JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Year:2009 | Volume:1 | Issue:1|Papers Count:9

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine confirmatory factor structure, reliability and validity of the Achenbach Youth Self-Report Scale (YSR) for a group of 11 to 18 years old monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) youth twins.Method: n=236 pair of twins (133 MZ, 103 DZ, 259 girls, and 213 boys) were selected through announcement of the Iranian Association of Twins and completed the YSR scales. To investigate confirmatory factor structure of the data WLS estimation method was applied using Item parceling procedure. For evaluating adequacy and Goodness of fitness of the model NNFI, RMR, RMSEA, CFI, AGFI, GFI, ECVI, X2, X2/doff, Dc2 indices were computed. Optimal levels of test-retest reliability, internal consistency and inter-rater reliability scores were estimated for the YSR scale.Results: Findings supported the goodness of fitness of eight-factor oblique factor structure of the YSR. Construct-related validity of the scale was calculated according to correlation coefficients between the scores on the YSR and three subscales scores of the Junior Essence Personality Questionnaire (JEPQ).Conclusions: Results supported the confirmatory factor structure, reliability and validity of the YSR for research and clinical diagnostic applications.

Introduction: The purpose of present project was to examine the distinctive indicators in Self-Figure drawings in three groups of children with internalizing problems, those with externalizing problems, and the normal children. Method: A total of 4000 Child  Behavior Checklist  were administered in 34 boys and girls elementary schools in six different Tehran school districts .Using a purposeful sampling method n=90 students (30 in each group) were selected and Individual Self-Figure drawings were collected and interpreted using the indicators chart.Results: A Chi square analysis reflected significant differences between three groups. The internalizing group showed the higher rate for 11indicators such as :drawing by the edge or down the page, drawing no hair, drawing the trunk in the shape of a square, while The externalizing group showed the higher rate for 11 indicators such as: drawing big head, accentuated hair, arms like arrows and downward. Conclusions: The observed indicators in internalizing group corresponds low self-steam and inhibition, whereas those of externalizing group corresponds self-valuation and centralization of self.

Introduction: The aim of this research was to provide a concise short-term treatment protocol based on MBCT for use with the major depressive disordered patients who have suicidal thought.Method: The treatment protocol was designed according to essentials of clinical applicability for counseling and psychological interventions. Systematic Meta analytic studies and efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapies on depression and suicide were reviewed. Provided manual was administered on a depressed patient who had suicidal thoughts and the results were assessed in a form of case report for the first time. Instruments were included BDI II, BSSI and 2 researcher made inventories.Results: Results indicated that short-term treatment protocol based on MBCT has decreased depression (10 scores) and suicidal thoughts (4 scores) in the depressed patients. Follow-up study were also showed a 6 months stability for the treatment effects.Conclusions: The provided treatment manual could be effective in decreasing depression and suicidal thoughts of depressed patients.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to predict the changes of emotional processing indicators based on worry dysfunctional cognitions, perfectionism and disorder types.Method: Subjects of the study were n=45 patients (male and female) with obsessive compulsive (checking and washing) and anxiety disorder who were selected by available sampling method. After clinical interview and providing the anxiety hierarchy, an exposure made and subjective distress and heartbeat of patients were recorded in 2 sessions. For examining the dysfunctional cognitions, dysfunctional attitude scale and AHWAZ worry inventory was used. Results: Findings showed that worry and perfectionism significantly were predicted emotional processing indicators.Conclusions: worry and perfectionism are obstacles for emotional processing in the exposure Situations. No emotional processing might be responsible for inefficiency of exposure for the patients with worry and perfectionism.

Introduction: one of the important topics in the field of health psychology is the personality characteristics of individuals suffering from cancer. The present research aims at comparing type C personality, locus of control, and hardiness in patients suffering from cancer and healthy people.Method: 60 patients from Tehran institute of cancer (Tehran Imam Khomeini hospital) AND 60 normal individuals from university staff members were selected using intact sampling and random sampling methods respectively. The type C personality, locus of control and hardiness tests were administrated.Results: Significantly higher Type C personality and Locus of control scores, as well as lower level of hardiness were found for women and men with cancer disease. Conclusions: Patients with cancer disease tend to show a type C personality character, an external locus of control and a lower hardiness than normal people.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the extent of sustain attention deficits between patients with paranoid schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia and normal individuals.Method: Participants were n=20 patients with paranoid schizophrenia, n=20 patients with disorganized schizophrenia (who were selected from the Feiz and Esfahan hospital using available sampling method) as well as n=20 normal persons (who were randomly selected from Esfahan university). The computerized Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was performed by all 60 participants.Results: Results showed a significant lower CPT performance for schizophrenic patients than normal persons. Disorganized schizophrenics showed significant lower CPT performance than paranoids as well.Conclusions: Sustain attention in schizophrenic patients is lower than normal persons and in disorganized schizophrenics is lower than paranoids. That is, the disorganized schizophrenic patients suffer from more cognitive deficits compared to the other groups.

Introduction: This study was aimed to determine and compare the defense mechanisms and styles in obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia in 4 groups (including OCD, GAD, Social phobia and healthy subjects). Method: Each group comprising 30 subjects were assessed by Defensive style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). The defense mechanisms and styles of patients were compared to normal group and evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis showed that patient's defense mechanisms and styles differed significantly from normal group. Clinical groups used more Immature and Neurotic defenses. In comparison to healthy group, OCD subjects exhibited more Neurotic and Immature style. In details, they used the acting out, reaction formation and undoing defenses more than normal group; likewise GAD group used projection, idealization, somatization and less humor and suppression. SP used more projection, idealization, somatization and passive aggression and less suppression. Conclusions: The results of present study clarified the importance of research on defense mechanisms in both normal and clinical span in order to diagnose and treat the anxiety disorders; also suggest that these findings are comparable with other studies; however studying on defense mechanisms needs further investigations in Iran.