Ewing (1987) has proposed a new legal doctrine called ‘Psychological Self‐Defense,’ which is intended to provide a legal justification for a killing committed under the threat of extremely serious psychological injury. This study examines the effect of such an affirmative defense on the verdict in two vignette cases in which a battered woman killed her abuser. One‐hundred ninety‐six subjects issued verdicts after reading the case vignettes and a series of jury instructions which varied by self‐defense instruction (Psychological Self‐Defense Only, Physical Self‐Defense Only, Psychological and Physical Self‐Defense, or none of these). Only Psychological Self‐Defense instructions significantly influenced verdict patterns, primarily by shifting would‐be voluntary manslaughter convictions to acquittals.
Client satisfaction with services obtained at a clinical psychology training center was assessed. A modified version of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire was developed to obtain information about levels of satisfaction in such a setting and to evaluate training clinic-specific questions of interest, such as the impact of therapists' experience on satisfaction. Results indicated that client satisfaction is multidimensional. Consistent with other studies, satisfaction was greater among clients who were in therapy for longer periods of time, who completed treatment, and who sought therapy rather than an evaluation. Reasons for dissatisfaction included a wish for more directiveness or advice in therapy and concerns over videotaping procedures. Implications of these results for clinic administrators are discussed.
Informational needs of hemophiliacs must first be assessed to develop effective educational and prevention programs. A survey of 132 hemophilia patients and family members was conducted to determine the information needs, the preferred source of information and the patients' knowledge of AIDS. Results indicated that the major source of information for the patients was the media; the preferred source was the hemophilia treatment center. Most patients wanted more information about the treatment of AIDS and how to cope with the stresses of AIDS. Although patients indicated that they had received sufficient information about the sexual transmission of AIDS, answers to knowledge questions indicated important misconceptions. Results are discussed with respect to the development of educational and prevention programs for hemophiliacs and their families.
This article argues that many children who witness their mother's battering are neglected by the child welfare system. Children who witness domestic violence are at risk for significant psychosocial deficits and direct abuse. Fifty‐nine social service professionals from Lincoln, Nebraska, who work with domestic violence were interviewed. Results indicated that while service providers were clinically sensitive to the problems experienced by children who witnessed domestic violence, only one in four stated they would make a report of suspected child abuse to social services based on witnessing alone. Legal and policy issues related to child witnessing are also discussed.
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