The effects of a self-instructional package on three overactive preschool boys were investigated using a multiple-baseline design across subjects. Behavioral observations of the three target subjects indicated transfer of training effects from the experimental tasks to the classroom. On-task behaviors increased dramatically concomitant with the introduction of the self-instructional package, and treatment gains were maintained 22.5 weeks after baseline was initiated. In addition, the use of an observer-expectancy control condition gave further credibility to the demonstration of a causal relationship.DESCRIPTORS: self-instruction, on-task behavior, overactive behavior, verbal mediation, massed practice, transfer of training, preschool childrenThe widespread use of behavioral principles with children has led to the development of several effective procedures for decreasing disruptive behavior and increasing attention in school settings.

The present investigation aimed to shed light on how masculinity and other variables could be combined to predict prejudice against gay men. Therefore, the study tested a hierarchical model including correlates of antigay attitudes and two theoretical explanations for these beliefs: The Functional Approach and the Self-Discrepancy Theory. Responses from 243 heterosexual men revealed that prejudice toward gay men significantly correlated with interpersonal contact, openness to experience, hypermasculinity, sexism, defensive and experiential attitude functions, religiosity, and political leanings. These variables accounted for 53% of variance in attitudes toward gay men. The findings suggest that openness, the defensive attitude function, religiosity, and political beliefs are influential in understanding prejudice against gay men.

Self-care strategies and system supports employed in preparation for, during, and after disaster relief operations (DROs) are crucial to relief worker well-being and the overall effectiveness of relief efforts. Relief organizations and management must structure DROs in a manner that promotes self-care and workers must implement proper self-care strategies. Proper self-care before, during, and after a DRO can reduce negative reactions to stressful emergency work and promote growth, mastery, and self-efficacy after the experience. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of organizational supports and self-care strategies in disaster relief settings. This article emphasizes the role of both individual and management participation and commitment to relief worker support and positive experience in DROs and provides suggestions for doing so. These suggestions are derived from the empirical and experiential literature and extensions from the theoretical background, and from our experience as managers in DROs.

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Any community can experience a disaster, and many traumatic events occur without warning. Psychologists can be an important resource assisting in psychological support for individuals and communities, in preparation for and in response to traumatic events. Disaster mental health and the community-based model of psychological first aid are described. The National Preparedness and Response Science Board has recommended that all mental health professionals be trained in disaster mental health, and that first responders, civic officials, emergency managers, and the general public be trained in community-based psychological first aid. Education and training resources in these two fields are described to assist psychologists and others in preparing themselves to assist their communities in difficult times and to help their communities learn to support one another.

The use of imagery in psychotherapy has received surprisingly little attention from researchers despite its long history in psychology and the significance of imagery in a number of psychological disorders. One procedure warranting increased attention is imagery rescripting, an imagery technique in which an image is modified in some way to decrease distress. Imagery rescripting is relatively new with a small but growing empirical base. This article briefly reviews hypothesized mechanisms for therapeutic change via imagery techniques, emphasizing imagery rescripting, and how they might be relevant in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We review studies employing imagery rescripting as a component of treatment, followed by recommendations for future direction.

Rural communities tend to be underserved by the psychological and medical communities, often due to the lack of available specialty services in the area. When seeking mental health services, rural communities face additional ethical concerns, such as increased stigma, confidentiality concerns, and dual relationships. As such, the use of telehealth and telepsychological services has been seen as a positive alternative means to provide mental health services to rural or remote areas. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of social media use and population size on the perceived effectiveness of, and openness to, telepsychological services. Two hundred forty-one undergraduate students at a small Midwestern university completed an online survey in the fall semester of 2012. The questionnaire included measures of sociodemographics, rurality, computer use, social media use, and attitudes toward telehealth services. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between social media use, population size, and acceptability of telehealth services. Results indicated increased positive attitudes toward telehealth with increases in social media use and decreases in population size. The current study suggests social media technology use and population size has a significant effect on attitudes toward telehealth services. Therefore, as social media use continues to grow and technological advances become more prevalent in rural areas, positive perceptions of telehealth services may increase in rural areas.

This study investigated differences in rural/urban mental health and service use in veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data were obtained from 48 urban and 52 rural residing combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center's outpatient PTSD clinic. Rural and urban groups were compared on health service utilization indices (PTSD, primary and specialty care clinic visits), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, the Mississippi Combat PTSD Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Results indicated a lack of substantive differences between rural and urban combat PTSD patients. The sole difference involved higher dissociation scores among rural patients. Rural combat PTSD patients therefore seem to have similar mental health needs compared with their urban counterparts, with important service delivery implications.