The evaluation of a mind/body intervention to reduce psychological distress and perceived stress in college students

The authors examined the effect of a 6-week mind/body intervention on college students' psychological distress, anxiety, and perception of stress. One hundred twenty-eight students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 63) or a waitlist control group (n = 65). The experimental group received 6 90-minute group-training sessions in the relaxation response and cognitive behavioral skills. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess the students' psychological state before and after the intervention. Ninety students (70% of the initial sample) completed the postassessment measure. Significantly greater reductions in psychological distress, state anxiety, and perceived stress were found in the experimental group. This brief mind/body training may be useful as a preventive intervention for college students, according to the authors, who called for further research to determine whether the observed treatment effect can be sustained over a longer period of time.     

Canadian executives' perceptions of the U.S. and Canadian free-trade agreement and their potential effects on decision-making

This study analyzes executives' perceptions of free trade negotiations and the potential effects of these perceptions on strategy. Top executives in 300 major Canadian industrial firms were surveyed to test two propositions. They are: (1) Executives tend to perceive that free trade would lead to market expansion which, in turn, would increase trade, production, and investment efficiencies and (2) Decisions in business strategy formulation and implementation may be influenced by the perceptions of the trade policy.The propositions were tested with the following results. Support for proposition one is mixed. Support for proposition two, however, is for the most part predominant.     

Decision analysis and strategic policy formulation

The role of decision analysis in the context of business policy is explored with the aid of a case study of a reorganization situation. This case study provides insights about the implementation of decision analysis in the policy field and also indicates guidelines for managers to follow in adapting the decision analysis approach to the resolution of the policy formulation problem.     

Face facts: An unbidden role for features in communication

Physiognomic or facial structure influence was investigated with regard to perceived facial expression. Subjects saw nine drawings, three of which had been altered for eyebrow characteristics, three for lip characteristics, and three for differing face shapes. Subjects rated the faces within each feature variation group as differing significantly on exhibited facial expression, even though the physiognomic structure of only one feature had been varied. Statistically, heavy eyebrows and a narrow face shape had the most effect on perceived facial expression. Physiognomic change alone led to different perceptions of exhibited facial expression. Implications for human interaction and personality development are discussed.     

A model for the diagnostic and therapeutic use of countertransference

The definitions of countertransference are examined and a new definition is offered. A model is suggested that facilitates exploration of countertransference data.We have become aware of the countertransference which arises in [the physician] as a result of the patient's influence on his unconscious feelings... and have nearly come to the point of requiring the physician to recognize and overcome the countertransference in himself. (Freud, 1910, pp. 144–145)     

Conjugal Role Definitions,Value of Children and Contraceptive Practice*

This study deals with the differential impact of conjugal role definitions on contraceptive practice and the value attached to children. A modified version of Motz's Role Conception Inventory was used to ascertain conjugal role definitions of the 433 married women included in the sample. Contraceptive practice was measured by the stage in the wife's childbearing history at which reliable contraception was initiated, and the value of children was determined by responses to statements concerning the costs and rewards of parenthood. The findings indicate that both reliable contraceptive use and the value attached to children are related to the wife's definition of appropriate role behavior. However, the extent of the impact of role definitions is a function of the wife's educational background and the economic circumstances of the family.     

Life philosophy and Life style

Two categories of values are distinguished by their psychological functions. Life philosophy values secure a person's sense of personal identity; they are held regardless of what anyone else thinks of his value choice. Life style values secure a person's sense of social identity; they are held precisely because of what others think of his value choice. People sometimes run together their legitimate need for securing each of these value domains. The result of this can be an eruption of either a social or personal identity crisis. People have paid especially too little attention to the idea of social identity crisis.     

Engaging men as social justice allies in ending violence against women: evidence for a social norms approach

The field of sexual assault prevention is shifting attention to educational interventions that address the role of men in ending violence against women. Recent studies document the often-misperceived norms men hold about other men's endorsement of rape-supportive attitudes and behaviors. The authors provide further evidence supporting the design of population-based social norms interventions to prevent sexual assault. Data from this study suggest that men underestimate the importance that most men and women place on consent and willingness of most men to intervene against sexual violence. In addition, men's personal adherence to only consensual activity and their willingness to act as women's allies are strongly influenced by their perceptions of other men's and women's norms. These findings support the proposition that accurate normative data, which counters the misperception of rape-supportive environments, can be a critical part of comprehensive campus efforts to catalyze and support men's development as women's social justice allies in preventing sexual violence against women.