No abstract

Psychophysiological research has frequently applied autonomic measures as indices of information processing. One rationale which underlies this approach is the distinction between orienting (OR) and defense reflexes (DR). Sokolov (1963) proposed that elicitation of these reflexes depends upon the intensity of the stimulus. He also suggested that ORs and DRs could be differentiated both in terms of their consequences for information processing and by their component autonomic reactions. Evidence in support of Sokolov's model is reviewed, and a series of experiments are described which were designed to demonstrate the effects of auditory stimulus intensity on autonomic responding. On the basis of these observations, a revised scheme of OR/DR differentiation is put forward. The major features of the scheme are the response direction of the autonomic measures, the identification of short‐ and long‐latency response components, and the inclusion of the startle reflex. The implications of the revised scheme for research on autonomic responses to affective stimulation are discussed. It is concluded that the sole use of autonomic measures to index information processing is inadequate. Consequently, future research requires both autonomic indices and behavioral and subjective measures of affective and information processing.

Concurrent tasks matched to the modality of trauma images may provide a useful treatment aid for temporarily dampening emotional responses to recollections of trauma.

Publication guidelines are provided for the collection, quantification, and analysis of heart rate data. DESCRIPTORS: Heart rate, Interbeat interval. Heart period, Experimental design, Statistical analysis, Heart rate variability. PurposeThese guidelines are for the preparation of manuscripts descnbing research in which heart rate is a dependent measure. The editorial board will use the guidelines to establish standards for the description and analysis of data. Fixed standards are not intended; instances will occur when the guidelines are not applicable. Tlie guidelines are the consensus of the authors as positively influenced by the guidance of the Editor, David Shapiro, and the comments of fellow psychophysioiogists dunng the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Society in Vancouver, Bntish Columbia.' Data CollectionVolunteers Some information should be included in heart rate studies in addition to that generally provided in research reports. The experimenter should be aware of drug use or heart disease among experimental volunteers. These factors may significantly alter heart rate level and resp>onsivity. Variation among individuals in heart rate can also result from degree of physical fitness and age-children have 'We would like to ihank the following members in particular for their comments W Clemen5. D Crowell.J P Hatch.

The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between therapists' self-reported attachment styles and therapeutic orientation with the self-reported general therapeutic alliance and therapist-reported problems in psychological therapy.A sample of 491 psychotherapists from differing therapeutic orientations responded to a postal questionnaire. The questionnaire contained standardized measures of therapeutic alliance quality, attachment behaviours, a checklist of problems in therapy, and a brief personality inventory.Therapist-reported attachment styles generally explained a significant additional proportion of the variance in alliance and problems in therapy, over and above variance explained by general personality variables. Self-reported secure attachment style was significantly positively correlated with therapist-reported general good alliance. Self-reported anxious attachment styles were significantly negatively correlated with good alliance, and significantly positively correlated with the number of therapist-reported problems in therapy. Therapeutic orientation independently predicted a small but significant amount of the variance in reported general alliance quality in addition to that explained by attachment behaviours.