Search

Objective: Racial discrimination has been shown to be associated with negative mental health outcomes among people of color (POC), and students of color (SOC) specifically. The current study examin...

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop and validate the Resistance and Empowerment Against Racism (REAR) scale. METHOD Fifty items developed through processes adapted from Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) were administered to a sample of 723 women and 230 men of color (Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latinx, and Native Americans). We employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using stratified subsamples; examined construct validity of the final REAR scale and subscales; and evaluated 2-week test-retest reliability with a subsample. RESULTS Analyses supported a four-factor model, including Awareness and Relational Resistance; Participation in Resistance Activities and Organizations; Interpersonal Confrontation; and Leadership for Resistance. The REAR demonstrated good test-retest and internal reliability and construct validity. CONCLUSIONS Use of the REAR may enable researchers and clinicians to examine how people of color proactively respond to racism through empowered action to challenge racism, and how these responses may moderate the negative effects of racism on psychological well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

This study developed and then cross-validated a novel weighting algorithm based on multiple comorbid risk factors (stimulant use, vascular disease, hepatitis C, HIV disease severity, cognitive reserve) to predict cognitive functioning among 366 HIV+ adults. The resultant “risk severity score” was used to differentially weight, as a function of age, the impact and magnitude of multiple risk factors on cognition. Among older adults (> 50 years) the risk severity index was differentially predictive of learning/memory and verbal fluency, whereas among younger adults it was linked to working memory and executive function. Cognitive reserve was found to be the most robust predictor of neurocognition.

Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions refer to a broad group of interventions that integrate formal and informal mindfulness practices with varying other cognitive behavioral strategies. Mindfulness-based interventions target the reactive, fused, entangled relationship individuals have with their internal experiences, aim to reduce rigid experiential avoidance, and promote intentional engagement in personally meaningful activities. This chapter provides a description of these mindfulness-based treatments, with an emphasis on the conceptual model that informs them, their theoretical integration with more traditional cognitive behavioral therapies, and recommendations for practice. We also review recent meta-analyses on the efficacy of these interventions for different clinical presentations and mechanisms of action, and provide suggestions for future research.

Although cognitive impairment has been shown to adversely affect antiviral medication adherence, a subset of cognitively impaired adults nonetheless are able to adequately adhere to their medication regimen. However, little is known about factors that serve as buffers against suboptimal adherence among the cognitively impaired. This study consisted of 160 HIV-positive, cognitively impaired adults (Global Deficit Score ≥ 0.50) whose medication adherence was monitored over 6-months using an electronic monitoring device (MEMS caps). Logistic regressions were run to determine psychosocial variables associated with medication adherence. Higher self-efficacy and treatment related support, a stable medication regimen, stable stress levels, and absence of current stimulant use were predictive of optimal adherence. A distinct array of psychosocial factors was found that buffer against the adverse effects of cognitive impairment on medication adherence. Assessment and interventions targeting these factors may improve adherence rates among cognitively impaired adults.

© 2014 American Psychological Association. The current study examined ethnic/racial differences in test-related anxiety and its relationship to neurocognitive performance in a community sample of African American (n = 40) and European American (n = 36) adults. The authors hypothesized the following: (a) Test-anxiety related to negative performance evaluation would be associated with lower neurocognitive performance, whereas anxiety unrelated to negative evaluation would be associated with higher neurocognitive performance. (b) African American participants would report higher levels of anxiety about negative performance evaluation than European Americans. (c) European Americans would report higher levels of anxiety unrelated to negative performance evaluation. The first two hypotheses were supported: Ethnic/racial differences in test-taking anxiety emerged such that African Americans reported significantly higher levels of negative performance evaluation, which was associated with lower cognitive performance. The third hypothesis was not supported: African Americans and European Americans reported similar levels of test-anxiety unrelated to negative evaluation.

Objective: With the recent debates over marijuana legalization and increases in use, it is critical to examine its role in cognition. While many studies generally support the adverse acute effects of cannabis on neurocognition, the non-acute effects remain less clear. The current study used a cross-sectional design to examine relationships between recent and past cannabis use on neurocognitive functioning in a non-clinical adult sample. Method: One hundred and fifty-eight participants were recruited through fliers distributed around local college campuses and the community. All participants completed the Brief Drug Use History Form, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, and neurocognitive assessment, and underwent urine toxicology screening. Participants consisted of recent users (n=68), past users (n=41), and non-users (n=49). Results: Recent users demonstrated significantly (p