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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encompasses several approaches to psychotherapy that use a variety of therapeutic techniques, all united by a focus on meaning structures and information processing. The aim of this article is to propose an integrated and comprehensive model, Multiple Access Psychotherapy (MAP). It is based on several different theoretical models and clinical lines of intervention, respects the rigor of the scientific method, and follows the open and constantly evolving framework of the cognitive behavioral model. After a brief excursus on the history and development of CBT and a description of some new treatment approaches, we present a method that combines several approaches and takes into account the unique and particular way in which patients suffer. The MAP model is based on the idea that the therapist should receive the patient as they present themselves, as they make sense of things and as they look for ways to get better. Because cognitivism offers so many approaches that have been shown to be effective, the therapist does not have to choose between them in advance, but can make any of them available to the patient as needed. Our current knowledge allows us to do this effectively based on the evidence we have gathered over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a multicentre study of the psychometric properties of the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task in a sample of 230 Italian children aged 4 to 8 years. The task's internal consistency and inter-rater reliability were investigated; in addition, multiple discriminant analysis was used to explore the contribution of individual coding system scale scores to overall categorical attachment classification. The instrument showed acceptable psychometric properties, especially with respect to Disorganization and Coherence scales. However, our results also suggest that some subscales of the coding system could be modified in order to improve reliability. The implications of our results for future research and further test validation are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)

This study is a psychometric evaluation of the Sexual Activity Questionnaire, a 20-item tool that is focused on the relational, emotional, and behavioral aspects of sexual activity in the general population. The Italian Federation of Scientific Sexology proposed this tool. The study sample comprises 618 subjects (ages 18–80) from several cities in Italy. The instrument's dimensionality assessment is based on parallel analysis and exploratory factor analysis, and the evaluation of items' fit and differential functioning (with respect to the respondents' gender, age, and education) are based on the partial credit model. The statistical analyses reveal the presence of two latent variables, as measured using the Satisfaction and Complicity and Non-Penile–Vaginal Practices subscales. The items have satisfactory fit, and the two subscales' scores have good reliability. The Satisfaction and Complicity subscale is correlated with age and personal well-being but not with gender, relationship length, or the tendency to give socially desirable responses. The Non-Penile–Vaginal Practices subscale is correlated with gender and social desirability. The Sexual Activity Questionnaire shows good psychometric properties and is well-suited for use in clinical and research settings. This study includes discussions of its clinical characteristics, hypothetical applications, and future directions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how maternal interactive behaviors experienced during the childhood of adults with congenital blindness are associated with their subsequent development and personality. Many researchers have found a high frequency of maternal directiveness and overprotection in sighted mother-congenitally blind child relationships. One open question is whether these behaviors may have negative effects on congenitally blind children's subsequent development, or whether they may have a functionally adaptive-strategic role. The purpose of this study was to discriminate between the two hypotheses. This objective was pursued by adopting the theory of attachment and administering the Adult Attachment Interview to 15 participants with congenital blindness. Results suggested that directive and overprotective maternal behaviors are experienced by the persons with congenital blindness as encouraging and functional as long as they are accompanied by an affective, loving, and supportive attitude. Results did not support the hypothesis that directive and overprotective maternal interactive behaviors have a necessarily negative effect on the development of per sons with congenital blindness.

Perinatal loss has a strong emotional impact on health professionals working in maternity units. We aimed to study the impact of this experience on health professionals' language. We analyzed the answers of 162 health professionals (physicians and non-medical staff) who described their reactions to perinatal loss. A linguistic analysis was performed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software. Associations between language and burnout were studied. Words typical of a psychological shock reaction were used more by non-medical staff than by physicians. Participants who used pronouns, optimistic words, future tense verbs, and cognitive words registered lower levels of burnout. Clinical implications of the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder. It affects women's physical well-being and leads to great psychological distress. Indeed, women with PCOS show a compromised quality of life as well as impaired emotional well-being. The aim of this study is to assess personality characteristics, body image and alexithymia in women with PCOS. Materials and methods: A total of 59 women with PCOS and 38 healthy controls were administered the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Results: The PCOS group showed higher values of alexithymia and a higher body uneasiness. They also showed higher values on many clinical, content and supplementary scales of the MMPI-2. Discussion: It seems that physical appearance and bodily function have a central place in the minds of women with PCOS, as well as in their relationships. However, it is a body they find it hard to feel and with which they mostly feel uncomfortable. Their approach to the outside world seems to be characterized by a certain degree of immaturity, anger, hostility and distrust. Low self-esteem also seems to be connected to a certain tendency toward introversion and withdrawal. This leads to problems in social, professional and intimate relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals' psychological involvement in perinatal loss is a largely overlooked subject by healthcare systems, scientific research and prevention policies. A systematic scientific review has been carried out about emotional experiences, attributed meanings and needs conveyed by healthcare professionals in relation to perinatal loss. We identified 213 studies between 1985 and 2015, 20 of which were included in the present study for qualitative analysis. Our results point out the need for a targeted vocational training in perinatal loss, enabling healthcare professionals to achieve a proper management of their own internal states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]