Factor Structure of the Assessment of Qualitative and Structural Dimensions of Object Representations (AOR) Scale.

The Assessment of Qualitative and Structural Dimensions of Object Representations assessment instrument (AOR; Blatt, Chevron, Quinlan, Schaffer, & Wein, 1992 ) is one measure of parental representations used in the literature that assesses nonconscious processes while minimizing self-presentation biases. However, only 2 studies have considered the latent factor structure, with mixed findings reported that raise questions about the constructs being assessed. This study used archival data from 4 previous studies containing clinical and nonclinical samples, totaling 722 participants.

Self-other representations mediate the relationship between Five-Factor Model depression and depressive states.

While it is well established that trait depression is a risk factor for experiencing increased rates of episodes of depression, it is also the case that the ways in which the self and others are perceived, and nature of the relationship between self and other, predispose individuals to frequent depressive episodes. In this study, 182 psychiatric outpatients at three treatment facilities were evaluated for Five-Factor Model depressive traits, depressive states, and self-other representations (object relations). It was hypothesized that object relations would mediate the relationship between trait and state depression.

Effects of culture and age on the perceived exchange of social support resources.

This research explores the perceived exchange of social support resources of young, midlife, and older adults in the United States and Japan, and how perceptions of exchange may moderate attributions of control, difficulty, and success in attaining important life-goals. A survey was administered to participants in the United States and Japan who ranged in age from 17 to 70 years. Results suggested culture and age to influence the designation of important life-goals, and to interactively moderate the perceived exchange of social support resources in the interpersonal contexts of family and business associates and co-workers.