Jason A. Kaufman

Stress and Social Support Among Online Doctoral Psychology Students

Abstract This study explored the relationship between perceived stress and perceived need for social support among doctoral psychology students attending a distance education university. Although small sample size conceivably prevented identification of a direct correlation between these two factors, female doctoral students perceiving greater levels of stress demonstrated less affiliative and more aggressive needs. Perceived stress did not correlate with counseling readiness among the student sample. These findings suggest that female doctoral students engaged in online study may resemble their traditional campus peers.

Five Ways of Assessing Relationship Satisfaction

In a relationship rating system, a pair of lovers regularly graph their conduct to better their bonding. The graph shows the couple’s dynamics—interaction, emotion, expression, clarity (understanding), and contact (feeling of connection). Based on the graph, lovers each pledge behaviors that raise or lower their ratings on each dynamic to achieve balance in their ratings on the five dimensions and thus achieve and maintain the fitness effect in their relation.

Meditative Training Improves Undergraduate Executive Functioning

ABSTRACT The experience of attending college can be a stressful experience for many students, one that college and university counseling centers may have limited resources of time and finances to assuage. For instance, decision making may deteriorate during times of stress and result in a narrowed perceptual set. The present study sought to determine through a novel design whether meditative training could effectively address the situation. Results indicated that classroom-based meditative training improved executive functioning among college students regarding stress, cognitive flexibility, and insight. Such an approach to intervention may provide college and university counseling centers with greater opportunities to better meet student emotional and academic needs.

NATURE, MIND, AND MEDICINE: A MODEL FOR MIND-BODY HEALING

Objective: The human mind‐body possesses a remarkable innate ability to heal. Grounded in the evolutionarily conserved systems of the brain and body, nature appears to function as the fundamental source of wellness along the two vectors of attention and relaxation. Yet, our species is moving away from nature at a time when humanity is just beginning to rediscover its benefits. Conclusions: Exposure to natural environments may provide a “window” of healing that can be extended through a continuum of intervention through the use of guided meditation and ultimately hypnotic suggestion. The result may be an improved ability to promote greater executive functioning and more robust immune regulation. The time has come for a more holistic medicine guided by the hand of nature.