Pamela J. Shapiro

Evaluating the Dimensionality of Perceived Cognitive Function

Decrements in cognitive function are common in cancer patients and other clinical populations. As direct neuropsychological testing is often not feasible or affordable, there is potential utility in screening for deficits that may warrant a more comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that perceived cognitive function (PCF) is independently associated with structural and functional changes on neuroimagery, and may precede more overt deficits. To appropriately measure PCF, one must understand its components and the underlying dimensional structure. The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensionality of PCF in people with cancer. The sample included 393 cancer patients from four clinical trials who completed a questionnaire consisting of the prioritized areas of concerns identified by patients and clinicians: self-reported mental acuity, concentration, memory, verbal fluency, and functional interference. Each area contained both negatively worded (i.e., deficit) and positively worded (i.e., capability) items. Data were analyzed by using Cronbachs alpha, item-total correlations, one-factor confirmatory factor analysis, and a bi-factor analysis model. Results indicated that perceived cognitive problem items are distinct from cognitive capability items, supporting a two-factor structure of PCF. Scoring of PCF based on these two factors should lead to improved assessment of PCF for people with cancer.

Creativity and Bipolar Diathesis: Common Behavioural and Cognitive Components

An association between creativity and bipolar disorders has been noted among eminent creative individuals, and in clinical probands and their first degree relatives (e.g. Andreasen, 1987; Jamison, 1989; Richards, 1994). Those studies propose that a genetic liability for bipolar disorder carries with it an increased propensity for creative thought and action. The present study applied strict quantitative criteria to establish bipolar diathesis in order to determine whether the association between bipolarity and creativity would generalise to creative individuals beyond the circle of eminence in a nonclinical population. The Adjective Checklist Creative Personality Scale (ACL-CPS) and the revised General Behavior Inventory (GBI) were completed by 72 undergraduates. ACL-CPS scores were significantly elevated for students displaying periods of hypomania with no depression (hyperthymic), but not for those with alternating periods of hypomania and depression (cyclothymic) or predominantly depressed (dysthymic) ...