The crystallization of a paranoid symptom: Three theories

The dynamics of paranoia are complex. The cognitive and behavioral patterns of paranoia are well documented in the clinical literature. However, writings on the etiology of paranoia are sparse. Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, and William W. Meissner are the three most comprehensive and recognized theorists on the etiology and psychodynamic functions of paranoia. Their theories are delineated and applied to a clinical vignette of a woman with a recently developed paranoid symptom.     

Coping with pediatric migraine: Differences between copers and non-copers

The differences among pain-coping behaviors of latency-aged children with pediatric migraine are examined. Using scores from The Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1983) and school absenteeism, eight children were categorized as either adaptive or maladaptive copers. Results of this exploratory study indicated that copers utilized a greater repertoire of coping behaviors, relied more heavily on resignation, anticipatory, and prevention coping, exercised more autonomy, and viewed themselves as healthier and more competent than did the non-copers. Implications for differential diagnosis, strategies of intervention, and future research are discussed.     

Hierarchical Dependency Models for Multivariate Survival Data with Censoring

A familyof partial likelihood logistic models is proposed for clusteredsurvival data that are reported in discrete time and that maybe censored. The possible dependence of individual survival timeswithin clusters is modeled, while distinct clusters are assumedto be independent. Two types of clusters are considered. First,all clusters have the same size and are identically distributed.Second, the clusters may vary in size. In both cases our asymptoticresults apply to a large number of small independent clusters.     

A Culturally Competent Family Enhancement and Empowerment Model for African American Parents

The National Association of Social Worker's Standards for Cultural Competence (2002 National Association of Social Workers. 2002. NASW standards for cultural competence in social work practice, Washington, DC: Author.  [Google Scholar]) mandates social work practices that recognize the cultural preferences of different groups in the United States. The NASW Code of Ethic (1996 National Association of Social Workers. 1996. Code of ethics, Washington, DC: NASW Press.  [Google Scholar]) states that social workers have a responsibility to understand culture and its function and to further recognize the strengths that exist in all cultures. This article addresses the void in the social work literature on culturally based and strengths‐oriented family interventions for African American parents. The article describes a culturally competent intervention model developed by the MAAT Center for Human and Organizational Enhancement, Inc. in Washington, D.C. for parents of African American male youths who live in high‐risk environments. The family enhancement and empowerment model (FEEM) is based on Africentric social work principles that are grounded in a strengths perspective. The article describes the FEEM program, including a discussion of practical strategies for building trust and offering support to African American parents and families.