The analytic template: Help or hindrance in the conduct of psychotherapy?

This paper explores the impact of psychoanalytic theory and practice on the conduct of psychotherapy. A brief review of the origin of the interface between the two modalities begins the discussion and case examples are used to highlight differences and commonalities. While recognizing the vast contributions made by psychoanalytic theorists to the field of psychotherapy, an attempt is made to establish an arena of legitimacy for the pursuit of psychotherapy. The role of goals is proposed as defining of the psychotherapeutic enterprise.     

The Emotional and Educational Functioning of Children Living with Maternal HIV/AIDS and Substance Use

The rates of HIV infection among women in the U.S. have risen dramatically in the past decades, affecting not only women as individuals, but also women as mothers and caregivers. Waning maternal physical and psychological resources, coupled with poverty and possible familial substance use, place children of HIV-infected women at behavioral and developmental risk. This study compared the emotional and educational functioning of HIV-uninfected children, 6–15 years of age, living with an HIV-infected mother who used substances to a comparison group of children living with maternal substance use only. Results indicate that children whose mothers are HIV-infected and use substances have poorer emotional functioning when their mother experiences HIV-related symptoms compared to the comparison group. Paradoxically, results also indicated that target group children were significantly less likely to be rated as disruptive during the interview than the control group children. Implications for practice are discussed.Cynthia Devane Fair, Associate Professor is affiliated with Department of Human Services, Elon University, USA     

The tie that binds: A clinical perspective on divorced mothers and adolescent sons

Mothers and adolescent sons in families of divorce often develop an intense intimacy as an attempt to adapt to the loss of the husband and father and as a defense against mourning. This intimacy frequently produces symptoms in the adolescent and explosive relationship problems within the family. This article develops a theoretical explanation for the problems experienced by families who present problems of this nature. Clinical material is utilized to illustrate the development and functions of the intense relationship into which mother and son become locked. The article further elaborates, elements of a treatment strategy designed to help loosen the stabilized, defensive dyad, and to reengage the participants in the process of inourning.     

Carbon sequestration by Quercus ilex L. and Quercus pubescens Willd. and their contribution to decreasing air temperature in Rome

Carbon sequestration capability by Quercus ilex L and Quercus pubescens Willd., widely distributed in the city of Rome, and their contribution to decreasing air temperature were investigated. Crown volume is the most significant (p < 0.01) variable explaining variation of air temperature below the tree crown. Q. pubescens gives a higher contribution to decreasing air temperature during the hottest months, due to its inherent larger crown volume than Q. ilex (252 ± 19 and 533 ± 52 m³, respectively for the large size). Moreover, our results show the existence of a strong urban carbon dioxide dome with a peak CO₂ concentration (on an average 432 ± 37 ppm) at polluted sites, 16% greater than at control sites. Total carbon sequestration is 84 ± 12 and 111 ± 9 Kg year⁻¹ of CO₂ for the small Q. ilex and Q. pubescens tree size, respectively, and 151 ± 10 and 185 ± 7 Kg year⁻¹ of CO₂ for the large Q. ilex and Q. pubescen tree size, respectively. Q. pubescens, by its higher total photosynthetic leaf surface area (39% higher than Q. ilex) and its higher mean yearly photosynthetic rates (48% higher than Q. ilex) seems to have a greater role than Q. ilex. However, taking into account the leaf longevity (i.e. 12 ± 3 months for Q. ilex and 4 ± 2 months for Q. pubescens), the evergreen species, by its continuous photosynthetic activity, contributes to reduce CO₂ throughout the year, and in particular during the winter months, when traffic volume has a pick, than Q. pubescens.     

Role Perceptions of Foster Care in African American Kinship and Nonkinship Foster Parents: A Quantitative Analysis

This article reports on a study that examined a cohort of African American kinship (n = 57) and nonkinship (n = 53) foster parents' perceptions of their role responsibilities as a foster care provider. The Foster Parent Role Perception (FPRP) scale was used to measure perceived role responsibility. Results indicated that both the kinship and nonkinship foster parents perceived their primary role responsibilities as that of caring for the needs of the foster child(ren), while perceiving much less role responsibility for working with the biological family of the child(ren) or partnering with the agency. The implications of these findings for practice are discussed.     

Foster Parents Speak: Preferred Characteristics of Foster Children and Experiences in the Role of Foster Parent

Foster parents play a pivotal role in the child welfare system. A study that employed focus groups with foster parents was conducted at a private foster care agency with the initial purpose of understanding the characteristics of foster children that foster parents both preferred and not preferred. In the qualitative research tradition, their answers addressed the topic of characteristics and expanded to provide additional data on their experience as foster parents. Using theme analysis, the following themes were generated: foster care as service; foster parents' preferences of foster children's characteristics; foster parents do not feel valued or trusted; increased caseworker and foster parent partnership; problems in the foster care and related systems; and focus group as support. Implications for research and practice are forwarded.