Biomedical subjects

Tian P S Oei

Publications and source records attributed to Tian P S Oei.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

A test of the cognitive content specificity hypothesis in depression and anxiety.

The present study tested the cognitive content specificity hypothesis (CCSH) to assess whether anxiety and depression can be differentiated on the basis of cognitive disturbance. One hundred and thirty five depressed participants were administered the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), the automatic thoughts questionnaire (ATQ) and the anxious self-statements questionnaire (ASSQ). It was hypothesised that depressive cognitions would be specifically related to, and predictive of, depressive (but not anxiety) symptoms in a depressed sample. Conversely, it was predicted that anxiety cognitions would be specifically related to, and predictive of, anxiety (but not depressive) symptoms in a depressed sample. Results revealed that the ATQ was the sole predictor of the BDI and similarly, the ASSQ was the sole predictor of the BAI. These findings support the CCSH in depression and provide an integrative framework for a greater understanding of the relationship between anxiety and depression.

Adult↗

PubMed2007

Evaluation of the integrated cognitive model of depression and its specificity in a migrant population.

This study empirically tested the specificity of the integrated cognitive model (ICM) of depression, which postulates that negative life events interact with dysfunctional attitudes to increase the frequency and severity of automatic thoughts, subsequently affecting depressive symptoms. We also examined the three competing models: the linear mediation model, the alternative etiologies model, and the symptom model. We anticipated that we might examine these models more appropriately using data from a population at an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. As such, two-wave panel data were obtained from a group of 107 Korean migrants who had been in Australia less than 1 year. Structural equation modeling revealed that the ICM provided an adequate and much better fit than the three competing models. The ICM was also found to support the cognitive specificity theory of depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that dysfunctional attitudes can be a common cognitive moderator of depression and anxiety, whereas automatic thoughts and anxious self-statements can be specific cognitive mediators of anxiety and depression, respectively.

Acculturation↗

PubMed2007

Validation of the Chinese version of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS-C).

Gambling cognitions have constantly been associated with the development and maintenance of problem gambling. Despite researchers reporting high rates of gambling and problem gambling among the Chinese, little is known about the role of gambling cognitions among Chinese individuals (Raylu & Oei, 2004a). This is partly because there is a lack of validated instruments to assess gambling cognitions in this population. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine and validate the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale-Chinese version (GRCS-C), which was based on the 23-item Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS; Raylu & Oei, 2004b). Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) using 422 Chinese participants (166 Male, 256 Female; Mean age = 32.28 years) from the general community (221 living in Australia and 201 living in Taiwan) confirmed that a five-factor model was a good fit for the data. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall scale was .95, and ranged from .83 to .89 for the five factors. Concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validities of the GRCS (Chinese version) were also good suggesting that the GRCS-C is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gambling cognitions among non-clinical Chinese samples.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Would Confucius benefit from psychotherapy? The compatibility of cognitive behaviour therapy and Chinese values.

The purpose of the present paper is to explore the conceptual compatibility between cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and the common values of Chinese Culture. In order to address such a question, the distinctive processes attributed to CBT (e.g., teaching of skills, emphasis on homework, cognitive processes, present/future focus), as summarized in the meta-analysis by Blagys and Hilsenroth [(2002). Distinctive activities of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of the comparative psychotherapy process literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 22, 671-706], and the core values of Chinese Culture, determined through an integration of The Hofstede Project, [Hofstede, G.H. (1980). Culture's consequences: International differences in work related values. Beverly Hills: Sage]. The Chinese Value Survey [Chinese Culture Connection (1987). Chinese values and the search for culture-free dimensions of culture. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 18, 143-164]. The Schwartz Value Survey [Schwartz, S.H. (1994). Cultural dimensions of values: Towards an understanding of national differences. In Kim, U., Trandis, H.C., Katiticibasi, C., Choi, S.C., & Yoon, G. (eds.), Individualism and collectivism: Theory, method and application (pp. 85-119). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage] were used. A strong degree of compatibility between the two was found and it is argued that rather than developing new indigenized therapies, with some structural changes to the processes of CBT, this therapy can be effective for Chinese clients. It is further proposed that Chinese clients may benefit from challenging their irrational cognitions that are bound up in their strict adherence to social norms. Future recommendations for increasing the compatibility of CBT to Chinese culture are discussed.

Asian People↗

PubMed2006

Alcohol expectancies, drinking refusal self-efficacy and drinking behaviour in Asian and Australian students.

The effects of alcohol expectancies (AE) and drinking refusal self-efficacy (DRSE) in predicting alcohol consumption in Caucasians has been well studied. However, the role of AE and DRSE in Asian students is still not well understood. This study reported on this using Caucasian (n=98) and Asian (n=92) student samples. Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to measure their hazardous alcohol consumption, and the drinking expectancy profile (DEP) to assess their alcohol related expectancies and ability to resist drinking in certain situations. Results showed that Caucasians reported significantly higher confidence, higher sexual interest, and higher tension reduction expectancies than Asians. Conversely, Asians significantly expected cognitive enhancement and negative consequences more than Caucasians. Relative to Caucasians, the Asian sample also reported that they would be more able to refuse alcohol when under social pressure. Results from regression analyses showed that for the Caucasian sample, AE, DRSE and their interactions were significant predictors of alcohol consumption. For the Asian group, the only significant effect to emerge was that DRSE was negatively related to alcohol consumption. The clinical implications of the differential pattern of results between the samples are discussed in terms of self-efficacy and negative consequences of alcohol consumption, especially when dealing with university aged individuals.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Validation of the Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire--Revised in an Adolescent Sample (DRSEQ-RA).

Adolescent drinking is a significant issue yet valid psychometric tools designed for this group are scarce. The Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire--Revised Adolescent Version (DRSEQ-RA) is designed to assess an individual's belief in their ability to resist drinking alcohol. The original DRSEQ-R consists of three factors reflecting social pressure refusal self-efficacy, opportunistic refusal self-efficacy and emotional relief refusal self-efficacy. A large sample of 2020 adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years completed the DRSEQ and measures of alcohol consumption in small groups. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the three factor structure was confirmed. All three factors were negatively correlated with both frequency and volume of alcohol consumption. Drinkers reported lower drinking refusal self-efficacy than non-drinkers. Taken together, these results suggest that the adolescent version of the Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (DRSEQ-RA) is a reliable and valid measure of drinking refusal self-efficacy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Alcohol expectancies, self-efficacy and coping in an alcohol-dependent sample.

This study expanded earlier work conducted by this laboratory by examining the independent and interactive effects of avoidant coping strategies, positive and negative alcohol expectancies and self-efficacy, in predicting volume and frequency of alcohol consumption in a sample dependent on alcohol (n=296). Coping strategies were found to be salient predictors of frequency of drinking, while venting emotion interacted with negative expectancies to predict both volume and frequency of drinking. Venting emotion was also found to interact with drinking refusal self-efficacy in predicting volume of alcohol consumed. These interactions are discussed in terms of the cognitive and behavioural mechanisms thought to underlie drinking behaviour.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2006

Factor structure and internal consistency of the Young Schema Questionnaire (Short Form) in Korean and Australian samples.

We investigated cross-cultural differences in the factor structure and psychometric properties of the 75-item Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF). Participants were 833 South Korean and 271 Australian undergraduate students. The South Korean sample was randomly divided into two sub-samples. Sample A was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and sample B was used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). EFA for the South Korean sample revealed a 13-factor solution to be the best fit for the data, and CFA on the data from sample B confirmed this result. CFA on the data from the Australian sample also revealed a 13-factor solution. The overall scale of the YSQ-SF demonstrated a high level of internal consistency in the South Korean and Australian groups. Furthermore, adequate internal consistencies for all subscales in the South Korean and Australian samples were demonstrated. In conclusion, the results showed that YSQ-SF with 13 factors has good psychometric properties and reliability for South Korean and Australian University students. Korean samples had significantly higher YSD scores on most of the 13 subscales than the Australian sample. However, limitations of the current study preclude the generalisability of the findings to beyond undergraduate student populations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Validation of the Quality of Life Inventory for patients with anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND: In 1992, Frisch et al (Psychol Assess. 1992;4:92-101) developed the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) to measure the concept of quality of life (QOL) because it has long been thought to be related to both physical and emotional well-being. However, the psychometric properties of the QOLI in clinical populations are still in debate. The present study examined the factor structure of QOLI and reported its validity and reliability in a clinical sample. METHOD: Two hundred seventeen patients with anxiety and depressive disorders completed the QOLI, and additional questionnaires measuring symptoms (Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Fear Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Stress) and subjective well-being (Satisfaction With Life Scale) were also used. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis via the principal components method, with oblique rotation, revealed a 2-factor structure that accounted for 42.73% of the total variance, and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis suggested a moderate fit of the data to this model. The 2 factors appeared to describe self-oriented QOL and externally oriented QOL. The Cronbach alpha coefficients were 0.85 for the overall QOLI score, 0.81 for the first factor, and 0.75 for the second factor. CONCLUSION: Consistent evidence was also found to support the concurrent, discriminant, predictive, and criterion-related validity of the QOLI.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Cognitive change process during group cognitive behaviour therapy for depression.

BACKGROUND: This study extended that of Kwon and Oei [Kwon, S.M., Oei, T.P.S., 2003. Cognitive change processes in a group cognitive behavior therapy of depression. J. Behav. Ther. Exp. Psychiatry, 3, 73-85], which outlined a number of testable models based on Beck's cognitive theory of depression. Specifically, the current study tested the following four competing models: the causal, consequential, fully and partially interactive cognitive models in patients with major depressive disorder. METHODS: A total of 168 clinically depressed outpatients were recruited into a 12-week group cognitive behaviour therapy program. Data was collected at three time points: baseline, mid- and at termination of therapy using the ATQ, DAS and BDI. The data were analysed with Amos 4.01(Arbuckle, J.L., 1999. Amos 4.1. Smallwaters, Chicago.) structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Results indicated that dysfunctional attitudes, negative automatic thoughts and symptoms of depression reduced significantly during treatment. Both the causal and consequential models equally provided an adequate fit to the data. The fully interactive model provided the best fit. However, after removing non-significant pathways, it was found that reduced depressive symptom contributed to reduced depressogenic automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes, not the reverse. CONCLUSION: These findings did not fully support Beck's cognitive theory of depression that cognitions are primary in the reduction of depressed mood.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Number and type of substances in alcohol and drug-related completed suicides in an Australian sample.

BACKGROUND: The association between substance use and suicide is well-established, but evidence is scant regarding the relationship between the number, type, and level of substances and other risk factors in completed suicide across the lifespan. AIMS: To examine the relationship between social/demographic characteristics and the number, type, and level of drugs present in an unrestricted age sample of completed suicides in Australia. METHOD: An analysis was undertaken of 893 substance-related suicides using data from the Government Statistician's Office for the years 1989-1992. RESULTS: The number and type of substances present in suicide victims was related to the individuals' gender, age, marital status, employment status, and method of suicide. Blood alcohol level was significantly different between the methods of suicide, but was unrelated to demographic characteristics of the individual. The level of antidepressants and minor tranquilizers in the individuals was also unrelated to demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Examination of the type and number of substances present in completed suicides is an important component in creating profiles of potential suicide victims.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Components of group processes: have they contributed to the outcome of mood and anxiety disorder patients in a group Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy program?

The present study assessed the influence of group processes on clinical outcomes of patients with anxiety and depression following group Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Five group environment variables were measured: cohesion, leader support, expressiveness, independence, and self-discovery. One hundred and sixty two patients attended a group CBT program and were assessed at pre and post-treatment. Results provided evidence for the effectiveness of group therapy as patients reported significantly lower depression and anxiety at the conclusion of treatment. Expressiveness was the only predictor of post-treatment anxiety, whereas leader support, expressiveness, and independence were significant predictors of post-treatment depression. Overall, findings suggest that the patients benefited from high levels of expressiveness and independence within their therapy group. In contrast, they failed to benefit from high levels of leader support, whereas both group cohesion and self-discovery appeared to be unrelated to outcome.

Anxiety Disorders↗

PubMed2005

Drinking refusal self-efficacy questionnaire-revised (DRSEQ-R): a new factor structure with confirmatory factor analysis.

The drinking refusal self-efficacy questionnaire (DRSEQ) assesses a person's belief in their ability to resist alcohol. The DRSEQ is a sound psychometric instrument based on exploratory factor analyses, but has not been subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. In total 2773 participants were used to confirm the factor structure of the DRSEQ. Initial analyses revealed that the original structure was not confirmed in the current study. Subsequent analyses resulted in a revised factor structure (DRSEQ-R) being confirmed in community, student and clinical samples. The DRSEQ-R was also found to have good construct and concurrent validity. The factor structure of the DRSEQ-R is more stable than the original structure of the DRSEQ and the revised scale has considerable potential in future alcohol-related research.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Study of the integrated cognitive model of depression among Latin-Americans.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to test the validity of the integrated cognitive model (ICM) of depression proposed by Kwon and Oei with a Latin-American sample. The ICM of depression postulates that the interaction between negative life events with dysfunctional attitudes increases the frequency of negative automatic thoughts, which in turns affects the depressive symptomatology of a person. This model was developed for Western Europeans such as Americans and Australians and the validity of this model has not been tested on Latin-Americans. METHOD: Participants were 101 Latin-American migrants living permanently in Brisbane, including people from Chile, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Argentina and Guatemala. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale, the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire and the Life Events Inventory. Alternative or competing models of depression were examined, including the alternative aetiologies model, the linear mediational model and the symptom model. RESULTS: Six models were tested and the results of the structural equation modelling analysis indicated that the symptom model only fits the Latin-American data. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that in the Latin-American sample depression symptoms can have an impact on negative cognitions. This finding adds to growing evidence in the literature that the relationship between cognitions and depression is bidirectional, rather than unidirectional from cognitions to symptoms.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2004

An integrated cognitive model of panic disorder: the role of positive and negative cognitions.

One reason for the neglect of the role of positive factors in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may relate to a failure to develop cognitive models that integrate positive and negative cognitions. Bandura [Psychol. Rev. 84 (1977) 191; Anxiety Res. 1 (1988) 77] proposed that self-efficacy beliefs mediate a range of emotional and behavioural outcomes. However, in panic disorder, cognitively based research to date has largely focused on catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations. Although a number of studies support each of the predictions associated with the account of panic disorder that is based on the role of negative cognitions, a review of the literature indicated that a cognitively based explanation of the disorder may be considerably strengthened by inclusion of positive cognitions that emphasize control or coping. Evidence to support an Integrated Cognitive Model (ICM) of panic disorder was examined and the theoretical implications of this model were discussed in terms of both schema change and compensatory skills accounts of change processes in CBT.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2004

The roles of depression and anxiety in the understanding and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a debilitating condition stemming from disruption to the respiratory system during sleep. At present, the nature of the relationship between OSAS and mood, specifically depression and anxiety, is still unclear. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on this relationship. PsycINFO was used to locate relevant papers on this topic. This literature search formed the basis of our investigation. Results showed that the anxiety and depression methodology is weak. It is now clear that there is an urgent need to better understand the roles of anxiety and depression in OSAS. For example, the research literature suggests that depression and anxiety covary with OSAS. However, because of methodological issues, such as difficulties involved in diagnosis and the use of inappropriate instruments, this conclusion remains tenuous. Future directions are discussed.

Anxiety↗

PubMed2004

A cognitive model of binge drinking: the influence of alcohol expectancies and drinking refusal self-efficacy.

While binge drinking-episodic or irregular consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol-is recognised as a serious problem affecting our youth, to date there has been a lack of psychological theory and thus theoretically driven research into this problem. The current paper develops a cognitive model using the key constructs of alcohol expectancies (AEs) and drinking refusal self-efficacy (DRSE) to explain the acquisition and maintenance of binge drinking. It is suggested that the four combinations of the AE and DRSE can explain the four drinking styles. These are normal/social drinkers, binge drinkers, regular heavy drinkers, and problem drinkers or alcoholics. Since AE and DRSE are cognitive constructs and therefore modifiable, the cognitive model can thus facilitate the design of intervention and prevention strategies for binge drinking.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The role of catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations and panic self-efficacy in predicting panic severity.

This study investigated the role of both negative and positive cognitions in predicting panic severity in an international sample of patients diagnosed with panic disorder (with and without agoraphobia). One hundred and fifty-nine patients were administered the Brief Bodily Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire (BBSIQ), the Self-efficacy to Control Panic Attacks Questionnaire, and the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) prior to receiving treatment. Regression analyses indicated that both catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations and panic self-efficacy independently predicted panic severity. The influence of panic self-efficacy upon panic severity remained significant even after controlling for the presence or absence of agoraphobia. There was no evidence to suggest a moderating relationship between the two cognitive factors. Results are discussed in terms of the need to consider both negative and positive cognitions in cognitive accounts of panic disorder.

Adult↗