Studies from E.M. Klewchuk and co-authors have provided new information about clinical psychology
2007 NOV 22 -- According to a study from North Ireland, "This study investigates whether cognitive biases related to trauma (physical and sexual trauma) are present in a sample of participants with a diagnosis of schizophreniaFifty-three participants, with a DSM-lV diagnosis of schizophrenia, completed tasks of attentional and memory bias, followed by several trauma report questionnaires. Those who reported a history of sexual and/or physical trauma were compared with a 'non-specific/no-trauma' subgroup." "The reliability of trauma reports was determined by comparing current data on the Trauma History Questionnaire to that gathered one year previously, for a subsample of participants. Concordance rates and kappa coefficients suggested moderate to high reliability for reports of sexual and physical trauma. Attentional bias was assessed by comparing colour-naming times on modified Stroops, of either a sexual or physical. nature, with control Stroops with negative, positive and neutral emotionally valenced stimuli. A subsequent incidental recall memory task was then employedHigh rates of sexual and/or physical trauma were found. Those who reported a history of sexual trauma evidenced a statistically significant increase in colour-naming times for sexual trauma stimuli, compared to both the 'physical trauma only' and the 'non-specific/no trauma' control groups. They also showed greater incidental recall of sexual trauma words in comparison to the other groups," wrote E.M. Klewchuk and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Such a pattern was not, however, discerned for those reporting histories of physical traumaFindings suggest cognitive schemata related to sexual trauma remains,active' in those people with schizophrenia who report a related history." Klewchuk and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Clinical Psychology (Cognitive biases for trauma stimuli in people with schizophrenia. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2007;46(Part 3):333-345). For more information, contact C. Shannon, Holywell Hospital, Homefirst Community Trust, Dept. of Clinic Psychology, 60 Steeple Rd., Antrim BT41 2RJ, North Ireland. Publisher contact information for the British Journal of Clinical Psychology is: British Psychological Society, St. Andrews House, 48 Princess Rd. East, Leicester LE1 7DR, Leics, England. Keywords: North Ireland, Clinical Psychology. This article was prepared by Hospital Law Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hospital Law Week via NewsRx.com.
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