Biomedical subjects

Kristin L Schneider

Publications and source records attributed to Kristin L Schneider.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Naltrexone renders one-session exposure therapy less effective: a controlled pilot study.

In vivo exposure has become the gold standard treatment for specific phobia. The endogenous opioid system is one mechanism proposed to explain why exposure provides such quick and effective treatment for specific phobia. The effect of naltrexone on fear and avoidance behavior was investigated among 15 specific phobia participants who received exposure treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive naltrexone, placebo, or no drug prior to attending one-session exposure treatment. Mixed effects regression results revealed that across time, the naltrexone group tolerated significantly less time in the room with the feared animal (Behavioral Avoidance Index) as compared to the placebo and no drug groups. Phobic individuals assigned to the naltrexone group had significantly higher fear ratings across time in comparison to the placebo group. Results provide support for the endogenous opioid system as a potential underlying biological mechanism associated with behavioral changes during in vivo exposure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Universal session-level change processes in an early session of psychotherapy: path models.

The authors used structural equation modeling to investigate universal change processes identified in the generic model of psychotherapy (GMP). Three path models of increasing complexity were examined in Study 1 in dynamic therapy. The best fitting model from Study 1 was replicated in Study 2 for participants receiving either cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Findings provided support for the universality of the GMP constructs in different types of therapy. Positive influences for therapeutic bond, openness, and realizations were observed, as was a surprising negative impact for one aspect of bond. Discussion highlights a complex conception of the therapy relationship that underscores the importance of investigating the multiple functions that the therapy relationship might serve in different psychotherapies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Self-system therapy as an intervention for self-regulatory dysfunction in depression: a randomized comparison with cognitive therapy.

Self-system therapy (SST) is a new therapy based on regulatory focus theory (E. T. Higgins, 1997) for depressed individuals unable to pursue promotion goals effectively. The authors conducted a randomized trial comparing SST with cognitive therapy (CT) in a sample of 45 patients with a range of depressive symptoms to test 2 hypotheses: that SST would be more efficacious for depressed individuals characterized by inadequate socialization toward pursuing promotion goals and that SST would lead to greater reduction in dysphoric responses to priming of promotion goals. There was no overall difference in efficacy between treatments, but patients whose socialization history lacked an emphasis on promotion goals showed significantly greater improvement with SST. In addition, SST patients showed a greater reduction in dysphoric responses to promotion goal priming than did CT patients. The results illustrate the value of a theory-based translational approach to treatment design and selection.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Self-regulatory cognition and immune reactivity: idiographic success and failure feedback effects on the natural killer cell.

Inducing depressed and anxious individuals to write about their personal goals decreases natural killer (NK) cell activity, revealing a psychobiological pathway whereby experiences of failure can influence health (Strauman et al., 1993). However, it is unclear whether similar effects also occur in non-distressed individuals. This study used the same writing task to examine the acute physiological effects of presenting idiographic success and failure feedback by priming self-congruencies or self-discrepancies on three occasions (including a control condition). Blood samples were collected after each writing session to determine NK activity, and the number and type of lymphocytes in circulation were enumerated to help explain the cytolytic changes. The two self-relevant priming conditions were associated with significant alterations in immunity, and the high self-discrepant participants were more responsive. Both self-congruent (success) and self-discrepant (failure) priming induced significant shifts in mood, which partially mediated immune alterations but did not account for them completely. If repeated and sustained over time, incidental activation of self-discrepancies and self-congruencies could account for individual variation in immune responses.

Achievement↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A pilot study of group exercise training (GET) for women with primary breast cancer: feasibility and health benefits.

Evidence is accumulating for physical activity as an effective, well-tolerated, highly rewarding complementary behavioral intervention for enhancing quality of life (QOL) as well as fitness among individuals with chronic and even terminal illnesses. However, relatively few studies have examined the feasibility and potential health benefits of supervised, structured exercise programs for sedentary women with primary breast cancer. Forty women over the age of 45 with primary breast cancer participated in a course of group exercise training (GET) delivered in a structured format three times per week for 16 weeks. GET emphasizes physical activities that promote aerobic fitness, strength, and flexibility. Assessments of fitness/vigor and QOL were conducted prior to, during, and upon completion of the program. Results demonstrated that GET was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated. Moreover, the participants experienced significant health benefits over the course of the intervention in multiple dimensions of fitness/vigor (aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility) as well as QOL (increased positive affect, decreased distress, enhanced well-being, and improved functioning). Discussion highlights the need for inclusion of physical activity programs in comprehensive, complementary treatment regimes for breast cancer patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗