Assessing the "modeling effect" in parasuicidal behavior: a comment on Platt (1993)

This article provides a critical evaluation of Platt's [1993] research investigating the role of modeling in the acquisition of parasuicidal behavior. The discussion focuses on general theoretical and methodological issues related to research in this area, as well as on specific concerns regarding Platt's investigation. In addition to presenting a critique of this research, a hypothetical model is presented that should lend credibility to future investigations into the theoretically posited casual relationships within the modeling paradigm. Model selection was based upon a recognition that an adequate test of the observational learning theory would need to appropriately employ correlational data commonly found in research in suicide and parasuicide. The implications for clinical practice are presented.

Prevalence of bovine venereal disease in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory: likely economic effects and practicable control measures.

Area prevalences of bovine Campylobacteriosis and Trichomoniasis in the Victoria River District (VRD) of the Northern Territory were determined by a survey of bulls. Eighty-seven percent of herds were infected with Campylobacteriosis and 65.6 percent were infected with Trichomoniasis. The levels of infection recorded are likely to be causing significant reductions in reproductive rates. Control of Campylobacteriosis is unlikely to be practicable on a district basis, but in some herds it may be possible to implement control measures in select groups subject to good stock control. Trichomoniasis control measures are generally not implementable in the VRD management situation. Computer modelling suggests that control measures are unlikely to be profitable in commercial herds. There is a need for field investigations to confirm this.