Developmental regression in autism: maternal perception.

Developmental regression among children with autism is a common phenomenon of unknown origin. The purpose of this study was to identify the differences between children with autism who reportedly regressed with those who did not regress. A representative group of 39 mothers were interviewed (40 children--1 pair of twin girls) about familial, pregnancy, perinatal, as well as medical history and developmental milestones. The study focused on mothers' perceptions of developmental regression. Nineteen children (47.5%) regressed in verbal and nonverbal communication and social but not in motor abilities. Mean age of regression was 24 months, with 11 children who regressed before and 8 after this age. No significant differences were reported by mothers of children who did or did not regress. More mothers of children who regressed, than those of children who did not, expressed guilt feelings regarding the development of autism, and almost all of them had an "explanation" for the possible mechanisms that might have influenced their children's developmental course. In conclusion, developmental regression in our population appears to be a typical event in the natural course of autism. There is little difference between those children who regressed and those who did not regress in maternal perceptions and reports of development, family, and medical history.

Psychopathology associated with sexual dysfunction.

The association between sexual disorders and psychological functioning was investigated in this study. Seventy-eight subjects who applied for sex therapy were divided into the following groups: Sexual Desire (SDD) and Erectile Disorder; Orgasm (ORG) and Premature ejaculation (PME) disorders. Fifty-six sexually functional subjects served as matched controls. The MMPI was administered to all subjects. The results indicated that the SDD and Erectile groups produced the most disturbed profiles, while the ORG and PME groups yielded profiles within normal limit (WNL). A good fit of individual to group profiles was found for SDD, but not for PME and ORG; thus, clinical interpretation was possible for the former only.

Sex, ethnic, and social differences in test anxiety among Israeli adolescents.

The effects of sex, ethnicity, and social class on levels of test anxiety were examined among a sample of 416 adolescent students in Israel. Significant sex differences in mean levels of test anxiety were found, with girls scoring consistently higher than boys across ethnic, social, and grade categories. Pupils of low socioeconomic status (SES) also scored consistently higher than pupils of high SES across grades. Nevertheless, this study provides little support for the commonly held view that sociocultural or sex group differences in school achievement are due, in any meaningful way, to differences in test anxiety. The group differences, though significant for SES and sex, were of negligible magnitude, and the correlation between test anxiety scores and grade point average was minimal for the group as a whole and nonsignificant for students of Eastern background, who have been purported to be particularly affected by high levels of test anxiety. The findings do support other cross-cultural studies, which have found only a modicum of shared variance between test anxiety and grades. It is concluded that test anxiety is not a particularly valid predictor of achievement or ability.

Mediating factors in the modification of smoking behavior.

This study was designed to investigate two personality variables that may influence the effectiveness of covert sensitization in reducing smoking behavior. These are GSR reactivity to stressors and GSR adaptation to repeated stressors. It was predicted that both high reactivity and nonadaptivity to stressors would facilitate covert sensitization therapy. Fifty-nine subjects underwent treatment and were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 week intervals. Subjects were distributed among four groups: A. High reactors, nonadaptive (15); B. High reactors, adaptive (14); C. Low reactors, nonadaptive (9); D. Low reactors, adaptive (21). The results demonstrate that the measure of reactivity to stressors is significantly related to the success of the treatment, but the relevance of the measure of adaptivity factor was not demonstrated.

Psychological androgyny and sexual adequacy.

This study investigated the hypothesis that individuals with androgynous personalities would be more competent sexually than individuals with sex-typed personalities. Scores on the Bem Sex-Role Inventory were compared for a patient group and a control group. The data revealed a higher percentage of androgynous subjects in the control group than in the patient group. Even when only one spouse was androgynous, the chances of sexual competence within the couple increased. In addition, there was more sex typing among the longer married patient couples and more stereotyped femininity in both men and women in the patient group. The results were taken to support the view that the androgynous person's flexibility and adaptability is conducive to a satisfactory sexual relationship. Some cultural differences between Israeli and American samples were noted. Findings contradicted the cultural stereotypes of the macho Israeli male and the nonfeminine Israeli woman.

An evaluation of sexual performance--comparison between sexually dysfunctional and functional couples.

A multidisciplinary team approach was used to identify different correlates of sexual inadequacy, by comparing sexually dysfunctional and adequately functioning couples. Early familial disruption, traditional/religious upbringing and current religiosity of the male patient, prejudices concerning normal sex behavior, sexual ignorance, communication problems, and myths resulted in rigid stereotyped sexual behavior for both partners in our dysfunctional, patient group. These behaviors are characterized by "gender asymmetry" in all aspects of sexual activity. Contrary to previous reports, it was found that men are very concerned with partner satisfaction and are the primary initiators for therapy.

Couple interactional classification of sexual dysfunction--a new theoretical conceptualization.

Sex therapists traditionally speak of the couple's relationship as "the patient." However, existing diagnostic classifications prove to be random lists of dysfunctions and are unrelated to the dyad as a couple. Each partner is classified independently and out of context of the dyad on the basis of lists of male/female dysfunctions. A merging of gynecosexological and behavioral psychosexological approaches has led us to develop a new holistic classification--and, what we believe to be, a more rational one--of sexual dysfunctions. It is based on a ranking of the disorders according to the seriousness of the disruption to the dyad's functioning as a couple. The sexual dysfunctions are classified according to the degree of stress activated within the couple's relationship, thus enabling the therapist, from the beginning, to develop rapport and increased motivation by the clients, which will positively affect the therapeutic outcome, even in the so-called serious cases.