Development of a coding system for marital problem solving efficacy.

Efficacy in marital problem solving has received little attention, and work on general problem solving efficacy does not address marital issues. This study examined the ability to discriminate between groups and criterion validity of an efficacy-focused marital problem solving measurement method, the Marital Efficacy Coding System, which combines marital problem scenarios with general social problem solving assessment procedures. This system was administered to nondistressed married subjects, participants in marital therapy, and divorced or separated individuals. Participants were asked to develop a set of discrete steps or 'means' as solutions to marital problem scenarios. The content was coded by a number of means, participants' ratings of problem frequency and typicality of response, and coders' ratings of efficacy and equality. Overall percentage agreement between coders was 73.4%. Marital Efficacy Coding System variables, including problem frequency, solution typicality, and solution efficacy, were shown to significantly differentiate between participants high and low in marital satisfaction and to possess significant predictive ability.

Measurement strategies in social support: a descriptive review of the literature.

Social support literature has been criticized for lacking methodological clarity. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic descriptive review of the social support literature, outline measurement problems, identify the nature of assessment inadequacies, and provide recommendations for the future. Two-hundred sixty-two empirically based articles published between 1980 and 1987 were reviewed comprehensively. Information about social support measurement and sample characteristics was obtained. A system was designed to organize the data on sample characteristics, type of instrument, source of support assessed, and category of support measured. The social support literature also was described from a methodological perspective, and several trends were identified. Conclusions about conceptual maturity, a priori biases, measurement of network utilization, and social support sources are discussed.

Assessing retirement satisfaction and perceptions of retirement experiences.

A 2-part investigation developed a measure of retirement as a life transition. Study 1 generated items from interviews with retirees (n = 40) and service providers. Item analysis with recent retirees (n = 86) produced a 51-item Retirement Satisfaction Inventory assessing 6 areas: preretirement work functioning, adjustment and change, reasons for retirement, satisfaction with life in retirement, current sources of enjoyment, and leisure and physical activities. Study 2 examined a heterogeneous sample of men (n = 159) and women (n = 243) retires. Factor analyses produced internally consistent subscales. Moderate, but acceptable, test-retest reliability was demonstrated. Satisfaction scores correlated with concurrent measures and, together with pre- and postretirement experiences, discriminated 4 groups of voluntary and involuntary retirees. Few effects related to gender, socioeconomic status, length of retirement, and part-time employment were found.

Efficacy and side effects of methylphenidate for poststroke depression.

BACKGROUND: Depression after stroke impedes the rehabilitation process and causes additional suffering to patient and family. Few studies have systematically examined pharmacologic treatments of poststroke depression. In the present paper, the use of the stimulant methylphenidate is studied in a depressed, elderly stroke population. METHOD: Ten subjects (mean age = 73.2 years) meeting DSM-III-R criteria for major depression were followed-up during a 3-week efficacy and side effect trial involving methylphenidate. Subjects were selected from rehabilitation patients referred for psychiatric consultation. RESULTS: A total of 80% (8 of 10) of the subjects showed either a full or partial response as measured by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores. The incidence of problematic side effects was low, and no subjects had to be discontinued from the study. CONCLUSION: Results of this methylphenidate trial for poststroke depression in elderly patients suggest that it is a safe and effective treatment for poststroke depression. Future studies are called for in which methylphenidate is compared with placebo controls and antidepressant medication.