Decision making and interference in the domestic cat (Felis catus).

Domestic cats (Felis catus) received a task in which an obstacle was introduced at the time they were ready to reach for 1 among 2 or 3 baited targets. The results revealed that when the initially chosen direction (i.e., before the introduction of the obstacle) and the new one were orthogonal, the cats reassessed distance, angular deviation, and visibility once they had turned around the obstacle (Experiments 1, 2, and 3). Then the cats chose a different target than the one that would have been chosen had there been no obstacle. When both the initially chosen and the new direction matched (Experiment 4), the cats kept intact their initial decision. The discussion focuses on the nature of the representational system of the cat. The discussion also emphasizes comparisons with dogs (i.e., cooperative hunters).

Conception of wellness in families with a diabetic child.

Focusing on wellness and adopting perspectives from positive and perceptual psychology, perceptions about health and illness were studied in 55 families with diabetic children, their siblings (8-17 years old) and mothers. Individual interviews were conducted on definitions of wellness, rationale for children's self-evaluation of wellness, consequences of wellness and definition of diabetes. Content analysis revealed that respondents have a comprehensive definition of wellness focusing on adaptation and performance. Significant role-specific differences emerged. Mothers' perceptions reflected their role in caregiving and socializing children. Children emphasized school performance and absence of health problems. Siblings focused on harmonious relationships. In accordance with the perspective of positive psychology, adults' as well as children's perceptions are congruent with the pursuit of wellness despite chronic illness.