Beryl Buckby

Comparing the effect of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others between Australia and Brazil

Few studies have considered how suicide is perceived and impacted by stigma across cultures. A sample of 478 participants from Australia and Brazil was used to investigate cross-cultural perceptions of suicide and the impact of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide framed a mixed method within and between groups design. English and Portuguese versions of an online survey were developed to assess perception of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide, suicide stigma, and demographic characteristics. A significant model was identified predicting recognition of suicide risk in Australia and Brazil. However, not all constructs contributed uniquely. Suicide stigma was found to blind perception of suicide risk in others across cultures. Theoretical implications and future directions for research are outlined.

Impulsivity and Problem Gambling: Can the Anticipated Emotional Rewards Explain the Relationship?

Impulsivity is one of the individual level dispositional characteristics that have shown a robust association with problem gambling. However, the way in which impulsivity shapes gambling behaviour is less well understood. The current study examined the explanatory role of gambling outcome expectancies of escape and excitement to further explore the relationship between impulsivity and problem gambling. A total of 491 community members completed an online questionnaire that assessed impulsivity, the anticipated emotional benefits of gambling (escape and excitement outcome expectancies), gambling frequency and problem gambling. Although escape and excitement outcome expectancies partially accounted for the relationship between impulsivity and problem gambling scores, escape moderated the relationship. Specifically, impulsivity was not related to problem gambling when less favourable views of escape outcome expectancies were held. Conversely, the relationship between impulsivity and problem gambling strengthened when escape outcome expectancies were more favourable. The findings indicate the escape outcome expectancies play a significant role in determining the degree to which impulsivity influences problematic gambling. The results suggest engendering more unfavourable beliefs towards using gambling as a form of escapism or a way to cope with negative affect may be helpful, especially for gamblers with heightened levels of impulsivity.

How is self-sabotage presented in romantic relationships?

The aim of this paper is to present an integrated review exploring the theme of self-sabotage in romantic relationships. Self-sabotage or self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals as self-protection; primarily aimed at preserving self-esteem and self-image. When faced with failure, the individual can justify the outcome as due to the handicap itself (i.e., an external cause), whereas, if faced with success, the individual can emphasise their ability to withstand the barriers of handicap (i.e., an internal cause). The hypothesis is that the self-handicapper creates obstacles which impede success or withdrawal effort to maintain self-esteem and competent public and private self-image. Most of the research undertaken regarding the practice of self-handicapping has been conducted in the context of education, work, and sporting activities. However, in other contexts this phenomenon is less explored and loosely defined. With regards to romantic relationships, there is a distinct lack of knowledge to explain why some people, having successfully initiated a relationship, embark upon what appears to be a path to certain dissolution of that engagement. Studies will need to be conducted to provide evidence for this phenomenon and directions for practical approaches in relationship counselling.