Connie Sung

Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for children with epilepsy and anxiety: a pilot study

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, adaptability, and feasibility of a manual-based, computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for anxiety disorders in children with epilepsy. Fifteen anxious youth (aged 8-13 years) with epilepsy completed 12 weeks of manualized computer-assisted CBT. The children and parents completed a semi-structured interview at baseline, and questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavior problems were completed prior to treatment, at treatment midpoint, after treatment completion, and at three months posttreatment. There were significant reductions in the symptoms of anxiety and depression reported by the children at completion of the intervention and at the three-month follow-up. Similarly, the parents reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and a reduction in behavior problems. No adverse events were reported. This CBT intervention for children with epilepsy and anxiety disorders appears to be safe, effective, and feasible and should be incorporated into future intervention studies.

Empirically Derived Test Specifications for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination

This study examined the major job functions and knowledge domains required for effective rehabilitation counseling practice in today’s rapidly changing practice environment to revise and update the test specifications for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification examination. This report describes the methodology used in this nationwide study, the primary research questions addressed, the study’s principal findings and recommendations, including the new set of test specifications that will guide future versions of the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination. The results of this study provide empirical support for the description of the knowledge base underlying the practice of rehabilitation counseling and contributes further empirical evidence in relation to the content and construct validity of the knowledge domains identified in this replication and extension of the most recent study completed in 2006.

Gender Differences in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Predictors of Successful Competitive Employment for Transition-Aged Individuals with Autism

As males and females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience different symptomology, their needs for vocational rehabilitation (VR) are unique as they transition into adulthood. This study examined the effects of gender differences in VR service predictors on employment outcomes for transition-aged individuals with ASD. A total of 1696 individuals (857 males and 839 females) were analyzed from a sample of RSA-911 data of FY 2011. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed both gender-independent VR service predictors (with job placement and on-the-job supports more beneficial for both genders) and gender-specific predictors of employment (with counseling and guidance, job search assistance, and other services more beneficial for the male group). This study provides support for individualized gender-specific VR services for people with ASD.

Neuroscience of Child and Adolescent Health Development

Recent advances in technology and neuroscience have increased our understanding of human neurodevelopment. In particular, research on neuroplasticity and psychosocial genomics lends compelling support to a biopsychosocial perspective by elucidating mechanisms through which psychosocial forces and environments shape neurobiology. This article summarizes selected results from recent investigations of neuroplasticity and psychosocial genomics, which demonstrate complex interaction between genes, epigenetic processes, and environmental experience that confers neural growth into adulthood. Counseling psychologists working with children and adolescents need to be familiar with recent literature to be more effective in their work so that they can provide developmentally appropriate counseling services. Social cognitive theory and resilience theory are introduced to illustrate how counseling psychologists can incorporate neuroscience research findings in a counseling context and hypotheses are proposed for future counseling psychology research.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Outcomes for Individuals with Autism of Different Ages.

Young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often experience employment difficulties. Using Rehabilitation Service Administration data (RSA-911), this study investigated the service patterns and factors related to the employment outcomes of individuals with ASD in different age groups. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of demographic and vocational rehabilitation (VR) service variables on employment outcomes in each age group. The results show that transition youth made up the largest portion of VR service users among the ASD population, yet they have the worst employment outcomes across all age groups. Factors that are significantly associated with increased odds for employment in each age group were identified. Implications from systemic, practical, and research perspectives are also provided.

Social anxiety and self-concept in children with epilepsy: A pilot intervention study

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) anxiety intervention on social phobia, social skill development, and self-concept. METHOD Fifteen children with epilepsy and a primary anxiety disorder participated in a CBT intervention for 12 weeks plus a 3-month follow-up visit. Children were assessed at baseline, week 7, week 12, and 3 months post treatment to measure changes in social phobia using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Self-concept was also assessed by using the Piers-Harris Childrens Self-Concept Scale II (Piers-Harris 2). RESULTS There was a significant reduction in symptoms of social phobia and improved self-concept at the end of the 12-week intervention and at the 3 month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVAs of child ratings revealed significant change over time on the SCARED-Social Phobia/Social Anxiety subscale score (p=0.024). In terms of self-concept, significant change over time was detected on the Piers-Harris 2-Total score (p=0.015) and several subscale scores of Piers-Harris 2, including: Physical Appearance and Attributes (p=0.016), Freedom from Anxiety (p=0.005), and Popularity (p=0.003). CONCLUSION This pilot investigation utilized an evidenced based CBT intervention to reduce symptoms of social phobia, which in turn provided a vehicle to address specific social skills improving self-concept in children with epilepsy.

Attachment Style, Social Support, and Coping as Psychosocial Correlates of Happiness in Persons With Spinal Cord Injuries

Objective: To examine the roles of attachment, social support, and coping as psychosocial correlates in predicting happiness in people with spinal cord injuries. Design: Quantitative descriptive research design using multiple regression and correlation techniques. Participants: 274 individuals with spinal cord injuries. Outcome Measures: Happiness as measured by the Subjective Happiness Scale. Results: Functional disability and psychosocial correlates including coping, attachment styles, and social support were found to be associated with happiness scores. Functional disability was found to have a large negative effect on happiness and the effect was significantly reduced after taking into consideration the effect of positive psychology factors. Conclusion: Positive psychology variables are important for happiness and subjective well-being, and happiness in turn is related to better quality of life. The negative relationship between functional disability and happiness can be mediated by attachment, social support, and coping. Rehabilitation professionals should deemphasize negative characteristics related to poor psychological adjustment and focus on positive human traits and positive psychology interventions for people with disabilities.

Positive Coping, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Esteem as Mediators between Seizure Severity and Life Satisfaction in Epilepsy.

This study examined the impact of positive psychological traits (positive coping, self-efficacy, and self-esteem) on the relationship between seizure severity and life satisfaction among individuals with epilepsy. Hierarchical regression analysis and correlation techniques were used to test a hypothesized tri-mediation model of life satisfaction for individuals with epilepsy. Results indicated that seizure severity and positive human traits, including positive coping, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, were indeed associated with overall life satisfaction. Self-efficacy and self-esteem (but not positive coping) fully mediated the relationship between seizure severity and life satisfaction, lending support for a dual-mediation model. These findings suggest there may be considerable value for rehabilitation psychologists and counselors to develop specialized intervention programs that focus on capitalizing these positive human traits to promote life satisfaction and well-being for clients with epilepsy.

The World Health Organization ICF Model as a Framework for Assessing Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the World Health Organization ICF model and to discuss how this model can be used as a framework for assessing service outcomes that goes beyond the use of employment as indicator of success in vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies. Specifically, we advocate for the development of a comprehensive taxonomy of outcome measures based on the ICF model to assess the effectiveness of medical, psychological, educational, and vocational services provided by VR to improve functioning. activity, and participation level of people with disabilities in the rehabilitation process. Ling this taxonomy of outcome measures, we can assess the effectiveness of services provided directly by rehabilitation counselars and those services that are provided by vendors as well as the overall effect of these services on employment outcome, health status, and quality of life of consumers of vocational rehabilitation services.

Vocational rehabilitation service patterns and employment outcomes of people with epilepsy.

This study aimed to examine the association between vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and employment outcomes of people with epilepsy (PWE), after controlling for demographic covariates. Data was retrieved from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) database for fiscal year (FY) 2011. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict employment outcomes of PWE. Of the 2030 previously unemployed PWE who received services, 884 (43.5%) achieved successful competitive employment. Results indicate that higher education level and cost of VR services consumed were positively related to successful employment. In contrast, having co-occurring anxiety/depression, receiving cash benefits, or increasing time spent in the VR system was negatively associated with employment. Eight specific VR services (e.g., education, vocational training, and job search and placement assistance) were also found to be significant predictors of employment. Services provided by state VR agencies were proven to be beneficial in improving employment outcomes. PWE should be encouraged to pursue VR services to increase the chances of attaining employment. Health care providers should also become familiar with the array of VR services.