When not hitting your sales target is 'the end of the world': Examining the effects of rational emotive behaviour therapy on the irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity of UK-based sales professionals.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace wellbeing is a key priority for employers. Severe market and health conditions continue to bring inevitable problems that could be reduced with the application of psychological interventions to prevent mental and physical health issues, making this study a highly pertinent and valuable contribution to the field. This paper reports the effects of a rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) programme on the irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity of 56 office-based sales professionals located in the northwest region of the UK. A pre-test, post-test experimental design was utilised, and a mixed model ANOVA (repeated measures) was adopted to assess changes in mean differences concerning irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity at pre and post-test stages for the intervention group, in comparison to a control group. Results indicate that those in the REBT group reported significant reductions in irrational beliefs and emotional reactivity, whilst those in the control group reported no such changes. It is recommended that future research studies consider utilizing a mixed methods design and focus on a strategic collaboration of organisational and individual level interventions for improving the psychological wellbeing and performance of sales personnel.

Examining the impact of randomized control intervention on depressive symptoms in schoolchildren with atypical behaviors.

BACKGROUND: The need to investigate depression among disadvantaged groups motivated this study. This study investigated the impacts of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on depressive symptoms in schoolchildren with atypical behaviors in Enugu State Nigeria. METHOD: A group randomized controlled design was used to assign 37 schoolchildren to the intervention group and 37 schoolchildren to the waitlisted control group. These people were evaluated at three times (pretest, post-test, and later test) using a dependent measure. The outcome demonstrated that there was no discernible difference between the participants in the treatment group and those in the waitlisted control group at the time of the pretest. The post-treatment test results revealed a considerable improvement among participants as a result of REBT therapy. RESULTS: The later test result revealed that the treatment's significant improvement was maintained in favor of the REBT group. The outcome of REBT treatment was not moderated due to location. The data showed a significant interaction impact on participants' depression levels in relation to the interaction between groups and gender during therapy. CONCLUSION: Following the outcomes, we concluded that REBT is a long-term efficacious intervention for treating depressive symptoms in schoolchildren with atypical behaviors in Enugu State Nigeria regardless of location and gender.

Effects of rational emotive psychotherapy consort on business education students' perception about image of technical vocational education and training in South-East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: We determined the effects of rational-emotive psychotherapy on the perception of Business Education Students about TVET Image. Negative perception about TVET by youths, parents and the society has made TVET programs unattractive, uninteresting, less productive and by extension created an unhealthy organizational climate. Improving participants' perception will assist them to mitigate the effect of irrational beliefs, emotional distress, strengthening their psychosocial wellbeing and occupational health. METHOD: This study adopted a pre-test-post-test control group design. Data were collected from 568 participants comprising 104, 137, and 333 from nine federal, state and private owned universities in South-East Nigeria. RESULTS: The result showed that rational-emotive psychotherapy significantly improved the emotional distress, perceptions of TVET image and positively addressed the organizational climate among participants in the intervention group compared to the participants in the waitlist group. The result also revealed that occupational risk management practices of the participants in the intervention group improved significantly more than those in the waitlist group. From the result, we conclude that TVET institutions can apply the REBT model as an intervention program for improving the perceptions of stakeholders about TVET image in order to increase students' interest, boost their self-confidence, self-esteem, and zeal for TVET practices. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the REBT-oriented therapy helped to improve the emotional distress, irrational beliefs, and poor perception of the Business Education students who perceived TVET programs as an inferior and low-esteemed profession.

Intervention for stress management among skilled construction workers.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated the need for a stress management intervention among construction workers. Construction workers, despite their degree of stress, are expected to contribute to the accomplishment of projects on construction sites. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of a group rational emotive behavior therapy (group REBT) on stress management among a select sample of skilled construction workers in construction industry in Nigeria. METHODS: With a randomized controlled trial design, 160 skilled construction workers completed the study and responded to the perceived stress scale-14 and work-related irrational beliefs questionnaire. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 80) or the control group (n = 80). The main method of data analysis used in the study was repeated measures within-between subjects analysis of variance statistic. RESULTS: Results show that group REBT significantly improved stress and work-related irrational beliefs scores of the skilled construction workers after they were exposed to the intervention and compared with their colleagues in the control group. The significant reduction in stress and work-related irrational beliefs scores of the treatment group were also sustained at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Group REBT was significant in reducing stress and work-related irrational beliefs among the skilled construction workers.

Análisis de las creencias limitantes a través del acompañamiento en Bioneuroemoción(R) de individuos con diagnóstico de bruxismo / Analysis of limiting beliefs through the accompainment in Bioneuroemotion(R) in individuals with a diagnosis of bruxism

El propósito de este trabajo cualtitativo fue aplicar el método de Bioneuroemoción en individuos que, estando en tratamiento por bruxismo, continuaban con dolor y sintomatología asociada. El análisis de las creencias limitantes en común de los individuos, las resonancias familiares y la emoción primaria desencadenada, permitieron obtener desde dónde percibían dichos individuos las situaciones de mayor estrés. Para ello, se consideró un diseño muestral centrado en un grupo de cinco pacientes que concurrían al Servicio de ATM (Articulación Temporomandibular) de un hospital odontológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, donde estaban siendo tratados por bruxismo con placas miorrelajantes (AU)

Assertive skills: a comparison of two group interventions with Brazilian university students

The improvement or acquisition of socioemotional skills contributes to the academic and personal adaptation of university students. The way students think about themselves and others influence their social skills and well-being. Considering the importance of social competence for professional practice in the face of new social realities, the university must invest in programs that promote the socio-emotional development of students. This study compared the effects of interventions based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Psychoeducation on assertive skills and subjective well-being. This study involved 25 undergraduate students of a public university. The students were randomly allocated to three groups, including the Control group, and they were evaluated by means of questionnaires, inventories, scales, and written evaluation of the group process. The program consisted of 10 meetings and a 6-week follow-up. Irrational beliefs were reduced and their assertive skills' scores increased in the post-intervention and follow-up evaluations, regardless of the group. Only verbal reports from participants indicated an increase in well-being. The students' written reports after the end of the meetings indicate that the two forms of intervention were evaluated as promoting change by the students. One of the limitations of the study is the size of the groups. Despite the very small sample size, the study highlights that developing a set of flexible beliefs is fundamental to the exercise of assertiveness. (AU)

Impact of rational emotive behavioral therapy on personal value system of students with visual impairment: A group randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: Visually impaired students have been reported to struggle with value system and rash decision making process. This study examined the impact of rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) in reducing negative personal value system of visually impaired people. METHOD: A group-randomized trial design was adopted using 56 students with visual impairment. The participants received a value-based rational emotive behavior progamme and were assessed at 3 points using PVS and ABS-2-AV. RESULTS: The result of analysis of covariance showed that there was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups in initial personal value in Nigerian as measured by PVS. At the post-treatment the effect of V-REBP was significant in personal value and follow-up assessment respectively in favour of treatment group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that there is significant impact of rational emotive behavioral therapy on reduction of negative personal value system of students with visual impairment.

Creencias irracionales en mujeres españolas sobre el rol femenino tradicional / Spanish women's irrational beliefs about the traditional female gender role

Las creencias irracionales (CI) de las mujeres respecto al rol de género tradicional han recibido una atención académica considerable en diversos países. Sin embargo, no se han investigado en España con un instrumento específicamente diseñado desde las bases de la TREC como la "Escala de creencias de mujeres de O'Kelly" (OWBS). Este estudio evaluó las CI de género en mujeres españolas y la existencia de perfiles diferenciales según edad, nivel educativo y situación social (relación de pareja y convivencia con la familia). Participaron 1.075 mujeres de entre 18 y 83 años (M= 34,18; DT= 14,72). Los resultados mostraron mayor adhesión a los ítems racionales. La evaluación de la relación entre variables sociodemográficas y las CI demostró que éstas aumentaban con la edad, siendo menos frecuentes en mujeres con alto nivel educativo, en aquellas que convivían con su familia de origen y en las que no tenían pareja. Los análisis multivariados evidenciaron que la edad y el nivel educativo fueron las variables con mayor robustez predictiva en la intensidad de las CI

Women's irrational beliefs (IBs) about traditional gender roles have received considerable scholarly attention in several countries. However, any research has been done in Spain using an instrument specifically designed within the REBT framework such as the O'Kelly Women's Beliefs Scale (OWBS). This study evaluated the presence of gender IBs in Spanish women and the existence of differential profiles according to age, educational level and social status (partner relationship and living with extended family). The participants were 1,075 women aged between 18 and 83 years (M = 34.18, SD = 14.72) completed the questionnaire. The results showed a greater adherence to rational items. After exploring the relationship between the participants’ socio-demographic variables and IBs, we found that IBs increased with age. Conversely, IBs were less frequent in better educated women, as well as in those without a stable relationship and those living with their parents. The multivariate analyses revealed that age and educational level were the most robust predictors of IB intensity

Rational emotive intervention for stress management among english education undergraduates: Implications for school curriculum innovation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Different studies have shown the prevalence of high level of stress among undergraduate students. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) as a stress management intervention among English Education undergraduates in Universities in Southeastern Nigeria. METHOD: The study adopted a group randomized trial design. One hundred sixteen samples of English education undergraduates (with a high level of perceived stress) took part in the study. These students were randomly assigned to groups - intervention group(n = 58) and no-intervention control group (n = 58). The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using 2-way mixed repeated measure ANOVA and independent sample t test at 0.05 probability level. RESULT: Results showed that an REBT program significantly reduced the stress among English education undergraduates in the intervention group compared to the students in the control group as measured by PSS-14. Also, the English education undergraduates who benefited from the REBT program maintained the reduction in stress after 3 months when the researchers conducted a follow-up. CONCLUSION: REBT program can be used to equip undergraduate students with the necessary skills to manage stress. The implications for curriculum innovation were highlighted.

Using rational-emotive language education to improve communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Studies show the need for improved communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of using rational-emotive language education (RELE) to pursue this need for adolescents in Nigeria. METHODS: The design of the study was a group randomized trial, with pretest, post-test, and follow-up. Sixty-eight adolescents with ASDs participated in the study. Autism Communication and Social Skills Scale for Adolescent (ACSSSA) was used for data collection. The method of data analysis in the study was repeated measures ANOVA procedure, with Partial eta squared ((Equation is included in full-text article.)), adjusted R, mean, standard deviation, and upper/lower limit. RESULTS: The RELE program significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs exposed to the treatment intervention when compared with waitlist control group. CONCLUSION: Exposure to RELE significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs in this study. Therefore, we recommend that language educators, speech pathologists, language therapists, special educators and counsellors, and other professionals involved in the treatment and caring for ASDs patients be trained on the application of the RELE technique so as to enable them to employ the program in their professional practices.

Intervention for burnout among English education undergraduates: implications for curriculum innovation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on burnout among English education undergraduates in southeastern Nigeria. METHOD: The study adopted a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 96 English education undergraduates with high burnout symptoms in the participating universities took part in the study. These were randomly assigned to groups - intervention group (n = 48) and control group (n = 48). The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory for students (OLBI-S) was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using 2-way mixed repeated measure ANOVA at .05 probability level. RESULT: Results showed that the REBT program significantly reduced the burnout level among English education undergraduates in the intervention group compared to the students in the no-intervention control group as measured by the OLBI-S subscales. Also, the students who benefited from the REBT program maintained reduced burnout levels when the researchers conducted a follow-up. CONCLUSION: Given the present finding, the REBT program is an effective intervention for preventing and managing burnout among students. The present study has important curriculum innovation implications as far as English education is concerned especially in the Nigerian context. This intervention program can be included in the students' curriculum activities so as to equip the students with necessary therapeutic skills to manage burnout symptoms presently and in the future.

Trastorno límite de la personalidad e inteligencia emocional en adolescentes institucionalizados / Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotional Intelligence in Institutionalized Adolescents

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This study analyzed the prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder between the mentioned collective and the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and this disorder. A total of 61 participants between 13-17 years old, took part in this study. The results showed a important prevalence of borderline symptomatology as well as a negative correlation between Borderline Personality Disorder and general life satisfaction. Results of this study showed that an important prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder on institutionalized children in the sample used. Furthermore, there would be a link between child abuses as well as child neglect and Borderline Personality Disorder, which would lead to a great emotional discomfort to the person who suffers it

Is REThink therapeutic game effective in preventing emotional disorders in children and adolescents? Outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

Therapeutic games represent a promising solution for addressing emotional difficulties in youths. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the REThink game, in helping children and adolescents, to develop psychological resilience. Therefore, 165 children aged between 10 and 16 years were randomly assigned in one of the three groups: 54 participants in the REThink condition, 55 participants in the Rational Emotive Behavior Education condition, and 56 participants in the waitlist condition. Results indicated that the REThink intervention had a significant impact on emotional symptoms (a moderate-effect size, d = 0.46) and on depressive mood (a large-effect size, d = 0.84). Furthermore, REThink had a significant impact on children's ability to regulate their emotions, with a significant effect on emotional awareness (d = 0.64), and on the ability for emotional control (d = 0.69). In conclusion, the implications of the REThink game are discussed in relationship with resiliency building programs designed for youths. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03308981.

Effect of Rational Emotive Health Therapy on Alcohol Use Among Community-dwelling, HIV-positive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and who also experience alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms have worse clinical outcomes when compared with those who do not have AUD symptoms. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of rational emotive health therapy (REHT) on AUD among community-dwelling, HIV-positive patients in the Southeastern region of Nigeria. METHODS: The research design included a pretest/post-test control group with a total of 124 community-dwelling, HIV-positive patients with AUD symptoms participating in the study. The measures employed for data collection included Alcohol-related Irrational Beliefs Scale (AIBS) and Alcohol Use Disorder Scale (AUDS). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The result obtained at the initial assessment indicated that AUD was severe. Furthermore, REHT intervention led to a significant reduction in AUD symptoms, as shown by a reduction in AUDS and AIBS scores with time in the treatment group compared to those in the waitlist control group after the intervention. Also, the effect of REHT was positively maintained in the treatment group participants at follow-up assessment. CONCLUSION: The presence of HIV symptoms alone does not cause HIV-positive patients to be dependent on alcohol; rather, irrational beliefs about the infection may contribute to unhealthy feelings and abuse of alcohol. Rational emotive health therapy is an effective approach that can be employed by therapists and health counselors in helping HIV-positive patients to think rationally about themselves and work to be able to overcome HIV-related, as well as alcohol-related, irrational beliefs.

Uso de Psicofármacos en la Región del Noreste Argentino durante la década de 2004-2013 / Use of Psychopharmaceuticals in the Northeastern Argentine Region during the decade of 2004-2013

Objetivo: Evaluar y encontrar una explicación del modo de prescripción de psicofármacos en la región nordeste Argentina desde 2004 al 2013, expresados como dosis diaria definida (DDDs), comparándolo con otras regiones. Métodos: Los datos se obtuvieron de las droguerías, que proveen las especialidades farmacéuticas. Resultados: Durante este periodo se distribuyeron 3.949.797 DDDs de especialidades farmacéuticas en el siguiente orden: 2.662.953 DDDs correspondieron al grupo de ansiolíticos; 915.956 DDDs de antidepresivos y 370.888 DDDs de antipsicóticos. Conclusiones: Este trabajo muestra la evolución y comparación en el tipo de fármacos prescriptos para la salud mental en una década, tendiendo a la prescripción de moléculas más modernas

Objective: To evaluate and try to find an explication of the mode of psychotropics prescriptions in the northeast region of Argentina from 2004 to 2013, expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs), comparing with other regions. Methods: Data were collected from drug providers that supply the different pharmaceutical specialties. Results: During this period 3,949,797 DDDs of pharmaceutical specialties were distributed in the following order: 2,662,953 DDDs correspond to anxiolytics; 915,956 DDDs to antidepressants and 370,888 antipsychotics. Conclusions: This work shows the evolution and comparison of the kind of drugs that were prescribed for mental health in a decade, tending to the prescription of more modern molecules

Positive visual reframing: A randomised controlled trial using drawn visual imagery to defuse the intensity of negative experiences and regulate emotions in healthy adults / Reformulación Visual Positiva: Un ensayo controlado aleatorizado utilizando imágenes visuales para disminuir la intensidad de experiencias negativas y regular emociones en adultos sanos

This research explores the outcome of positive visual reframing (PVR), a single session intervention where drawn images of negative experiences and open memories were redrawn and visually reframed to form new positive narratives. The study hypothesised that PVR would lead to improvements to positive and negative affect, self-efficacy and the perceived intensity and perceived resolution of a selected negative experience. Healthy adults (n = 62) were randomly assigned to the PVR or control condition. For the experimental group, statistical significance was identified for positive affect and the perceived intensity and resolution of the negative experience immediately following the PVR activity. Self-efficacy was marginally significant. The findings highlight the potential of positive visual reframing to enhance emotional regulation when negative emotions are triggered. At two weeks' post-intervention, improvements were identified in both conditions. This suggests that over time, the visual and sensory exposure created by drawing a negative memory may also lead to positive gains. The study emphasises the potential of PVR to regulate emotions and defuse the intensity of negative or open memories by visually transforming a moment of peak perceptual intensity. Future studies exploring the effectiveness of positive visual reframing to shift negative emotions in clinical and non-clinical populations are recommended

Se exploran los resultados de la reformulación visual positiva (RVP), una intervención en la que imágenes de memorias abiertas y experiencias negativas son reformuladas visualmente para formar nuevas narrativas positivas. El estudio plantea la hipótesis de que la RVP conduciría a mejoras en el afecto positivo y negativo, autoeficacia e intensidad y resolución percibidas de experiencias negativas. 62 adultos sanos fueron aleatorizados a condiciones de RVP o control. Se hallaron mejoras para el grupo experimental en niveles de afecto positivo, así como intensidad percibida y resolución de la experiencia negativa inmediatamente después de completar la actividad de RVP. Estos hallazgos ponen de relieve el potencial de la RVP para mejorar la regulación emocional cuando se activan emociones negativas. A las dos semanas se identificaron mejoras en ambas condiciones. Esto sugiere que, con el tiempo, la exposición viso-sensorial creada al extraer un recuerdo negativo también puede conducir a mejoría. El estudio hace hincapié en el potencial de la RVP para regular emociones y difuminar la intensidad de un recuerdo abierto mediante la transformación visual de un momento de máxima intensidad perceptual. Se recomiendan estudios que exploren la efectividad de la RVP para cambiar percepciones negativas en poblaciones clínicas y no clínicas

Examining the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on performance outcomes in elite paralympic athletes.

Traditionally a psychotherapeutic intervention, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is receiving increasing attention within the extant literature as an intervention to enhance the athletic performance and psychological well-being of competitive athletes. Whilst the benefits of REBT on psychological health are established, less is understood about the effects on athletic performance. This study aimed to examine the immediate and maintained effects of REBT on physiological, psychological, and performance outcomes with elite Paralympic athletes. Using a single-case research design, eight athletes recruited from the same Paralympic sport (M=40.12, SD=12.99) received five, one-to-one REBT sessions. Measures of irrational beliefs were collected weekly, whereas the remaining psychological and physiological measures were collected at a pre-, post-, and at a 9-month follow-up time point. Visual and statistical analyzes of the data indicates reductions in irrational beliefs were coupled with reductions in systolic blood pressure indicative of an adaptive physiological response, improved athletic performance during competition simulations, and reductions in avoidance goals. Furthermore, social validation data indicated greater self-awareness, emotional control, and enhanced focus during competition as a result of the REBT intervention. This study contributes to growing literature supporting the efficacy of REBT as an intervention that not only facilitates psychological health but also enhances athletic performance. Results are discussed with reference to theory, limitations, and future recommendations.

Análisis cualitativo de temas construidos y emergentes a partir de una experiencia piloto de psicoterapia centrada en la compasión (PCC) en pacientes con cáncer avanzado / Qualitative analysis of constructed and emerging themes from a pilot experience of Compassion Centered Psychotherapy (PCC) in patients with advanced cancer

Introducción: Desde el Instituto Catalán de Oncología de Duran i Reinals, se desarrolla un modelo de «Psicoterapia grupal Centrada en la Compasión» (PCC), enfocada a pacientes con cáncer en fase avanzada. El modelo trabaja constructos terapéuticos como «compasión» o«autocompasión», junto a la atención consciente (mindfulness) para mejorar el bienestar emocional y ayudar al crecimiento personal y espiritual de estos pacientes. Objetivo: El presente estudio piloto tiene como objetivo evaluar la adecuación del nuevo modelo de PCC propuesto. Concretamente evalúa la adecuación de los constructos trabajados por la terapia, la existencia de nuevos temas relevantes para el paciente no contemplados en el modelo, y la consistencia global del modelo a nivel de estructura, tareas y contenido. Método: La metodología fue cualitativa, se grabó y transcribió un ciclo de 8 sesiones de PCC y se hizo un análisis temático del contenido de las sesiones. El análisis fue realizado por dos evaluadores de forma independiente. La muestra final estuvo formada por 9 pacientes. Resultado: Los resultados obtenidos indican que hay una buena adecuación de los constructos trabajados en la terapia y del modelo en general. Sin embargo, será necesario incluir el tema de las «relaciones interpersonales», tema muy relevante para el paciente no contemplado en el modelo. Además, se obtuvo información sobre principales preocupaciones de los pacientes, dificultades a la hora de realizar algunas tareas propuestas y un feedback positivo de la propia psicoterapia y de su participación. Conclusiones: Este estudio piloto aporta información relevante que permite ajustar y mejorar la propuesta del modelo de PCC inicial (AU)

Introduction: People from the Catalan Institute of Oncology of Duran i Reinals have developed a model of «Psicoterapia grupal Centrada en la Compasión» (PCC), focused on patients with advanced cancer develops. The model works therapeutic constructs as «compassion» or «self-compassion» with mindfulness to improve emotional distress and help to the personal and spiritual growth of these patients. Objective: This pilot study aims to assess the adequacy of the new model proposed of PCC. Specifically evaluates the adequacy of the constructs therapy worked and the existence of new issues relevant to the patient not included in the model, and the overall consistency of the model for the structure, tasks and content. Method: The methodology was qualitative, one cycle of 8 sessions of PCC was recorded and transcribed, and was made a thematic analysis of the content of the sessions. The analysis was performed by two reviewers independently. The final sample consisted of 9 patients. Result: The results indicate that in general there is a good adequacy of the constructs worked in therapy and the model. However, it will be necessary to include the issue of «interpersonal relationships», very important for the patient and not included in the model. In addition, information of the main concerns of patients, difficulty performing some tasks proposed and positive feedback of psychotherapy and its participation, were obtained. Conclusions: This pilot study provides relevant information to adjust and improve the initial proposed model of PCC (AU)

Unpacking insanity defence standards: an experimental study of rationality and control tests in criminal law / Descifrar los criterios de defensa de la vesania: estudio experimental de las pruebas de racionalidad y control en derecho penal

The present study investigated the impact of different legal standards on mock juror decisions concerning whether a defendant was guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity. Undergraduate students (N=477) read a simulated case summary involving a murder case and were asked to make an insanity determination. The cases differed in terms of the condition of the defendant (rationality deficit or control deficit) and the legal standard given to the jurors to make the determination (Model Penal Code, McNaughten or McNaughten plus a separate control determination). The effects of these variables on the insanity determination were investigated. Jurors also completed questionnaires measuring individualism and hierarchy attitudes and perceptions of facts in the case. Results indicate that under current insanity standards jurors do not distinguish between defendants with rationality deficits and defendants with control deficits regardless of whether the legal standard requires them to do so. Even defendants who lacked control were found guilty at equal rates under a legal standard excusing rationality deficits only and a legal standard excluding control and rationality deficits. This was improved by adding a control test as a partial defence, to be determined after a rationality determination. Implications for the insanity defence in the Criminal Justice System are discussed (AU)

Este estudio ha investigado la repercusión de los diversos cánones legales en las decisiones simuladas acerca de si un acusado es culpable o no por motivos de vesania. Una muestra de 477 estudiantes universitarios leyeron el resumen de caso relativo a un asesinato, pidiéndoseles luego que determinasen si había enajenación mental. Los casos diferían en cuanto a la condición del acusado (déficit de racionalidad o de control) y el criterio legal proporcionado a los jurados para que tomaran la determinación (Código penal modelo, McNaughten o McNaughten mas una determinación sobre el control). Se investigó el efecto de estas variables en la determinación de vesania. Los jurados rellenaron también cuestionarios que medían actitudes de individualismo y jerarquía y la percepción de los hechos del caso. Los resultados indican que con los criterios de demencia actuales los jurados no distinguen entre acusados con déficit de racionalidad y aquellos con déficit de control, aunque los criterios legales se lo exijan. Incluso los acusados que carecían de control fueron hallados culpables en la misma proporción con un criterio legal que disculpaba el déficit de racionalidad y con otro que excluía los déficit de control y racionalidad. Consiguió mejorarse añadiendo una prueba de control como defensa parcial a determinar tras la decisión sobre la racionalidad. Se comentan las implicaciones para la defensa de la enajenación mental en el sistema de justicia penal (AU)

Narratives to enhance smoking cessation interventions among African-American smokers, the ACCE project.

BACKGROUND: Low-income, African-American smokers are less likely to have resources to aid in quitting smoking. Narrative communication may provide an enhancement to traditional smoking cessation interventions like NRT, medications, or behavioral treatments for this audience. After extensive pilot testing of stories and personal experiences with smoking cessation from African-Americans from a low-income community, we conducted a randomized control trial using stories to augment routine inpatient treatment among African-Americans at an urban Southern hospital (N = 300). RESULTS: Differences in smoking cessation outcomes between the intervention (stories DVD + routine clinical treatment) and control (routine clinical treatment) arms were compared using self-report and carbon monoxide measurement at 6-months. Compared to control, individuals who viewed the intervention stories DVD reported greater intentions to quit. Although continuous quitting marginally favored the intervention, our main result did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Narrative communication via storytelling to promote smoking cessation among African-Americans in the South is one method to communicate smoking cessation. Results suggest this may not be sufficient as a stand-alone augmentation of routine clinical treatment for continuous smoking cessation. Smoking cessation efforts need to continually assess different means of communicating to smokers about quitting. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT00101491. This trial was registered January 10, 2005.