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This study was designed to better understand how service dog partners experience the loss of their service dog. An anonymous survey was distributed to service dog partners who had lost a dog within the last five years. One-way ANOVAs were used to assess loss differences (retirement vs. death) on scores for Centrality of Events Scale, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Social Constraints Measure, and Self-Compassion Scale. Linear regression was conducted on the total bereavement score to determine the impact of the above assessment measures. We found higher grief scores for those whose service dog died compared to those whose dog retired. Perceptions of social constraints and feelings related to the centrality of the event were predictors of overall grief for those who lost a dog due to retirement; centrality of event feelings predicted grief level for those experiencing a death. Findings suggest a need for grief support for service dog partners.

This study describes the experiences of service dog partners (N=22) whose service dog had retired within the previous five years. The participants were service dog partners who participated in a larger quantitative study (N=56) and agreed to a follow up interview. Guided by bereavement and human-animal bond theories and prior research, researchers coded the interviews using directed content analysis to identify prevalent themes. Findings underscore that the retirement of a service dog is poorly understood by others, and often results in disenfranchised grief about this ambiguous loss. The retirement process is difficult and often partners struggled with the need to quickly acquire another service dog and the subsequent impact this had on their ability to grieve. These results suggest that, given the unique nature of service dogs and the relationship between dog and partner, it is important that service dog organizations, mental health counselors and veterinarians are aware of the challenges and losses associated with the retirement of a service dog and offer appropriate tools and support to their clients during this challenging time.

Guilt refers to an unpleasant emotional state associated with one’s behaviors, thoughts, or intentions, and it is based on the possibility that one may be in the wrong or that others may have this perception. Parental guilt is one common subtype and is often associated with work–family conflict (WFC). WFC and related guilt have been found to be associated with depression and anxiety. Through an online anonymous survey, the current study was designed to explore dog owners’ guilt surrounding their dogs. Results suggest that dog owners’ guilt and WFC associated with their dog are at levels similar to those reported in human family studies. Additionally, the relationship between dog owners’ guilt and discrepancy between participants’ actual and ideal self, in regard to the role of a dog owner, also mirrored human-only family research. Because pet-related guilt is unrecognized, acknowledged, or supported, we suggest it is disenfranchised. As people return to work, in this period of post-COVID-19 pandemic time, it is paramount that companies and communities acknowledge pet owner guilt and WFC and help owners find practical, effective solutions.

Engaging in sexting, such as sending or receiving of sexual words, pictures, or videos via technology, is a common behavior in minors and a rising trend. This study aimed to understand the ethical ...

This study examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological functioning of children and young adults with Gaucher disease, type 1 (GD1). Thirty-two (17 pediatric, 15 young adult) patients with GD1 and one parent completed age-appropriate assessments of HRQoL, emotional, and behavioral health. The HRQoL of children with GD1 was compared with a healthy sample and to children diagnosed with Fabry disease (FD; another lysosomal storage disease), while young adults were compared to a healthy sample and to patients with self-reported chronic illnesses. Children with GD1 reported significantly lower HRQoL across all domains relative to healthy counterparts yet comparable HRQoL compared to children with FD. Young adults reported mildly lower physical functioning than healthy peers, but no differences in HRQoL relative to the chronic illness sample. Parent-reported symptom severity was associated with poorer HRQOL in children but not young adults. Few group differences in psychological functioning were observed, except young children showed more school problems than the normative average and there was a trend toward internalizing symptoms. Overall, results consistently identified younger patients with GD1 as more affected than older patients in HRQoL and psychological domains. Implementation of psychosocial interventions may be particularly beneficial during early childhood.

This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the cognitive and executive functioning of sixteen pediatric and fifteen young adult (ages 5 through 30) patients with Gaucher disease, Type 1. The neurocognitive functioning of children with Gaucher disease, Type 1 was based on self- and parent-proxy reports while neurocognitive functioning in young adults was based on self-report only. Results showed that pediatric participants with Gaucher disease, Type 1 on self-report demonstrated a trend toward weaker cognitive functioning than healthy children. Parent proxy-reports did not show significantly different cognitive functioning of children with Gaucher disease, Type 1 compared to healthy peers. Young adults with Gaucher disease, Type 1 self-reported no significant differences in cognitive functioning from healthy young adults. No group differences in executive functioning were observed for child or young adult samples. Parent-reported disease severity was not associated with cognitive outcomes among the pediatric or young adult samples. Results suggest possible mild cognitive weaknesses among children with Gaucher disease, Type 1 while cognition in young adults appears relatively well preserved. This is the first independent examination of cognitive functioning among children and young adults with GD1. Additional studies in younger patients with Gaucher disease, Type 1 are needed to identify possible cognitive dysfunction and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated negative impacts on the psychological well-being of humans around the world. Most communities have followed social distancing mandates, resulting in social isolation and changes to daily work and social routines. Extended periods of social isolation can lead to boredom, loneliness, and increased risk for physical and mental health concerns. For many individuals during the pandemic, their household members and cats have represented their only daily contact with living beings. Cats have been shown to form strong attachments to their owners and to reduce humans’ stress responses, yet there is a dearth of research, especially when compared to dogs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the thoughts, experiences, and concerns of adults regarding their relationships with their companion cat during the initial months of COVID-19. Data were collected between March 30 th and May 1 st , 2020, via an online questionnaire. Respondents (n=956) were recruited through social media outlets and human-animal focused organizations. Directed content analysis methods informed the process for discovering themes in the data. Themes include participants’ enhanced bonds, increased quality time, gratitude, worries about their cat’s well-being, and a reduced sense of isolation and emotional distress.

An increasing number of people view their pets as family members and the death of a pet often induces a grief reaction of comparable severity to the loss of a significant human relationship. Yet, despite similar levels of grief, the death of a pet typically does not involve similar rituals that allow owners to express their grief. This study was designed to better understand how people memorialize their pets through the use of continuing bonds (CB) expressions, as well as their choices pertaining to after-death body care, decisions related to taking time off work following the death, the impact of their religious beliefs on memorialization choices, and how their veterinarian responded to the death. An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was distributed to pet owners who had experienced the loss of a companion animal, resulting in 517 responses, most of whom were White (86%), female (91%) and resided in the United States (87%). We found that choices regarding the expression of CB in response to pet death are similar to those witnessed after human loss. This study is one of the first to identify the wide array of pet owners’ choices regarding memorialization and emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual choices. These results suggest that it is essential that those grieving the death of their pet be supported and reassured that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, with all options recognized as legitimate in the experience and expression of one's grief.

The purpose of this research was to explore how service dog partners experience the death of their service dog. Twenty-five partners who had lost a service dog self-selected from those who participated in a larger quantitative study. The quantitative study consisted of an online, anonymous survey targeting service dog handlers who had lost a dog within the last five years. Directed content analysis was used to identify prevalent themes. Results demonstrate that while the death of their service dog was a central life event, their grief was often disenfranchised. Many struggled with both the need to quickly acquire another service dog and the subsequent impact this had on their ability to grieve. Given the unique relationship between service dog and handler, it is important that counselors, service dog organizations and veterinarians are aware of the challenges associated with both loss and replacement and offer appropriate support to their clients.

Dog aggression directed towards people is a leading reason for relinquishment and a major public health hazard. In response to the threat of dog aggression and dog bites, breed-specific legislation has been introduced in numerous cities within the United States and countries throughout the world. There is limited evidence, however, to suggest that such laws are effective. This study explored, through an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey, US residents’ views about the bite risk of common dog breeds, breed-specific legislation, and alternative options for improved public safety. A total of 586 surveys were completed by adult US residents, 48.8% female and 48.6% male. Approximately half of the respondents reported feeling that dog bites are a serious public health issue. Although 70% of respondents were opposed to a breed ban, only 56% felt that banning specific breeds creates an animal welfare issue. Females were less likely to support a ban or agree that specific breed bans improve public safety. When participants were asked to indicate their support of several alternatives to breed-specific legislation, the most frequently endorsed options included public education about animal welfare and animal behavior, and stricter leash laws. Further research pertaining to the most effective public education dissemination methods is warranted.

Simple Summary COVID-19 has impacted veterinary medicine and cat guardians in numerous ways. The purpose of this study was to better understand cat guardians’ fears and concerns pertaining to veterinary care and the ability to obtain pet care products and food during the initial months of the COVID pandemic. We distributed an anonymous online survey to cat guardians that included questions pertaining to guardians’ relationship with their cat and their veterinary related concerns and experiences as a result of the pandemic. The results, from 956 participants revealed that the increased amount of time guardians spent with their cat had a positive impact on their bond. Participants’ primary veterinary related concerns centered around the availability of their veterinarian for both emergency and non-emergency care. Other concerns they shared included fears about the ability to afford emergency veterinary care and obtain cat food and supplies. Awareness of these concerns can help veterinarians better meet the needs of cat guardians by directly communicating their continued availability and presence in the face of a pandemic as well as other challenging times. Abstract The onset of COVID has impacted the field of veterinary medicine and the lives of cat guardians in numerous ways, yet the subject remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to better understand cat guardians’ fears and concerns pertaining to veterinary care and obtainment of pet care products and food during the initial lock down phase of the COVID pandemic to better address these concerns now and in the future. To this end, an anonymous online survey was distributed to cat guardians during the first two months of the pandemic. The survey included questions pertaining to guardians’ relationship with their cat and their veterinary related concerns and experiences as a result of the pandemic. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 956 participants. The results revealed that the increased amount of time guardians spent with their cat had a positive impact on their bond. Participants’ veterinary related concerns, particularly for participants between 18–29 years of age, centered around availability of their veterinarian for both emergency and non-emergency care. Other concerns included fears about the ability to afford emergency veterinary care and obtain cat food and supplies. Awareness of these concerns can help veterinarians better support cat guardians by directly communicating their continued availability and presence in the face of a pandemic as well as other challenging times.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st&ndash, April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human&ndash, animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants&rsquo, sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

Acute intoxication-type inborn errors of metabolism (IT-IEM) such as urea cycle disorders and non-acute IT-IEM such as phenylketonuria have a major impact on paediatric patients' life. Patients have to adhere to a strict diet but may face neurocognitive impairment and - in acute diseases - metabolic decompensations nevertheless. Research on the subjective burden of IT-IEM remains sparse. Studies with appropriate sample sizes are needed to make valid statements about health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in children and adolescents with IT-IEM. Six international metabolic centres contributed self-reports and proxy reports of HrQoL (assessed with the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory) to the final data set (n = 251 patients; age range 2.3-18.8 years). To compare HrQoL of the patient sample with norm data and between acute and non-acute IT-IEM, t tests were conducted. To examine the influence of child age, sex, diagnosis and current dietary treatment on HrQoL, multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Self-reports and proxy reporst showed significantly lower HrQoL total scores for children with IT-IEM compared to healthy children. Current dietary treatment significantly predicted lower proxy reported total HrQoL. Children with non-acute IT-IEM reported significantly lower psychosocial health and emotional functioning than children with acute IT-IEM. The patient sample showed significantly impaired HrQoL and a diet regimen remains a risk factor for lower HrQoL. Differences in HrQoL between acute and non-acute IT-IEM subgroups indicate that factors beyond symptom severity determine the perception of disease burden. Identifying these factors is of crucial importance to develop and implement appropriate interventions for those in need.

This study investigated self-compassion in the context of grief following the death of a companion animal in a recently bereaved sample ( N = 431). We addressed social contexts and individual differences focusing on how psychosocial outcomes vary as a function of social constraints, as well as individual differences in self-compassion and use of continuing bonds (CB). We observed that self-compassion related to the frequency of engagement in CB. Self-compassion also moderated relationships between grief severity and depression as well as social constraints and depression. We recommend future research on self-compassion training and psychosocial outcomes, especially for those experiencing social constraints or disenfranchised grief.

The purpose of this study was to explore and assess bereaved companion animal (CA) owners’ (N = 672) responses to a question about the decision to euthanize their animal. Content analysis revealed ...

Previous research has shown that antisocial, borderline, narcissistic and histrionic personality disorders, also known as the Cluster B personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition (DSM–5), are commonly raised in lawsuits. Cluster B disorders are characterized by problems with emotion regulation, impulsivity and interpersonal conflicts. Without question, individuals diagnosed with a Cluster B disorder possess traits that make them more susceptible to becoming involved in litigation; however, to date there has been no research on how the disorders interact with the judicial system. This study surveyed litigant success of Cluster B personality disorders in United States federal and state case law. Results showed that both criminal and civil litigants tended to be unsuccessful in their cases. Overall, this study demonstrated that court opinions can provide a window into the psychology of trial litigants and how personality can affect trial outcomes.

Objective:Pediatric bone marrow transplants represent a medically stressful, potentially traumatic experience for children and caregivers, and psychological support for parental caregivers is paramount to their long-term well-being. However, many medical centers do not have protocols in place to sustain caregiver well-being during these distressing experiences.Method:We report on a case of a 10-month-old infant with Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome who was hospitalized for bone marrow transplantation.Result:We describe the significant burden that fell upon caregivers during and after a bone marrow transplantation.Significance of results:This case helped guide our suggestions to improve care for caregivers. Several logistical hurdles could be overcome to alleviate some of these burdens. We suggest that a child psychologist or psychiatrist should be on patient care teams and be attentive to parental stress, impairments, or impediments to self-care, and signs of emergency of mental illness in this setting of medical trauma. Additionally, promotion of sleep hygiene and linkage to support systems can maximize resiliency. Finally, we believe that hospital administrators should partner with clinicians to facilitate routine support during highly stressful transitions of care.

Research has shown that pet loss can be a devastating and complex experience for some human survivors, yet this loss may not be fully recognized by friends, partners, or acquaintances as a signific...

The current study examined Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners in the United States, French-Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of participants who answered “yes” to a question about experiencing PTG and explored to what extent the cross-cultural responses mapped onto the five factors of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). For the U.S. sample, 58% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. For French-Canada, 72% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. For Japan, 50% of responses mapped onto the PTGI and for Hong Kong, 39% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. We also explored emergent categories related to PTG for individuals who have lost a pet and discerned the unique aspects for PTG across cultures.

This study examined the relationship among projective drawings and mental health symptomatology to determine if projective drawings provide clinical utility in pet bereavement. Projective drawings, standardized questionnaires, and clinical interview results were collected from 33 adults grieving the loss of a pet. Drawings were coded into a psychosocial adjustment score based on formal artistic elements, specific indicators (e.g., placement of figure), subject portrayal, and use of space. Results showed that those with greater severity of grief and/or somatization displayed poorer psychosocial adjustment. In conjunction with behavioral observations and verbal reflections, projective drawings add clinical utility by introducing a nonverbal form of expression helpful in understanding the severity of grief and in opening up shared communication with those experiencing loss.

This chapter examines how continuing bonds (CB) can be a source of positive coping after the death of a companion animal (CA) and a means for bereaved owners to stay connected to their CA in a healthy way. It discusses the human—animal bond and grief, disenfranchised grief, social constraints, and CB. The depth of responses to CA loss is often based on the strength and longevity of relationships individuals had with their pets. The bereavement literature has focused on the function of a “continuing bond” in relation to coping and adaptation following the death of a loved one. The use of CB theory regarding CA loss was not reported in the professional literature until 2009. In order for bereaved CA owners to disclose their emotions and the depth of their loss, a safe place where empathic bridging occurs must be provided. Research and clinical practice highlight that bereaved CA owners want to maintain continuous and meaningful ties with their CA.

Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystemic disease that has previously been reported to result in poorer quality of life and psychosocial functioning in impacted adults. However, prior to the current study, limited data were available on the impact of FD in children and adolescents. Therefore, the present study examined the differences of quality of life, psychosocial functioning, and depression in children with FD as compared with a healthy sample. Results indicated that children with FD were experiencing poorer quality of life than their healthy counterparts. Notably, results consistently identified adolescents with FD as more heavily impacted than younger children, although not to the same degree as adults with FD as reported in previous studies. Therefore, adolescence may be a critical point in the development of individuals with FD during which effective multidisciplinary interventions could be utilized to prevent poor quality of life and psychosocial functioning in adulthood.

There is little research available regarding the impact of pet loss on children. In the current mixed-methods study, we explored the different ways that children use continuing bonds (CB) to cope following the death of a pet. We studied 32 children (5-18 years) and their parents. Children answered four questionnaires and the Continuing Bonds Interview. Parents answered a demographic questionnaire. Results suggest that all children utilize CB while grieving the loss of a pet, although CB expression varies depending on the age of the child, the level of grief following the loss, and the strength of attachment to the pet.

This study identified differences among professionals working in the combined field of psychology and law who hold dual doctorates (DDs) such as J.D./Ph.D. or single doctorates (SDs) consisting of a doctorate in psychology with a master's in law or a doctorate in psychology with forensic specialties. The authors surveyed 52 professionals with the above degree combinations in the United States. The study examined firstly the concern that holders of DDs may lack a professional identity and secondly the belief that they do not contribute scholastically in a unique way. The results showed that holders of DDs reported identifying as both psychologists and lawyers but experienced difficulty marrying the two into a single recognizable professional identity. The participants also reported participating in considerably more varied roles that merged the two fields. These results contrast with the view that holders of DDs polarize or eventually pick one field over time. Possible applications of these findings for pr...

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that results in progressive multisystemic organ complications. Several studies have examined neurocognitive impairments in adults; however, there is a paucity of research examining neurocognitive functioning in children with FD. This is the first exploratory study to examine the neurocognitive functioning of pediatric patients with FD and to evaluate the effects of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on neurocognitive functioning within this population. Families attending a national conference with at least one child with FD and one parent affected by FD comprised the sample (n = 48; 24 pediatric patients, 24 parents). Pediatric participants (10 males, 14 females) between the ages of 6 and 18 years and their parent(s) were involved in the study. Data from a demographic questionnaire and two neurocognitive self-report and parent-report measures were analyzed. Parent reports of neurocognitive functioning were also compared to a sample of children with and without head injury and to a sample of children who had undergone liver transplant (LT). Children with FD had poorer cognitive and executive functioning than healthy peers, and were comparable to children with head injury and LT. In addition, children using ERT had higher scores on measures of overall cognitive functioning, as well as fewer problems with attention/working memory and executive functioning. Results of this study suggest that children with FD may exhibit poorer cognitive and executive functioning relative to healthy peers. The use of ERT may mitigate the negative impact of FD on neurocognitive functioning in pediatric patients.

The current study examined Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners in the United States, French-Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of participants who answered "yes" to a question about experiencing PTG and explored to what extent the cross-cultural responses mapped onto the five factors of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). For the U.S. sample, 58% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. For French-Canada, 72% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. For Japan, 50% of responses mapped onto the PTGI and for Hong Kong, 39% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. We also explored emergent categories related to PTG for individuals who have lost a pet and discerned the unique aspects for PTG across cultures.

Background Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disease, accounts for more than 80% of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy childhood cases, making it the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy among children. The average age of onset is approximately 7 years and commonly leads a chronic course. Symptoms of JDM include cutaneous features (Gottron's rash, heliotrope rash, or nail fold capillary changes), musculoskeletal features, calcinosis and lipodystrophy (a symmetrical deficit of subcutaneous fatty tissue), and acanthosis (thickening of the skin). Despite improvement in treatment regimens and the lowering of mortality rates, some children still lose their lives to JDM. This study assessed the effects of caring for a child diagnosed with JDM on the family system. Methods Participants included 36 mothers and 3 fathers of a child diagnosed with JDM. Parents were administered self-report measures, which assessed the overall family functioning (PedsQL-Family Impact Module), and the parents' mood and level of distress (profile of mood states). Additionally, parents were administered a semi-structured interview that included background information, psychosocial information, and sources of support. Results and conclusion Families of children with JDM reported difficulties in family functioning, communication problems, and an increased number of conflicts. Parents appeared to be experiencing higher than average levels of worry, worse physical functioning, and family relationships when compared to normative populations. Parents would benefit from psychosocial support due to the many challenges associated with caring for a child with JDM.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an accepted medical treatment for many serious childhood diseases. HSCT is a demanding procedure that creates both physical and emotional challenges for patients and their family members. Research has demonstrated that siblings of children undergoing HSCT are at risk for developing psychosocial problems such as posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This study examined psychosocial changes in siblings (N = 30) of pediatric HSCT recipients. These siblings participated in an art therapy intervention session 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after their siblings’ HSCT procedure. Results showed improvements in sibling psychosocial functioning associated with participation in the art therapy interventions. Compared to a control group (n = 10), the intervention group (n = 20) showed lower levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms at the final session.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), also known as Hunter syndrome, is a chronic and progressive X-linked lysosomal disease that mainly affects males. It occurs in 1 in every 65,000 to 1 in 132,000 births. There are two distinct forms of the disease based on age of onset and clinical course: mild and severe. MPS II affects many organ systems including the nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Complications can include vision problems, progressive hearing loss, thickened and elastic skin, mental impairment, and enlarged liver and spleen. We herein focus on the adaptive behavior of individuals with MPS II, and the impact of MPS II on the family system. Outcomes from the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scales showed that the MPS II patient sample experienced significantly lower functioning in communication, daily living skills, socialization, and motor skills compared to normative data. Patients with severe MPS II were found to have significantly lower adaptive functioning in all domains, as compared to those with mild MPS II. Length of time on ERT had no significant relationship to adaptive functioning. Results from the Peds QL Family Impact Module indicated that families of patients with MPS II experienced a lower overall health-related quality of life and overall lower family functioning (including lower emotional and cognitive functioning) than those with chronic illnesses residing in an inpatient setting.

This study investigated type of continuing bonds (CB) expression and its comforting versus distressing nature in relation to psychosocial adjustment among bereaved mothers. Twenty-eight mothers whose child had died within the previous five years participated in a CB interview in which they rated the extent they used each of 11 different types of CB expression during the past month and the degree to which they experienced each of the CB expressions as comforting and distressing. CB expressions involving illusions and hallucinations of the deceased child were predictive of greater distress whereas those involving belief that the deceased child was aware of the mother or communicating with her through dreams were not associated with symptoms, but instead linked to greater spirituality. Furthermore, mothers who reported CB as more comforting than distressing had lower symptom ratings. The implications of the findings for the attachment theory perspective on unresolved loss are discussed.

In the seminal 2002 case of Atkins v. Virginia, the United States Supreme Court held that executing the mentally retarded violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The Court did not set forth guidelines for defining mentally retarded and instead left it to the states to define the issue individually. State definitions for mental retardation or intellectual disability were examined, including documentation of procedures for Atkins claims. Results indicated significant differences between states in definitions and procedures. Not all states had a statutory ban on executing the mentally retarded, and while most states subscribed to a three-pronged definition modeled after clinical psychiatric definitions, most failed to operationalize the prongs. Additionally, states differed on the burden of proof required to show mental retardation, which party bears that burden, the timing of the showing, who makes the determination of mental retardation, and the standard used to review the dete...

It is evident that animal companions have a deep capacity for acceptance, adoration, attention, forgiveness, and unconditional love, thus, satisfying some of our greatest human needs. Pets also help humans to overcome or prevent a sense of isolation that is frequently experienced due to life struggles.

Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a complex multisystem genetic disorder, is characterised by developmental abnormalities leading to somatic and psychological symptoms. Symptoms of PWS include infantile hypotonia and failure-to-thrive, followed by life-long hyperphagia, developmental delays and moderate-to-severe behavioural problems and several physical problems that impact health. This study examined the effects of caring for a child diagnosed with PWS on the mothers and unaffected siblings. We assessed overall family functioning, the mothers' psychological health, the psychosocial and behavioural functioning of siblings, and the quality of life of siblings. Methods Participants included 12 mothers and 13 siblings of a child with genetically confirmed PWS. Self-report measures administered to the mothers evaluated overall family functioning (PedsQL - Family Impact Module), the mothers' psychological health (Brief Symptom Inventory), and the mothers' perception of the sibling's quality of life (PedsQL - Parent Proxy). Self-report measures administered to the siblings evaluated their perceived quality of life (PedsQL) and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (UCLA PTSD Index). Results Families/mothers/siblings with children with PWS showed poorer perceived quality of life compared with general inpatient and outpatient samples of children with complex health conditions. Families/mothers/siblings with children with PWS reported difficulties in family functioning, communication problems, and an increased number of conflicts. They appeared to be experiencing significant behavioural distress symptoms, with higher than average levels of depression and feelings of isolation, anger and worry. Ninety-two per cent of the siblings indicated moderate-to-severe symptoms of PTSD. Compared with normative populations, siblings demonstrated poorer quality of life, with mothers perceiving more significant deficits in the sibling. Conclusion This study reaffirms that PWS affects the entire family system. Mothers and siblings would benefit from psychosocial support due to the multiple challenges of living with and caring for a child/young adult with PWS.

This study investigated continuing bonds (CB) expressions among bereaved pet owners and the relationship between CB expressions and psychosocial adjustment. The sample included 33 participants who had lost a dog or cat within the past year. Participants who responded to a differentiated set of 12 CB expressions reported a tendency to experience CB as more comforting than distressing, and the extent to which they endorsed each of the CB expressions was comparable to that found in a spousal loss sample, thus highlighting important similarities in pet loss to that shown in human loss in regard to CB. The CB comfort ratings also provided unique information beyond extent of CB endorsement in predicting psychosocial adjustment. The implications of the findings are discussed in the context of an attachment perspective on pet loss.

This study is the first of its kind to evaluate attorneys' perception of motive and defense strategies when presented with a fictional filicide case. A vignette-based survey was designed to elicit data regarding perception of motive and willingness to use various defenses. Participants were more likely to agree that jealousy and retaliation were motivating factors when the perpetrator was male, but agreed more strongly that mental illness was a motivating factor when the perpetrator was female. Male perpetrators were more likely to be encouraged to accept a 15-year prison term, while attorneys were more willing to use insanity and mistake as mitigating defenses when the offender was female. Gender of participants also affected the perception of motive and defense strategies used. Results suggest that female attorneys are more likely to use defenses aimed to negate mens rea and female defendants are more likely to be encouraged to use such a defense.

This article presents findings from a study on the impact of a child's death on parents. We explored the prominence and adaptiveness of parents' continuing bonds expressions, psychological adjustment, and grief reactions. A qualitative case study methodology was used to describe six cases. Participants were classified into two groups based on scores on the Inventory of Complicated Grief. Commonalities in themes on the Continuing Bonds Interview and projective drawings were assessed. Those in the Non-Complicated Grief Group reported internalization of positive qualities and identification with the deceased child as a role model, whereas participants in the Complicated Grief Group did not report these experiences. In addition, the drawings of those in the Non-Complicated Grief Group were evaluated as more adaptive than those in the Complicated Grief Group.

This study examined the impact of attachment on grief severity following the death of a pet. Seventy-one participants who had lost a dog or cat within the past year completed a set of measures that included an attachment measure assessing individual differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance, strength of the past attachment to the pet, the continuing bond with the deceased pet, social support, and complicated grief symptoms. Attachment anxiety and strength of the past attachment to the pet were each uniquely predictive of more severe grief. Furthermore, the continuing bond to the deceased pet partially mediated the impact of strength of the past attachment to the pet on grief severity. No significant mediators of the effect of attachment anxiety on grief were found, however. The results highlight the importance of distinguishing strength of attachment from attachment security in examining the effect of attachment on response to pet loss.

This study addresses the effects of dietary adherence, phenylalanine (phe) levels, and age on performance of executive functioning (EF) tasks in children and adolescents with phenylketonuria (PKU). We herein collate formerly discrete findings to understand the relationship among actual clinical parameters and EF in PKU. Fifteen subjects (age range 8-20 years) with PKU were compared with the normative sample on the Delis-Kaplan EF Battery and on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scales of Intelligence to examine the relationship between EF skills, phe levels, age, and dietary adherence. At the time of the assessment, the mean age of participants was 14.8 years, mean lifetime phe levels ranged from 216 to 1200 microM (mean 594 microM); and concurrent phe levels ranged from 222 to 1730 microM (mean 660 microM). Children and adolescents with PKU showed lower performance in several EF skills: initiation of problem solving, concept formation, and reasoning. Performance on EF tasks requiring inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and set shifting decreased at higher phe levels. Phe levels were positively correlated to age and inversely related to dietary adherence. We conclude that dynamic clinical parameters appear to govern EF in patients with PKU. We suggest that when adolescents decrease dietary compliance, changes in EF skills occur. Therefore, there is a need to specifically monitor EF skills in patients with PKU during the transition to, and during, adolescence.