External Validity of SCORS-G Ratings of Thematic Apperception Test Narratives in a Sample of Outpatients and Inpatients

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle B. Stein ◽  
Jenelle Slavin-Mulford ◽  
Caleb J. Siefert ◽  
Samuel Justin Sinclair ◽  
Michaela Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitalization ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Thematic Apperception Test ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conduct Disordered ◽  
Global Ratings ◽  
Thematic Apperception ◽  
History Of

Abstract. The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Ratings Method (SCORS-G; Stein, Hilsenroth, Slavin-Mulford, & Pinsker-Aspen, 2011 ) is a reliable system for coding narrative data, such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) stories. This study employs a cross-sectional, correlational design to examine associations between SCORS-G dimensions and life events in two clinical samples. Samples were composed of 177 outpatients and 57 inpatients who completed TAT protocols as part of routine clinical care. Two experienced raters coded narratives with the SCORS-G. Data on the following clinically relevant life events were collected: history of psychiatric hospitalization, suicidality, self-harming behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, conduct-disordered behavior, trauma, and education level. As expected, the clinical life event variable associated with the largest number of SCORS-G dimensions was Suicidality. Identity and Coherence of Self was related to self-harm history across samples. Emotional Investment in Relationships and Complexity of Representations were also associated with several life events. Clinical applications, limitations of the study, and future directions are reviewed.

scholarly journals Is a clinician’s personal history of domestic violence associated with their clinical care of patients: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e029276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth McLindon ◽  
Cathy Humphreys ◽  
Kelsey Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of ◽  
Workplace Supports

ObjectiveTo investigate whether domestic violence (DV) impacts on health professionals’ clinical care of DV survivor patients.Design, settingDescriptive, cross-sectional study at an Australian tertiary maternity hospital.Participants471 participating female health professionals (45.0% response rate).Outcome measuresUsing logistic and linear regression, we examined whether health professionals’ exposure to lifetime DV was associated with their clinical care on specific measures of training, attitudes, identification and intervention.ResultsDV survivor health professionals report greater preparedness to intervene with survivor patients in a way that is consistent with ideal clinical care. This indicates that personal DV experience is not a barrier, and may be a facilitator, to clinical care of survivor patients.ConclusionsHealth professionals are at the front line of identifying and responding to patients who have experienced DV. These findings provide evidence that survivor health professionals may be a strength to the healthcare organisations in which they work since among the participants in this study, they appear to be doing more of the work seen as better clinical care of survivor patients. We discuss the need for greater workplace supports aimed at promoting safety and recovery from violence and strengthening clinical practice with patients.

scholarly journals Effects of interactions between variation in dopaminergic genes, traumatic life events, and anomalous self-experiences on psychosis proneness: Results from a cross-sectional study in a nonclinical sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Frydecka ◽  
Kamila Kotowicz ◽  
Łukasz Gawęda ◽  
Katarzyna Prochwicz ◽  
Joanna Kłosowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Dopamine D2 Receptor ◽  
D2 Receptor ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurotransmission ◽  
Psychosis Proneness ◽  
Traumatic Life Events ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background There is a growing number of studies showing interactions between genetic polymorphisms associated with dopaminergic neurotransmission and traumatic life events (TLEs) on a risk of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). Anomalous self-experiences (ASEs) have been associated both with TLEs as well as with PLEs. However, it remains unknown what is the role of ASEs in the complexity of gene–environment interactions on the emergence of PLEs. Patients and methods We included 445 young adults—university students from three big cities in Poland. We used the Traumatic Events Checklist to assess TLEs, the Inventory of Psychotic-Like anomalous self-experiences in order to measure ASEs, and the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ16) to record the level of PLEs. The following gene polymorphisms, related to dopaminergic neurotransmission, were determined: the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680 polymorphism, the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) rs6277 polymorphism, and the dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) rs28363170 polymorphism. Results There was a significant effect of the interaction between the DAT1 polymorphism, a severity of ASEs, and a history of TLEs on the level of PLEs. Among the DAT1 10R/10R homozygotes with low level of ASEs, a severity of PLEs was significantly higher in individuals with a history of any TLEs. Higher scores of the PQ16 were associated with a greater severity of ASEs both in the DAT1 9R allele carriers and the DAT1 10R/10R homozygotes. Conclusion Our findings imply that genetic liability related to aberrant dopamine transport might impact the association between TLEs and PLEs in subjects with high levels of ASEs.

scholarly journals Appraisals of Anomalous Experiences Interview (AANEX): a multidimensional measure of psychological responses to anomalies associated with psychosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 191 (S51) ◽  
pp. s23-s30 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. C. Brett ◽  
E. P. Peters ◽  
L. C. Johns ◽  
P. Tabraham ◽  
L. R. Valmaggia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Response ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Psychological Responses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multidimensional Measure ◽  
Detailed Assessment

BackgroundCognitive models of psychosis suggest that whether anomalous experiences lead to clinically relevant psychotic symptoms depends on how they are appraised, the context in which they occur and the individual's emotional responseAimsTo develop and validate a semi-structured interview (the Appraisals of Anomalous Experiences Interview; AANEX) to assess (a) anomalous experiences and (b) appraisal, contextual and response variablesMethodFollowing initial piloting, construct validity was tested via cross-sectional comparison of data from clinical and non-clinical samples with anomalous experiences. Interrater reliability was also assessedResultsScores from AANEX measuring appraisals, responses and social support differentiated the clinical and nonclinical groups. Interrater reliability was satisfactory for 65 of the 71 items. Six items were subsequently amendedConclusionsThe AANEX is avalid multidimensional instrument that provides a detailed assessment of psychotic-like experiences and subjective variables relevant to the development of a need for clinical care

scholarly journals Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Community Patients in Blantyre, Malawi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onduru G. Onduru ◽  
Rajhab S. Mkakosya ◽  
Said Aboud ◽  
Susan F. Rumisha
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Prior History ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
History Of ◽  
Community Patients

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance due to production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) by Enterobacteriaceae is a global health problem contributing to increased morbidity and mortality particularly in resource-constrained countries. We examined in the current study the prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) in community patients in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted between March and September 2020 at selected outpatient health facilities in Blantyre, Malawi. Clinical samples were first screened for ESBL-E using CHROMagar™ ESBL medium and later confirmed by a combination disk test method (CDT). The isolates were identified to species level using a commercially acquired biochemical substrate strips (Microbact™ GNB, Oxoid). Descriptive summary statistics were generated as frequencies and proportions. Chi square or Fishers Exact tests and student’s t-test were used where appropriate. Association between variables was determined by logistic regression analysis. Results were presented as odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results A total of 199 rectal swabs and 101 urine samples from 300 outpatient adults were screened for ESBL-E. Of these, seventy three (24.33%; 95%, CI = 19.45–29.22%) gave positive culture. Prevalence of community acquired ESBL-E was 16.67% (50/300, 95% CI = 12.43–20.91%). The most common ESBL-E species isolated were Escherichia coli (66%). Community prevalence of ESBL-E was higher in male 56% (28/50) compared to female 44% (22/50) patients. Prevalence of ESBL-E was higher in community patients who lacked history of surgery 88% (44/50) and prior history of antibiotic use in the last three months 80% (40/50) compared to those with same characteristics. All community patients with isolated ESBL-E had no history of admission in the last three months and neither demographic characteristics nor clinical characteristics of participants showed any degree of association with the carriage of ESBL-E. Conclusion Our findings revealed moderate presence of ESBL-E phenotypes in a community patients who lacked history of hospital admissions in the past three months an indication of community acquisition of ESBL-E in Blantyre, Malawi. Low prevalence of ESBL-E in the community settings in Blantyre can be maintained if strong infection and antimicrobial use control strategies are to be implemented.

scholarly journals A prospective, cross-sectional study to establish age-specific reference intervals for neonates and children in the setting of clinical biochemistry, immunology and haematology: the HAPPI Kids study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e025897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monsurul Hoq ◽  
Vicky Karlaftis ◽  
Susan Mathews ◽  
Janet Burgess ◽  
Susan M Donath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Study Protocol ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Age Appropriate

IntroductionThe clinical interpretation of laboratory tests is reliant on reference intervals. However, the accuracy of a reference interval is dependent on the selected reference population, and in paediatrics, the ability of the reference interval to reflect changes associated with growth and age, as well as sex and ethnicity. Differences in reagent formulations, methodologies and analysers can also impact on a reference interval. To date, no direct comparison of reference intervals for common analytes using different analysers in children has been published. The Harmonising Age Pathology Parameters in Kids (HAPPI Kids) study aims to establish age-appropriate reference intervals for commonly used analytes in the routine clinical care of neonates and children, and to determine the feasibility of paediatric reference interval harmonisation by comparing age-appropriate reference intervals in different analysers for multiple analytes.Methods and analysisThe HAPPI Kids study is a prospective cross-sectional study, collecting paediatric blood samples for analysis of commonly requested biochemical, immunological and haematological tests. Venous blood samples are collected from healthy premature neonates (32–36 weeks of gestation), term neonates (from birth to a maximum of 72 hours postbirth) and children aged 30 days to ≤18 years (undergoing minor day surgical procedures). Blood samples are processed according to standard laboratory procedures and, if not processed immediately, stored at –80°C. A minimum of 20 samples is analysed for every analyte for neonates and then each year of age until 18 years. Analytical testing is performed according to the standard operating procedures used for clinical samples. Where possible, sample aliquots from the same patients are analysed for an analyte across multiple commercially available analysers.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Ethics in Human Research Committee (34183 A). The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and shared with clinicians, laboratory scientists and laboratories.

What is "Morale"? A Case History of a Validity Problem

1958 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Cumming ◽  
Lois Dean ◽  
David Newell
Keyword(s):  
Kansas City ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Thematic Apperception Test ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Community Study ◽  
Central Importance ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
The Face ◽  
Thematic Apperception ◽  
History Of

Our purpose in this paper is to describe how a single community study,1 the Kansas City Study of Adult Life, has gone about trying to fathom the essential meaning of its own dependent variable, namely, "success in aging," or "morale," among a group of Kansas Citians moving from middle to old age. We will trace the development of our thinking and our methodology, as both have been modified during the course of a five-year research program now at mid-point. With the aid of specific case illustrations, we will attempt to document the interplay among our three principal methods: the extensive, relatively structured, interview; the intensive, relatively unstructured, interview; and protocols constructed from six Thematic Apperception Test cards. And we will conclude by assessing just how far we think we have progressed, at this point, in our efforts to solve what we conceive to be a validity problem of central importance to all social scientists operating in the general area of "morale" or "satisfaction." What, in short, is "morale," and how do we go about distinguishing what it is, or what best reflects it, from what it merely seems, on the face of it, to be?

When's a story a story? Determining interpretability of Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale‐Global ratings on Thematic Apperception Test narratives

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-580
Author(s):  
Michelle B Stein ◽  
Solara Calderon ◽  
Jared Ruchensky ◽  
Christina Massey ◽  
Jenelle Slavin‐Mulford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Object Relations ◽  
Thematic Apperception Test ◽  
Global Ratings ◽  
Thematic Apperception

scholarly journals Cigarette smoking among psychiatric patients in Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1195-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Cristina Ribeiro de Barros ◽  
Ana Paula Souto Melo ◽  
Francine Cournos ◽  
Mariângela Leal Cherchiglia ◽  
Eliane Rezende de Morais Peixoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitalization ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Smoking Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
History Of

The aim of this study was to estimate tobacco smoking prevalence among psychiatric patients attended in care facilities in Brazil and assess associated factors. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted of psychiatric patients (N = 2,475) selected from 26 care facilities. Current and ex-smokers were compared to those who had never smoked. Odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression. The current and past smoking prevalence rates were 52.7% and 18.9%, respectively. Being male, aged 40 years or over, drug and alcohol use, unprotected sex and a history of physical violence were factors associated with both current and past smoking, while a low education level (≤ 8 years of schooling), history of homelessness, not practicing a religion, current or previous psychiatric hospitalization, and main psychiatric diagnosis substance use disorders, were factors only associated with current smoking. Tobacco smoking prevalence among this population was high and was higher than the rate in the general population. Appropriate interventions and smoking prevention policies should be incorporated into mental health services.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document