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Two evoked potential tests of augmenting-reducing, using flash and sine wave modulated light stimuli, were administered to 23 normal Ss to determine: a) generalizability between tests; b) short-term reliability; c) influence of electrooculographic (EOG) activity; d) relationships between perceptual discrimination of stimuli and evoked response measurements; e) correlation between evoked responses, extraversion and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Inventory). Four months later 11 Ss were retested before and after pilocarpine fixation of the pupil in miosis, to assess long-term reliability and pupillary factors. Although mean amplitudes of sine and flash responses were significantly positively correlated, correlations between linear slope measures of their intensity-response functions were low. Both short- and long-term reliability were high for mean amplitudes, but relatively low for most slope measures. Ocular factors, as reflected in EOG and changes with pupillary miosis, appeared to exert relatively little influence on the evoked potential measures of augmenting-reducing. Subjective perceptual discrimination performance was not correlated with evoked potential measures. Extraversion was correlated with some evoked response augmenting indicators; neuroticism yielded inconsistent results. Generally, results varied with lead placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral scientists work with law enforcement personnel on the problem of terrorism in three general contexts: clinical help for victims, training and consultation for hostage negotiation, and profiling and institutional consultation. In a study of 115 senior police officers working in the area of terrorism, subjects valued psychological counseling for crime victims within a broad framework of financial and criminal justice services. When describing a past personal victim experience, they valued direct physical action in their own coping, but expressions of sympathy and reassurance when provided by others. Problems encountered by behavioral scientists working in this area have usually involved difficulties in maintaining an effective consultant role, over-identification with the law enforcement identity, or inappropriate media statements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 6-month follow-up study, telephone interviews were conducted with 31 male executives who were taught either a self-hypnosis or meditation exercise as part of a stress-management program. Use of and problems with the 2 exercises were similar, with the percentage of Ss using the techniques falling over 6 months from 90% to 42%. The exercises were used primarily for physical relaxation, refreshing mental interludes, aiding sleep onset, and stress-reduction. Problems with the exercises chiefly involved difficulty in scheduling even brief uninterrupted practice times and discomfort with the techniques. The incorporation of these issues into the clinical teaching of self-hypnosis may be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on increase in terrorist incidents worldwide that has created many new victims. Efforts to provide post-traumatic therapy and other services were not judged. The perceived ineffectiveness of helping services reinforced a perception of significant levels of negative responses ranging from insensitivity and selfishness to active harassment and blame. Religious thinking and behavior proved to be the most useful coping technique during the incident; it was the only positive factor. Religious coping took the form of affirmative or comforting cognitions, and also of shared solacing behavior.

The article discusses the relationship between clinicians' opinions on the nature or cause of schizophrenia and the way they diagnose and treat the disorder. This study was conducted to test the usefulness of models of schizophrenia for describing the opinions of practicing clinicians concerning the disorder. The study has used mailed questionnaire to sample opinions on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of schizophrenia among psychiatrists in Monroe County, New York. It has noted that the clinicians did not favor one aetiological model exclusively, but rather used several complementary perspectives to synthesize their personal view of the nature or cause of schizophrenia.