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Biomedical subjects

J M Innes

Publications and source records attributed to J M Innes.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Rationalizing criminal behaviour: the influence of criminal sentiments on sociomoral development in violent offenders and nonoffenders.

Cognitive developmental theory suggests that mature-level sociomoral reasoning (Stages 3 and 4) can provide a protective factor, or buffer, against antisocial and violent criminal behavior. This study explored whether the influence of internalised criminal sentiments could undermine this buffer. The sample was high-risk men and women offenders (n = 99) convicted of serious violent index offences, and men and women nonoffender university students (n = 101). Moral reasoning was measured using the Sociomoral Reflection Measure-Short Form, whereas criminal sentiments were assessed using the Criminal Sentiments Scale. Based on moral reasoning development level the sample was classified into groups: mature- or immature-level moral reasoners. The results suggested that mature-level sociomoral development might not protect a person from identifying with criminal others, and that law violation could be rationalized regardless of sociomoral level. Gender differences were neither expected nor found. The applied implications of the findings are considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Political perception among young Australians: affective versus cognitive appraisal.

We investigated the role of affect in the political perceptions of a sample of Australian university students (N = 185). Following the procedure of Abelson, Kinder, Peters, and Fiske (1982), we compared affective and cognitive appraisals of three Australian politicians (Bob Hawke, John Howard, and John Bjelke-Petersen) and examined their respective influence on favorability judgments. Affective appraisals were less consistent than cognitive appraisals, and affect was a significant predictor of favorability, with certain idiosyncratic exceptions. Bjelke-Petersen elicited comparatively consistent affective reactions. The affective reactions elicited by Hawke were inconsequential to favorability. Two dimensions of negative affect for Hawke revealed a differential impact of negative affect on favorability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Trial of an intervention to reduce chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of aged-care accommodation.

BACKGROUND: Many residents of aged-care accommodation are chronic users of benzodiazepines. This pattern of use contradicts current guidelines and may adversely affect residents. It was hypothesised that a lasting reduction in benzodiazepine use could be achieved through a programme which involved prescribers, residents and caregivers in the change process. AIM: To demonstrate that an intervention which involved education and relaxation training for patients, and education of prescribers and caregivers, could reduce levels of chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of an aged-care facility. METHODS: Two aged-care facilities from metropolitan Adelaide were chosen; one received the intervention, the other was a no-intervention comparison. Pre-test, post-test and follow-up interviews were conducted with 60 residents: 27 from the intervention setting and 33 from the comparison setting. Residents at the intervention setting were provided with relaxation skills training, and their medical practitioners and caregivers were provided with information about alternative strategies for managing sleep disturbance. Outcome measures were: the proportion of residents using benzodiazepines, total medication use, cognitive performance, emotional responsiveness, subjective health and sleep ratings and an index of well-being. RESULTS: The proportion of participants in the intervention condition who used benzodiazepines declined significantly (from 70% to 35%); the reduction was maintained over the subsequent three months. No adverse consequences were associated with cessation of benzodiazepine use; there was improvement in emotional responsiveness among those who ceased benzodiazepine use. This structured intervention strategy is a useful approach for reducing levels of chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of aged-care accommodation.

Affect↗
PubMed1982

Type A coronary-prone behavior pattern, self-consciousness, and self-monitoring: a questionnaire study.

A correlational and factor analytic study of data from 233 undergraduate university students was designed to test the hypothesis that there are differences between Type A and Type B individuals in their predisposition to be self-aware. Both measures of Type A behavior did not correlate with measures of self-consciousness but did show small, statistically significant relationships with a measure of self-monitoring. This finding is discussed in the light of experimental data reported in the literature. A significant but small correlation found between the two measures of Type A behavior is discussed with reference to the use of short scales for Type A behavioral assessment.

Awareness↗