A naturalistic evaluation of psychosocial interventions for cancer patients in a community setting.

We used a naturalistic methodology to examine associations between change in cancer patients' emotional functioning and their use of interventions in a community organization. One-hundred ninety-two patients completed measures at baseline and 6 months later. During this time, they utilized the organization's various interventions as they wished.

Coping-related variables associated with individual differences in adjustment to cancer.

This study examined relationships between emotional adjustment and a number of coping styles and strategies in people with cancer. Two-hundred eighty-three adults completed measures of positive and negative emotions, subjective ratings of cancer-related symptoms and functional impairment, coping strategies, hope, benefit finding, emotional approach/avoidance, and cancer-related social support. Among the coping strategies, self-blame and behavioral disengagement were consistently associated with poor adjustment, while acceptance and humor were consistently associated with good adjustment.

The effects of preparing parents for child psychotherapy on accuracy of expectations and treatment attendance.

This study used an experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of two procedures designed to inform parents about the workings of child therapy, increase the accuracy of their expectations for their child's treatment, and thereby improve their attendance rates. The informational materials explained the importance of parental involvement, how play is used in therapy, confidentiality, and the importance of persisting with treatment until goals are met. Participants were 149 parents or primary caretakers of children aged 3-10 years old.

Relationships between Dimensions of Depressive Experience and Evaluative Beliefs about People in General.

The present research examined relationships between depression and evaluative beliefs about people in general. Subjects were 111 college students. Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977) and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (Blatt, D'Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976), which differentiates three dimensions of depression.