Marilyn Freimuth - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Marilyn Freimuth

Research paper thumbnail of Don't ask, don't tell: Clinicians may be missing opportunities to screen for alcohol use disorders in practice

Research paper thumbnail of Piecing the Puzzle Together

The Counseling Psychologist, Oct 1, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Preference for lateral directional properties: A reply to Gordon

British Journal of Psychology, Aug 1, 1981

Gordon's (1981) methodological criticisms of our study on the influence of directional proper... more Gordon's (1981) methodological criticisms of our study on the influence of directional properties of lateral organization on evaluation of paintings are addressed. We conclude that our study ‐ which reconceptualized the problem by focusing on directional properties and differences in process dependent on exposure time ‐ used adequate controls and methodology that produced findings (evaluations were influenced by left‐right sequential organization with a 5 s exposure and by more inclusive formal features with a 20 s exposure) which advanced our understanding of the relation between lateral organization and evaluation.

Research paper thumbnail of The Clinician's “World of Action” as an Approach to Teaching Abnormal Psychology

Teaching of Psychology, Oct 1, 1979

Description by the teachers and evaluation by the students of a course developed from a theory of... more Description by the teachers and evaluation by the students of a course developed from a theory of instruction and active participation.

Research paper thumbnail of Integrating Group Psychotherapy and 12-Step Work: A Collaborative Approach

International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Jul 1, 2000

ABSTRACT Group therapists can expect to treat an increasing number of patients who are active in ... more ABSTRACT Group therapists can expect to treat an increasing number of patients who are active in a 12-step program or other addiction-related self-help groups. The value of simultaneous participation in these two modalities has been recognized; 12-step work supports abstinence necessary for the focus on emotional growth in psychotherapy. However, mere simultaneous participation in the two modalities fails to incorporate the benefits of a collaborative relationship where both modalities are used to support both abstinence and emotional growth. The conjoint approach to group and individual treatment is used to (a) argue for the possibility of a collaborative relationship between psychotherapy and a patient's 12-step work, (b) understand the benefits and challenges to collaboration, and (c) provide guidelines for how to work collaboratively with a 12-step program. Illustrations are provided of typical issues raised by this type of collaborative relationship.

Research paper thumbnail of The Unseen Diagnosis: Addiction Assessment

Research paper thumbnail of Routine screenings: Expanding psychologists' role in preventing substance use disorders

Research paper thumbnail of Another missed opportunity? Recognition of alcohol use problems by mental health providers

Psychotherapy, 2008

Alcohol use problems (AUPs) are prevalent among people seeking psychotherapy. Despite mandates fr... more Alcohol use problems (AUPs) are prevalent among people seeking psychotherapy. Despite mandates from managed care companies to routinely screen for AUPs, little is known about the screening practices of providers or their ability to identify AUPs based on presenting symptoms. Participants (N ϭ 117) read two case vignettes and suggested initial diagnoses and questions they would ask in order to clarify a diagnosis. Participants were more likely to ask about substance use and diagnose an AUP when the vignette contained explicit reference to the client's substance use as compared to a vignette where the signs of an AUP were more subtle. In both vignettes, a mental health problem was a more likely diagnosis than an AUP. Neither participant attributes nor personal or professional experiences with AUPs reliably shaped responses to the vignettes. The findings are discussed in light of their implications for future research and improved training in addictions for mental health providers.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychotherapists' Beliefs About the Benefits of 12-Step Groups

Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Sep 17, 1996

... Howev-er, only a few authors (eg, Brown, 1985; Freimuth, in press; Levin, 1985) emphasize tha... more ... Howev-er, only a few authors (eg, Brown, 1985; Freimuth, in press; Levin, 1985) emphasize that the 12-step experience can directly enhance the patient's progress in therapy. A psychotherapist who follows a collaborative model values a patient's intense attachment to a ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Framework for the Specificity of Addictions

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Aug 18, 2011

Research over the last two decades suggests that a wide range of substance and behavioral addicti... more Research over the last two decades suggests that a wide range of substance and behavioral addictions may serve similar functions. Yet, co-occurrence of addictions has only been reported among a minority of addicts. "Addiction specificity" pertains to a phenomenon in which one pattern of addictive behaviors may be acquired whereas another is not. This paper presents the PACE model as a framework which might help explain addiction specificity. Pragmatics, attraction, communication, and expectation (PACE) variables are described, which may help give some direction to future research needs in this arena.

Research paper thumbnail of A new look for addiction training in psychology programs: Comment on Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017)

American Psychologist, Jul 1, 2018

Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017) documented a serious omission in the education of psychologi... more Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017) documented a serious omission in the education of psychologists. Their research showed a paucity of addiction training in doctoral programs despite the growing prevalence of addictions. Although their article briefly discussed possible explanations and barriers to explain this finding, the article itself was shaped by implicit assumptions about addiction training that contribute to the field's failure to embrace such training. The current article identifies these assumptions and offers elements of an alternative approach to addiction training better suited to psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record

Research paper thumbnail of Combining psychotherapy and psychopharmacology: With or without prescription privileges

Psychotherapy, 1996

The literature on prescription privileges for psychologists typically debates the pros and cons o... more The literature on prescription privileges for psychologists typically debates the pros and cons of having the authority to prescribe. This article steps aside this debate to ask psychologists four questions about the relationship between current clinical practice and medication: What goes into the decision to recommend medication? How is medication introduced to the patient? What is the most effective psychologist-prescriber relationship? How does medication interact with psychotherapy? These questions challenge psychologists to think how best to combine psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. The answers will help psychologist work more effectively with patients who take medication. Should psychologists achieve prescription privileges, these answers also indicate the need for psychopharmacology training modules which give greater emphasis to the interaction of biological and psychological factors in shaping a patients response to medication. Depending on the survey, psychologists are for prescription privileges (APA commissioned Frederick/Schneiders 1990 survey cited in Wiggins, 1994) or against (DeNelsky, 1991). Articles are The author appreciates the helpful comments of Nancy E. Hansen and Henry V. Soper on earlier drafts of this manuscript. Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Marilyn Freimuth,

Research paper thumbnail of Exercise Addiction and Compulsive Exercising: Relationship to Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Addictive Disorders

Springer eBooks, 2014

The recent addition of a behavioral addictions category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ... more The recent addition of a behavioral addictions category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has provided a framework to examine when behaviors progress from normal to pathologically excessive. Several behaviors that are either typically harmless (e.g., gambling, shopping) or even healthy (e.g., alcohol consumption, sex) when performed in moderation have been identified as having addictive potential. Exercise is one such behavior that may be viewed as an addiction. However, the literature is confused by several terms such as compulsion, addiction, and dependence that all may refer to similar, if not the same, pathological patterns of problematic exercise. This chapter will first review the various terms that are widely used and provide a clear distinction among exercise addiction, dependence, and compulsion. Next, we will review assessment measures that are commonly used in research and in clinical practice to screen for problematic exercise patterns. Finally, we will discuss the emerging literature that examines the co-occurrence of problematic exercise and eating pathology, substance use disorders, and other behavioral addictions.

Research paper thumbnail of The Unseen Diagnosis: Substance Use Disorder

Research paper thumbnail of Is the best always preferred?

American Psychologist, 1992

ABSTRACT Comments on G. S. Howard's (see record 1991-17124-001) article on narrative, con... more ABSTRACT Comments on G. S. Howard's (see record 1991-17124-001) article on narrative, constructive realism, and scientific "storytelling." According to Howard, the theory that best complies with the rules of scientific storytelling will be more widely endorsed. Howard referred to 3 reasons underlying the preference for a new story: (1) Research decreases a theory's predictive accuracy, (2) new theoretical developments decrease its external validity, or (3) a more powerful theory is developed that tells a more compelling story. As psychology, theories will be evaluated as literary products, and nonepistemic criteria will affect preferences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Research paper thumbnail of Psychotherapy and twelve-step programs: A commentary on Humphreys

Psychotherapy, 1994

Further commentary on Keith Humphreys' 1993 article is given, regarding psychotherapy and the twe... more Further commentary on Keith Humphreys' 1993 article is given, regarding psychotherapy and the twelve-step approach. The recent Psychotherapy volume 30, number 2 (Summer, 1993) on addictions represents a significant step toward bringing work with addicted populations into mainstream psychology. Frequently, the psychotherapy patient who is in recovery from an addiction will be involved in one of the over 100 variations of 12-step programs (American Self-Help Clearing House, 1990). For example, sixty percent of AA membership has sought some form of psychological treatment (AA World Services, 1990). Several articles in the volume (Egelko & Galanter, 1993; Galanter, 1993; Margolis, 1993; Zweben, 1993) refer to the value of having the addicted patient involved in such self-help groups. However, the one article, Humphreys (1993), which explicitly addresses the issue of integrating psychotherapy and twelve-step work qualifies its title with the phrase "the limits of integration". While Humphreys explicitly encourages participation in a twelve-step group for the addicted psychotherapy patient, careful reading of this article reveals a number of potential misunderstandings and subtle diminishments of twelve-step programs. Humphreys' article "considers which specific aspects of the twelve-step approach and psychotherapy are amenable to integration and suggests principles that can guide interactions between professional therapists and the twelve-step community" (p. 208). Possibilities for integration are Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Marilyn Freimuth,

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 42

Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, Nov 3, 2008

... Waddell a , Alphonse Lennarz a & Marilyn Freimuth a pages 347-356. ... Denning, P. 2000. ... more ... Waddell a , Alphonse Lennarz a & Marilyn Freimuth a pages 347-356. ... Denning, P. 2000. Practicing harm reduction psychotherapy: An alternative approach to addictions. , New York: Guilford Press. View all references; Evans & Sullivan, 200122. Evans, K. and Sullivan, JM 2001. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The “New Look” in Addiction Assessment: Implications for Medical Education

Annals of behavioral science and medical education, Mar 1, 2010

What are your initial diagnostic impressions of the following case? This female patient is a 45-y... more What are your initial diagnostic impressions of the following case? This female patient is a 45-year-old married middle school teacher who reports job-related stress in response to complaints from parents about her strict grading of their children's work. Her husband made this appointment because he is concerned about her irritability and carelessness. She dismisses his concerns but does acknowledge problems staying asleep at night, spraining an ankle on the stairs, and annoyance at herself after leaving important school papers at home. She also reports that her husband is concerned about her spending most evenings alone in the study where she enjoys grading papers and preparing for classes. She often stays there until after he goes to bed. In response to questions, she reports recurrent abdominal pain and being less hungry over the past several months, but has not lost weight. Routine blood work is normal and no readily apparent physical basis for her waking frequently at night and irritability are identified. She has no psychiatric history. Assuming this woman has an alcohol use problem, what are the signs? A The "New Look" in Addiction Assessment: Implications for Medical Education Recognizing that addictive behaviors and their adverse consequences are one of the most costly health care problems in this country, medical education programs have been developed to improve providers' knowledge about addictions and assessment skills. Despite such educational efforts, most addictions continue to be overlooked and addiction screenings are the exception rather than the rule. This paper addresses the limitations of current training by presenting a "new look" in addiction assessment that argues for 1) the benefits of screening for both substance and behavioral addictions and 2) extending the goal of screenings to include harm reduction and prevention. Broadening the scope of educational initiatives will only improve recognition of addictions if practitioners embrace assessment as a legitimate part of their role. To this end, barriers to conducting addiction assessments in health care settings are explored and some solutions proposed.

Research paper thumbnail of A critical examination of the concept of gender

Sex Roles, May 1, 1982

Although psychologists have become increasingly interested in such areas as sex differences, gend... more Although psychologists have become increasingly interested in such areas as sex differences, gender identity, and sex roles, the concept o fgender remains ill de- fined. We undertake a critical review of this concept and try to show that (a) if the term gender is taken to refer to a set o f biological and psychological varia· bles which are related to one another in a complex way, and (b) ifgender dif ferences arc treated as differences in degree and not in kind, then the concept ofgender can be used in a meaningful way to make sense of the things we ob· serve about people.

Research paper thumbnail of A Self-Scoring Exercise On APA Style, Research Language, and Referencing for Undergraduate Students

Based on examples provided by 27 graduate psychology faculty, this self-test incorporates many of... more Based on examples provided by 27 graduate psychology faculty, this self-test incorporates many of the more common errors in style, language, and referencing found in student papers. Taking this self-test helps students to recognize common errors and encourages them to refer the APA Publication Manual on a regular basis. In addition, students begin to think about how to use correctly the language of psychological research. This self-test should take about 30 minutes to complete and score. It is composed of three parts: a) a mock Discussion section, where students are asked to act as editors and find the errors, p. 2 (10 minutes). b) a corrected Discussion section, where students find the errors they missed, p. 3 (5 minutes) and, c) a full description of each error with illustrations of correct usage, pp. 4-7 (15 minutes). This exercise assumes some knowledge of APA style. Thus, it is best-suited for advanced undergraduates who need to write research reports and all levels of graduate students. It may be taken at home or in class. Although the self-test is designed to be fully self-directed, instructors may wish to use it at the beginning or end of a classroom discussion on APA style. It could also be used in a pre-test-post-test fashion to evaluate students learning over the course of a term.

Research paper thumbnail of Don't ask, don't tell: Clinicians may be missing opportunities to screen for alcohol use disorders in practice

Research paper thumbnail of Piecing the Puzzle Together

The Counseling Psychologist, Oct 1, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Preference for lateral directional properties: A reply to Gordon

British Journal of Psychology, Aug 1, 1981

Gordon's (1981) methodological criticisms of our study on the influence of directional proper... more Gordon's (1981) methodological criticisms of our study on the influence of directional properties of lateral organization on evaluation of paintings are addressed. We conclude that our study ‐ which reconceptualized the problem by focusing on directional properties and differences in process dependent on exposure time ‐ used adequate controls and methodology that produced findings (evaluations were influenced by left‐right sequential organization with a 5 s exposure and by more inclusive formal features with a 20 s exposure) which advanced our understanding of the relation between lateral organization and evaluation.

Research paper thumbnail of The Clinician's “World of Action” as an Approach to Teaching Abnormal Psychology

Teaching of Psychology, Oct 1, 1979

Description by the teachers and evaluation by the students of a course developed from a theory of... more Description by the teachers and evaluation by the students of a course developed from a theory of instruction and active participation.

Research paper thumbnail of Integrating Group Psychotherapy and 12-Step Work: A Collaborative Approach

International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Jul 1, 2000

ABSTRACT Group therapists can expect to treat an increasing number of patients who are active in ... more ABSTRACT Group therapists can expect to treat an increasing number of patients who are active in a 12-step program or other addiction-related self-help groups. The value of simultaneous participation in these two modalities has been recognized; 12-step work supports abstinence necessary for the focus on emotional growth in psychotherapy. However, mere simultaneous participation in the two modalities fails to incorporate the benefits of a collaborative relationship where both modalities are used to support both abstinence and emotional growth. The conjoint approach to group and individual treatment is used to (a) argue for the possibility of a collaborative relationship between psychotherapy and a patient's 12-step work, (b) understand the benefits and challenges to collaboration, and (c) provide guidelines for how to work collaboratively with a 12-step program. Illustrations are provided of typical issues raised by this type of collaborative relationship.

Research paper thumbnail of The Unseen Diagnosis: Addiction Assessment

Research paper thumbnail of Routine screenings: Expanding psychologists' role in preventing substance use disorders

Research paper thumbnail of Another missed opportunity? Recognition of alcohol use problems by mental health providers

Psychotherapy, 2008

Alcohol use problems (AUPs) are prevalent among people seeking psychotherapy. Despite mandates fr... more Alcohol use problems (AUPs) are prevalent among people seeking psychotherapy. Despite mandates from managed care companies to routinely screen for AUPs, little is known about the screening practices of providers or their ability to identify AUPs based on presenting symptoms. Participants (N ϭ 117) read two case vignettes and suggested initial diagnoses and questions they would ask in order to clarify a diagnosis. Participants were more likely to ask about substance use and diagnose an AUP when the vignette contained explicit reference to the client's substance use as compared to a vignette where the signs of an AUP were more subtle. In both vignettes, a mental health problem was a more likely diagnosis than an AUP. Neither participant attributes nor personal or professional experiences with AUPs reliably shaped responses to the vignettes. The findings are discussed in light of their implications for future research and improved training in addictions for mental health providers.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychotherapists' Beliefs About the Benefits of 12-Step Groups

Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Sep 17, 1996

... Howev-er, only a few authors (eg, Brown, 1985; Freimuth, in press; Levin, 1985) emphasize tha... more ... Howev-er, only a few authors (eg, Brown, 1985; Freimuth, in press; Levin, 1985) emphasize that the 12-step experience can directly enhance the patient's progress in therapy. A psychotherapist who follows a collaborative model values a patient's intense attachment to a ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Framework for the Specificity of Addictions

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Aug 18, 2011

Research over the last two decades suggests that a wide range of substance and behavioral addicti... more Research over the last two decades suggests that a wide range of substance and behavioral addictions may serve similar functions. Yet, co-occurrence of addictions has only been reported among a minority of addicts. "Addiction specificity" pertains to a phenomenon in which one pattern of addictive behaviors may be acquired whereas another is not. This paper presents the PACE model as a framework which might help explain addiction specificity. Pragmatics, attraction, communication, and expectation (PACE) variables are described, which may help give some direction to future research needs in this arena.

Research paper thumbnail of A new look for addiction training in psychology programs: Comment on Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017)

American Psychologist, Jul 1, 2018

Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017) documented a serious omission in the education of psychologi... more Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017) documented a serious omission in the education of psychologists. Their research showed a paucity of addiction training in doctoral programs despite the growing prevalence of addictions. Although their article briefly discussed possible explanations and barriers to explain this finding, the article itself was shaped by implicit assumptions about addiction training that contribute to the field's failure to embrace such training. The current article identifies these assumptions and offers elements of an alternative approach to addiction training better suited to psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record

Research paper thumbnail of Combining psychotherapy and psychopharmacology: With or without prescription privileges

Psychotherapy, 1996

The literature on prescription privileges for psychologists typically debates the pros and cons o... more The literature on prescription privileges for psychologists typically debates the pros and cons of having the authority to prescribe. This article steps aside this debate to ask psychologists four questions about the relationship between current clinical practice and medication: What goes into the decision to recommend medication? How is medication introduced to the patient? What is the most effective psychologist-prescriber relationship? How does medication interact with psychotherapy? These questions challenge psychologists to think how best to combine psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. The answers will help psychologist work more effectively with patients who take medication. Should psychologists achieve prescription privileges, these answers also indicate the need for psychopharmacology training modules which give greater emphasis to the interaction of biological and psychological factors in shaping a patients response to medication. Depending on the survey, psychologists are for prescription privileges (APA commissioned Frederick/Schneiders 1990 survey cited in Wiggins, 1994) or against (DeNelsky, 1991). Articles are The author appreciates the helpful comments of Nancy E. Hansen and Henry V. Soper on earlier drafts of this manuscript. Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Marilyn Freimuth,

Research paper thumbnail of Exercise Addiction and Compulsive Exercising: Relationship to Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Addictive Disorders

Springer eBooks, 2014

The recent addition of a behavioral addictions category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ... more The recent addition of a behavioral addictions category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has provided a framework to examine when behaviors progress from normal to pathologically excessive. Several behaviors that are either typically harmless (e.g., gambling, shopping) or even healthy (e.g., alcohol consumption, sex) when performed in moderation have been identified as having addictive potential. Exercise is one such behavior that may be viewed as an addiction. However, the literature is confused by several terms such as compulsion, addiction, and dependence that all may refer to similar, if not the same, pathological patterns of problematic exercise. This chapter will first review the various terms that are widely used and provide a clear distinction among exercise addiction, dependence, and compulsion. Next, we will review assessment measures that are commonly used in research and in clinical practice to screen for problematic exercise patterns. Finally, we will discuss the emerging literature that examines the co-occurrence of problematic exercise and eating pathology, substance use disorders, and other behavioral addictions.

Research paper thumbnail of The Unseen Diagnosis: Substance Use Disorder

Research paper thumbnail of Is the best always preferred?

American Psychologist, 1992

ABSTRACT Comments on G. S. Howard's (see record 1991-17124-001) article on narrative, con... more ABSTRACT Comments on G. S. Howard's (see record 1991-17124-001) article on narrative, constructive realism, and scientific "storytelling." According to Howard, the theory that best complies with the rules of scientific storytelling will be more widely endorsed. Howard referred to 3 reasons underlying the preference for a new story: (1) Research decreases a theory's predictive accuracy, (2) new theoretical developments decrease its external validity, or (3) a more powerful theory is developed that tells a more compelling story. As psychology, theories will be evaluated as literary products, and nonepistemic criteria will affect preferences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Research paper thumbnail of Psychotherapy and twelve-step programs: A commentary on Humphreys

Psychotherapy, 1994

Further commentary on Keith Humphreys' 1993 article is given, regarding psychotherapy and the twe... more Further commentary on Keith Humphreys' 1993 article is given, regarding psychotherapy and the twelve-step approach. The recent Psychotherapy volume 30, number 2 (Summer, 1993) on addictions represents a significant step toward bringing work with addicted populations into mainstream psychology. Frequently, the psychotherapy patient who is in recovery from an addiction will be involved in one of the over 100 variations of 12-step programs (American Self-Help Clearing House, 1990). For example, sixty percent of AA membership has sought some form of psychological treatment (AA World Services, 1990). Several articles in the volume (Egelko & Galanter, 1993; Galanter, 1993; Margolis, 1993; Zweben, 1993) refer to the value of having the addicted patient involved in such self-help groups. However, the one article, Humphreys (1993), which explicitly addresses the issue of integrating psychotherapy and twelve-step work qualifies its title with the phrase "the limits of integration". While Humphreys explicitly encourages participation in a twelve-step group for the addicted psychotherapy patient, careful reading of this article reveals a number of potential misunderstandings and subtle diminishments of twelve-step programs. Humphreys' article "considers which specific aspects of the twelve-step approach and psychotherapy are amenable to integration and suggests principles that can guide interactions between professional therapists and the twelve-step community" (p. 208). Possibilities for integration are Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Marilyn Freimuth,

Research paper thumbnail of A Review of Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 42

Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, Nov 3, 2008

... Waddell a , Alphonse Lennarz a & Marilyn Freimuth a pages 347-356. ... Denning, P. 2000. ... more ... Waddell a , Alphonse Lennarz a & Marilyn Freimuth a pages 347-356. ... Denning, P. 2000. Practicing harm reduction psychotherapy: An alternative approach to addictions. , New York: Guilford Press. View all references; Evans & Sullivan, 200122. Evans, K. and Sullivan, JM 2001. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The “New Look” in Addiction Assessment: Implications for Medical Education

Annals of behavioral science and medical education, Mar 1, 2010

What are your initial diagnostic impressions of the following case? This female patient is a 45-y... more What are your initial diagnostic impressions of the following case? This female patient is a 45-year-old married middle school teacher who reports job-related stress in response to complaints from parents about her strict grading of their children's work. Her husband made this appointment because he is concerned about her irritability and carelessness. She dismisses his concerns but does acknowledge problems staying asleep at night, spraining an ankle on the stairs, and annoyance at herself after leaving important school papers at home. She also reports that her husband is concerned about her spending most evenings alone in the study where she enjoys grading papers and preparing for classes. She often stays there until after he goes to bed. In response to questions, she reports recurrent abdominal pain and being less hungry over the past several months, but has not lost weight. Routine blood work is normal and no readily apparent physical basis for her waking frequently at night and irritability are identified. She has no psychiatric history. Assuming this woman has an alcohol use problem, what are the signs? A The "New Look" in Addiction Assessment: Implications for Medical Education Recognizing that addictive behaviors and their adverse consequences are one of the most costly health care problems in this country, medical education programs have been developed to improve providers' knowledge about addictions and assessment skills. Despite such educational efforts, most addictions continue to be overlooked and addiction screenings are the exception rather than the rule. This paper addresses the limitations of current training by presenting a "new look" in addiction assessment that argues for 1) the benefits of screening for both substance and behavioral addictions and 2) extending the goal of screenings to include harm reduction and prevention. Broadening the scope of educational initiatives will only improve recognition of addictions if practitioners embrace assessment as a legitimate part of their role. To this end, barriers to conducting addiction assessments in health care settings are explored and some solutions proposed.

Research paper thumbnail of A critical examination of the concept of gender

Sex Roles, May 1, 1982

Although psychologists have become increasingly interested in such areas as sex differences, gend... more Although psychologists have become increasingly interested in such areas as sex differences, gender identity, and sex roles, the concept o fgender remains ill de- fined. We undertake a critical review of this concept and try to show that (a) if the term gender is taken to refer to a set o f biological and psychological varia· bles which are related to one another in a complex way, and (b) ifgender dif ferences arc treated as differences in degree and not in kind, then the concept ofgender can be used in a meaningful way to make sense of the things we ob· serve about people.

Research paper thumbnail of A Self-Scoring Exercise On APA Style, Research Language, and Referencing for Undergraduate Students

Based on examples provided by 27 graduate psychology faculty, this self-test incorporates many of... more Based on examples provided by 27 graduate psychology faculty, this self-test incorporates many of the more common errors in style, language, and referencing found in student papers. Taking this self-test helps students to recognize common errors and encourages them to refer the APA Publication Manual on a regular basis. In addition, students begin to think about how to use correctly the language of psychological research. This self-test should take about 30 minutes to complete and score. It is composed of three parts: a) a mock Discussion section, where students are asked to act as editors and find the errors, p. 2 (10 minutes). b) a corrected Discussion section, where students find the errors they missed, p. 3 (5 minutes) and, c) a full description of each error with illustrations of correct usage, pp. 4-7 (15 minutes). This exercise assumes some knowledge of APA style. Thus, it is best-suited for advanced undergraduates who need to write research reports and all levels of graduate students. It may be taken at home or in class. Although the self-test is designed to be fully self-directed, instructors may wish to use it at the beginning or end of a classroom discussion on APA style. It could also be used in a pre-test-post-test fashion to evaluate students learning over the course of a term.