclude that wearable microphones have the potential to serve as cheap and unobtrusive tools for measuring stress response to group processes.

Summary Background Raised maternal anxiety during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes for her child. The mechanisms underlying this are not known but animal studies suggest prenatal stress may alter the function of the placenta. Here we determined whether maternal prenatal anxiety was associated with a downregulation of placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), the enzyme which metabolises cortisol. Methods We recruited mothers the day before delivery by elective caesarean, and gave them the Spielberger Trait and State anxiety and Edinburgh Depression self-rating scales. Placentae were collected and aliquots stored for later analysis. Results Prenatal Trait anxiety was negatively correlated with placental 11β-HSD2 mRNA expression ( r = −0.40, p n = 56). Results were similar with male and female fetuses ( r = −0.39, p = 0.04, n = 28; r = −0.40, p = 0.03, n = 28) respectively. Results were also significant with State anxiety ( r = −0.27, p = 0.05, n = 56) but somewhat weaker for depression ( r = −0.20, p = 0.13, n = 56). Preliminary analyses on a subset of cases ( n = 25) suggested parallel results for enzyme activity. Conclusions These findings provide evidence for an association between prenatal maternal mood and downregulation of placental 11β-HSD2. Results are consistent with raised maternal anxiety being associated with increased fetal exposure to maternal cortisol, and support the hypothesis that this may be one mechanism underlying fetal programming by prenatal stress.

Substance misuse that is co‐morbid with mental disorder may increase the risk of crime, particularly of a violent nature. It is therefore essential that dual‐diagnosis patients in forensic services receive adequate intervention and treatment to minimise future substance use and potential for criminal behaviour. One such intervention is the Relapse Prevention Programme (Saying No; Coping and Social Skills Programme) developed in a high secure forensic hospital. An evaluation of the programme was conducted, with pre‐ and post‐ intervention using four measures, the Drug Taking Confidence Questionnaire (DTCQ), the Multidimensional Locus of Control Questionnaire, the Stages of Change Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, with 83 male participants who had completed the programme. Results indicate that there was significant change in the DTCQ post‐treatment while no other measures yielded a statistically significant result. Possible reasons, implication for practice and limitations of the current study are discussed.

This article focuses on the consequences of having FraX‐E, the rare but well recognised variant of fragile X syndrome. The authors provide some background on the condition and report on recent research and evidence. Three case reports are outlined and the specific behavioural aspects of the syndrome are considered. The authors argue that it is important that the behavioural phenotype for FraX‐E is clearly identified and defined in order to give those with the condition relevant psychological and educational support in the future.