Expert Systems

Summary

Expert systems are computer programs which embody the expertise of a human expert in order to consult and advise on a specific problem. It is now becoming feasible to apply expert systems technology to problems in the human services. This article describes what expert systems technology is and how it may be applied in human service practice. Finally, some of the promises and pitfalls of this new technology are addressed.     

Using Visual Interventions as a Component of Positive Behavioral Support for a Student with Aggressive Behaviors and Mental Retardation

Abstract

Aggressive behaviors are among the most ostracizing types of comportment observed across the educational spectrum. Aggressive behaviors may isolate the aggressor socially, academically, and educationally. The following study utilizes functional behavior assessment and single subject research methodology to assess and address aggressive behaviors in a student with a severe intellectual disability. Visual interventions were utilized as a component of a positive behavioral support system to reduce aggressive behaviors. Behavioral improvement was measured.     

Workplace Crisis Intervention

Summary

The workplace, where adults spend about one-third of their lives, would seem an ideal place from which to promote health and respond to crisis. This paper employs a systematic statistical review of experimental and quasi-experimental research on workplace-based crisis intervention programs. Nine studies were identified that met inclusion criteria for further analysis. Results suggest that the workplace can be a useful platform from which to provide crisis intervention programs.     

Sustainable Caregiving? Demands Upon and Resources of Female Carers of Adults with Intellectual Disability

Female carers of adults with an intellectual disability are increasing in our communities as those with intellectual disability live into middle and old age. Twenty-seven carers between the ages of 45 and 85 years responded to questionnaires about demands, resources, and their health. Almost all were in the clinical range on the measure of psychological functioning. Demands contributed significantly to poorer functioning; however, other measures did not. The women in this study appeared to underreport the level of difficulties they experienced. The caregiving role undertaken by these women does not appear to be sustainable under their current circumstances.     

Fostering secure attachment in low- and middle-income countries: Suggestions for evidence-based interventions

Children struggling with the effects of trauma in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) face a substantial mental health resource gap that limits their opportunities for positive psychosocial development. Multidisciplinary interventions working to close this gap may benefit from incorporating an empirically supported treatment (EST) into their approach that targets a universal mechanism implicated in resilience, like attachment. ESTs should be selected based on their level of empirical support and cultural adaptability, and then modified on the basis of qualitative evaluations conducted with the local population and stakeholders. This paper will provide an overview of attachment as a mechanism of resilience, a critical analysis of existing attachment-based ESTs, and recommendations for overcoming EST implementation barriers in LMIC.     

The Collapsing Choice Theory: Dissociating Choice and Judgment in Decision Making

Decision making theory in general, and mental models in particular, associate judgment and choice. Decision choice follows probability estimates and errors in choice derive mainly from errors in judgment. In the studies reported here we use the Monty Hall dilemma to illustrate that judgment and choice do not always go together, and that such a dissociation can lead to better decision-making. Specifically, we demonstrate that in certain decision problems, exceeding working memory limitations can actually improve decision choice. We show across four experiments that increasing the number of choice alternatives forces people to collapse choices together, resulting in better decision-making. While choice performance improves, probability judgments do not change, thus demonstrating an important dissociation between choice and probability judgments. We propose the Collapsing Choice Theory (CCT) which explains how working memory capacity, probability estimation, choice alternatives, judgment, and regret all interact and effect decision quality.      

Obtaining Informed Consent When a Profession Labels Itself as Providing Treatment for Mental Illness

Abstract

This paper examines when informed consent laws mandating explanation of the risks and benefits for proposed treatments (some talk intervention) and alternative to the proposed treatments (e.g., medications) apply to the social work profession. The reasons why an explanation of alternative treatments, including explaining medications, might be part of securing informed consent are proffered. Following this, consideration of how the task of explaining alternatives might be addressed is examined. The particular example of antidepressant medications provides a context for considering how to discuss medications as a treatment alternative. The kind of information a social worker might be obligated to possess and then impart to the client in fulfilling the task of obtaining informed consent is considered.     

Mental Health and Clinical Correlates in Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual,and Queer Young Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of mental health disorders and their clinical correlates in a university sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) students. Participants: College students at a large public university. Methods: An anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed via random e-mail generation to university students during April and May of 2011. LGBQ students were compared with their heterosexual counterparts on psychological and physical status as well as academic performance. Results: LGBQ students reported worse depressive symptoms, higher levels of perceived stress, considered themselves less attractive, and were more likely to be overweight. LGBQ students were significantly more likely to report histories of affective, substance use, and certain anxiety disorders as well as compulsive sexual behavior and compulsive buying. Conclusions: The higher rates of many psychiatric conditions among LGBQ students underscore the need for universities to provide LGBQ students a nonjudgmental environment to discuss sexual orientation and health issues.     

De la confianza a la productividad: indicadores de salud mental positive infantile

Resumen

Siguiendo las recomendaciones propuestas por la OMS respecto a la importancia de la prevención y evaluación de la salud mental infantil así como la conveniencia de disponer de indicadores que permitan su valoración y fomento, aportamos en este trabajo la construcción del Test de Salud Mental Positiva Infantil (TSMPI), en cuya estructura se incorporan cuatro Criterios de Salud Mental Positiva definidos por Marie Jahoda en su Modelo Conceptual Current Concepts of Positive Mental Health (1958) y las cuatro primeras etapas de la Teoría del Desarrollo Psicosocial (Etapas de la Epigénesis del Ego) de Erik H. Erikson (1963) La interrrelación de estos dos marcos teóricos ha permitido la elaboración de cinco indicadores de salud mental positiva secuenciales, que corresponden a las edades de 8 a 12 años: Confianza, Autoconcepto, Autonomía, Iniciativa e Industria.     

刑事附带民事诉讼的赔偿范围

刑事附带民事诉讼是我国一项特殊且重要的诉讼制度，在司法实践中很有必要。然而，由于立法的不完善且随着人们对诉讼引发的深入研究和我国诉讼法实践的不断发展，此制度的弊端也不断暴露出来，引起了众多的争议。因此，有必要适时地对这一程序制度进行修改，使之具有科学性、合理性和可操作性，以充分体现诉讼效益原则和诉讼经济原则，实现刑事审判理论和实际的有效统一。