Showing papers in "Journal of Behavioral Medicine in 1982"
TL;DR: In this study, 100 college students compared their own chances of experiencing 45 different health- and life-threatening problems with the chances of their peers and found that unrealistic optimism undermined interest in risk reduction indirectly by decreasing worry.
Abstract: In this study, 100 college students compared their own chances of experiencing 45 different health- and life-threatening problems with the chances of their peers. They showed a significant optimistic bias for 34 of these hazards, consistently considering their own chances to be below average. Attempts to account for the amount of bias evoked by different hazards identified perceived controllability, lack of previous experience, and the belief that the problem appears during childhood as factors that tend to increase unrealistic optimism. The investigation also examined the importance of beliefs and emotions as determinants of self-reported interest in adopting precautions to reduce one's risk. It found that: (a) beliefs about risk likelihood, beliefs about risk severity, and worry about the risk all made independent contributions to interest in risk reduction; (b) unrealistic optimism undermined interest in risk reduction indirectly by decreasing worry; and (c) beliefs about risk likelihood and severity were not sufficient to explain the amount of worry expressed about different hazards.
914 citations
TL;DR: Additive effects of exercise and personality-based hardiness are consistent with the view that hardiness buffers by transforming the events themselves so as to decrease their stressfulness, whereas exercise buffers by decreasing the organismic strain resulting from experiencing stressful events.
Abstract: This study examined exercise and personality-based hardiness as independent buffers of the stressful event-illness relationship. Self-report measures of exercise, hardiness, stressful events and illness were obtained from 137 male business executives. Hardiness and exercise each interact with stressful events in decreasing illness. Further, subjects high in both hardiness and exercise remain more healthy than those high in one or the other only. These additive effects are consistent with the view that hardiness buffers by transforming the events themselves so as to decrease their stressfulness, whereas exercise buffers by decreasing the organismic strain resulting from experiencing stressful events.
289 citations
TL;DR: A double-blind trial of a smoking-withdrawal chewing gum containing 2 mg nicotine was conducted with 100 consecutive patients in a smoking cessation clinic and found that 71% of the high-nicotine-dependent smokers in the experimental group were abstinent after 6 months, as compared to 39% in the placebo group.
Abstract: A double-blind trial of a smoking-withdrawal chewing gum containing 2 mg nicotine was conducted with 100 consecutive patients in a smoking cessation clinic. All patients received the usual psychological treatment given at the clinic. In addition, the patients were randomly assigned to a nicotine gum (the experimental group) or a placebo chewing gum (control group). The abstinence rates for the experimental group at 1, 3, and 6 months after quitting were 90, 76, and 63%, respectively. The comparable abstinence rates for the control group were 60, 52, and 45%. The differences were significant at the 5% level at all three follow-up periods. When nicotine dependence, as measured by a standard questionnaire, was taken into consideration, it was found that 71% of the high-nicotine-dependent smokers in the experimental group were abstinent after 6 months, as compared to 39% in the placebo group. In contrast, low-nicotine-dependent patients achieved 75 and 65%, respectively, for the same time interval. The gum was well accepted by patients and gave no serious side effects.
169 citations
TL;DR: This study demonstrates a procedural innovation designed to modify chronic pain behaviors which have been acquired through avoidance learning, and focuses on avoidance learning as a seldom-investigated factor in the acquisition and maintenance of chronicPain behaviors.
Abstract: This study demonstrates a procedural innovation designed to modify chronic pain behaviors which have been acquired through avoidance learning. Discussion focuses on avoidance learning as a seldom-investigated factor in the acquisition and maintenance of chronic pain behaviors.
131 citations
TL;DR: Teams of high-school students trained in basic behavior change skills led seven classroom sessions of instruction in counter-arguing during the school year at an experimental smoking prevention program aimed at teaching students to resist the social pressures to smoke cigarettes.
Abstract: Seventh graders (N=355)in one junior high school received an experimental smoking prevention program aimed at teaching students to resist the social pressures to smoke cigarettes. Seventh graders (N=217)in another school served as controls. Teams of high-school students trained in basic behavior change skills led seven classroom sessions of instruction in counter-arguing during the school year. Significant differences were found between groups in reported smoking at a 9-month posttest. Results were maintained at 21- and 33-month follow-ups.
130 citations
TL;DR: The role of caffeine in the physiology, mood, and behavior of persons to be a complex one including changes in arousal, anxiety, and performance, and suggestions for new and continuing areas of research are made.
Abstract: A review of the recent literature shows the role of caffeine in the physiology, mood, and behavior of persons to be a complex one including changes in arousal, anxiety, and performance. Questions are raised as to what degree the physiological effects of caffeine are due to central nervous system stimulation and/or result from the release of catecholamines. Anxiety resulting from both high levels of caffeine (caffeinism) and caffeine withdrawal plus an association between caffeine and depression are discussed. Performance effects are mixed, with both increases and decreases reported. Effects on mental tasks are related to personality variables. The possible role of differences in initial sensitivity, adaptation to caffeine, and/or interactions with nicotine and alcohol is discussed. The present paper reviews these studies, discusses their implications for both clinical and experimental work, summarizes the major unresolved issues, and makes suggestions for new and continuing areas of research.
129 citations
TL;DR: Although the three groups did not significantly differ on age, education, income, IQ, assertiveness, type of pain, or years of pain duration, they did differ on the pain history questions relating to pain severity and pain impact on their lives.
Abstract: Two-hundred-forty male pain patients were given the MMPI and an extensive pain history questionnaire. A hierarchical clustering procedure was used, and three distinct profiles emerged. One profile was essentially “normal,” while a second profile revealed the “hypochondriasis” configuration, and a third was highly elevated on scales which reflect a “psychopathological” type of profile. A discriminant analysis yielded functions correctly classifying over 90% of the subjects in each group. Although the three groups did not significantly differ on age, education, income, IQ, assertiveness, type of pain, or years of pain duration, they did differ on the pain history questions relating to pain severity and pain impact on their lives. The psychopathological group reported significantly more distress than the hypochondriasis group, and the hypochondriasis group reported significantly more distress than the normal group. The implications for pain treatment are discussed.
102 citations
TL;DR: Level of support and functioning were more variable over time, and changes in family support were somewhat more strongly related to changes in functioning, according to the individual's gender and the source of support.
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between social support and personal functioning in a longitudinal assessment of a representative sample of community men and women. Although there was considerable temporal stability in several indices of support and personal functioning, changes in levels of support during the follow-up period were associated with changes in functioning. These relationships varied according to the individual's gender and the source of support. Family support was more strongly related to functioning among women, while work support was more strongly related to functioning among men. In comparable analyses on patients recovering from alcoholism, levels of support and functioning were more variable over time, and changes in family support were somewhat more strongly related to changes in functioning. The findings are discussed in light of a perspective that considers the role of environmental stressors and resources in adaptation.
101 citations
TL;DR: While the blood pressure increase was related partly to the act of speaking, the amount of increase was also related to the social distance between experimenter and subject and the results are discussed relative to behavioral interventions for the treatment of hypertension.
Abstract: Blood pressures and heart rates of 40 subjects were recorded at 1-min intervals over 35 min during which subjects engaged in a variety of verbal activities with either a high-status or an equal-status experimenter. All subjects showed statistically significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate when speaking compared to when quiet. Blood pressure increases during speaking of the 20 subjects exposed to a high-status experimenter were significantly greater than those of subjects exposed to an equal-status experimenter. While the blood pressure increase was related partly to the act of speaking, the amount of increase was also related to the social distance between experimenter and subject. The results are discussed relative to behavioral interventions for the treatment of hypertension.
79 citations
TL;DR: The data suggest that graduated goal setting is a promising approach for improving adherence to diabetic regimens.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of sequentially introducing self-monitoring, goal setting, and behavioral contracting procedures on increasing the regimen compliance of nonadherent adolescent diabetics. For each of three insulin-dependent subjects, a multiple-baseline across-behaviors design was used to study three of the following target behaviors: urine testing, insulin injections, exercise, wearing diabetic identification, and home blood glucose testing. In addition to self-monitoring of adherence, measures of metabolic control of diabetes were collected before and after an 8-week treatment and at a 2-month follow-up. Adherence increased and was maintained at desired levels for two of the subjects following introduction of goal setting procedures. Metabolic control measures also showed substantial improvement for these subjects. The third subject, whose family was experiencing a variety of severe problems, did not show reliable improvement. The data suggest that graduated goal setting is a promising approach for improving adherence to diabetic regimens.
74 citations
TL;DR: Results showed significant reductions in analgesic medication use and verbal/nonverbal pain behavior and improvements in physical functioning, employment status, and pro-health behaviors which were maintained at 12-month follow-up.
Abstract: The current study evaluated a behavioral program for the management of chronic pain. One hundred twenty-one patients were treated. Primary pain complaints were predominantly in the low back or head/neck/face regions. Patients participated in a 4-week inpatient treatment package consisting of controlled medication reduction, physical therapy, behavioral group therapy, self-monitoring, contracting, and biofeedback/relaxation training. Several measures of verbal/nonverbal pain behavior and physical functioning were obtained over the baseline, treatment, and follow-up periods. Results showed significant reductions in analgesic medication use and verbal/nonverbal pain behavior and improvements in physical functioning, employment status, and pro-health behaviors which were maintained at 12-month follow-up.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the low-risk characteristics of this sample may have precluded effects on anxiety and it is concluded that the therapeutic potential of ultrasound warrants further study.
Abstract: A study has been conducted to assess the psychological effects of real-time ultrasound on the pregnant woman's attitudes and anxiety levels. A consecutive series of primiparae, fulfilling the selection criteria of obstetrically "low risk," was assigned at random to two conditions of ultrasound, namely, (a) high feedback (N = 67), where the woman saw the moving fetus in utero; and (b) low feedback (N = 62), where the monitor screen was not visible and no specific feedback was provided. A third group of women was assessed following a wait period in order to compare state anxiety levels among the three groups. Attitude assessments showed consistent preultrasound-post-ultrasound change, with more uniformly positive attitudes displayed by the high-feedback group. No between-group differences in state anxiety emerged as a result of ultrasound compared with a wait control period. No differences emerged with respect to anticipatory anxiety measures. The results are considered in the context of evidence on the importance of psychological state on the course and outcome of pregnancy. It is suggested that the low-risk characteristics of this sample may have precluded effects on anxiety and it is concluded that the therapeutic potential of ultrasound warrants further study.
TL;DR: Study results suggest that, overall, shopper knowledge of food selections for cardiovascular disease risk reduction is high and improving, and knowledge is often not reflected in food purchase patterns.
Abstract: Although much evidence links dietary patterns with coronary heart disease, effective and economical methods for inducing dietary change in nonclinical populations are needed to influence public health. This study was designed as a preliminary investigation of the feasibility of conducting effective nutrition education campaigns in supermarket settings. Eight supermarkets from a supermarket chain in the Twin Cities area participated. Four were assigned to an experimental condition in which educational materials consisting of posters, recipes, and brochures were placed in the dairy section during a 6-month period. Four other stores were assigned to a control condition and received no educational materials. Shoppers in experimental and control stores completed a nutrition survey pre- and post-intervention. In addition, sales data for 25 dairy products were collected during a 10-month period. A significant increase in knowledge on the nutrition survey between pre- and posttests occurred among shoppers in all stores. There was no significant knowledge or product sales effect due to the education campaign. Study results suggest that, overall, shopper knowledge of food selections for cardiovascular disease risk reduction is high and improving. Unfortunately, knowledge is often not reflected in food purchase patterns.
TL;DR: Results support the notion of an “attribution-labeling” process rather than a “suggestion” effect, and those who recieved the PPI were more likely to attribute experienced reactions to the drug.
Abstract: Two hundred forty-nine newly diagnosed hypertensive patients prescribed thiazide medication were recruited for study. Two-thirds were given a leaflet or patient package insert (PPI) that described the drug and its possible side effects, and one-third were not. At a revisit about 1 month later, patients were asked whether they had experienced any of 17 different “health problems.” For each problem that they experienced, they were asked whether they thought the problem was related to the medicine they were taking. Ten of the health problems were taken verbatim from the PPI's list of possible drug side effects. Patients who received the PPI reported experiencing about the same number of side effects as the non-PPI subjects. However, those who recieved the PPI were more likely to attribute experienced reactions to the drug. This was true both for reactions specifically listed in the PPI and for similar reactions not listed. Results support the notion of an “attribution-labeling” process rather than a “suggestion” effect.
TL;DR: In a group of 913 men, it was found that the Closeness to Parents Scale is primarily a function of good father-son relationships and that its association with later cancer persists even after the influence of possible mediating and artifactual variables is statistically controlled.
Abstract: A measure of youthful family attitudes, the Closeness to Parents Scale, has continued to be predictive of cancer among physicians in a prospective study of medical students. Nonetheless, questions have remained concerning the meaning and reliability of this measure and whether its predictive value is diminishing over time. Perhaps more important, it is necessary to ascertain whether the relationship is the result of some methodological artifact or whether it is mediated by an association with known risk factors, such as smoking, drinking, and radiation exposure. Each of these issues was examined in turn, using a variety of statistical techniques to refine the scale and to equate cancer and control groups with respect to risk factors as well as possible artifacts. In a group of 913 men, it was found that the scale is primarily a function of good father-son relationships and that its association with later cancer persists even after the influence of possible mediating and artifactual variables is statistically controlled. Several possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
TL;DR: Comparisons demonstrated that subjects in the self-instructional strategies rated themselves as less anxious, had fewer body movements during the exam, and emitted fewer verbalizations than those in an attention control group.
Abstract: Sigmoidoscopy involves the insertion of a small scope into the anal cavity to inspect for abnormalities in the colon. Although the procedure is not believed to be painful, it is often noxious for patients because it produces embarassment and discomfort. We examined the effectiveness of two brief interventions designed to enhance coping: self-instructional training and relaxation. In the self-instructional conditions patients were given brief training to focus their attention on either their own (internal) or the doctor's (external) ability to regulate the situation. A third (control) group received attention but did not experience self-instructional training. Half of each of these three groups also received relaxation training, while the other half did not. Planned comparisons demonstrated that subjects in the self-instructional strategies rated themselves as less anxious, had fewer body movements during the exam, and emitted fewer verbalization than those in an attention control group. Patients in the external condition estimated that the exam took less time but tended to have elevated heart rates during the procedure. Those experiencing relaxation training tended to overestimate the duration of the exam, but made fewer requests to stop the exam and rated themselves as less anxious than patients who did not receive relaxation training.
TL;DR: Results provide some evidence that the type A coronary-prone behavior pattern, as measured by the JAS, is linked to coronary heart disease outside the United States.
Abstract: As part of the Kaunas-Rotterdam Intervention Study (KRIS), the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), designed to measure the coronary-prone behavior pattern type A, was administered to 2712 males who participated in a health intervention program. A JAS score was computed by a maximum-likelihood method for item analysis and test scoring using the structured interview as the criterion. The Dutch adaptation classified 73% of the subjects correctly. Those who were treated at the moment of screening for one or more cardiovascular risk factors and those who suffered from angina pectoris had higher mean JAS scores that those without concurrent cardiovascular complaints. Those results provide some evidence that the type A coronary-prone behavior pattern, as measured by the JAS, is linked to coronary heart disease outside the United States.
TL;DR: There were no significant differences between Type A's and Type B's in heart rate or digital vasomotor response during the interpersonal game, and the behavioral results but not the physiological results confirm findings from an earlier experiment.
Abstract: Forty subjects classified as either coronary-prone (Type A) or coronary-resistant (Type B) interacted in a mixed-motive game in pairs by pressing buttons which transmitted messages through a television screen while an electrocardiogram and digital blood volume pulse were computer monitored. Subjects could cooperate, compete, punish, reward, or withdraw during each interaction and could send 1 of 55 messages communicating feelings, requests, and intentions between interactions. Paired Type A's interacted more competitively and aggressively than paired Type B's. There were no significant differences between Type A's and Type B's in heart rate or digital vasomotor response during the interpersonal game. The behavioral results but not the physiological results confirm findings from an earlier experiment.
TL;DR: The prevalence of anticipatory nausea (AN) and anticipatory emesis (AE) in 71 cancer chemotherapy outpatients was measured by a self-report questionnaire and those who experienced it reported a significantly higher frequency of posttreatment nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry and itching skin.
Abstract: The prevalence of anticipatory nausea (AN) and anticipatory emesis (AE) in 71 cancer chemotherapy outpatients was measured by a self-report questionnaire. An 18.3% prevalence rate was found, with a mean onset of 5.12 hr prior to treatment. AN/AE most typically occurred at home or while traveling to the clinic and those who experienced it also reported a significantly higher frequency of posttreatment nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry and itching skin.
TL;DR: A case study of a 26-year-old woman diagnosed as suffering from bulimia of 10 years' duration is presented, and it is found that the patient has maintained her progress and not vomited in over 5 months.
Abstract: The treatment approaches for chronic vomiting have primarily utilized behavior conditioning models and have largely focused on hospitalized infants, retarded patients, or trauma patients. A substantial number of patients who exhibit the symptoms of vomiting could be diagnosed as neurotic vomiters or “bulimics,” and there is a dearth of information on the treatment of these patients. This paper presents a case study of a 26-year-old woman diagnosed as suffering from bulimia of 10 years' duration. The treatment program involved three basic components: self-monitoring, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring. The treatment components were instituted sequentially. The treatment program was successful, and a 1-year follow-up found that the patient has maintained her progress and not vomited in over 5 months. The discussion focuses on the advantages of this treatment model in dealing with bulimia, which is conceptualized as a habit-type behavior disorder.
TL;DR: Spectral analysis was used to investigate the modification of the excessive crying of a terminal cancer patient and showed the gradual elimination of crying during the 15-day intervention.
Abstract: Spectral analysis was used to investigate the modification of the excessive crying (48% of waking time observed during baseline) of a terminal cancer patient. Initial assessment revealed a cyclic pattern of crying and dozing throughout the day and night. Intervention involved timeout from social stimulation contingent upon crying and differential social reinforcement for behaviors incompatible with crying. Analysis showed the gradual elimination of crying during the 15-day intervention. During the initial phase of intervention crying ceased to be emitted in the presence of hospital staff but was evoked by the presence of family members. As this pattern of crying diminished, the frequency and duration of family visits, as well as the frequency of positive patient utterances and conversation, increased. Clinical, ethical, and methodological issues surrounding the use of timeout are discussed.
TL;DR: In 117 male subjects, biological variables as well as the Bortner Scale, a paper-and-pencil technique used to assess the type A pattern, were compared with angiographic findings, and a summation score of coronary lesions correlated significantly with serum cholesterol and a coronary risk profile but not with thetype A pattern.
Abstract: In 117 male subjects, biological variables as well as the Bortner Scale, a paper-and-pencil technique used to assess the type A pattern, were compared with angiographic findings. A summation score of coronary lesions correlated significantly with serum cholesterol and a coronary risk profile but not with the type A pattern. The number of stenoted arteries correlated significantly with age and serum cholesterol but, again, not with the Bortner score. The reasons for the results are discussed.
TL;DR: The present review examines the role of several target behaviors in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, including diet, exercise, cigarette smoking, Type A pattern, and medication adherence, to clarify the relationship between these target behaviors and plasma lipid levels.
Abstract: The present review examines the role of several target behaviors in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, including diet, exercise, cigarette smoking, Type A pattern, and medication adherence. Modification of the typical American diet (high in cholesterol, fat, and sodium) is emphasized in the treatment of hyperlipidemia since a multitude of laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological studies have shown that diet plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this condition and an increase in coronary risk. Factors affecting patient compliance such as health beliefs and family support are discussed in terms of their impact on behavior change efforts aimed at reducing plasma lipids through dietary and drug regimens. Intervention studies are reviewed in the behavioral treatment of hyperlipidemia. These programs have focused on diet modification, exercise, and medication adherence to reduce plasma lipids and coronary risk. The role of other target behaviors (i.e., Type A pattern and smoking) is explored not only in determining coronary risk but also in terms of their direct impact on plasma lipids. Further research is necessary to clarify the relationship between these target behaviors and plasma lipid levels and to investigate the effects of innovative family- and group-based intervention procedures in promoting and maintaining habit change related to coronary risk reduction.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that anxiety-arousal is a mediating variable in the relationship between Type-A behavior and coronary heart disease.
Abstract: Sixty-six structured interviews that were rated by Rosenman on a 5-point Type A/B behavior pattern scale, were scored by means of a semiautomated system for verbosity, voice volume and the temporal pacing of speech. A significant negative correlation obtained between interviewees' A/B ratings and their reaction-time scores; significant positive correlations obtained between their behavior type ratings and their voice volume and duration of vocalization scores. A regression equation consisting of reaction-time and voice volume scores correctly classified the A/B ratings of 89 percent of the interviewees. The significant correlations that were obtained between the interviewer's and the interviewees' speech patterns emphasize the need for standardizing the interviewer's style. Finally, the findings suggest that anxiety-arousal is a mediating variable in the relationship between Type-A behavior and coronary heart disease.
TL;DR: Subjective reports indicated that the symptoms of dysmenorrhea improved for the biofeedback group during training but did not improve for the relaxation or control groups.
Abstract: Fifteen dysmenorrhea sufferers received relaxation training with EMG biofeedback, relaxation training with no feedback, or no treatment. Participants who received biofeedback training did not differ from participants who received relaxation training in their ability to maintain a reduced level of EMG activity prior to the onset of menstruation. On the first day of menstruation, those receiving biofeedback training were able to maintain reduced EMG activity, whereas those receiving relaxation training showed an elevated level of EMG activity. Subjective reports indicated that the symptoms of dysmenorrhea improved for the biofeedback group during training but did not improve for the relaxation or control groups. Suggestions for further research are noted.
TL;DR: In a multiple-baseline across-subjects design the effectiveness of training parents of physically handicapped children to perform physical therapy treatments at home was assessed and resulted in large improvements in the youngsters' ability to use their target limb.
Abstract: In a multiple-baseline across-subjects design the effectiveness of training parents of physically handicapped children to perform physical therapy treatments at home was assessed. Measures of target joint movement were made using goniometry and subjective ratings. The procedures resulted in large improvements in the youngsters' ability to use their target limb. The benefits of the procedures are discussed.
TL;DR: Monitoring of the novel experience of an eight-session EMG biofeedback-based relaxation training program suggests that “relaxation” in this situation is not necessarily a simple unitary physiological and psychological event.
Abstract: Plasma cortisol, cephalic electromyography (EMG), heart rate, fingertip vasoconstriction/dilation, respiration rate, self-reported anxiety, and target symptom severity were monitored in 24 human outpatients who volunteered to undergo the novel experience of an eight-session EMG biofeedback-based relaxation training program. Acute cortisol levels were generally found to be positively related to heart rate, degree of vasoconstriction, and self-reported anxiety but independent of cephalic EMG level and respiration rate. For the 12 participants above the median in initial trait anxiety, the mean reductions in cortisol were 22, 19, and 31% (relative to baseline) at the fourth, eighth, and 1-month follow-up sessions, respectively. Although there was some indication of the presence of a centrally integrated state of lowered neurophysiological arousal, the multiple dependent measures suggest that “relaxation” in this situation is not necessarily a simple unitary physiological and psychological event.
TL;DR: A simple laboratory technique to evaluate a headache sufferer's apparent oversensitivity to, and avoidance of, stimuli such as noise and bright lights revealed that subjects could reliably calibrate the stimuli on a scale from “comfortable” to “definitely unpleasant.”
Abstract: The understanding and assessment of headache has been handicapped by inadequate assessment of pain behavior. The current study aimed to develop a simple laboratory technique to evaluate a headache sufferer's apparent oversensitivity to, and avoidance of, stimuli such as noise and bright lights. The results revealed that subjects could reliably calibrate the stimuli on a scale from “comfortable” to “definitely unpleasant.” Significant group differentiation (controls/headache prone) was possible on the basis of auditory stimulus sensitivity, irrespective of current pain state. On the other hand, endurance time at an in tense level differentiated subjects in pain from those pain-free, irrespective of group (headache/nonheadache). The advantages and potential of such an objective assessment of pain are discussed.
TL;DR: It is argued that psychologists have the potential for making a very significant contribution to the understanding and management of torticollis and the more promising techniques that have been used are summarized and a list is presented of the factors which must be considered when assessing torticolls symptoms.
Abstract: The literature on spasmodic torticollis is critically reviewed. The currently most popular etiological hypothesis characterizes torticollis as an extrapyramidal disorder, the symptoms of which are aggravated by stress, but there is no unequivocal evidence available to support this view. Psychological mechanisms have been suggested but not elaborated or tested in any detail. A wide range of treatments has been advocated but controlled studies have not been reported, and the problems of assessing outcome have never been tackled adequately. Behavioral treatments have been evaluated more rigorously than other approaches (particularly EMG feedback training), and the literature suggests that they benefit some patients. It is argued that psychologists have the potential for making a very significant contribution to the understanding and management of torticollis. In discussing outcome measures, the more promising techniques that have been used are summarized and a list is presented of the factors which must be considered when assessing torticollis symptoms. Directions for future research are outlined and priorities suggested.
TL;DR: It appears that the Bortner scale and the JAS do not measure the overall syndrome of the coronary-prone behavior pattern (CPBP), but similar and different specific aspects of it.
Abstract: In the framework of a controlled trial on the multifactorial prevention of coronary heart disease, two measures of type A behavior—determined by the Bortner scale and the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS)—and one personality questionnaire—the Sandler Hazary Questionnaire and Eysenck Personality Inventory (SHEPI)—were used. Their interrelations and relations with social variables are analyzed. It appears that the Bortner scale and the JAS do not measure the overall syndrome of the coronary-prone behavior pattern (CPBP), but similar and different specific aspects of it. There exists a direct relation of the Bortner score, JAS-AB, JAS-S, and JAS-J with the study level and the socioprofessional class. Neuroticism or emotional hyperreactivity determined by the SHEPI is highly correlated with these scores. No or small relations of social variables with personality traits are found.