John M. Schneider

CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GRIEF, PATHOLOGICAL GRIEF, AND DEPRESSION

Differentiating between grief, pathological grief, and depression is important for health professional because significant differences exist in the treatment of these conditions. This paper describes clinically observable differences between these diagnoses and suggests intervention and counselling strategies appropriate to each. In many instances grief can best be facilitated by a nonjudgmental, warm, and open companion of health professional who does not intrude unnecessarily into the bereaveds need for solitude but who can monitor physical health. Depression and pathological grief, on the other hand, frequently require the skilled intervention of a mental health professional.

Guided Imagery and Immune System Function in Normal Subjects: A Summary of Research Findings

Since ancient times, guided imagery has been reported to have effects on bodily processes (Achterberg, 1985; McMahon, 1976), especially on the person’s capacity to overcome disease and infection. In modern times, there have been clinical confirmations that this relationship applies to all bodily systems, including the immune system (Achterberg, Lawlis, Simonton, & Simonton, 1977; Achterberg & Lawlis, 1981; Siegal, 1986; 1988; Borysenko, 1987). Thus, Achterberg (1984, p. 2) has noted that: virtually all the diseases that remain mysterious with regard to cause or cure involve the immune system... cancer, persistent viral, bacterial and yeast infections, genital herpes, mononucleosis and even acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are one category, ...along with the autoimmune disorders...which represent conditions when the immune system fails to recognize self from non-self and attacks specific tissue, such as in lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile onset diabetes...a final group of disorders is the allergic reactions or cases when the immune system acts with excessive vengeance toward substances which are normally not harmful (such as is seen in environmental or chemical sensitivity reactions).

Gross-National Stereotypes of Locus of Control in University Students

Abstract Stereotypes of locus of control were studied in male and female university students from eight countries (Canada, France, West Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, United States). The subjects took the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control (I-E) Scale in standard fashion (“own” scores) and then in the role of students similar to themselves in their own country (attributed own) and in selected other countries (attributed other). Using the difference between “own” scores and “attributed” scores as the operational measure of stereotype, the results indicate (1) that scores attributed to students in a given country bear little relationship to those students “own” scores, thereby suggesting the presence of stereotypes of locus of control; (2) students in most countries attribute greater externality to the average student in their own country compared to themselves; (3) countries vary in the degree to which they stereotype other countries with the U.S. students significantly attributing greater ex...

Evaluation System in a Psychiatric Residency Training Program

An evaluation system developed at Michigan State University is designed to provide residents with a clear view of their strengths and weaknesses in a variety of areas. The instruments used in the evaluation system include supervisory rating forms that incorporate the objectives of the residency program, standard exercises for behavioral observation and factual information, and a standardized assessment of interview skills. Use of this system has resulted in a number of changes in curriculum on an individual and group basis, as well as changes in teaching techniques among the faculty. The initial high attrition rate among residents corresponding with initiation of the system is discussed.

Hospice care: Current status and future prospects

Abstract Hospices address the total needs of terminally ill persons and their families through sensitive, relevant, rational, and empathic care. Hospices are both very old and very new. Known since medieval times, hospices again became prominent in the 1960s in England and came to North America in the 1970s. Home care is an important goal of the hospice concept, but inpatient care can be provided through three different types of hospices: the free-standing unit, the specialized unit within the general hospital, and the interdisciplinary hospice consulting team. In this paper, we summarize the principles of the hospice and discuss its current status.