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Making sense of the social world is an intricate process heavily influenced by cultural elements. Gambling is a prevalent leisure-time activity characterized by risk-taking conduct. While some individuals who engage in it do so without experiencing any harm, others will develop gambling problems. Judaism tends to perceive gambling negatively since it contradicts fundamental Jewish principles. The current study focuses on the Jewish Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel which is characterized as a cultural enclave with minimal interaction with the secular world. Hence, it provides a unique and novel socio-cultural context to inquire how individuals with gambling disorder (GD) from this community make sense of gambling. Following constructivist grounded theory guidelines, 22 Ultra-Orthodox men with GD were interviewed using a purposeful sampling design. Sixteen Rabbis were also interviewed, illuminating the socio-cultural context of Halachic regulations and norms regarding gambling in this community. An abductive analysis of the data, interwoven with Bourdieu's concept of habitus, yielded an overarching theme that we dub as "sense for gambling," encompassing matrices of Ultra-Orthodox external (e.g., a conservative cultural structure with numerous prohibitions and life marked by poverty) and internal (e.g., feelings of loneliness, dissatisfaction, and deviance) dispositions imprinted onto the body, creating diverse embodied reactions (emotional and sensory) to gambling, and leading to developing GD. We recommend placing the body, as the locus of internalized dispositions, at the core of examination when researching pathways to GD. We propose that this intricate interplay between external and internal dispositions shapes the decision-making regarding gambling, thus mitigating individual responsibility for GD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a period of dramatic change that necessitates using skills and strengths to reduce physical aggression and increase happiness. This study examined the multiple facets of self-control skills in achieving both goals simultaneously, in a sample of 248 Arab adolescents in Israel. We conceptualized and tested a new multi-mediator model that posited two parallel paths. Structural equation modeling with bootstrap analysis supported the hypothesized model where self-control linked with subjective happiness directly, and indirectly through positive emotions and social support. In addition, self-control linked directly to physical aggression, and indirectly through hostility and anger. The findings provide new theoretical conceptualizations for further research and suggest possible mechanisms for prevention and intervention programs.

This study focused on the ability to experience a high ratio of positive to negative emotions in 807 Israeli adolescents aged 12 to 15 years (50% girls). While considering possible gender differences, we tested a model positing that adolescents' self-control skills would link to their positivity ratio and indirectly through perceived social support from parents and classmates. Parental support was significantly higher than classmate support, and girls scored significantly higher than boys on self-control skills and on both support sources. Self-control skills linked directly with positivity ratio and indirectly through parents' and classmates' support, with no gender differences found for the overall model. The study highlights the importance of prevention and treatment programs designed to impart adolescents with prosocial self-control skills, to improve their perceived availability of social support and consequently to increase their positivity ratio during this intense developmental period.

Students' mathematical lives are characterized not only by a set of mathematical ideas and the engagement in mathematical thinking, but also by social relations, specifically, relations of authority. Watching student actions and speaking to students, one becomes cognizant of a "web of authority" ever present in mathematics classrooms. In past work, it has been shown how those relations of authority may sometimes interfere with students' reflecting on mathematical ideas. However, "...by shifting the emphasis from domination and obedience to negotiation and consent..." (Amit & Fried, 2005, p.164) it has also been stressed that these relations are fluid and are, in fact, a "sine qua non" in the process of students' defining their place in a mathematical community. But can these fluid relations be operative also in the formation of specific mathematical ideas? It is my contention that they may at least coincide with students' thinking about one significant mathematical idea, namely, the idea of "proof." In this talk, I shall discuss both the general question of authority in the mathematics classroom and its specific connection with students' thinking about proof in the context of work done in two 8th grade classrooms. (Contains 12 footnotes and 1 figure.)

Introduction: A developing theoretical framework for the investigation of tight cultures' reaction toward members who violate communal norms is societal conditional regard (SCR). Methods: Using a qualitative interpretive approach, in the current study we investigated the way the Ultraorthodox Jewish community uses SCR to cope with substance use disorders (SUDs), which considered to be a norms violation in closed religious communities. We did so by drawing on in-depth interviews with 14 young men from the Ultraorthodox community in Israel who were diagnosed as having an SUD and were in recovery. Results: (a) The community's socialization process, educating its members to lead a life that is the only right one; (b) The community's use of God as the one whose love and regard are conditional; (c) The SCR emotional and behavioral practices used by the community toward individuals who violate norms, and (d) How, paradoxically, the use of SCR may eventuate in the initiation of drug use, and within the community itself. Discussion: Findings are discussed in the context of self-determination theory and SCR, and shed light on how tight cultures cope with the threat of deviation of communal norms. Implications for intervention and policy are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose is to investigate the natural course and long-term prognosis of postpartum depression (PPD). In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, mothers diagnosed as either suffering from PPD or without PPD were reassessed 5–8 years thereafter by a semi-structured interview and their charts were reviewed for past psychiatric illness prior to the index (initial) episode and for new-onset episodes in the following years. Present psychiatric state was also evaluated by interview and questionnaires. Sixty-five mothers with and 35 without past PPD underwent the full assessment. A total of 66.2% of mothers with past PPD had any axis I psychopathology before their index PPD episode, compared with only 8.6% in the non-PPD group (p < 0.001, φ =.55). Furthermore, 37.2% of the females who had a history of PPD and experienced subsequent childbirths during the follow-up years, developed at least one new episode of PPD. Throughout the 5 years subsequent to the index PPD episode, 42.5% of the PPD group compared with only 3.7% for the non-PPD group developed a new episode of depression (p < 0.001). Lastly, reported psychopathology was higher and functional level was significantly worse in the PPD group at the time of reassessment. Females who develop an episode of PPD show a high degree of subsequent psychopathology and unfavorable prognosis. Clinicians treating females for PPD should consider a longer treatment continuation phase in an effort to prevent further psychopathology and a closer follow-up program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, the notion of friendships between women has been replete with negative myths and perceptions. However, studies show that friendships between women contribute to their wellbeing as a source of support and empowerment. Social support is known to be a key factor during recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD). Previous studies have examined a variety of relationships, but less attention has been paid to friendships between women with SUD. This qualitative study examined the perceptions and experiences of friendship of 14 women who recovered from a SUD and were treated in women-only residential treatment programs (RTP) in Israel. Content analysis revealed four categories that paralleled their linear life-course from childhood to adulthood: social rejection and the longing for connection and acceptance, interest-based versus non-interest-based friendships, being distant versus becoming close, and friendships with "normative" women versus friendships with "clean addicts." Each category is situated on a conceptual axis representing the tension between trust and mistrust, the unifying theme. These findings are best understood within the framework of relational cultural theory (RCT), which emphasizes the importance of relationships in people's lives. Therapists should consider the positive impact of friendships between women, as a theme during the therapy process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with how substance-dependent men perceive their paternal identity. Data were based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 Israeli fathers who were enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment. Content analysis revealed that participants had undergone a process of parental identity formation composed of four distinct stages: absence, awakening, taking responsibility, and resolution to re-form oneself as a father. The discussion highlights the developmental nature of this process. Also discussed are the effects of three factors on the formation of paternal identity: the treatment for addiction, the subjects' newfound identity as "clean addicts," and social perceptions and discourses about fatherhood and addiction.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of cognitive-behavior (CB) group intervention versus relaxation and guided imagery (RGI) group training. Method: A total of 114 early-stage breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to CB, RGI, or control groups, and instruments were completed at pre- and postintervention and 4 months later. Results: Psychological distress was significantly reduced in both intervention groups compared to the control group. The RGI group was more effective in reducing levels of fatigue and sleep difficulties, whereas the CB group was more effective in reducing external health locus of control. Internal health locus of control did not significantly change. Adherence to self-practice at home was significantly associated with reduction in psychological and physical symptoms. Conclusions: The study supports the use of both CB and RGI models for reducing psychological distress in breast cancer patients. RGI showed advantages in reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality, whereas CB better reduced external health locus of control perceptions. (Contains 4 tables.)

The study examines the issue of ego identity among adolescent sons of alcoholic fathers. Forty-four adolescent sons of alcoholic fathers, age of 15-18, constituted the sample. They were drawn from public alcohol treatment center in Israel. The control group included 60 adolescents none of their parents is known as an alcoholic, sampled from integrative schools in the same neighborhood and matched by age. Ego identity was measured by Tzuriel's "Adolescent Ego Identity Scale" (AEIS). It was hypothesized that adolescent children of alcoholics will show lower scores of ego identity and of its dimensions. The hypothesis was not confirmed. To the contrary, adolescent children of alcoholics reported higher scores of "ego identity-total" and of four of the seven ego identity dimensions. One possible explanation is that children of alcoholics are maturing early in age compared to their controls. They have developed different coping strategies that facilitate creating a more "stable" ego identity compared to their peers. Another explanation is that children of alcoholics apply defense mechanisms that enhance the development of an "adaptive self." (Contains 3 tables.) [An early version of this article was presented at the 32nd Annual Alcohol Epidemiology Symposium of the Kettil Bruun Society for Social and Epidemiological Research on Alcohol, Maastricht, Holland, 2006.]

Compared to studies in general education, authority has received little attention in mathematics education, despite an increasing interest in sociological perspectives in mathematics classroom research. The subject of authority is particularly important in mathematics education, on the one hand, because of the immense authority mathematics itself seems to possess and pass on to its practitioners, but also, on the other hand, because of the anti-authoritarianism present, to some degree, in many trends in mathematics education such as cooperative learning approaches and constructivist pedagogies. Such an antiauthoritarian stance appears justified by data from an 8th grade mathematics classroom (supplemented with data from a second 8th grade classroom) which suggest that teachers possess immense authority in the eyes of the students and that this and other authority relations are strongly evident in the students nonreflective ways of interacting not only with their teachers but also among themselves. However, theoretical considerations on authority show that the problem may not be authority per se but the way one conceives the notion of authority, that there exist kinds of authority, such as Benne's "anthropological" authority, which can encourage reflective and also fruitful collaborative work.

Countries with public policies that support gambling through gambling legislation foster an environment in which gambling is socially accepted, tacitly encouraged and actively promoted. Although gambling worldwide has features in common, countries differ in terms of the nature of their gambling markets. The current study examined the role of perceived gambling accessibility in gambling behaviors and problem gambling in four different countries: Australia, Canada, Croatia and Israel. A convenience sample comprised 1787 university students aged 18–30. Gambling behaviors and problems were found to be more prevalent and gambling was perceived to be more accessible in liberalized markets (e.g. Australia, Canada and Croatia) as compared to Israel which is relatively more conservative and has more restrictive regulations. Social accessibility was perceived to be higher in those who gambled and associated with higher risk gambling, especially for women. The study highlights the potentially important role of social normalization of gambling and how supply variations can influence perceptions as well as impact gambling behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the military potential/national power has focused on features such as numbers of soldiers, the military budget, population size, industrial production, technology, and others as underlying national power. The geopolitical situation of the State of Israel made the IDF General Staff the arbiter of any planning decision related to the development of the state economy, and responsible for planning and directing national security. Because the asymmetry between the military potential of the Arab countries and that of Israel was a reality on the ground that Israel's national security concept had to take into consideration, and because modern warfare is between nations, their material forces and their mental capacities, the Israel Defence Forces [IDF] recommended setting up civil–military Planning Units based on military guidelines to identify, calculate and plan specific areas of national potential such as administration and regime, morale and education, static defence, the economy in wartime, and manpower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigma refers to the attribution of negative sentiments towards a particular entity, object or individual. Stigma can be public, perceived, or self-referential and can have negative consequences for individuals, including losses of self-esteem, self-efficacy, social isolation and a reluctance to seek help. Problem gambling is known to be a stigmatized activity, but less is known about what factors are associated with this perception and how it might vary in different countries. The current study examines the relationship between perceived stigma towards problem gamblers and gambling attitudes. perceptions of gambling regulations, gambling involvement, perceived accessibility to gambling, and exposure to people with gambling problems. The sample comprised 1787 university students aged 18-30 years from four countries: Australia, Canada, Croatia and Israel. The results indicated that greater perceived stigma was associated with more negative gambling attitudes, less engagement with gambling, and lower perceived social accessibility (the perception that others approve of the activity). Respondents from Croatia, the country with a newer gambling market, reported the most stigma towards problem gamblers as compared with Australia and Canada where gambling is longer established. The findings appear consistent with exposure-adaptation theory, in which tolerance towards people with problem gambling can develop over time in line with greater social acceptance or familiarity with the activity and its consequences. It is suggested that community campaigns and educational programs draw a distinction between attitudes towards gambling in general and those who are negatively affected by the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various predators are known to have ubiquitously contributed to the accumulation of fossil microvertebrate assemblages in Quaternary depositional settings. Deciphering the taxonomic identity of the predator responsible for each such assemblage through detailed taphonomic analysis has become a prerequisite for paleoecological research to gain insight into their prey and foraging habitat preferences. However, this flourishing field of research builds on the assumption that the pristine taxon-specific taphonomic signal of various predators could have become preserved in the fossil record, unbiased or only negligibly biased by a wide array of destructive post-depositional processes, which could introduce noise into the preservational system. Here we evaluate the likelihood that the predator taphonomic imprint could have been entirely obliterated by such post-depositional action within an especially large assemblage of the remains of micromammals (Rodentia, Eulipotyphla, and Chiroptera; N = 25,810) from Middle Paleolithic Layer C of Tabun Cave, Mount Carmel, Israel. The microfauna from this major stratigraphic unit (c. 2.5 m thick; uniquely yielding the fossils of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals), with a mean chronometric age of c. 165 ka, has no contemporary analogues in the regional record, indicating exceptional paleoecological conditions for its timespan. We took advantage of the fact that Layer C (aka a major stratigraphic unit) was subdivided in more recent excavations into as many as 26 separate layers (aka beds), featuring relatively nuanced differences in sedimentary, diagenetic, and anthropogenic characteristics, to both independently assess the possibility that Layer C as a whole is isotaphonomic and evaluate the extent of taphonomic variation from bed to bed within it. While substantial variation and bias were revealed in a broad array of standard taphonomic indices of skeletal element fragmentation and differential representation, one index—the grading of digested molars according to the severity of digestion—proved robust against post-depositional distortions of the predatory signal. We discuss the implications of these findings for reliable taphonomic and paleoecological assessment in research with microvertebrate fossil remains. • Taphonomy of a large assemblage of Middle Paleolithic microvertebrates analyzed. • Variation in multiple taphonomic indices evaluated through one thick layer. • Most taphonomic indices demonstrated wide error ranges and low diagnostic value. • Molar digestion grading proved robust for identifying the accumulating predator. • Reliable and economic taphonomic assessment of microvertebrate remains discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and its concomitant social isolation have affected older citizens more than any other sector of the population. This article describes the theoretical and practical principles of a short-term tele-therapy intervention model developed and implemented as a pilot project during the Coronavirus pandemic to support older residents of the community, who faced a variety of needs stemming from the lockdowns and social isolation. The intervention was developed and directed in collaboration with faculty members from a university school of social work and social workers from the municipal social services in Israel, and was conducted by first year social work students as part of their first field experience. This intervention combined Perlman's model of problem solving, a telephone crisis intervention model and a strengths-based approach. Participants and students indicated that they benefitted from the programme and felt that the therapeutic relationships were meaningful. These outcomes and reports suggest that this type of intervention is successful and can be applied to older people during other crises or in other populations, communities and countries as part of the field experience of social work students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject: Alcohol addiction is manifested by periods of abstinence and relapse in which the individual returns to previous problematic alcohol use. This may lead to unstable and stressful routines for the family and for women who live with a spouse diagnosed with an AUD.AUD may mentally and physically affect women living with a spouse diagnosed with AUD with respect to relapse. However, most studies have focused on the influence of AUD in general, and the way they cope with it; few have dealt with the experience of relapse as a distinctive stage. What the paper adds to existing knowledge: Women's experiences of their spouses' relapses are embedded within their broader life experience in the shadow of alcohol addiction.The pattern of transitions from closeness to distance in the ways women think, feel and actively respond to their spouses' relapses shows similarities with the ways in which individuals cope with repeated trauma. This helps relate these women's experiences of their spouses' repeated relapses to the potential complex trauma these women experience and leads to a better understanding of the internal emotional dynamics of these women's behavioural patterns. What are the implications for practice: These women need a therapeutic solution that can help them cope with longstanding emotional burdens.Therapists should be sensitive to the complexity of their experience. When relevant, therapy should be based on therapeutic strategies from trauma practice, along with Alcohol Behavioural Couples Therapy that can reinforce the couple's mutual efforts to achieve sobriety or reduce AUD severity Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is manifested by periods of remission and relapse which can serve as a source of continuous stressors on the individuals and family. Women living with a spouse diagnosed with AUD can be mentally and physically affected by this behaviour. Most studies have focused on the general influence of AUD on these women and their attempts to cope with AUD; there are scant data on the influences of relapse as a distinctive stage. Aim: To better understand how women whose spouses are diagnosed with AUD experience their relapses. Method: A qualitative‐naturalistic approach was implemented. Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 women whose spouses were diagnosed with AUD. Results: Content analysis revealed three main categories representing the transitions from: a) ignorance to realization, b) emotional opposition to acceptance and c) activity to inactivity. Each category reflects one cognitive, emotional or behavioural dimension of this experience. The overarching theme emerged as shifts from closeness to distance in the way these women think, feel and actively respond to their spouse's relapses and addiction. Discussion: The shift from closeness to distance as manifested by the three transitions is argued to reflect the ways these women experience and cope with the chronic nature of AUD. It is suggested that this experience parallels the phenomenology of symptoms of complex trauma. Implications for practice: Nurses should be alert to the potential accumulative stressors experienced by these women and implement intervention strategies developed in the trauma field in addition to Alcohol Behavioural Couples Therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although age-related differences have been reported in gambling disorder, prior studies have not examined how age may influence recovery in gambling disorder. Recovery may be influenced by positive factors (e.g., spirituality and recovery capital) and negative factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stressful life events). The current study examined associations between these positive and negative factors and gambling disorder DSM-5 symptom improvement in younger and older adults. Younger (less than 55 years of age; n = 86) and older (55 years or older; n = 54) adults, with lifetime gambling disorder treated currently or within the past 5 years in five treatment centers in Israel were assessed using structured scales on past-year and lifetime DSM-5 gambling disorder, intrinsic spirituality, recovery capital, anxiety, depression and stressful life-events. Among younger adults, recovery capital and intrinsic spirituality were associated with gambling disorder symptom improvement. Among older adults, only recovery capital was associated with gambling disorder symptom improvement. Correlations between recovery capital and spirituality (z = 2.34, p = 0.02) and recovery capital and stressful life events (z = 2.29, p = 0.02) were stronger in younger than in older adults. Recovery capital is an important resource that should be considered across older and younger adults with gambling disorder. Spirituality and stressful life events may operate differently across age groups in gambling disorder. Future studies should investigate whether the findings may extend to other groups and the extent to which promoting recovery capital should be integrated into treatments for gambling disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spirituality is related to an individual's relationship with a Transcendent Being or Ultimate Reality, which may contribute to salutary human experience and serve as a motive for attitudes and behaviors. In contrast to studies in the field of substance addictions showing that spirituality may protect against substance-use problems and disorders and is a resource that may promote recovery, few studies have investigated the role of spirituality in gambling disorder, particularly ones using validated scales. Objectives: To probe the psychometric characteristics of the Intrinsic Spirituality Scale in individuals with gambling disorder and explore potential links between spirituality and a diagnosis of gambling disorder and its severity, and levels of psychopathology as manifested in depression and anxiety. Method: One-hundred-and-forty individuals over the age of 18 years with lifetime gambling disorder from five treatment centers in Israel were assessed on the Intrinsic Spirituality Scale, diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 for depression. Results: The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale showed good psychometric properties, differentiated recovered and non-recovered individuals, and was negatively associated with severity of gambling disorder. No significant associations were found with depression and anxiety. Conclusion: The findings indicate that intrinsic spirituality is an important construct in Israeli individuals recovering from gambling disorder and highlight the importance of intrinsic spirituality in recovery from gambling disorder. Additional research is needed to understand the underlying processes and the extent to which the findings may extend to other groups of individuals with gambling disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conceptualizing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a dynamic system of causal elements could provide valuable insights into the way that PTSD develops and is maintained in traumatized individuals. We present the first study to apply a multilevel network model to produce an exploratory empirical conceptualization of dynamic networks of PTSD symptoms, using data collected during a period of conflict. Methods: Intensive longitudinal assessment data were collected during the Israel–Gaza War in July–August 2014. The final sample (n = 96) comprised a general population sample of Israeli adult civilians exposed to rocket fire. Participants completed twice-daily reports of PTSD symptoms via smartphone for 30 days. We used a multilevel vector auto-regression model to produce contemporaneous and temporal networks, and a partial correlation network model to obtain a between-subjects network. Results: Multilevel network analysis found strong positive contemporaneous associations between hypervigilance and startle response, avoidance of thoughts and avoidance of reminders, and between flashbacks and emotional reactivity. The temporal network indicated the central role of startle response as a predictor of future PTSD symptomatology, together with restricted affect, blame, negative emotions, and avoidance of thoughts. There were some notable differences between the temporal and contemporaneous networks, including the presence of a number of negative associations, particularly from blame. The between-person network indicated flashbacks and emotional reactivity to be the most central symptoms. Conclusions: This study suggests various symptoms that could potentially be driving the development of PTSD. We discuss clinical implications such as identifying particular symptoms as targets for interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents management's reactions to an inventory tax allowance that is based on inventory levels at the beginning of the year. Such an allowance was permitted by the tax authorities in Canada and Israel. The study develops a theoretical model which shows that a rational management should increase the firm's inventory levels on the balance sheet date beyond what the normal ordering policy would indicate. Moreover, tax authorities, in failing to anticipate this behavior, may, ceteris paribus, overcompensate firms for inflation. Empirical evidence shows that firms do, indeed, alter their ordering policies so that they will hold larger inventories on the balance sheet date. The study also shows that the tax authorities overcompensated firms in Israel, but did not overcompensate firms in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes ethnicity, recurrence score distribution, and clinical outcomes in ER + HER2-negative breast cancer patients in Israel. Topics include reports that the Recurrence Score (RS) assay is widely used in ER + HER2-negative breast cancer (BC); and examines goals of retrospective analysis to compare the Israeli Jewish vs Arab/Druze populations with respect to RS distribution, chemotherapy use and clinical outcomes in patients who were RS-tested through Clalit Health Services (CHS).

This study uncovers disease characteristics by long-term follow-up in Ashkenazi early onset breast cancer ( EOBC) patients, carriers of founder BRCA1/2 mutations compared to non-carriers of such mutations. An archives-retrospective design was conducted to study the pathological and clinical characteristics of 149 Ashkenazi Jewish EOBC patients (<42 years) who were referred consecutively to the oncogenetic clinic by the oncology centre at Rambam HealthCare Campus, as from 1995, with a mean follow-up of 13.61 years. Of 149 patients, 33 (22.1%) and 15 (10.1%) carried the founder BRCA1 (185del AG; 5382insC) and BRCA2 (6174delT) mutations, respectively; and 101 (67.8%) were non-carriers of these mutations. Contralateral breast-cancer was predominant among BRCA1/ 2 carriers compared to non-carriers (14, 58.3%; 6, 60%; 7, 8.1%; respectively, p < .001). Ovarian cancer was diagnosed in two BRCA1 carriers and one non-carrier. Oestrogen and/or progesterone receptor negative tumours were majorly detected in BRCA1 carriers ( n = 16, 57.1%) compared to BRCA2 carriers ( n = 4, 30.8%) and non-carriers ( n = 23, 25.3%) ( p = .007). BRCA1 carriers and non-carriers developed contralateral breast cancer at an earlier age than BRCA2 carriers. BRCA2 carriers portrayed similar tumour characteristics to non-carriers. EOBC BRCA1/2 carriers are at risk to develop bilateral disease; however, they are similarly susceptible for local recurrence, distant metastases and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social changes in recent years have led to a broadening of the definition of family. The perception of the concept of family among the American public was assessed in 2003 and 2006 by means of the Family Perception Scale, which found that the respondents fell into three clusters, dubbed Exclusionists, Moderates, and Inclusionists. Based on a sample of adult Jewish population in Israel (N = 1,518), this study examined whether these categories could apply to the Israeli public too, and if so, whether the distribution of these clusters were the same as in the United States. The study’s findings confirm that while this classification is well suited to the perception of family in Israel, the distribution of the three clusters differs from that in the United States. These findings may indicate that while global influences promote similar views of family structures, local influences may result in different cluster distribution patterns in each society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This mixed-methods study examined whether heterosexual social workers define same-sex relationships within the concept of family. A sample of 490 Israeli social workers completed a survey that assessed their definition of same-sex relationships as family, their personal values, level of acquaintance with same-sex relationships, and demographics. The qualitative portion included an open-ended question on the way participants perceived social and professional changes concerning families. Findings Results revealed that religiosity, gender, age, the values of universalism, benevolence and tradition, and level of acquaintance with same-sex relationships were direct predictors of the respondents’ definition of same-sex relationships as family. Level of acquaintance mediated the relationships between most demographic and value variables examined and respondents’ definition of same-sex relationships as family. Qualitative analysis endorsed the quantitative analysis. Applications Theoretical and practice implications are discussed, underlining the central role that personal acquaintance with same-sex families has in reducing heterosexism, and the need to improve knowledge about same-sex families in social work education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a worldwide phenomenon with very negative consequences, and belonging to a religious community is considered to be a protective factor against them. The pathways to SUDs have been investigated in many studies with the aim of helping us better understand this phenomenon and promoting effective intervention programs to prevent and manage it. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding SUDs in closed religious communities such as the Ultraorthodox Jewish community.Method: To fill this gap, in the current study we investigated the pathways to SUDs among 14 young men from the Ultraorthodox Jewish community in Israel who were diagnosed as having an SUD in the past and who had been in sustained remission for at least a year. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews consisting of open-ended questions were conducted.Results: The findings highlighted two main themes: (a) A lack of support and attention from various systems, where participants reported sense of otherness or lack of belonging to family, educational institutions and community; a lack of responsiveness from those systems; a sense of rejection or exclusion; and a longing for belonging, and (b) A light in the darkness - someone who cares, in which the interviewees received some assistance, either in the period before or during drug use.Conclusion: Findings point to the unique experience of Ultraorthodox young men in their addiction process and shed light on the failure of the abovementioned systems to help these young men cope. Findings are discussed in the context of the theoretical perspectives of social capital theory and exclusion. Implications for intervention and policy are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, gambling among adolescents has become a common health risk behavior, one that might lead to other health risk behaviors. Research on the etiology of gambling behavior among adolescents has hitherto focused primarily on the factors contributing to increased gambling severity (GS). The present study is different, in that it examines two key personality components that may help curb GS: self-control (SC) and positivity ratio (PR)--the latter being defined as the positive ratio between positive and negative affects--as factors that predict reduced GS among adolescents. A convenience sample of 595 adolescents, ages 13 to 19 (M= 15.13, SD = 1.53), from six secondary and middle schools in five major cities in Israel, was taken between February and April 2012. Four instruments were used: a Gambling Behavior Scale, the DSM-IV (adapted for juveniles), the Adolescent SC Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. The main findings showed that PR moderated the association between SC and GS--highlighting the importance of PR in reducing the likelihood of problem gambling and bolstering the individual's SC skills and pointing to possible preventive actions that might be taken in the community to promote healthy adolescent behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The 21-gene recurrence score (RS) assay has been widely adopted for use in early estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer to assess the risk for distant recurrence and the potential benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary aim of this study was to assess RS distribution in Israeli male breast cancer (MBC) patients. Methods: The study population included 65 newly diagnosed Israeli MBC patients. Clinical and pathologic data were collected at the time of referral. Pathologic examinations were conducted at the pathology departments of the referring centers. The RS assay (Oncotype DX™) was performed on paraffin-embedded tumor samples at Genomic Health laboratories. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.1 years (range 38-88 years). Low-risk (RS <18), intermediate-risk (RS 18-30) and high-risk (RS ≥31) scores were noted in 29 patients (44.6%), 27 patients (41.5%) and 9 patients (13.9%), respectively. The distribution of RS in male patients was similar to the distribution in 2,455 female patients from Israel referred during the same time period. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the distribution of Oncotype DX RS in ER-positive MBC patients is similar to that of female breast cancer patients. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social changes in the Western world have led to changes in the traditional family structure and to the emergence of new family structures. Despite the involvement of social workers with a broad range of family types, their perceptions of the concept of family have never been studied. This study examines how social workers define the concept of family, and how personal values, socio-demographic variables and personal acquaintance with non-traditional types of families affect these definitions. Five hundred and two Israeli social workers responded to an online questionnaire; 89.6–98.8 per cent of respondents attributed the ‘family’ label to any relationship or living arrangement involving children. Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that gender, religiosity, age, level of education, as well as universalism and benevolence values were direct predictors of a broad definition of the concept of family. In addition, the variable of personal acquaintance with non-traditional families was found to moderate some of the socio-demographic and the values examined. The discussion deals with how the respondents’ perception of family is consistent with the views of a society that promotes a high birth rate, and with the associations found between the study variables, and the importance of exposing social workers to non-traditional types of families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the controversy in Israel in the years 1958–2003 surrounding the legitimacy of casino gambling, with particular focus on how it was affected by the operations of Casino Oasis in the Palestinian Authority territory between 1998 and 2000. An interpretative narrative analysis of debates in the Israeli Knesset (parliament) and in the local press reveals that, prior to the casino's opening, most of the arguments raised were similar to those seen elsewhere in the world, with opponents objecting on moral, religious and social grounds, and those in favour emphasizing its economic and tourism benefits. However, once Casino Oasis opened its doors, the controversy took on a character not seen anywhere else in this context – opponents raised concerns about terrorism, while proponents championed the casino as a promoter of peace and coexistence – reflecting a broader, more fundamental national debate within Israeli society over the country's physical boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As gambling becomes legalised and readily accessible, more youth are involved in this potentially harmful behaviour. As part of a harm-reduction approach, laws against the sale of lottery tickets to minors have been enacted in many jurisdictions. In October 2007, such a law was passed in Israel, seven years after the bill was first introduced in the Israeli parliament. This paper addresses the reasons why it took so long to pass this legislation. On the basis of archive documents from the Israeli parliament and articles in the press, the primary factors that may answer this question include ignorance of youth gambling as a legitimate phenomenon, opposition by some parts of the establishment and the gambling industry itself, as well as the absence of special interest groups. While this law only begins the movement in developing a responsible social policy for youth, recommendations for responsible social policy are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article suggests a policy of international development for the Jewish society. The authors posit the alignment of Jewish philanthropy and Israeli government policy with anti-poverty and public health programs. The authors underscore the importance of integrating the efforts of Israeli Jews and the world Jewry. Though the state only spends .06% of its gross income on official development assistance, the authors think that philanthropic funding can be expanded. Ways to integrate foreign policy with philanthropic objectives are cited.

Background: Geriatric clinical clerkships in Israel teach mostly about the hospitalized elder patient with almost no ambulatory experience. Meanwhile, primary care physicians provide most of the health care to the elderly in the community. This article describes an innovation in the curriculum of the 5th-year family medicine clerkship at the Goldman Medical School of Ben-Gurion University in Israel designed to improve the teaching of geriatrics in the ambulatory setting. Description: During the clerkship, family physicians perform a home visit to one of their home-ridden elderly patients with a small group of medical students. During this visit, a geriatrician from the local hospital is included to the group for teaching purposes. Evaluation: Most students rated this experience positively as did the family physicians and geriatricians who participated in this experience. Conclusions: This liaison-attachment teaching experience allows the students to learn aspects of geriatrics that are spared during their geriatric clerkship, allows the family physician to use this opportunity as a consultation for homebound patients, and allows the tertiary care geriatrician to teach in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research on absenteeism has focused on the effects of individual and work-related factors, to the exclusion of the effects of societal and political events external to the individual and his/her specific work conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the emotional reaction to the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin in Israel and work absenteeism during the period following the assassination. It was hypothesized that: (1) emotional reaction is positively related to absenteeism; (2) this relationship is stronger among female employees than among male employees; and (3) this relationship is stronger for individuals who are pessimistic about the future as opposed to those who are optimistic. These hypotheses were supported by data collected from a random sample of 199 working adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information on a study which focuses on the diagnosis of Down syndrome in newborn infants. The study presents a simplified score based on eight of the ten signs of this syndrome. The material consists of all cases in the neonatal department of Asaf Harofe Hospital in Zerifin, Israel, who were initially diagnosed as having Down syndrome or suspected of Down syndrome during the period January 01, 1973, to December 31, 1977. The possibility of confirming the diagnosis of Down syndrome in about 70 per cent of the suspected cases without having to wait for the results of the cytogenetic investigation is of great practical value.

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The article focuses on the therapeutic structure of intensive psychotherapy for acute psychiatric patients in the Ramat Chen Day Hospital in Israel. Intensive psychotherapy as viewed in the concept of doctor-patient relations as subject-subject relationships, where in subject refers to the person's perception of himself as free. Patients at the Day Hospital are continuously in contact with themselves and the personnel in a continual confrontation, as free individuals, anxious with anxiety. According to the author, the therapeutic structure at Day Hospital makes possible the realization of intensive psychotherapy.

Background Women who carry germ-line mutations in BRCA1/2 are at very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Breast conserving therapy is associated with a similar risk of ipsilateral cancer recurrence in BRCA carriers compared with non-carriers. However, the risk of subsequent contralateral breast cancer in carriers is markedly increased. Therefore, mastectomy of the diseased breast along with risk reducing mastectomy of the contralateral breast is often advocated for BRCA carriers who are treated for early breast cancer. Yet, many BRCA carriers forgo this option for fear of harmful effects and choose breast conserving treatment and observation instead. In Israel, BRCA -associated breast cancer is relatively common. Accordingly, a national protocol was devised for this enriched population. Patients and methods In this Institutional Review Board-approved phase II trial, the option of prophylactic irradiation to the contralateral breast, in addition to standard loco-regional treatment, was offered to BRCA carrier patients treated for early breast cancer who declined contralateral mastectomy. The primary end point was contralateral breast cancer. Results Between May 2007 and October 2017, 162 patients were enrolled. Eighty-one patients opted for standard loco-regional treatment including surgery and radiation to the involved side (control arm) and 81 patients chose additional contralateral breast irradiation (intervention arm). At a median follow-up of 58 months, 10 patients developed contralateral breast cancer in the control arm at a median of 32 months, as compared with 2 patients in the intervention arm who developed contralateral breast cancer 80 and 105 months after bilateral breast irradiation (log-rank P =  0.011). Conclusions Among BRCA carrier patients treated for early breast cancer, the addition of contralateral breast irradiation was associated with a significant reduction of subsequent contralateral breast cancers and a delay in their onset. Clinical trial Phase II, comparative two-arm trial (NCT00496288). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the complexity of prenatal genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome. These issues are discussed using a case report to highlight the genetic counseling process, together with decision-making considerations, in light of the clinical, psychological, and ethical perspectives, of both the mutation carriers and health professionals; and the health policy regarding these procedures in Israel compared to several European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Traumatic stress symptoms were assessed by experience sampling (ESM) for one month. • ESM scores were highly correlated with a past-month retrospective assessment. • Concentration difficulties was the symptom that was most accurately recalled • Amnesia was the symptom that was least accurately recalled. • Trauma history did not moderate between ESM and retrospective assessments. Posttraumatic stress disorder assessments typically require individuals to provide an aggregate report on the frequency or severity of symptoms they have experienced over a particular time period. Yet retrospective aggregate assessments are susceptible to memory recall and retrieval difficulties. This study examined the correspondence between a month of real-time experience sampling methodology (ESM) reports of traumatic stress symptoms and a retrospective assessment of past-month traumatic stress symptoms for that same period. Participants were a convenience community sample (n =96) from Southern and Central Israel exposed to rocket fire during the Israel-Gaza July-Aug 2014 conflict. Participants provided ESM reports on traumatic stress symptoms twice a day for 30 days via smartphone. Average ESM scores, rather than peak or most recent reports, were most highly correlated with retrospective assessments. For individual symptoms, concentration difficulties had the highest correspondence between ESM and retrospective reports, while amnesia had the lowest correspondence. Regression analysis found that average ESM scores and younger age significantly predicted past-month retrospective assessments of PTSD symptoms. Additionally, previously experiencing more types of trauma predicted PTSD symptoms, but did not moderate the relationship between ESM and retrospective assessments. These findings have implications for assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: s: Depression and falls are two common conditions that impair the health of older people. Both are relatively underdiagnosed and undertreated problems in primary care. The study objective was to investigate whether there was a common set of risk factors that could predict an increased risk of both falls and depression., Design: This was a cohort study drawn from a primary care clinic, with a one year follow up. Dependent measures included: reporting two or more falls in the past year and a score of 7 or over on the S-GDS (Short Geriatric Depression Scale). A parsimonious set of risk factors was selected that predicted both outcomes based on a series of discriminant function analyses., Participants and Setting: The setting was a primary care clinic serving a mixed socioeconomic population, in Beer Sheva, Israel. The sample included 283 General Sick Fund members, aged 60 and over, who completed both baseline assessments and one year follow up interviews., Main Results: At the one year follow up, 12% of the sample reported frequent falls in the past year and 25.5% of the sample screened positive for depressive symptoms. A set of five risk factors that included: poor self rated health, poor cognitive status, impaired ADL, two or more clinic visits in the past month, and slow walking speed (g10 seconds over five metres) was successful at discriminating between fallers and non-fallers (86% discrimination) and between those with and without depressive symptoms (76%). For every risk factor added, there was a significant increase in the proportion of respondents who had depressive symptoms. A similar result was found for falls., Conclusions: These results show that there is a common set of risk factors that increase the risk of two common outcomes in geriatric medicine, falls and depression. For a general practitioner or a geriatric physician, it might be easier to detect these risk factors than to diagnose depression or high risk for falls. When these risk factors are detected in patients the physician can then be more active in direct probing about depression and falls.

Falls are the most common of all accident events among persons aged 65 and over who dwell in the community. The impact of falls on the well-being of the elderly is generally reported solely in terms of the resulting injury or mortality. However, this fails to reflect adequately the effect of falls on the psychological well-being of elderly persons and their ability to maintain independent function. This paper reviews the current associations found in the literature with respect to psychosocial factors and falls and integrates these findings with current research from Israel which shows that level of social contact with family and friends in negatively associated with fall incidence. Psychosocial factors are divided into antecedents of falls (risk factors), consequences of falls (outcomes), and factors that have been shown to be both antecedents and consequences of falls. The factors most consistently associated with falls are living alone, depression, fear of falls, and poor subjective health rating. These findings are discussed in light of stressful events and health.