Biomedical subjects

D J Kavanagh

Publications and source records attributed to D J Kavanagh.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

Recent developments in expressed emotion and schizophrenia.

Expressed emotion (EE) has substantial scientific support as a predictor of relapse of positive symptoms. The median relapse rate in a high-EE environment is 48%, compared with 21% in a low-EE environment. This effect does not seem to be due to confounding with other variables, but it is subject to limitations in its scope of application. EE probably determines relapse through its effect on emotions and symptom control. A stress-vulnerability model of relapse is advanced that incorporates biological factors as well as cycles of mutual influence between symptomatic behaviour, life events, and EE. Aversive types of behaviour in patients and their relatives are seen as understandable reactions to stress that are moderated by social perceptions and coping skills. Families have made positive achievements, including the provision of non-invasive support.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1991

Role of self-efficacy in predicting outcomes from a programme for controlled drinking.

This study predicts the outcomes of 40 men and 20 women who attended a controlled drinking programme within a general hospital. Drinking levels over a 6-month follow-up were significantly predicted by consumption during the programme, by the severity of alcohol problems in the past and by a new measure of self-efficacy level that was administered at post-treatment. The self-efficacy prediction was still significant even after all of the other variables were forced to enter a prediction equation. Results are discussed in terms of a social-cognitive theory of sustained response to treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Towards a cognitive-behavioural intervention for adult grief reactions.

Published accounts of behavioural interventions for grief have relied on exposure and habituation to grief cues as the primary strategy. Such an approach is excessively narrow, since it does not adequately confront the challenges that are posed by a bereavement. Many people cope with a bereavement by themselves, and for those, intervention may well be counterproductive. A cognitive-behavioural intervention, following models for depression/anxiety, can assist vulnerable individuals obtain a more rapid or complete adjustment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1989

Prediction of outcome with group cognitive therapy for depression.

This paper tested a social-cognitive model of depressive episodes and their treatment within a predictive study of treatment response. Clinically depressed volunteers were given self-efficacy questionnaires and other measures before and after they were treated with cognitive therapy, and their progress was monitored over the succeeding 12 months. Improvements in depression during treatment were closely associated with self-efficacy regarding control of mood and with self-monitored levels of negative cognition. Remission over the following 12 months was predicted by the initial response to treatment, by a shorter duration of the episode prior to treatment, and by a post-treatment assessment of self-efficacy regarding control of negative cognition. Self-efficacy remained a significant predictor after post-treatment depression scores and episode duration were entered in a prediction equation. However, a programme of additional treatment based on the depression model did not result in improved depression status. Apart from the failure of the additional treatment, the results are consistent with a social-cognitive model of depressive episodes that emphasises the role of self-efficacy and skills regarding control of negative moods.

Adult↗