Barry A. Bass

EFFECTS OF SELF-VERBALIZATIONS UPON EMOTIONAL AROUSAL AND PERFORMANCE: A TEST OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE THEORY

As a test of rational-emotive theory, the idea that our beliefs influence our emotions and subsequent overt behavior, 36 undergraduate women were presented rational, irrational, or neutral statements prior to and regarding their performance of a perceptual-motor task. Palmar skin resistance responses (SRRs) and forearm extensor muscle-action potentials (MAPs) were recorded to assess the relationship of covert self-verbalizations (generated by rehearsed statements), emotional or physiological arousal, and behavioral efficiency in task performance. Ellis hypothesized that rational self-verbalizations lead to optimal arousal and superior performance while irrational self-verbalizations lead to over-arousal and subsequent poor performance. Subjects given rational statements reduced mirror-star tracing errors more quickly than did subjects given neutral and irrational statements. Self-verbalization groups were not distinguished by electrodermal measures. MAP measures were in the direction predicted by rational-emotive theory. Results provided information about the form of the relationship of self-verbalizations, physiological arousal, and performance.

Parental identification of rapists and pedophiles

It is well documented that sex offenders experience a higher incidence of sexual abuse and are more likely to have been reared in dysfunctional families than are individuals in most comparison groups. It is unclear, however, whether growing up in an abusive or dysfunctional family affects the extent to which the potential sex offender would subsequently identify with his parents. Sixteen rapists, 18 pedophiles, 9 general offenders, and 11 college students completed the Parental Identification Scale to assess their parental identification. It was predicted that the rapists and pedophiles would identify less with their parents than would college students or general offenders. Analysis indicated a strong and significant correlation between group membership and parental identification. Rapists and pedophiles identified less with their mothers and fathers than did members of corresponding control groups.

Stimulus complexity in reminiscence therapy and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory of a small group of nursing-home residents.

A pilot study of the efficacy of groups given single and multistimulus reminiscence therapy versus no treatment controls gave no significant effect in reducing depression in 12 nursing-home residents 68.5 yr. of age. However, the data indicate that effectiveness of treatment was likely attenuated by including participants with dementia.

Rational-emotive treatment for the sexual problems of couples

A rational-emotive approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction is presented. It is asserted that the attitudes with which RET therapists approach sexual problems are as important in determining therapeutic outcome as are the techniques utilized in treating those problems. Regardless of whether one is treating disorders of desire, arousal, or orgasm, the rational-emotive sex therapist remains committed to the stoic position that is is not the unfortunate events in life but rather ones perceptions and evaluations of those events that cause distress. In this regard, the distinction between sexual dysfunction (unfortunate life events) and sexual disturbance (exaggeratedly negative perceptions and evaluations of those events) is emphasized. It is further asserted that only therapy regimens utilizing behavioral strategies within the context of what we have labeled elegant or preferential RET will adequately and comprehensively treat all sexual disorders.

Short-term cognitive-behavioral treatment of hypoactive sexual desire in an individual with a history of childhood sexual abuse

The treatment offered individuals of childhood sexual abuse is often unnecessarily long-term and is typically based upon the victimization/recovery model. This paper presents a brief case study illustrating the successful short-term cognitive-behavioral treatment of a 28-year-old woman with hypoactive sexual desire who reported a history of repeated sexual molestations throughout her childhood.

The Myth of Low Sexual Desire: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach to Treatment

The utility of the construct of hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) as an explanation for low frequency sex is scrutinized. In reviewing the case records of 18 clients self-diagnosed as HSD, it was found that these clients shared a number of sexual preferences or conditions which were rarely implemented during their sexual encounters. It is asserted that global attributions such as HSD often obfuscate the more immediate causes of infrequent sexual behavior. A cognitive behavioral treatment approach is described which directly addresses the problem of low frequency sex by increasing the probability that those conditions necessary for satisfying sex will, in fact, be implemented.

Effects of Professional Title and Degree Upon the Perceived Credibility of A Sex Therapist

AbstractNinety undergraduate students (38 males and 52 females) were given brief written job descriptions of therapists who specialize in treating individuals with sexual dysfunction. A different l...

The elegant solution to the problem of impotence

Although most therapists are committed to debunking the dual myths that “sex requires an erection” and that “sex equals intercourse,” sex researchers continue to use “successful” intercourse as a primary dependent variable. It is here asserted that RET therapists would do well to approach the problem of erectile dysfunction from a more elegant philosophical perspective. The treatment approach outlined here is aimed at reducing client disturbance as well as increasing sexual satisfaction rather than at simply helping the client to regain his potency.

Iatrogenic Symptoms and Partner Reaction Following Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract“The great question that has never been answered, and which I have not yet been able to answer despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul, is: what does a woman want?”—Sigmund Freud“Between 1975 and 1980 over 7,000 Small-Carrion penile prostheses were implanted worldwide …”—Journal of Marital and Sexual Therapy, 1984“Sex does not require an erection.”—Bernie Zilbergeld, 1978

Effects of Verbal Reinforcements upon WAIS Scores of Examinees High and Low in Anxiety

This study examined the effect of contingent verbal reinforcement upon the intelligence test performance of adults high and low in anxiety. 60 white undergraduates were divided into groups of 30 of high anxiety and 30 of low anxiety on the basis of their IPAT Anxiety Scale scores. Each examinee received the Quick Test as a premeasure of intelligence and then the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale under experimental conditions. 15 subjects with low and 15 subjects with high anxiety received verbal reinforcement after each correct response on the WAIS, while another 15 in each group performed under standard testing conditions. Results were not consistent with previous findings in that WAIS Full Scale, Verbal, and Performance IQs were not significantly affected by reinforcement condition or anxiety level.