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Biomedical subjects

V S Alpher

Publications and source records attributed to V S Alpher.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Introject and identity: structural-interpersonal analysis and psychological assessment of multiple personality disorder.

Revisions of the diagnostic nomenclature have contributed to renewed interest in multiple personality disorder (MPD). Identity and self-organization in MPD are assessed using a sophisticated structural-interpersonal measurement system, Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB). Two important features of the SASB model applied to MPD are the assessments of interpersonal perceptions of childhood initiators of abuse and of the introject or self-organization of host and secondary personalities. SASB findings from a clinical series of six cases of MPD are analyzed to illustrate the use of this assessment technique. Host personalities and abused secondary personalities differed in their identity and self-organization. Host personalities evidenced internalization of abuse dynamics related to self-destructive trends. Secondary personalities, despite having experienced abuse, did not manifest such dynamics. Implications for understanding personality processes in MPD and for further research are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Motivational processes and behavioral inhibition in breath holding.

Large individual differences in breathing performance have made it difficult to investigate the effects of psychological variables on respiratory parameters. This study uses an experimental approach to investigating the effects of attentional and motivational factors on breath-holding span in humans. The effects of shock threat (negative incentive), monetary reward (positive incentive), and mantra meditation (attentional control) on breath-holding span at functional residual capacity (FRC) were compared. Based on Jeffrey Gray's (1975, 1987) theory of behavioral inhibition, it was predicted that shock threat would extend FRC breath holding. Breath holding was increased under the shock threat condition but not under the monetary reward or mantra meditation conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Assessment of ego functioning in multiple personality disorder.

The dissociative disorder known as multiple personality disorder (MPD) presents a diagnostic challenge to psychological assessment techniques. A case example is presented in which a new self-report, multifactorial measure of ego functioning discriminated distinct profiles for four personalities within one multiple personality organization. Interpretations of characteristics of the primary and secondary personalities based on the Bell Object Relations Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI) are presented. The relationship between these findings and other approaches to psychological testing for dissociation and MPD are discussed. It is suggested that this approach will facilitate the clinical assessment of suspected MPD subjects and contribute to affording appropriate treatment to this population.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Alcohol themes within country-western songs.

Cultural norms regarding alcohol use and drinking behavior can be communicated through the lyrics of songs. An analysis of alcohol themes in country-western lyrics was undertaken. Seven categories emerged from a rational clustering procedure used with 58 alcohol-related lyrics. Almost two-thirds of the lyrics were placed in three of the categories, labeled Existential Dilemmas and Lessons Learned, Loneliness and Lost Love, and Negative Consequences. There were few references to drinking for positive, celebratory reasons. Implications for prevention efforts and for further research on drinkers' perceptions and the relationship between popular culture and drinking behavior are discussed.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1986

Prediction versus reflection in therapist demonstrations of understanding: a replication with clinical cases.

Previous analogue research with college students shows that therapists who make accurate predictions of their patient's behaviour are judged as more demonstrative of understanding their patient's problems than therapists who make reflections or request further information. The present study replicated this research and extended it by using psychotherapy out-patients as subjects. Similar findings were obtained. Further, therapists who employed accurate predictions were judged as more likely to mediate successful therapeutic outcomes.

Communication↗
PubMed1986

Effects of cognitive and psychomotor tasks on breath-holding span.

Bartlett (J. Appl. Physiol. 42: 717-721, 1977) demonstrated that a psychomotor task (hand dynamometer) extended breath holds at functional residual capacity (FRC) in a manner comparable to Valsalva and Mueller maneuvers. This led us to the hypothesis that distraction of a subject's attention from dyspneic sensations accounted for Bartlett's findings. This hypothesis was tested by comparing a hand dynamometer task (rubber-bulb squeeze) with a mental performance task (mental arithmetic). Results for tasks performed separately and concurrently in a within-subjects design showed comparable effects, without reaching a FRC breath-hold performance ceiling. Implications of results for effects of nonmechanical and nonchemical factors on respiratory drive are discussed.

Adolescent↗