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Biomedical subjects

W A Griffin

Publications and source records attributed to W A Griffin.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

A conceptual and graphical method for converging multisubject behavioral observational data into a single process indicator.

Typically, in observational research, each behavior of a subject is assigned a code that represents theoretically relevant and contextually sensitive events. These discrete behavioral acts are then strung together to denote a process. With multiple interactants, the investigator has two choices: ignore subject interdependence and analyze as if the data strings are discrete, or treat the strings as interdependent and create a summary index that represents the combined codes across subjects. This article illustrates a method of combining discrete within-subjects behavioral indicators into behavior-specific domains and then conglomerating the disparate domain strings across subjects in such a way that the aggregate reflects the observed process. This aggregation is represented by a coordination index, expressed as either interactant disparity or coherence. Also, animation and visualization methods are presented that illustrate how social processes can be modeled by using either the coordination index or the separate domain values.

Affect↗
PubMed2000

An experimental evaluation of theory-based mother and mother-child programs for children of divorce.

This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 theory-based preventive interventions for divorced families: a program for mothers and a dual component mother-child program. The mother program targeted mother-child relationship quality, discipline, interparental conflict, and the father-child relationship. The child program targeted active coping, avoidant coping, appraisals of divorce stressors, and mother-child relationship quality. Families with a 9- to 12-year-old child (N = 240) were randomly assigned to the mother, dual-component, or self-study program. Postintervention comparisons showed significant positive program effects of the mother program versus self-study condition on relationship quality, discipline, attitude toward father-child contact, and adjustment problems. For several outcomes, more positive effects occurred in families with poorer initial functioning. Program effects on externalizing problems were maintained at 6-month follow-up. A few additive effects of the dual-component program occurred for the putative mediators; none occurred for adjustment problems.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1998

Symptom study in context: effects of marital quality on signs of Parkinson's disease during patient-spouse interaction.

Hypokinesia, the inability to initiate or maintain movement, represents one of the most disabling aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD), and displays intriguing moment-to-moment variability from environmental stressors. Correlates of orofacial hypokinesia (characteristics of spontaneous eye blink and speech) were coded from videotaped interactions for PD patients in maritally distressed and nondistressed dyads. Significant changes occurred only for the patients in distressed relationships on the two strongest neurophysiologic measures of orofacial hypokinesia, rate and duration of spontaneous eye blink. Further analyses suggest two possible explanations for these temporal symptom changes. Distressed spouses may exacerbate symptoms by exposing the patient to negativity. Alternately, nondistressed spouses may compensate for the demands of the interactional task by assuming a greater share of the conversation relative to the patient's contribution. Results are linked to existing literature; the role of social and familial support in chronic illness is discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1994

Social interaction and symptom sequences: a case study of orofacial bradykinesia exacerbation in Parkinson's disease during negative marital interaction.

Evidence is rapidly accumulating that disease symptoms are influenced by psychological factors, and most potently, by familial relationships. This case study demonstrated the detrimental influence of negative marital interaction on orofacial bradykinesia and speech productivity in a 74 year old male Parkinson's disease patient. An increase in bradykinesia symptoms followed a series of specific negative comments by the wife during a conversation; these symptoms showed partial reversal during a subsequent conversation with a lab assistant. The analytic method and data summary strategies used to determine this relationship are discussed relative to their possible utility for other disorders.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Analysis of behavioral durations in observational studies of social interaction.

Many social science disciplines investigate dyadic or triadic social interaction by recording the interactive behaviors as qualitative codes. This article introduces a method for analyzing and interpreting variation in the durations of coded behaviors obtained during such interactions. Using survival analysis and event history analysis as its basis, this article discusses the use of regression techniques that enable the researcher to assess how the distributions of behavioral durations depend on covariate observations. An analysis of conflicts between mothers and children illustrates the discussion, using the proportional hazards model. Behavioral and attitudinal differences among the mother-son dyad predicted variation in the durations of mothers' negative statements to their sons.

Child↗
PubMed1980

Computerized graphic methods for determining dissociation constants of agonists, partial agonists, and competitive antagonists in isolated smooth muscle preparations.

Computer programs have been written that calculate dissociation constants for agonists, partial agonists, and competitive antagonists from data generated in isolated smooth muscle preparations. The data are analyzed according to standard procedures and are presented in graphical form with the aid of an inexpensive digital plotter. The digital plotter coupled with a computer markedly decreases the time required to perform these fundamental analyses and also reduces the chance for error and experimenter bias.

Animals↗