PsychDigest

Research by the universities of Exeter and Bristol offers a new explanation as to why such a wide range  of personality traits has evolved in humans and other social species.

This article will feature in PsychDigest vol. 2, no. 8 (December 2008).
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By Mick Cooper
SAGE Publications, September 2008
256 pp.
Paperback ISBN: 9781847870438
Hardcover ISBN: 9781847870421

The perception that therapists and their techniques play the most significant role in influencing the outcome of treatment is challenged in a new research review. Written by Professor Mick Cooper of the University of Strathclyde, the book concludes that the most important factor in successful therapy is a client, or patient, who is motivated and engaged and who is able to use therapy to build on his or her strengths.

Professor Cooper also finds that a strong relationship between therapist and client is one of the best indicators of a positive therapeutic outcome, and is far more significant than a therapist's particular techniques and approach.

The book, which is the first reader-friendly summary of research findings in the field, also offers advice to people who are considering seeing a therapist, on their choice of practitioner and the best type of therapy available to them.

Sources:
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) (2008, October 17). Clients, not practitioners, make therapy work. BACP Media Centre. Retrieved November 11, 2008, from http://www.bacp.co.uk/media/index.php?newsId=1070

Why do some children become chronic victims of bullying?

As soon as children are old enough to interact socially, some become entrenched in chronic and increasing patterns of victimization by their peers.

This article will feature in PsychDigest vol. 2, no. 8 (December 2008).
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High-dose corticosteroid treatment might reduce the risk for PTSD

Cortisol helps our bodies cope with stress-researchers now believe it could also help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This article will feature in PsychDigest vol. 2, no. 8 (December 2008).
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People with social phobia show increased brain activity in response to negative comments

People with generalized social phobia (GSP) have heightened brain responses to negative comments about themselves (relative to a comparison group without the disorder).

This article will feature in PsychDigest vol. 2, no. 8 (December 2008).
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Releasing our "inner savant" with this thinking cap

Scientists at the University of Sydney are developing a thinking cap that could unlock our hidden genius, by switching on and off certain sections of the brain. The researchers think their experiments show that we all have hidden creative talents, but that we have trouble tapping into them.

This article will feature in PsychDigest vol. 2, no. 8 (December 2008).
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Social isolation, anxiety and neurosis can protect young men against criminality

Being nervous, socially isolated, anxious or neurotic during childhood protects young men from becoming criminal offenders until they enter adulthood, but the protective effect seems to wear off after the age of 21.

This article will feature in PsychDigest vol. 2, no. 8 (December 2008).
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Schizotypal traits associated with reduced verbal IQ

In Psychiatry - Psychiatry News.

The presence of schizotypal traits in healthy adults is associated with reduced verbal IQ, supporting the notion of schizotypy being on a continuum from normality to schizophrenia.

Bipolar patients display more avoidant coping styles

In Psychiatry - Psychiatry News.

MedWire News: Bipolar disorder patients have more avoidant coping styles and less active reaction patterns in response to problems and unpleasant events than the general population.

Estrogen improves metaphoric understanding in women with schizophrenia

In Psychiatry - Psychiatry News.

MedWire News: For women with schizophrenia, estrogen treatment leads to improvements in their comprehension of metaphoric speech but has no impact on their understanding of concrete meanings