Developing the adjudicated case study method

In this commentary we discuss Miller’s Panel of Psychological Inquiry (PPI) and Bohart’s Research Jury method approaches to the development of the adjudicated case study method, as represented by the papers assembled for this issue of Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy. In our view, the case studies presented here demonstrate the rapidly developing potential offered by this approach for psychotherapy research and reveal many parallels to recent research using the Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) model. In our view, each of the three models has taken significant steps forward in adapting particular aspects of the legal process as viable psychotherapy research procedures. In this commentary we summarize the HSCED method, then take readers through the issues of the sources of the evidence used; ways in which that evidence is tested; claims, burden and standard of proof; and the handling of the adjudication process itself. We conclude with recommendations for further development of adjudicated case study methods

Relationship between use of ankle-foot orthoses and quality of life and psychological well being : a research plan

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is an externally applied device that encompasses the joints of the ankle and foot, used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems(ISO,1989,a&b). AFOs are prescribed for people who have a loss of function affecting their mobility, experienced in wide range of conditions such as stroke, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and osteoarthritis

The prevalence and characteristics of relational depth events in psychotherapy

We introduce two complementary measures of relational depth, defined as a state of profound contact and engagement between client and therapist. Using an internet-based survey of client and therapist accounts (n = 342), judges rated relational depth as present in over a third of significant therapy event descriptions. Participants also completed the Relational Depth Inventory (RDI), for which we report reliability, validity and factor structure. Relational depth events were more likely to occur in the presence of strong therapeutic alliance, and with female participants, but client or therapist role and therapy duration were not related to relational depth content or RDI. RDI items for connectedness, love, respect and intimacy were most strongly associated with relational depth content

Person-centred therapy with a client experiencing social anxiety difficulties : a hermeneutic single case efficacy design

Social anxiety is a chronic, debilitating psychological condition. Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) is a legalistic mixed-method case study method for evaluating therapy efficacy in single cases. Using a case of Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) with a client experiencing social anxiety difficulties, we addressed the standard HSCED research questions of pre-post client change, causal role of therapy, and change processes. In addition, we explored adaptations to HSCED for ambiguous outcomes. Based on a rich case record, affirmative and sceptic cases were constructed and adjudicated by three judges.The judges held that the client changed considerably (but not substantially) and that therapy contributed considerably to client change. Change processes central to PCT were held to be active, as were client resources. The new procedures enabled judges to make sense of the ambiguous outcome data and can be further extended and developed. PCT can bring about considerable change in socially anxious clients

Defining Heroes and Villains: The Legacy of Hernando Cortes and the Spanish Conquest of Mexico

Components: “Defining Heroes and Villains” (Advanced Placement U.S., World, and European History; High School)Latin American Studie

Missionary Nurse Dorothy Davis Cook, 1940–1972: Mother of Swazi Nurses

Dramatically absent from nursing\u27s historical knowledge and professional recognition are the lives, roles, contributions, and legacies of Christian faith-based nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ministry and service of Sister Tutor Dorothy Davis Cook, Church of the Nazarene missionary nurse in the African country of Swaziland 1940 to 1972. The multi-dimensional, multi-task expanded roles manifested in her integration of Christian missionary and nurse were explored and her legacy identified. The most significant primary source for this study was Mrs. Cook herself. She was interviewed on three occasions and has provided personal documents, journals, and photographs. Data were also collected from four organizational archives. Other missionary nurses and Swazi nurses were interviewed. Mrs. Cook obtained her basic nursing education and training in the United States. Following her arrival in Swaziland, she earned her midwifery certification and Sister Tutor diploma. Building on the foundation of a nurse aide program, she upgraded nursing education and established the first state registered nurse program in Swaziland. To assist in this endeavor, she wrote four nursing texts which became the gold standard for similar nursing programs in the surrounding countries. She had leadership roles in the High Commission Territories\u27 Nursing Council, the Swaziland Nursing Council, and the Swaziland Nursing Association, and co-authored the 1965 Swaziland Nurse and Midwifery Act. For the majority of her service years, Mrs. Cook lived with the Swazi nurses. Mrs. Cook educated several hundred Swazi Christian nurses who continue to influence the health, socio-economic status, and spiritual well-being of Swaziland today. In honor of her dedication to this cause, she was named the “Mother of Swazi Nurses.” The findings of this study yield unique teaching examples of missionary nursing, advanced practice nursing, nursing education, and nursing administration, each with a spiritual care emphasis in a transcultural environment. The importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in all areas of nursing is demonstrated. Christian spiritual care as a dynamic component of nursing education and nursing care is prominent