University of Hartford

About: University of Hartford is a education organization based out in West Hartford, Connecticut, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 1244 authors who have published 2481 publications receiving 48973 citations. The organization is also known as: UHart.

The effects of hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative suggestion on pain.

Abstract: Background: Few studies have compared placebo and suggested pain reduction.Purpose: Hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative analgesia suggestions were compared against a placebo in reducing experimental pain. The mediator role of response expectancies and the moderator role of hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative suggestibility were evaluated.Methods: Sixty participants previously assessed for hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative suggestibility were assigned to one of two experimental conditions or a no-treatment control condition. In the “placebo first” condition, participants received placebo, followed by imaginative and then hypnotic analgesia suggestions. In the “placebo last” condition, participants received imaginative and then hypnotic suggestions, followed by placebo.Results: Imaginative and hypnotic suggestions did not differ significantly and were more effective than no treatment in reducing pain. The placebo was no different from the analgesia suggestions and was more effective than no treatment, but only when administered after the suggestions. Pain reduction was mediated by expectancy but was not significantly related to suggestibility or hypnotizability, the latter operationalized as hypnotic suggestibility with imaginative suggestibility statistically controlled.Conclusions: In the general population, nonhypnotic imaginative suggestions may be as effective as hypnotic suggestions in reducing pain. Response expectancies would seem to be an important mechanism of placebo and suggested pain reduction.

Cognitive Behavioral Model of Test Anxiety in a High-Stakes Context: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: A cognitive behavioral model of test anxiety among school-aged children has yet to be empirically evaluated. The present study evaluates a cognitive behavioral model of test anxiety occurring in a high-stakes context using structural equation modeling. A sample of 1,248 high school students in six high schools completed measures of test anxiety, self-efficacy, school climate, perceived test importance, and demographic information to evaluate a proposed test anxiety model that includes cognitive processes, learning experiences, demographic characteristics, social context, and environmental contingencies as predictors. The resulting model suggests a dynamic interplay among variables and significantly advances our understanding of the factors related to the manifestation of test anxiety in a high-stakes context. Implications for assessment, treatment, and research with test anxiety are considered.

What Shelters Can Do About Euthanasia-Related Stress: An Examination of Recommendations From Those on the Front Line

Abstract: Shelter employees with euthanasia responsibilities are an at-risk population for a variety of psychological and emotional ailments. This study surveyed 305 employees from 62 shelters throughout the United States to gather first-hand perspectives on what should be done to assist shelter workers in dealing with euthanasia-related stress. Researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of 359 improvement suggestions to identify broad common themes and sorted the suggestions into 26 thematic categories. The most common participant suggestion concerned management supportive-ness (13.17% of participants). Some other issues raised involved providing counseling, job rotation, assistance or more help, breaks and time off, support groups and meetings, better communication, skills-based training, stress and coping seminars, and employee appreciation and morale-boosting initiatives.

Labor-management contract negotiations in an electronic meeting room: A case study

Abstract: We present perhaps the first case study of labor-management contract talks conducted in an electronic meeting room supported by a computer Negotiation Support System (NSS). The organization's union and management representatives spent a total of 57 hours (13 sessions) in the electronic meeting room; their efforts resulted successfully in a contract ratified by both sides. The NSS described comprised three tools from theGroup Systems electronic meeting system and three ad hoc tools. Besides the NSS, three other intervention factors were introduced in tandem with the NSS: new negotiation process techniques, the active involvement of third party mediators, and a unique negotiation setting. The new process techniques were introduced based on the goals of integrative bargaining and the Win-Win techniques. The negotiation process was divided into three distinct stages: strategy, issues, and bargaining.