Disparities in Judgments of the O. J. Simpson Case: A Social Identity Perspective

In this article, social identity theory is used to explore the disparate perceptions of Blacks and Whites regarding the O. J. Simpson case. In social identity theory, the desire to view one's own social group positively is seen as a primary motivation underlying causal attributions for disturbing social events. This work suggests that racially polarized judgments of the O. J. Simpson trial may be related to (a) perceptions of the nature of status boundaries between Blacks and Whites in American society; (b) the relative importance of social identity; and (c) the degree to which the out-group is seen to pose a threat to the in-group's objective interests and identity concerns. Theoretical and empirical work in social identity theory is discussed.     

Bridging the gap between primary care and mental health

Major depression is a leading cause of disability in the United States and is frequently diagnosed and managed within a primary care setting, with less-than-optimal results. Studies have shown that adequate follow up significantly affects patient outcomes, including mortality; however, primary care providers face many challenges in providing this care within the constraints of a primary care setting. Collaborative care models have been shown to be effective in managing depression, and accordingly, the Translating Initiatives for Depression into Effective Solutions (TIDES) model was selected by the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System to help primary care providers manage depressed patients within the primary care setting. This article describes the implementation of TIDES and identifies a new role for mental health nurses outside of the traditional mental health setting.     

Integration versus segregation: the experiences of a group of disabled students moving from mainstream school into special needs further education

Although the latest education policy for disabled students is one of inclusion, some students are moving out of mainstream schools into specialist colleges for their further education. This research uses a combination of group and individual interviews to explore why this move away from mainstream education is made. Results show that these students' moved into specialist education because of the inadequate physical accessibility of their mainstream colleges, the quality of disability services available to them and their previous experiences whilst in mainstream school. These students were able to identify both strengths and weaknesses within mainstream and special education for disabled students, and believed that educational placement should therefore be a matter of choice depending on the physical, academic and emotional needs of the individual. It would appear, however, that for the students participating in this research, their local mainstream colleges were unable to cater for their needs, indicating that their decision to move into a special needs college was not based on a real choice. Mainstream colleges are challenged to create a truly inclusive environment so that disabled students are offered a real choice.     

Resettlement and reintegration: Single mothers’ reflections after homelessness

Previous research has identified that most families who become homeless are women with dependent children. Homeless families are reported to have a variety of complex needs; however, little is known about the experiences of families once they are re-housed. The aim of this study is to explore psychosocial issues related to the resettlement experiences of single mothers following a period of homelessness. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 21 women living in a UK Midlands city. Thematic analysis was used to draw conclusions from the data. Findings indicated that, despite exposure to major stressors, most women had begun the process of resettlement by improving their physical surroundings. Women had achieved personal growth as they had managed to escape violence, overcome homelessness and create new opportunities for themselves and their children. Suggestions are made for future research and improvements to services which would promote resettlement in this population.     

When Can Mediation Contribute? An Application to Therapy

This article discusses the relationship between systemic therapy and mediation. Concepts and techniques drawn from facilitative problem‐solving mediation are described in terms of their usefulness in understanding and intervening in certain types of conflict that emerge in systemic work. Their use is illustrated with a case example.     

Modeling the mental health service utilization decisions of university undergraduates: A discrete choice conjoint experiment

Objective: We modeled design factors influencing the intent to use a university mental health service. Participants: Between November 2012 and October 2014, 909 undergraduates participated. Method: Using a discrete choice experiment, participants chose between hypothetical campus mental health services. Results: Latent class analysis identified three segments. A Psychological/Psychiatric Service segment (45.5%) was most likely to contact campus health services delivered by psychologists or psychiatrists. An Alternative Service segment (39.3%) preferred to talk to peer-counselors who had experienced mental health problems. A Hesitant segment (15.2%) reported greater distress but seemed less intent on seeking help. They preferred services delivered by psychologists or psychiatrists. Simulations predicted that, rather than waiting for standard counseling, the Alternative Service segment would prefer immediate access to E-Mental health. The Usual Care and Hesitant segments would wait 6 months for standard counseling. Conclusions: E-Mental Health options could engage students who may not wait for standard services.     

A feminist look at social psychology / Una mirada feminista a la psicología social

This theoretical revision starts from the consideration that the gender perspective constitutes a critical, explanatory and alternative vision that comes from feminism and generates an analysis framework that takes into consideration and pays attention to the differences and inequalities between women and men in any activity or area of social development, research or public policies. The objective of this revision is to provide clues to understanding what gender or feminist social psychology is. To this end, firstly, we briefly describe feminist theoretical assumptions and the gender or feminist perspective, which constitute its starting point, and secondly, we analyse what it means to integrate these principles into psychology.