Synchronization Analysis of Language and Physiology in Human Dyads.

We studied the synchronization dynamics of a therapist and patient during a psychotherapy session. This investigation was developed in order to explore a new possible perspective and methodology for studying the expression of emotions. More specifically, literature concerning synchronization of in-session non-verbal variables emphasises its positive correlation with empathy and therapeutic outcomes.

[A postrationalist approach to emotional reciprocity in psychotherapy].

In a postrationalist approach to cognitive psychotherapy the therapeutic relationship becomes a tool for exploring, by which, the patient manages to understand the rules which govern the rigid logical processes of his own personal meaning organization. A more accurate knowledge of one's own attitudes is the crucial variable that lets the patient assimilate problematic experiences. The therapist role assume the form of a "strategical oriented emotive disturber" who is extremely careful to utilize the emotional swings that he live in reciprocity with the patient, and who is aware of is own, as it is his emotions which modulate the patient's perceptions and understanding of problems.

Optimism and its impact on mental and physical well-being.

Many studies have been carried out about the effectiveness of optimism as a psychological phenomenon, leading to various theoretical formulations of the same concept, conceptualized as "disposition", "attributional style", "cognitive bias", or "shared illusion". This overview is an attempt to explore the "optimism" concept and its relations with mental health, physical health, coping, quality of life and adaptation of purpose, health lifestyle and risk perception. Positive and negative expectations regarding the future are important for understanding the vulnerability to mental disorders, in particular mood and anxiety disorders, as well as to physical illness.

Depressive episodes in Sardinian emigrants to Argentina: why are females at risk?

Background/objective: To compare the frequency of ICD-10 depressive episodes in a community sample of Sardinian immigrants in Argentina and a community sample of Sardinian residents in Sardinia, Italy.

Method: A search of telephone directories provided all subscribers with Sardinian surnames in the Argentinean area involved. A 75.

Social Phobia in an Italian region: do Italian studies show lower frequencies than community surveys conducted in other European countries?

Background: The lifetime prevalence of Social Phobia (SP) in European countries other than Italy has been estimated to range from 3.5% to 16.0%.