Showing papers in "Journal of Clinical Psychology in 1986"
TL;DR: A high correlation was obtained between the CES-D and trait anxiety, which suggests that the CESTheD measures in large part the related conceptual psychological domain of predisposition for anxiousness.
Abstract: The factorial and discriminant validity of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale was examined for a sample of 116 parents who were participating in family support programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. Participants' self-reports of depressive symptoms as measured by the CES-D were analyzed in relation to their self-esteem (measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale) and state and trait anxiety (measured with Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Factorial validity was adequate, and results indicated a moderate correlation between the CES-D and self-esteem and state anxiety. However, a high correlation was obtained between the CES-D and trait anxiety, which suggests that the CES-D measures in large part the related conceptual psychological domain of predisposition for anxiousness.
743 citations
TL;DR: For both the men and women, the model adequately accounted for the data although there were some important differences between the sexes, including men more apt to turn to drugs and alcohol, whereas women consider suicide.
Abstract: A theoretical model of adolescent behavior is examined separately for males and females (N = 722). The model hypothesizes that depression and self-derogation may lead to a lack of purpose in life, which, in turn, may lead to suicide ideation and substance use. Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation procedures were used to examine the model, using Bentler's (1984) EQS computer program, which is available from BMDP. For both the men and women, the model adequately accounted for the data although there were some important differences between the sexes. In response to psychic discomfort (i.e., Depression and Self-derogation), men are more apt to turn to drugs and alcohol, whereas women consider suicide. Conversely, the situation changes in response to feelings of meaninglessness or a lack of purpose in life. Here, the females appear to turn to substance use, whereas the males react with thoughts of suicide.
483 citations
TL;DR: Independent observers were most sensitive to residents' emotional exhaustion and less likely to assess accurately the less visible aspects of burnout related to depersonalization and lack of achievement, which suggests the usefulness of multiple measures for assessing the burnout phenomenon.
Abstract: This study assesses the utility of Maslach's concept of burnout for family practice physicians. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) subscale correlations for the 67 residents in this sample are compared with Maslach's normative sample. The residents scored in the moderate to high range on the MBI subscales. MBI interscale correlations were similar to the pattern reported by Maslach. Significant correlations between job satisfaction and five of the six MBI subscales suggest that the construct of burnout has considerable psychological import for these physicians. The validity of the emotional exhaustion subscale is demonstrated by significant correlations with self-assessed burnout, job satisfaction, and faculty assessments of resident burnout. Independent observers were most sensitive to residents' emotional exhaustion and less likely to assess accurately the less visible aspects of burnout related to depersonalization and lack of achievement, which suggests the usefulness of multiple measures for assessing the burnout phenomenon.
272 citations
TL;DR: The Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Form A (DAS-A) was completed by 664 university students and the results were factor-analyzed. Approximately 61% of the variance was accounted for by two factors, labelled Performance Evaluation and Approval by Others as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Form A (DAS-A) was completed by 664 university students and the results were factor-analyzed. Approximately 61% of the variance was accounted for by two factors, labelled Performance Evaluation and Approval by Others. Analyses conducted on two subsamples indicated that the obtained factor solution was stable. The present results are discussed with respect to personality subtypes hypothesized to be vulnerable to depression.
258 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented data stratified by age and sex for 12 neuro-psychological tests from a large neurologically intact, nonpsychiatric adult sample (127 males, 98 females, aged 15-40 years).
Abstract: Normative data stratified by age and sex are presented for 12 neuro-psychological tests from a large neurologically intact, nonpsychiatric adult sample (127 males, 98 females, aged 15–40 years). The tests include Language Modalities Test for Aphasia, Memory-for-Designs, Coloured Progressive Matrices, Symbol-Gestalt, Minute Estimation, Controlled Word Association, Written Word Fluency, Purdue Pegboard, Williams Clinical Memory, Symbol Digit Modalities, L. J. Tactile Recognition, and Wisconsin Card Sorting.
192 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three tables are provided for clinicians to use to obtain Full Scale IQ estimates in the use of short forms of the WAIS-R. These tables are based on a method presented by Cyr and Brooker (1984) that jointly considers the validity and reliability of each subtest.
Abstract: Three tables are provided for clinicians to use to obtain Full Scale IQ estimates in the use of short forms of the WAIS-R. These tables are based on a method presented by Cyr and Brooker (1984) that jointly considers the validity and reliability of each subtest. None of the IQ equivalents will be in error by more than 1 point.
189 citations
TL;DR: Factor analysis of the Bell Object Relations Inventory items produced four subscales interpreted to be underlying dimensions of object relations, which appear to represent common features of personality and to sample a domain that is distinct from symptomatology, but related to variations in psychopathology.
Abstract: Factor analysis of the Bell Object Relations Inventory items produced four subscales interpreted to be underlying dimensions of object relations. Replication factor analysis confirmed the factor structure. Subscales had high internal consistency and were free of age, sex, or social desirability response bias. Subscales had low intercorrelations with Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) sum scores, Global Assessment Scale scores, and most BPRS symptoms. Subscales appear to represent common features of personality and to sample a domain that is distinct from symptomatology, but related to variations in psychopathology. Percentage of high scoring subjects and subscale mean values are compared for seven criterion groups. High scores were least frequent among community active adults and most frequent among borderlines. Selected findings from the group comparisons are discussed to illustrate the potential of the instrument for empirical examination of theoretical assumptions about the object relations ego function and its components.
177 citations
TL;DR: The principal findings were the schizophrenics were less accurate than normals, but they were not more accurate than the depressives, nor were they less accurate on negative than positive or neutral emotions.
Abstract: The performance of schizophrenic inpatients (N = 14), depressed inpatients (N = 15), and normal hospital employees (N = 15), all females, was compared on Izard's (1971) test of emotion recognition. Subjects were required to match photographs of facial expressions of emotion with the correct label for the emotion. The average numbers of errors of four types were examined: Positive or neutral emotions mislabelled as other positive or neutral emotions; positive or neutral emotions mislabelled as negative; negative emotions mislabelled as positive or neutral; and negative emotions mislabelled as other negative emotions. The principal findings were (1) the schizophrenics were less accurate than normals, but they were not less accurate than the depressives, nor were they less accurate on negative than positive or neutral emotions; (2) the depressives did not display any form of negative bias in emotion recognition; and (3) both groups of inpatients were less accurate than normals when they labelled an emotion as positive or neutral, but not when they labelled it as negative. Implications of the results for the etiology and maintenance of schizophrenia and depression were noted.
110 citations
TL;DR: This article reviewed factor analytic studies done on the 1981 WAIS-R standardization sample and various patient samples in an effort to update and continue to tie together the findings on Wechsler's scales across ages and populations.
Abstract: Wechsler's intelligence scales long have been subjected to factor analytic studies in an effort to describe the components of measurable human intelligence. Most authors have extracted a general factor g, as well as a Verbal Comprehension factor, Perceptual Organization factor, and Memory/Freedom from Distractibility factor from a two- or three-factor solution. This article reviews the factor analytic studies done on the 1981 WAIS-R standardization sample and various patient samples in an effort to update and continue to tie together the findings on Wechsler's scales across ages and populations. We conclude that although the results of the WAIS-R factor analytic studies reviewed depend upon the statistical approach employed as well as each investigator's theoretical perspective, a three-factor solution appears to provide a source of hypotheses about an individual's or a select sample's unique abilities and weaknesses worthy of further exploration.
105 citations
TL;DR: Significant differences among the groups as judged via a semantic differential technique were found for personality descriptions of happy/sad, active/passive, popular/unpopular, effective/ineffective, competent/incompetent, smart/stupid, and cold/warm.
Abstract: This study investigated disturbances in body image perception with anorexic, obese and control groups (N = 24). Each group was comprised of 8 female subjects matched for age. An original silhouette chart and chi squares were employed, and a significant difference was found among the groups in the perception of the present-self body image (chi 2 (8) = 24.19, p less than .01), body image at plus 10 pounds (chi 2 (6) = 27.63, p less than .01), and body image at minus 10 pounds (chi 2 (8) = 26.05, p less than .01). No differences among the groups appeared in perceived ideal-self body image or in their perception of the body image that was expected from their families. A directional trend was noted in anorexic overestimation and obese underestimation on the total concept of body image. Significant differences among the groups as judged via a semantic differential technique were found for personality descriptions of happy/sad, active/passive, popular/unpopular, effective/ineffective, competent/incompetent, smart/stupid, and cold/warm.
98 citations
TL;DR: A brief psychological screening test was administered to samples of acutely disturbed psychiatric patients and intellectually deficient individuals and suggested that malingering should be considered among individuals who deny remembering at least 9 of the 15 times of the Rey test.
Abstract: A brief psychological screening test, devised by Rey (1964), was developed to assess the validity of memory complaints. Although Rey hypothesized that malingerers would be mislead to perform poorly while even individuals with severe concentration problems could succeed, a review of the literature did not reveal any empirical reports that examined the actual performance of nonmalingering though disturbed patients. Therefore, Rey's test was administered to samples of acutely disturbed psychiatric patients (N = 50) and intellectually deficient individuals (N = 16). The results confirmed the criterion proposed by Lezak (1983) and suggested that malingering should be considered among individuals who deny remembering at least 9 of the 15 times of the Rey test.
TL;DR: This paper describes two studies that assessed the strength of the relationship between the appraisal of one's problem solving effectiveness and depressive symptomatology and results indicated that the depressed group appraised their overall problem solving attempts as less effective, and reported lowered ability to maintain personal control in problem situations.
Abstract: This paper describes two studies that assessed the strength of the relationship between the appraisal of one's problem solving effectiveness and depressive symptomatology. Assessment of problem solving appraisal included the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). In the first study, 268 college undergraduates completed the PSI and the Beck Depression Inventory. Regression analyses indicated that all three problem solving dimensions were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. The second study compared subjects who were diagnosed as experiencing unipolar major depressive disorder with demographically similar normal controls. Results from multivariate analyses indicated that the depressed group appraised their overall problem solving attempts as less effective, rated their problem solving attempts to be less systematic, and reported lowered ability to maintain personal control in problem situations.
TL;DR: The Beck Depression Inventory was administered to outpatients diagnosed according to the DSM-III as primary generalized anxiety disorders and it was concluded that the BDI is a powerful tool for differentiating the depressive from generalized Anxiety disorders.
Abstract: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to 35 outpatients diagnosed according to the DSM-III as primary generalized anxiety disorders and 101 outpatients diagnosed as primary major-depression and dysthymic disorders. A backward stepwise-discriminant analysis revealed that Sadness and Loss of Libido were the only two symptoms that meaningfully distinguished between the two groups. The depressed patients were sadder and complained of more loss of libido than did the anxious patients. It was concluded that the BDI is a powerful tool for differentiating the depressive from generalized anxiety disorders.
TL;DR: It appears that confabulatory states frequently are associated with cerebral damage that involves the right hemisphere, notably, the frontal (often bilaterally) and parietal lobes--areas intimately involved in arousal, attention, information regulation, and integration.
Abstract: Various forms of confabulation, including denial of illness (e.g., paralysis, blindness), and conditions that often give rise to these disorders, such as cerebral disconnection, disinhibitory states, incomplete information reception, and "gap filling" are discussed. On the basis of clinical observation and a review of a number of studies, it appears that confabulatory states frequently are associated with cerebral damage that involves the right hemisphere, notably, the frontal (often bilaterally) and parietal lobes--areas intimately involved in arousal, attention, information regulation, and integration. With certain forms of injury, initially there appear disturbances in the organization, integration, and assimilation of ideas and associations, such that large gaps appear in the information transmitted to and received by the language axis of the left hemisphere. It is argued that in these instances, the language areas act so as to fill these "gaps" with information that, although inappropriate, is linked in some manner to the fragments received. In contrast, frontal lobe damage sometimes results in gross disinhibition and cortical overresponsiveness and, thus, speech release due to the flooding of the language axis (and other cortical regions) with tangential, fantastical, and grandiose associations. Other forms of confabulation also are reviewed briefly.
TL;DR: This article examined the frequency with which men and women anticipated positive and negative ramifications to disclosure of information in four topic areas: Parental, achievement, sexual, and global. But they found that men predicted more negative ramifications for all topics than women, while women predicted more positive ramifications than men.
Abstract: The study examined the frequency with which men (N = 126) and women (N = 126) anticipated positive and negative ramifications to disclosure of information in four topic areas: Parental, achievement, sexual, and global. The findings indicate that men predicted more negative ramifications for all topics than women, while women predicted more positive ramifications than men. In terms of topic, men predicted more negative ramifications than women when they were disclosing information about achievement. Overall, it was found that respondents expected more positive than negative ramifications. However, when topic was considered, respondents predicted negative ramifications most frequently for the sexual topic and least frequently for the achievement topic. Implications were discussed in terms of boundary regulation and achievement orientation for men and women.
TL;DR: Parents of children with neuromuscular disease, cystic fibrosis, and renal disease were compared with parents of control subjects matched by age to the clinical cases; the instrument used was the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress (QRS).
Abstract: Parents of children with neuromuscular disease (N = 16), cystic fibrosis (N = 16), and renal disease (N = 11) were compared with parents of control subjects matched by age to the clinical cases; the instrument used was the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress (QRS). The three clinical groups exhibited different patterns of stressful response, consistent with the nature of their illnesses and the requirements for care imposed on the families. Parents of children with neuromuscular disease reported a wide spectrum of problems, both qualitatively and quantitatively different from those experienced in the other two clinical samples. Parents of children with cystic fibrosis also experienced extensive stress, but less than anticipated. Parents of children with renal disease reported stress in only a few areas, in keeping with the nature of the disease. The relationship between severity of functional impairment from cystic fibrosis and QRS scales was examined and found to be equivocal. The 285-item and 66-item versions of the QRS were compared and judged to be appropriate for different situations (research vs. clinical screening).
TL;DR: The relationships of nightmare frequency to hypnotic ability, vividness of visual imagery, and the tendency to become absorbed in fantasy-like experiences were examined.
Abstract: The relationships of nightmare frequency to hypnotic ability, vividness of visual imagery, and the tendency to become absorbed in fantasy-like experiences were examined. Subjects were 841 undergraduate university students who participated in group tests of hypnotic ability, after which they estimated the number of nightmares that they had experienced in the prior year. In addition, 406 of the subjects completed Marks' Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, and Rotenberg and Bowers' Absorption scale. Of the subjects, 76% reported experiencing at least one nightmare in the prior year; 8.3% indicated one or more per month. Individuals with frequent nightmares scored higher on hypnotizability, vividness of visual imagery, and absorption.
TL;DR: The psychological theory of cognitive dissonance is suggested as appropriate to an understanding of some aspects of noncompliance because medicinal preparations represent stimuli that are not necessarily neutral.
Abstract: The problem of patient/client noncompliance with regimens of prescribed medication is addressed, with attention to the incidence and illogical nature of this behavior The psychological theory of cognitive dissonance is suggested as appropriate to an understanding of some aspects of noncompliance because medicinal preparations represent stimuli that are not necessarily neutral A medication's perceptual properties may have important and specific meanings for patients or clients that may support or detract from compliance Recent research and empirical evidence that reflects on this concept are reviewed With further efforts, it may be possible to enhance compliance through perceptual engineering
TL;DR: The Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) as mentioned in this paper is a memory test that assesses recall of lists of words on single and multiple trials and has been shown to have a positive correlation with Neuroticism and no correlation with Introversion.
Abstract: The Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) is a memory test that assesses recall of lists of words on single and multiple trials. College students (N = 33) were given the AVLT, either with or without a prior administration of 100 mg caffeine. Caffeine subjects recalled fewer words than did control subjects, both after single presentations of lists and across repeated trials. Caffeine subjects showed a greater deficit in recalling the middle-to-end portions of the lists. Personality scores on the Maudsley Personality Inventory showed a positive correlation of recall on a pretest with Neuroticism, and no correlation with Introversion.
TL;DR: Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed PTSD were compared with controls, who were also combat veterans, and neither early history nor immediate preservice factors differentiated the two groups.
Abstract: Fifty Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed PTSD were compared with 50 controls, who were also combat veterans. The two groups were evaluated with a structured interview, and assessments were made of childhood and family histories, immediate preservice experiences, combat experiences, and postdischarge experiences. The two groups differed significantly in the intensity of their combat experiences and their perceptions of their homecoming experiences. Neither early history nor immediate preservice factors differentiated the two groups.
TL;DR: Demonstration of the empirical generalizability of the factor structure and of the relative importance of stressful therapeutic events argues for the usefulness of the extended versions of The Therapeutic Stresses and Stressful Patient Behaviors rating scales.
Abstract: The present study represents a replication and extension of a recent investigation of the patterns of stresses in psychotherapeutic work. A sample of 227 licensed psychologists who were practicing in Northern California were administered two Likert-type rating scales, which were expanded versions of questionnaires originally developed by Farber and Heifitz (1981). Factor analysis of the data revealed that the stressful aspects of therapeutic work include maintaining the therapeutic relationship, scheduling difficulties, professional doubt, work overinvolvement, and feeling personally depleted. In addition, stressful patient behaviors were found to cluster into five distinct categories: Expressions of negative affect, resistances, psychopathological symptoms, suicidal threats, and passive-aggressive behaviors. Demonstration of the empirical generalizability of the factor structure and of the relative importance of stressful therapeutic events argues for the usefulness of the extended versions of The Therapeutic Stresses and Stressful Patient Behaviors rating scales.
TL;DR: Young, active, licensed professional boxers were found to display a pattern of neuropsychological deficits consistent with the more severe punch-drunk syndrome of years past, which resulted in significantly lower test performance than that of control athletes matched for race, age, and level of education.
Abstract: Young, active, licensed professional boxers (N = 19) were found to display a pattern of neuropsychological deficits consistent with the more severe punch-drunk syndrome of years past. These deficits resulted in significantly lower test performance than that of control athletes (N = 10) matched for race, age, and level of education. Tests that showed significant differences between groups include subtests of the Quick Neurological Screening Test, subtests of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery, and the Randt Memory Test. Fifteen of the 19 boxers scored in the impaired range of the Reitan Impairment Index, as compared to 2 of the 10 controls.
TL;DR: The data suggest, but do not confirm, a differential function hypothesis, as well as a unilateral hemispheric hypothesis that underlies the ability to repeat forward and backward digits; this finding is consistent with some previous literature.
Abstract: Digit repetition was investigated in samples of unilaterally (N = 87) and bilaterally (N = 75) brain-damaged adults. The study was designed to investigate the hemispheric and neuropsychological factors that underlie performance on these two dissimilar tasks. Digit repetition was disproportionately depressed in such patients, especially those with left hemisphere lesions. The incidence of individually impaired digit repetition performance, especially of digits backward, was significantly higher than in normals, again particularly within the left hemisphere sample. However, impaired digit repetition was not invariably associated with brain dysfunction. The data suggest, but do not confirm, a differential function hypothesis, as well as a unilateral hemispheric hypothesis that underlies the ability to repeat forward and backward digits; this finding is consistent with some previous literature. Group performance showed considerable overlap, which limited the possibility of demonstrating a double dissociation between digits forward and verbal measures, and digits backward and nonverbal factors. Digit repetition in brain-damaged patients appears to have some theoretical value, but limited clinical utility.
TL;DR: Results indicated the importance of specific factors, such as the strength of the exercise habit and the cause of disability, on exercise behavior.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to predict leisure time exercise behavior among a group of 62 lower-limb disabled adults. The theory of reasoned action proposed by Fishbein (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) provided a framework for the study. Variables measured included the Fishbein model variables, habit, education, disability type, fitness level, and a 7-day follow-up of exercise behavior. Some 35% of the variance in exercise behavior could be explained; intention was the strongest predictor (.31, p less than .05). In comparison, the ability to predict intentions to exercise by using the other variables was quite poor, with only 7% of the variance explained by habit. None of the Fishbein model variables contributed to this prediction. These results indicated the importance of specific factors, such as the strength of the exercise habit and the cause of disability, on exercise behavior.
TL;DR: The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the overall profiles of the three experimental groups, but that all differed from the control group.
Abstract: While considerable clinical literature exists on the personality characteristics of the different classifications of eating disorders, standardized psychometric measures have not often been utilized to compare the various disorders with each other. The present investigation employed the MMPI to study the similarities and differences of the mean profiles of 30 hospitalized anorexic patients, 30 hospitalized bulimic patients, 30 morbidly obese outpatients, and 30 subjects in a matched control group. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the overall profiles of the three experimental groups, but that all differed from the control group. Individual scale analysis demonstrated that the three experimental groups shared a core disturbance demonstrated by common elevations on scales 1 (HS), 2 (D), and 4 (PD). Differences on scales 6 (PA), 7 (PT), 8 (SC), and 0 (SI) were discussed in terms of the specific manifestations of the core disturbance symptomatology.
TL;DR: The Probability Scale employing Bayesian concepts and base rates correctly classified 70% of the patients and was more accurate by far than the other two methods.
Abstract: Diagnostic hit rates for the Diagnostic Inventory of Personality and Symptoms (DIPS) were compared to diagnosis by psychiatrists of the same patients (N = 60). Three methods were employed to determine the DIPS hit rates. The Probability Scale employing Bayesian concepts and base rates correctly classified 70% of the patients and was more accurate by far than the other two methods.
TL;DR: In terms of sensitivity to the stress that women in seminary and ministry experience, male and female seminarians and ministers were most aware of these issues, with priests (males only), nuns, and then brothers (in descending order) sensitive to these concerns.
Abstract: Stress in religious leaders was investigated by administering to 250 priests, ministers, seminarians, nuns, and brothers the specially devised Religion and Stress Questionnaire and the Osipow and Spokane Occupational Environment Scales, Personal Strain Questionnaire, and Personal Resources Questionnaire. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 10% of the subjects. Religious leaders experienced lower overall occupational stress and personal strain and evidenced more personal resources than did the normative population. ANOVAs showed ministers to have the highest overall occupational environment stress and vocational strain and next to the lowest scores in overall personal resources of the five groups of religious professionals. In terms of sensitivity to the stress that women in seminary and ministry experience, male and female seminarians and ministers were most aware of these issues, with priests (males only), nuns, and then brothers (in descending order) sensitive to these concerns.
TL;DR: The results support Bruch's contention that underlying anorexia nervosa is a sense of personal ineffectiveness.
Abstract: Thirty female anorectics (mean age 26.4) and 30 female college student controls (mean age 25.3) completed a multidimensional locus of control scale, the Structural Family Interaction Scale, The Eating Attitudes Test, and a global clinical assessment measure. Three variables associated with Minuchin, Rosman, and Baker's (1978) family systems theory (overprotection, enmeshment, and rigidity) and one related to Bruch's (1973) theoretical position on anorexia nervosa (locus of control) were contrasted in terms of their relative effectiveness in predicting both the presence or absence and severity of the disorder. The best predictor of both measures in a series of regression and discriminant function analyses was locus of control orientation. The anorectics were significantly more external than the controls. The two groups did not differ on any of the family variables central to Minuchin et al.'s theory. The results support Bruch's contention that underlying anorexia nervosa is a sense of personal ineffectiveness.
TL;DR: A comparative analysis indicated that, relative to laypersons, psychologists exhibited a larger and more varied repertoire of coping strategies.
Abstract: This study investigated the change processes that laypersons (N = 270) and psychologists (N = 158) reported using to overcome psychological distress. Eighty-nine percent of the community sample and 82% of the professional sample experienced at least one episode of distress. Interpersonal relationships and willpower strategies were employed commonly in both samples; medication was used infrequently. Gender, education, and previous treatment were related to coping processes among laypersons. A comparative analysis indicated that, relative to laypersons, psychologists exhibited a larger and more varied repertoire of coping strategies.
TL;DR: Findings replicated and extended previous findings to a middle-class, well-educated population of alcoholic mothers and suggested for future examination of critical antecedent causes and covariates within the context of both environmental and cognitive domains.
Abstract: Elementary school aged children (N = 40) of alcoholic mothers when compared to similar children (N = 40) with nonalcoholic mothers scored significantly lower on several subtests of an academic achievement test. This result replicated and extended previous findings to a middle-class, well-educated population. Suggestions are made for future examination of critical antecedent causes and covariates within the context of both environmental and cognitive domains.