Melanie VanDyke - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Uploads

Papers by Melanie VanDyke

Publicly shared information about this project, including Registered study protocol versions, etc.

Publicly shared information about this project, including Registered study protocol versions, etc.

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 2006

This descriptive and comparative study employed a Q-sort process to describe common factors of th... more This descriptive and comparative study employed a Q-sort process to describe common factors of therapy in two group therapies for inpatients with chronic mental illness. While pharmacological treatments for chronic mental illness are prominent, there is growing evidence that cognitive therapy is also efficacious. Groups examined were part of a larger study comparing the added benefits of cognitive versus supportive group therapy to the treatment milieu. In general, items described the therapist's attitudes and behaviors, the participants' attitudes and behaviors, or the group interactions. Results present items that were most and least characteristic of each therapy and items that discriminate between the two modalities. Therapists in both groups demonstrated good therapy

Behavior Therapy, 2009

Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent and impairing disorder for which viable cognitive-behavior... more Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent and impairing disorder for which viable cognitive-behavioral therapies exist. However, these treatments have not been easily packaged for dissemination and may be underutilized as a result. The current study reports on the findings of a randomized controlled trial of a manualized and workbook-driven individual cognitive-behavioral treatment for social anxiety disorder (Hope, Heimberg, Juster, & Turk, 2000; Hope, Heimberg, & Turk, 2006). This treatment package was derived from an empirically supported group treatment for social anxiety disorder and intended for broad dissemination, but it has not previously been subjected to empirical examination on its own. As a first step in that examination, 38 clients seeking treatment for social anxiety disorder at either the Adult Anxiety Clinic of Temple University or the Anxiety Disorders Clinic of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were randomly assigned to receive either immediate treatment with this cognitive-behavioral treatment package or treatment delayed for 20 weeks.

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2005

Clinical Gerontologist, 2016

Objectives: This study developed and explored the preliminary reliability and validity of a 6-ite... more Objectives: This study developed and explored the preliminary reliability and validity of a 6-item Medication Saving Behaviors (MSB) scale when completed by family care partners of older adults. Methods: Women (N = 119) helping an aging relative with healthcare appointments and medication management completed an online survey including items related to generalized hoarding and medication saving behaviors. Results: The MSB was psychometrically sound and correlated significantly with hoarding scales and reported number of expired and leftover medications. Compared with those reporting low levels of general hoarding concerns, group means on the MSB were higher for caregivers reporting clinically significant levels of hoarding by their elderly family member. The MSB was unrelated to total prescription or over-the-counter medications for the older adult, lending support for the discriminant validity of the scale. Conclusions: This study provides initial support for the convergent and discriminant validity of the MSB when administered to intergenerational care partners of older adults. Clinical Implications: The MSB may function to identify higher risk patients via their family members and target families for interventions.

PsycCRITIQUES, 2017

The Danish Girl is a fictionalized account of the romantic relationship of Gerda Wegener and Lili... more The Danish Girl is a fictionalized account of the romantic relationship of Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe, one of the first people to undergo gender confirmation surgery in the early twentieth century. Over the course of the film, both Lili and Gerda adapt to Lili’s changing gender identification and expression. The film serves to help increase cisgender people’s acceptance and understanding of transgender people by showing Lili’s experiences in the context of her marital relationship. This perspective highlights the changing dynamics of intimate relationships during gender transitions; however, it also limits Lili’s descriptions of her thoughts and feelings during her transition and prohibits deep character development. In addition, the film depicts numerous examples of medical professionals mistreating Lili. Such historical depictions can draw attention to the continuing realities of transgender people’s negative experiences in health care. Therefore, The Danish Girl provides an accessible starting point for psychologists to recognize and discuss the relationships and health care of transgender individuals.

Psychology, 2015

Family members are often directly and significantly impacted by the restrictive demands of OCD, a... more Family members are often directly and significantly impacted by the restrictive demands of OCD, a frequently disabling disorder. Family accommodation behaviors (i.e., doing things for or because of the OCD sufferer that a person would not normally do) are associated with dysfunction, including poorer treatment responses in OCD sufferers and greater distress in family members. Although evidence suggests family-based intervention can reduce symptoms in OCD sufferers who participate in treatment, there is a lack of research documenting the impact of interventions designed for the families of OCD treatment refusers (TR). Brief Family Consultation (BFC) was developed by our clinical team to help families refocus their efforts on the things that they can realistically control and change (e.g., participation in compulsions). In this crossover study, twenty families related to an individual who exhibited OCD symptoms but had refused treatment were assigned to five phone sessions of either BFC or a psychoeducation condition. Compared to this credible, attention-placebo control group (Brief Educational Support; BES), BFC (but not BES) resulted in reductions in family accommodation behavior, yet neither BFC nor BES resulted in improved quality of life for family members of treatment refusers. BFC is one of the first interventions to be evaluated for its ability to help families when their loved ones with obsessive compulsive symptoms refuse treatment. This pilot study provides new insights for clinicians and researchers to better address the needs of these neglected families.

Clinical Handbook of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 2015

The treatment of a 35-year-old woman (“Molly”) with aggressive obsessions is described. Molly was... more The treatment of a 35-year-old woman (“Molly”) with aggressive obsessions is described. Molly was disturbed by persistent intrusive thoughts about harming her husband and her dog. She had become severely impaired, avoiding a variety of situations and spending approximately 6 h/day either attempting to suppress her thoughts about harm or trying to figure out whether she was the type of person who would commit violence. Molly responded favorably to cognitive behavior therapy centered largely around exposure and response prevention, described in detail in this chapter. The chapter also outlines additional interventions implemented to address various complications encountered during the course of treatment. Issues common in the treatment of aggressive obsessions as well as those more unique to this case are discussed.

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2005

Arthritis Care & Research, 2004

To examine the level of anxiety experienced by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data f... more To examine the level of anxiety experienced by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data from 2 previous studies were used to compare the level of anxiety (measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) in the following 4 subgroups: a general RA sample, a general osteoarthritis sample, a sample with both RA and major depression, and a normative sample of age-equivalent, working adults. Canonical correlations were used to examine associations between measures of anxiety and measures of both stress and depression. The relationship between anxiety and duration of RA was also explored. The general RA sample had state anxiety levels that were comparable to the normative sample, although trait anxiety levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001). In addition, individuals with RA who also met criteria for depression exhibited significantly higher levels of both state anxiety (P < 0.0001) and trait anxiety (P < 0.0001) than was observed in the normative sample. Canonical correlations revealed that measures of anxiety were correlated with both measures of depression (r = 0.83) and measures of stress (r = 0.50). Anxiety was not found to be significantly related to RA disease duration. These findings demonstrated that individuals with RA, especially if concomitantly depressed, tend to exhibit levels of anxiety that are generally higher than a normative group of age-equivalent, working adults. The substantial canonical correlations between anxiety and both depression and stress revealed that anxiety shares variance with these more frequently studied variables in RA. However, anxiety was not found to be related to RA disease duration.

Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2005

To examine several methods of determining reliability of change constructs in depressive symptoms... more To examine several methods of determining reliability of change constructs in depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to demonstrate the strengths, weaknesses, and uses of each method. Data were analyzed from a cohort of 54 persons with RA who participated in a combined behavioral/pharmacologic intervention of 15 months duration. These longitudinal data were used to examine 3 methodologies for assessing the reliability of change for various measures of depression. The specific methodologies involved the calculations of reliable change, sensitivity to change, and reliability of the change score. The analyses demonstrated differences in reliability of change performance across the various depression measures, which suggest that no single measure of depression for persons with RA should be considered superior in all contexts. The findings highlight the value of utilizing reliability of change constructs when examining changes in depressive symptoms over time.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 2007

It has been suggested that a strong working alliance encourages clients to take risks during ther... more It has been suggested that a strong working alliance encourages clients to take risks during therapy (Raue, Castonguay, & Goldfried, 1993). This encouragement may be important for clients who fear negative evaluations as they engage in risk-taking elements of therapy. This study examined the relationship between working alliance, session helpfulness, and measures of emotional processing in 18 clients undergoing cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder. Results indicate a positive correlation between client-rated, but not observer-rated, working alliance and session helpfulness. Moderate levels of working alliance were associated with higher initial anxiety and deeper within-session habituation. Overall, a strong alliance was associated with clients engaging with the session and finding the session helpful. Implications for the use of CBT for social anxiety are discussed.

Publicly shared information about this project, including Registered study protocol versions, etc.

Publicly shared information about this project, including Registered study protocol versions, etc.

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 2006

This descriptive and comparative study employed a Q-sort process to describe common factors of th... more This descriptive and comparative study employed a Q-sort process to describe common factors of therapy in two group therapies for inpatients with chronic mental illness. While pharmacological treatments for chronic mental illness are prominent, there is growing evidence that cognitive therapy is also efficacious. Groups examined were part of a larger study comparing the added benefits of cognitive versus supportive group therapy to the treatment milieu. In general, items described the therapist's attitudes and behaviors, the participants' attitudes and behaviors, or the group interactions. Results present items that were most and least characteristic of each therapy and items that discriminate between the two modalities. Therapists in both groups demonstrated good therapy

Behavior Therapy, 2009

Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent and impairing disorder for which viable cognitive-behavior... more Social anxiety disorder is a prevalent and impairing disorder for which viable cognitive-behavioral therapies exist. However, these treatments have not been easily packaged for dissemination and may be underutilized as a result. The current study reports on the findings of a randomized controlled trial of a manualized and workbook-driven individual cognitive-behavioral treatment for social anxiety disorder (Hope, Heimberg, Juster, & Turk, 2000; Hope, Heimberg, & Turk, 2006). This treatment package was derived from an empirically supported group treatment for social anxiety disorder and intended for broad dissemination, but it has not previously been subjected to empirical examination on its own. As a first step in that examination, 38 clients seeking treatment for social anxiety disorder at either the Adult Anxiety Clinic of Temple University or the Anxiety Disorders Clinic of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were randomly assigned to receive either immediate treatment with this cognitive-behavioral treatment package or treatment delayed for 20 weeks.

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2005

Clinical Gerontologist, 2016

Objectives: This study developed and explored the preliminary reliability and validity of a 6-ite... more Objectives: This study developed and explored the preliminary reliability and validity of a 6-item Medication Saving Behaviors (MSB) scale when completed by family care partners of older adults. Methods: Women (N = 119) helping an aging relative with healthcare appointments and medication management completed an online survey including items related to generalized hoarding and medication saving behaviors. Results: The MSB was psychometrically sound and correlated significantly with hoarding scales and reported number of expired and leftover medications. Compared with those reporting low levels of general hoarding concerns, group means on the MSB were higher for caregivers reporting clinically significant levels of hoarding by their elderly family member. The MSB was unrelated to total prescription or over-the-counter medications for the older adult, lending support for the discriminant validity of the scale. Conclusions: This study provides initial support for the convergent and discriminant validity of the MSB when administered to intergenerational care partners of older adults. Clinical Implications: The MSB may function to identify higher risk patients via their family members and target families for interventions.

PsycCRITIQUES, 2017

The Danish Girl is a fictionalized account of the romantic relationship of Gerda Wegener and Lili... more The Danish Girl is a fictionalized account of the romantic relationship of Gerda Wegener and Lili Elbe, one of the first people to undergo gender confirmation surgery in the early twentieth century. Over the course of the film, both Lili and Gerda adapt to Lili’s changing gender identification and expression. The film serves to help increase cisgender people’s acceptance and understanding of transgender people by showing Lili’s experiences in the context of her marital relationship. This perspective highlights the changing dynamics of intimate relationships during gender transitions; however, it also limits Lili’s descriptions of her thoughts and feelings during her transition and prohibits deep character development. In addition, the film depicts numerous examples of medical professionals mistreating Lili. Such historical depictions can draw attention to the continuing realities of transgender people’s negative experiences in health care. Therefore, The Danish Girl provides an accessible starting point for psychologists to recognize and discuss the relationships and health care of transgender individuals.

Psychology, 2015

Family members are often directly and significantly impacted by the restrictive demands of OCD, a... more Family members are often directly and significantly impacted by the restrictive demands of OCD, a frequently disabling disorder. Family accommodation behaviors (i.e., doing things for or because of the OCD sufferer that a person would not normally do) are associated with dysfunction, including poorer treatment responses in OCD sufferers and greater distress in family members. Although evidence suggests family-based intervention can reduce symptoms in OCD sufferers who participate in treatment, there is a lack of research documenting the impact of interventions designed for the families of OCD treatment refusers (TR). Brief Family Consultation (BFC) was developed by our clinical team to help families refocus their efforts on the things that they can realistically control and change (e.g., participation in compulsions). In this crossover study, twenty families related to an individual who exhibited OCD symptoms but had refused treatment were assigned to five phone sessions of either BFC or a psychoeducation condition. Compared to this credible, attention-placebo control group (Brief Educational Support; BES), BFC (but not BES) resulted in reductions in family accommodation behavior, yet neither BFC nor BES resulted in improved quality of life for family members of treatment refusers. BFC is one of the first interventions to be evaluated for its ability to help families when their loved ones with obsessive compulsive symptoms refuse treatment. This pilot study provides new insights for clinicians and researchers to better address the needs of these neglected families.

Clinical Handbook of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 2015

The treatment of a 35-year-old woman (“Molly”) with aggressive obsessions is described. Molly was... more The treatment of a 35-year-old woman (“Molly”) with aggressive obsessions is described. Molly was disturbed by persistent intrusive thoughts about harming her husband and her dog. She had become severely impaired, avoiding a variety of situations and spending approximately 6 h/day either attempting to suppress her thoughts about harm or trying to figure out whether she was the type of person who would commit violence. Molly responded favorably to cognitive behavior therapy centered largely around exposure and response prevention, described in detail in this chapter. The chapter also outlines additional interventions implemented to address various complications encountered during the course of treatment. Issues common in the treatment of aggressive obsessions as well as those more unique to this case are discussed.

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2005

Arthritis Care & Research, 2004

To examine the level of anxiety experienced by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data f... more To examine the level of anxiety experienced by individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data from 2 previous studies were used to compare the level of anxiety (measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) in the following 4 subgroups: a general RA sample, a general osteoarthritis sample, a sample with both RA and major depression, and a normative sample of age-equivalent, working adults. Canonical correlations were used to examine associations between measures of anxiety and measures of both stress and depression. The relationship between anxiety and duration of RA was also explored. The general RA sample had state anxiety levels that were comparable to the normative sample, although trait anxiety levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001). In addition, individuals with RA who also met criteria for depression exhibited significantly higher levels of both state anxiety (P < 0.0001) and trait anxiety (P < 0.0001) than was observed in the normative sample. Canonical correlations revealed that measures of anxiety were correlated with both measures of depression (r = 0.83) and measures of stress (r = 0.50). Anxiety was not found to be significantly related to RA disease duration. These findings demonstrated that individuals with RA, especially if concomitantly depressed, tend to exhibit levels of anxiety that are generally higher than a normative group of age-equivalent, working adults. The substantial canonical correlations between anxiety and both depression and stress revealed that anxiety shares variance with these more frequently studied variables in RA. However, anxiety was not found to be related to RA disease duration.

Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2005

To examine several methods of determining reliability of change constructs in depressive symptoms... more To examine several methods of determining reliability of change constructs in depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to demonstrate the strengths, weaknesses, and uses of each method. Data were analyzed from a cohort of 54 persons with RA who participated in a combined behavioral/pharmacologic intervention of 15 months duration. These longitudinal data were used to examine 3 methodologies for assessing the reliability of change for various measures of depression. The specific methodologies involved the calculations of reliable change, sensitivity to change, and reliability of the change score. The analyses demonstrated differences in reliability of change performance across the various depression measures, which suggest that no single measure of depression for persons with RA should be considered superior in all contexts. The findings highlight the value of utilizing reliability of change constructs when examining changes in depressive symptoms over time.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 2007

It has been suggested that a strong working alliance encourages clients to take risks during ther... more It has been suggested that a strong working alliance encourages clients to take risks during therapy (Raue, Castonguay, & Goldfried, 1993). This encouragement may be important for clients who fear negative evaluations as they engage in risk-taking elements of therapy. This study examined the relationship between working alliance, session helpfulness, and measures of emotional processing in 18 clients undergoing cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder. Results indicate a positive correlation between client-rated, but not observer-rated, working alliance and session helpfulness. Moderate levels of working alliance were associated with higher initial anxiety and deeper within-session habituation. Overall, a strong alliance was associated with clients engaging with the session and finding the session helpful. Implications for the use of CBT for social anxiety are discussed.