Biomedical subjects

A van 't Spijker

Publications and source records attributed to A van 't Spijker.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

The developmental profile: preliminary results on interrater reliability and construct validity.

This study presents the preliminary results of research into the interrater reliability and construct validity of the Developmental Profile (DP). In the DP a number of developmental lines, such as Object-Relations, Self-Images, and Problem-Solving Capacities, are assessed and classified according to the level of functioning. A total of 108 profiles were assessed, drawn from three different categories of patients. The weighted kappa values for interrater reliability were sufficient. On the adaptive level, but also on the maladaptive levels Symbiosis and Resistance, significant differences were found between psychiatric patients, "normal controls" (dental patients) and somatic patients. No differences were recorded between the latter two groups. The conclusion is that the DP is a promising instrument, of which the reliability and validity has to be further investigated in order to contribute to scientific support for psychodynamic theory formation.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1998

The autonomy paradox: predictive genetic testing and autonomy: three essential problems.

The development of genetics creates the possibility to acquire more and more information concerning our genetic constitution. In general this is considered as a contribution to the autonomy of patients and others. In this article it is pointed out that the relation between genetic information and autonomy is far from simple. The autonomy of people may even be threatened by genetic information. Counsellors should therefore be very careful in offering the opportunity of genetic testing; a general policy of restraint would be advisable. And when offering information, several considerations should be kept in mind in order to avoid doing more harm than good in the counseling process.

Ethics, Medical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Psychological aspects of genetic counselling: a review of the experience with Huntington's disease.

Presymptomatic DNA-testing for adult-onset diseases has serious psychological consequences. Here the psychological consequences of presymptomatic DNA-testing for Huntington's disease are reviewed. Both carriers and non-carriers experience emotional reactions after disclosure of their test result. However, up to today no long-term adverse emotional consequences have been revealed. Future research on other adult-onset genetic diseases should provide information about the reactions of children. In genetic counselling, attention should be paid to the reactions of people with a decreased risk. Genetic counselling must focus on the whole family and not on the individual applicant.

Family↗