Univariate and Multivariate Base Rates of Score Elevations, Reliable Change, and Inter-Rater Discrepancies in the BRIEF-A Standardization Samples.

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) is a standardized rating scale of subjective executive functioning. We provide univariate and multivariate base rates (BRs) for scale/index scores in the clinical range (T scores ≥65), reliable change, and inter-rater information not included in the Professional Manual. Participants were adults (ages = 18-90 years) from the BRIEF-A self-report (N = 1,050) and informant report (N = 1,200) standardization samples, as well as test-retest (n = 50 for self, n = 44 for informant) and inter-rater (n = 180) samples. Univariate BRs of elevated T scores were low (self-report = 3.3%-15.4%, informant report = 4.5%-16.3%). Multivariate BRs revealed the common occurrence of obtaining at least one elevated T-score across scales (self-report = 26.5%-37.3%, informant report = 22.7%-30.3%), whereas virtually none had elevated scores on all scales. Test-retest scores were highly correlated (self = .82-.94; informant = .91-.96). Inter-rater correlations ranged from .44 to .68. Significant (p < .05) test-retest T-score differences ranged from 7 to 12 for self-report, from 6 to 8 for informant report, and from 16 to 21 points for inter-rater T-score differences. Applications of these findings are discussed.

An Exploratory Study Examining Current Assessment Supervisory Practices in Professional Psychology.

The extant literature reveals a considerable amount of research examining course work or technical training in psychological assessment, but a dearth of empirical research on assessment supervision. This study examined perspectives on current assessment supervisory practices in professional psychology through an online survey. Descriptive and qualitative data were collected from 125 survey respondents who were members of assessment-focused professional organizations and who had at least 1 year of supervision experience. Responses indicated a general recognition of the need for formal training in assessment supervision, ongoing training opportunities, and adherence to supervision competencies. Responses indicated more common use of developmental and skill-based models, although most did not regard any one model of assessment supervision as superior. Despite the recommended use of a supervision contract, only 65.6% (n = 80) of respondents use one. Discussion, directed readings, modeling, role-play, and case presentations were the most common supervisory interventions. Although conclusions are constrained by low survey response rate, results yielded rich data that might guide future examination of multiple perspectives on assessment supervision and ultimately contribute to curriculum advances and the development of supervision "best practices."

Trauma Therapists' Clinical Applications, Training, and Personal Practice of Mindfulness and Meditation.

Mindfulness and meditation (MM) are increasingly used in trauma treatment, yet there is little research about therapist qualifications and clinical applications of these practices. We surveyed trauma therapists (N = 116) about their clinical uses, training, and personal practice of MM. Most respondents reported use of MM in trauma therapy, primarily MM-related imagery and breathing exercises and mindfulness in session or daily life. Almost a third used mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, or mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Across all respondents, 66 % were trained by a mental health (MH) professional, 16 % were trained exclusively by a spiritual teacher, and 18 % received no training. On average, therapists used four types of MM. Less than half maintained a personal meditation practice and only 9 % reported practicing daily meditation. Therapists who were trained by a MH professional were more likely to integrate MM into trauma psychotherapy; those who were trained by a spiritual teacher were more likely to teach clients to use MM between sessions and reported more personal practice of MM. Results indicate divergence from standard recommendations for therapist personal practice and professional training in manualized uses; however, there is little guidance about requisite training and personal practice to support individualized uses of MM such as breathing exercises and imagery. Further research should address relationships of therapist training and personal practice to clinical outcomes in MM-informed trauma therapy.

Are Facebook "Friends" Helpful? Development of a Facebook-Based Measure of Social Support and Examination of Relationships Among Depression, Quality of Life, and Social Support.

Greater social support is predictive of lower depression and higher quality of life (QOL). However, the way in which social support is provided has changed greatly with the expanding role of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook). While there are numerous anecdotal accounts of the benefits of Facebook-based social support, little empirical evidence exists to support these assertions, and there are no empirically validated measures designed to assess social support provided via this unique social networking medium. This study sought to develop an empirically sound measure of Facebook-based social support (Facebook Measure of Social Support [FMSS]) and to assess how this new measure relates to previously established measures of support and two outcome variables: depression and QOL. Following exploratory factor analysis, the FMSS was determined to assess four factors of social support on Facebook (Perceived, Emotional, Negative, Received/Instrumental). The Negative Support factor on the FMSS was most strongly related to both depression and QOL with magnitudes (and direction of relationships) comparable to a traditional measure of perceived social support. However, two FMSS factors (Received/Instrumental and Perceived) were unrelated to both mental health outcomes. Contrary to expectations, elevations in one FMSS factor (Emotional) was associated with worse symptoms of depression and poorer psychological QOL. When taken together, only the absence of negative social support on Facebook is significantly predictive of mental health functioning. Consequently, those hoping to use Facebook as a medium for reducing depression or improving QOL are unlikely to realize significant therapeutic benefits.