Relationship between the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS) and attachment style in a clinical sample

This present study examined the relationship between the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS) and two measures of adult attachment: the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) and the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire‐Revised (ECR‐R). Forty‐five patients (76% female) at a university‐based outpatient treatment clinic participated in this study. We hypothesized that higher levels of attachment security would be associated with higher, more adaptive ratings on the SCORS variables. Results indicated that the SCORS Self‐Esteem (SE) variable was significantly positively related to the RQ's Secure Attachment ratings and negatively related with the ECR‐R's Anxious Attachment scale. Additionally, negative trends were noted between SE and the RQ's Fearful and Preoccupied Attachment scores. The SCORS Emotional Investments in Relationships and Affective Quality of Representations variables were associated with higher Secure scores and lower, more maladaptive Preoccupied scores on the RQ. It was also associated with greater attachment anxiety as measured by the ECR‐R. Using both clinician (SCORS) and participant‐rated measures (ECR‐R and RQ), this study provides further understanding on how object representations and attachment style relate within a clinical sample. Results are discussed in light of prior research examining relationships between object relations and adult attachments, and clinical implications are also reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: • Individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety may enter therapy with more self‐image problems. • Individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety may enter therapy with more maladaptive expectations about relationships. • Patients who endorse high levels of attachment anxiety (e.g., fearful and preoccupied) may be more likely to present with Axis II complaints. • Examining a patient's attachment style and object relations using different measures of assessment (e.g., explicit and implicit) can help gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of a patient.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/88074/1/721_ftp.pd

Fragmentation and weakness of Political System in Latvia

Darbs „Politiskās sisitēmas vājums un fragmentācija Latvijā” analizē tādus sistēmas elementus kā lēmējvara, izpildvara, tiesu vara, pilsoniskā sabiedrība, politiskās partijas, to savstarpējās attiecības un izraisītās negatīvās sekas. Darbs apskata, kā publiskajam sektoram vajadzētu strādāt – birokrātijai, politiskajai izpildvarai, publiskā sektora plānošanai, salīdzinot to ar realitāti. Darba mērķis ir atrast Latvijas politiskās un administratīvās sistēmas trūkumus, atklāt to cēloņus un piedāvāt priekšlikumus sistēmas uzlabošanai. Autors darbā izvirza sekojošas hipotēzes: Vāji attīstītas politiskās partijas veicina politisko fragmentāciju nacionālā un reģionālā līmenī; neizglītota un neaktīva pilsoniskā sabiedrība katalizē politisko nestabilitāti; Latvijā ir nesekmīga attīstības plānošana, kas veicina fragmentāciju. Latvijā pastāv politiskā līmeņa fragmentācija, kas izpaužas kā nacionālā līmeņa politisko spēku nošķirtība no reģionālajiem politiskajiem spēkiem. Darba gaitā autors nonāk pie secinājumiem, ka, lai stiprinātu politisko sistēmu un novērstu tās fragmentāciju, nepieciešams veikt kompleksus pasākumus stiprinot un attīstot pilsonisko sabiedrību, politiskās partijas, sabiedrības izglītošanā, kā arī jāveicina publiskā sektora kompetence un motivācija strādāt, jāapkaro korupcija.„Fragmentation and weakness of political system in Latvia” is analyzing political system elements, such as authority, executive power, civic society, political parties, there inner relations and caused negative effects. Work also analyzes how public sector should work - bureaucracy, executive politicians, public sector management and planning, comparing to reality. The goal of the Master's thesis is to find the disadvantages of political system of Latvia, and give solutions to discovered problems. The hipoteses of master’s thesis are: Weak political parties is the cause of political fragmentation in national and regional level. (Proven); Inactive and unknowing civic society is causing unstable political environment (Proven); Public sector planning is low developed and causes fragmentation (Proven); Latvia has fragmentation of political system- regional political parties are divided from parliamentary parties. (not proven) Author during studies has come to conclusions: In purpose to avoid fragmentation of political system and strengthen it, must be done complexed efforts in: Supporting development of civil society, political parties, education of society, rising the competence and motivation of public sector workers and fighting corruption