Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi

The effects of experimentally induced changes in ego states on pronunciation ability in a second language: An exploratory study

N AN ATTEMPT to apply the methods of scientific inquiry to the rich but relatively elusive data that are generated in the clinical circumstance, a research strategy, termed transpositional research, has been proposed by Guiora.’ The first step in this strategy is the identification of another realm of behavior where the phenomena first observed in the clinical situation can also be assumed to exist. It is essential, however, that the behavior chosen for hypothesis testing lend itself readily to experimental manipulation and control. Thus, once a hypothesis generated in the clinical setting is tested out in the transposed realm, we can then hope to reapply the findings to the original circumstance. For the past several years, Guiora has been engaged in the empirical study of the concept of empathy. The nonclinical behavioral realm selected for this study was the ability to authentically pronounce a second language. In a series of publications, Guiora6,8y10 developed the proposition that empathy can be conceptualized as a comprehending modality alongside inference and intuition and offered the following definition: “Empathy is a process of comprehending in which a temporary fusion of self-object boundaries, as in the earliest pattern of object relations, permits an immediate emotional apprehension of the affective experience of another, this sensing being used by the cognitive functions to gain understanding of the other.“6 It is clear from the foregoing definition that empathic capacity is viewed as critically dependent upon the flexibility of the psychic processes which function to regulate self-object boundaries. The choice of authenticity of pronunciation as the behavioral realm for testing hypotheses concerning empathic capacity is based on the notion that pronunciation ability is profoundly influenced by the same underlying processes, namely, permeability of ego boundaries. In a recent paper’ Guiora introduced a new concept: language ego. It was proposed that similar to the concept of body ego, ’ 2 language ego is conceived as a maturational concept and likewise refers to self-representation with physical outlines and firm boundaries: “Grammar and syntax are the solid structure on which speech hangs, lexis the flesh that gives it body, and pronunciation its very core. Pronunciation is the most

Treating the Sex Offender

The plight of the convicted sex offender and his chances for treatment are discussed in the light of public opinion and psy chiatric knowledge. Popular myths regarding sex offenders are found to be shared by legislators and law enforcement agents. The numerous jurisdictions and legal definitions are cited as major obstacles to effective treatment for sex offenders.

The Michigan Gender Identity Test (MIGIT)

Summary This paper provides in detail the rationale, administration procedure, coding, and scoring of the Michigan Gender Identity Test (MIGIT). Included are instructions and scoring sheets to be used in administering the test. It is believed the MIGIT fills the need for an age-appropriate test for the assessment of gender identity in children over 18 months of age. The experimental use of the MIGIT is encouraged, with the view of further refining it and enhancing its potential as a research and clinical instrument.

Twinship in mythology and science: Ambivalence, differentiation, and the magical bond

Abstract This article has attempted to show parallels and continuities between mythological traditions dealing with twinship and modern scientific approaches that either study twinship itself or use twin studies to answer more general questions. We do not mean to imply that modern research on twins is just a continuation of mythological concepts. What we have tried to show is the continuity in some of the questions being asked and in some of the answers being given. The explanation we would like to offer here for these parallels is that there are common psychological elements in both mythological and scientific approaches to twinship. The two major elements are fascination and ambivalence. Fascination with twin births has always been combined with a great deal of apprehension and ambivalence. In both primitive and modern societies, multiple births have been viewed as a potential source of familial and social conflict and complication. The Old Testament mythological tradition, which emphasized competition and individuation in twin pairs, and the Greek mythological tradition, which emphasized fusion and intimacy, are both reflected in modern approaches to the study of twinship.

Stabilization of Drug use Patterns on the American Campus

Patterns of drug use among students in higher education change and reach stabilization as a result of societal reactions, institutional adjustment mechanisms, and the students own experiences and experimentation in drug use. The thesis of this article is that patterns of drug use on large U.S. campuses have been institutionalized to such an extent that they are no longer a disruptive element in education and adjustment. Looking at the stages of the institutionalization process may help us in understanding the correct scope of drug abuse, as opposed to drug use, and in recognizing parallel processes in other populations.