John G. Paterson

Pathophysiological mechanism of seasonal affective disorder

Despite the long history in medicine, the pathophysiological mechanism(s) of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) remain largely unknown. By employing a meta-analytic methodology, the authors of this study attempted to verify the validity of different pathophysiological mechanism(s) proposed for SAD. The findings showed that for phototherapy of medium light intensity, a combination of morning-evening therapy regime yielded the best therapeutic effect, and the antidepressant effect of the morning-evening light regime was superior to a single pulse of light administered at other times of day. Furthermore, the data showed that the antidepressant effect of a single pulse of light was similar for morning, midday, and evening light. These findings supported the photon-count hypothesis and refuted the proposed photoperiod, melatonin, and phase-shifting models of SAD.

Spectral properties of phototherapy for seasonal affective disorder : a meta-analysis

The general therapeutic effect of light on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been widely acknowledged. However, the antidepressant effect of light does not seem to be the same for different spectra of light. In this study, the authors attempted to study the spectral properties of phototherapy for SAD using a meta‐analytical procedure. The findings suggested that light of short to medium wavelengths (blue/green/yellow) seem to be essential for the therapeutic effect of light on SAD. Red wavelengths were relatively ineffective. It was then postulated that SAD may be predisposed and/or precipitated by the inefficiency of the S and M cones in the retina. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV) waves did not seem to be essential for SAD symptom alleviation by artificial light. Therefore, these potentially harmful UV waves should be blocked in any clinical application of phototherapy for SAD.

The Future of Psychology in the Schools

The authors outline social factors that will coutribute to the evolving role of school psychology in Canada. Future directions are then proposed. This article follows cansultation at the 1992 BCASP/CASP conference in Vancouver and is an attempt to generate further investigation and discussion on this topic.

The importance of teamwork

The importance of teamwork among health care workers within their own professions, on an inter-disciplinary basis, and with the general public is highlighted. Various strategies for providing the public with information, for promoting preventive health practices, and for team building are outlined.

Media counseling: A new frontier for health professionals

The authors are co-hosts of a popular open line radio show in Western Canada. In this article the term ‘media counseling’ is explored and strategies in bringing expertise from the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry to the public are outlined. The authors have been convinced of the value of their approach, and outline purposes, as well as providing data relevant to this radio show ‘Thats Living’.

The use of paraprofessionals in the helping profession: A look at trends in North America

The employment of paraprofessionals in the psychologically based helping professions, a development that was popularized in North America in the 1960s, has had wide ranging effects on the entire field of human services. The range of these services has been expanded and the role of professionals has been redefined. There is a clearer recognition that in professions which are based on understanding and relating to people, there are some lay individuals who have skills which are more effective than those which could be acquired in a graduate University program. From the 1960s there is considerable research evidence to show that on the facilitative conditions of empathy, positive regard and congruence, lay trainees demonstrate counseling outcomes at least as constructive as their training supervisors or professional practitioners in general (Carldauff, 1966). During the 1970s there has been more of a tendency to provide perspective to the use of paraprofessionals. Writers in the field are less inclined to romantically exalt the effectiveness of the nonprofessional. The focus has been on more clearly identifying what particular functions a variety of paraprofessionals can serve within a broad spectrum of possible areas and settings. The intent of this paper is to review this more recent literature and to summarize some of the directions that appear to be indicated by both research results and informed opinion. The focus is to describe how lay personnel might be most effectively utilized by professionals.

You and your heart

This article is focussed on a heart disease prevention program which used a mass media approach to facilitate changes in lifestyle of the population. A radio station, 930 CJCA, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada aired five consecutive 1 1/2 hour open-line programs in which several aspects of heart disease were addressed by health experts. A public health meeting was held afterwards. Approximately 500 persons attended, 430 of whom filled out questionnaires and were interviewed by telephone six months later. Over half of the respondents made substantive lifestyle changes to reduce heart disease; approximately one-quarter had checked for evidence of diabetes; two-thirds had their blood pressure checked within the six month follow-up period. People in this group seemed to exercise more and smoke less. The importance of utilizing the mass media to alter lifestyles of the public is documented. Most authors agree that primary prevention programs are needed to enhance the general health of the population.

Parent education: the Dreikurs model

The effects of a 10-week Dreikurs parent education program was investigated in terms of maternal attitudes, expressed practices, and parent-child behaviors. Variables assessed included maternal control, maturity demands, communication and nurturance. Using a Posttest-Only Control Group design, 60 mothers of kindergarten children in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, were randomly selected from a pool of 81 volunteers. The mothers (Ss) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: experimental and control. Ss in the experimental group participated in the Dreikurs parent education program, while control Ss received delayed treatment. Using Baumrinds (1967) Parent Interview Schedule and Scales, Ss were interviewed and rated regarding their child-rearing attitudes and practices. Ss were videotaped interacting with their kindergarten children in a structured situation and tapes were rated using Baumrinds (1967) Home Visit Sequence Analysis. Results indicated that Ss who participated in the Dreikurs program had more positive attitudes toward independence training and independence granting. Specific suggestions were made for further studies in terms of research design and revision of instruments. Additional suggestions included focus on personality characteristics of parents.

Counselling of students in institutions of higher education

It is recognised by the authors that on the world scene, the 1970s have been beset by problems in education. In country after country, governments and professional educators are collaborating with the public to re-examine fundamental goals of education. It is with full understanding of this situation, that we urge understanding of the urgent need for improved counselling services in higher education.

Osvita Medical Project: Psychological assessment of Ukrainian physicians training in Canada

This study focuses on psychological assessment of Ukrainian physicians training for a period of four months in a Canadian Hospital. Physicians (n=28) were assessed before and after their training experience on seven clinical measures comprising of a total of 14 scales scores. The t-test for comparison of two means from matched groups was used to analyze the data. Results are presented for three groups of physicians arriving and leaving Canada at different times. The data showed that the physicians felt content with their cross-cultural experience, had reasonable problem-solving skills, generally expressed greater dependency, but had shifts on post-tests to increased confidence and internal locus of control. The results are discussed in the context of cross-cultural psychological evaluations, and in the light of post-Soviet influences in psychology.