In seasonal environments, the timing of reproduction has important fitness consequences. Our current understanding of the determinants of reproductive phenology in natural systems is limited because studies often ignore the spatial scale on which animals interact with their environment. When animals use a restricted amount of space and the phenology of resources is spatially variable, selection may favor sensitivity to small-scale environmental variation. Population-level studies of how songbirds track the changing phenology of their food source have been influential in explaining how populations adjust to changing climates but have largely ignored the spatial scale at which phenology varies. We explored whether individual great tits (Parus major) synchronize their breeding with phenological events in their local environment and investigated the spatial scale at which this occurs. We demonstrate marked variation in the timing of food availability, at a spatial scale relevant to individual birds, and that such local variation predicts the breeding phenology of individuals. Using a 45-year data set, we show that measures of vegetation phenology at very local scales are the most important predictors of timing of breeding within years, suggesting that birds can fine-tune their phenology to that of other trophic levels. Knowledge of the determinants of variation in reproductive behavior at different spatial scales is likely to be critical in understanding how selection operates on breeding phenology in natural populations.

This article describes a qualitative singlecase study exploring the marital relationship when one spouse has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers used a holistic-content narrative analysis to interpret the couple's story, as it was told through three couple interviews spaced two months apart. Guided by the theoretical framework of social constructionism, an in-depth and unique couple story resulted from the study. The following main themes emerged from the couple's story: (1) perspectives and preparation for future changes, (2) family influences and social support, (3) life evaluation, and (4) experiences with AD. Results highlight the importance of studying both partners together while acknowledging the voice of the AD patient. Future research directions and recommendations for health care providers are suggested for further work with AD and couple relationships.

Validated brief screening instruments are needed to improve the detection of anxiety disorders in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), a 41-item parent- and self-reported scale measuring anxiety, was compared to the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) scales. One hundred participants with a clinical diagnosis of high-functioning ASD, aged 8–18 years, and their parents completed the above scales. We hypothesized that the SCARED would be useful in screening for anxiety and its results for total scores of anxiety would converge with ASEBA syndrome scales for anxiety and internalizing disorders. Significant correlations were shown between the SCARED and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) across a broad spectrum of scales. The CBCL syndrome scale for anxious/depressed showed the highest correlation and predicted anxiety scores on the SCARED. While many of the YSR scales significantly correlated with child ratings of anxiety, none of the scales predicted the SCARED child scores. Differences in self and parent reports suggest that parents interpret externalizing behaviors as signs of anxiety in ASD, whereas youth may describe internalized symptoms as anxiety. Females were more likely to self-report anxiety than males. Results support the use of the SCARED as a screening tool for anxiety in high-functioning ASD, but it should be supplemented with other tools to increase the specificity of its results.

Charlotte has just finished recounting her unshakable depressive symptoms. In response to the nurse's inquiry, she struggles with the task of defining her goals for the next month. Tears form on her lower eyelashes as she whispers, “Goals. I'm not sure. My husband does all the planning...if he's talking to me. He hasn't spoken to me for the past week, not a word. I guess I'm lucky he let me come here today.” Patiently waiting for Charlotte to voice a goal, the nurse considers a tentative treatment plan, confident that depression is a treatable illness. However, will the nurse assess Charlotte for violence in the home? Is the nurse aware of the potentially lethal danger signs of comorbid intimate partner violence and major depression?