Classic parametric statistical significance tests, such as analysis of variance and least squares regression, are widely used by researchers in many disciplines, including psychology. For classic parametric tests to produce accurate results, the assumptions underlying them (e.g., normality and homoscedasticity) must be satisfied. These assumptions are rarely met when analyzing real data. The use of classic parametric methods with violated assumptions can result in the inaccurate computation of p values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals. This may lead to substantive errors in the interpretation of data. Many modern robust statistical methods alleviate the problems inherent in using parametric methods with violated assumptions, yet modern methods are rarely used by researchers. The authors examine why this is the case, arguing that most researchers are unaware of the serious limitations of classic methods and are unfamiliar with modern alternatives. A range of modern robust and rank-based significance tests suitable for analyzing a wide range of designs is introduced. Practical advice on conducting modern analyses using software such as SPSS, SAS, and R is provided. The authors conclude by discussing robust effect size indices.

Researchers disagree as to whether cigarette warnings elicit psychological reactance in smokers. We used an experimental design to investigate whether (a) cigarette warnings elicit state reactance; and (b) the degree of reactance elicited by graphic cigarette warnings exceeds that elicited by text-only cigarette warnings. Smokers were exposed to graphic or text-only warnings and then completed reactance measures. Text-only warnings elicited little reactance, whereas over 80% of smokers who were exposed to graphic warnings experienced some reactance.Smokers who were exposed to graphic warnings were more likely to experience elevated and extreme levels of reactance. Our findings are consistent with recent studies indicating that graphic anti-smoking warnings can elicit maladaptive psychological responses.

The search for universal processes associated with symptom change across emotional disorders and different forms of psychotherapy offers hope of increased theoretical parsimony and treatment efficiencies. This study investigated whether intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a universal process by examining whether changes in IU were associated with changes in symptoms across three different cognitive behavior therapy protocols for depression (n=106), social anxiety disorder (n=88), or generalized anxiety disorder (n=62) in a community mental health clinic. IU was associated with reductions in repetitive negative thinking in all treatments, which is consistent with IU being a transdiagnostic and 'trans-therapy' process of change. Changes in IU were also associated with symptom relief in the social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder groups, but not in the depression group. Implications of these findings are discussed within the broader literature of transdiagnostic approaches to emotional disorders.

Background The coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19) has required telehealth to be integrated into the delivery of evidence‐based treatments for eating disorders in many services, but the impact of this on patient outcomes is unknown. Objective The present study examined the impact of the first wave of COVID‐19 and rapid transition to telehealth on eating disorder symptoms in a routine clinical setting. Method Participants were 25 patients with a confirmed eating disorder diagnosis who had commenced face‐to‐face treatment and rapidly switched to telehealth during the first wave of COVID‐19 in Western Australia. Eating disorder symptoms, clinical impairment and mood were measured prospectively before and during lockdowns imposed due to COVID‐19. Hypotheses We predicted that patients would experience poorer treatment outcomes during COVID‐19 and would perceive poorer therapeutic alliance and poorer quality of treatment compared to face‐to‐face therapy. Results Our hypotheses were not supported. On average, patients achieved large improvements in eating disorder symptoms and mood, and the magnitude of improvement in eating disorder symptoms was comparable to historical benchmarks at the same clinic. Patients rated the quality of treatment and therapeutic alliance highly. Discussion Providing evidence‐based treatment for eating disorders via telehealth during COVID‐19 lockdown is acceptable to patients and associated with positive treatment outcomes.