Toward objective classification of childhood autism: Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
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Autistic Disorder↗
Biomedical subjects
R F DeVellis
Publications and source records attributed to R F DeVellis.
Perception of contingency and mental retardation.
It is argued that the general learning difficulties exhibited by mentally retarded persons are similar in many respects to the learning difficulties of nonretarded persons who are in a state of learned helplessness (Seligman, 1975) or who are external in locus of control orientation. It is suggested that studies of locus of control and learned helplessness as theoretical constructs both directly concern the perceiving of relationships between behavior and outcomes, and that a systematic investigation of perception of contingency might increase our understanding of some of the learning difficulties of mentally retarded persons. An overview is given of the results of the few studies that have addressed perception of contingency and mental retardation, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Humans↗
Learned helplessness in institutions.
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Attitude↗
The reliability of high-risk adolescent girls' report of their sexual history.
The purposes of this study were to determine the consistency in sexually active adolescent girls' self-report of sexual history and to examine their perceptions of providing sexual history information in an interview. Twenty-two adolescent girls (86% black and 14% white) were recruited from an outpatient dysplasia clinic to be interviewed 2 weeks apart. The interview consisted of questions regarding sexual history and whether they viewed their age at first intercourse as too young, too old, or appropriate. After the second interview they were asked whether there were any questions for which they thought other teenagers would be tempted not to tell the truth and any questions that were too embarrassing. Significant correlations between visits were seen for each sexual history variable. Girls described number of sexual partners and sexually transmitted disease history as questions to which adolescents might not be truthful. As part of sexual history taking, health care providers should explore with adolescent girls their perceptions of their history and address any concerns the girls have that might lead to inaccuracies or prevent the girls from obtaining appropriate anticipatory guidance.
Adolescent↗
Psychological distress among survivors of burn injury: the role of outcome expectations and perceptions of importance.
This study examined factors associated with psychologic distress among survivors of burn injury. The study tested hypotheses derived from Scheier and Carver's model of behavioral self-regulation and focused on two primary predictor variables: expectations concerning rehabilitative outcomes and the importance attached to those outcomes. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Two hundred sixteen people who had sustained major or moderate thermal burn injuries within 2 years of study entry served as subjects. Data were collected via mailed questionnaire and chart review. Consistent with study hypotheses, we found that participants who had low expectations for further improvement but who attached high importance to the need for improvement exhibited the most psychologic distress. Study findings lend support to Scheier and Carver's model and suggest that application of this model within the context of burn rehabilitation may increase our understanding of the rehabilitation process. Directions for future theory-based research are discussed.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Effects of educational materials concerning osteoporosis on women's knowledge, beliefs, and behavior.
PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of brief written educational materials on osteoporosis-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. The study also examined whether observed effects varied as a function of one's stage in the precaution adoption process. DESIGN: The study used an experimental research design. SETTING: Participants were identified from North Carolina driver's license records. SUBJECTS: Of the 1476 women in the initial sample, 536 (36.3%) enrolled in the study and 307 completed all follow-up assessments. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups. One group received an information packet containing general information about osteoporosis. One group received an action plan packet containing instructions on how to increase one's level of exercise and calcium intake. One group received both packets. The final group received neither packet. MEASURES: Primary study variables were beliefs related to osteoporosis, calcium, and exercise; osteoporosis knowledge; calcium and exercise stage; calcium intake; and exercise level. RESULTS: Overall, receipt of the information packet was associated with changes in knowledge and beliefs (F[18,283] = 2.11, p < .01) irrespective of participants' stage of change. No effects on behavior were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that brief written educational materials can facilitate knowledge and belief change but that they do not promote behavior change. The generalizability of these findings is limited by the low study response rate.
Adult↗