Changes In Mental Function Research Articles

Психологическая структура дефекта как основание психологической помощи детям с отклонениями в развитии

<p>The concept of “psychological structure of a defect” is analyzed in the context of its use for designing psychological assistance for a child with developmental disabilities. The potential of this concept is revealed for identifying individual characteristics of abnormal mental development. The psychological structure of the defect is defined as a set of nuclear mental anomalies that serve as the basis for the emergence of the entire spectrum of particular manifestations of the child’s abnormal development, as well as the agent’s reaction to them. Two types of personality response are identified – objective and subjective. The first reveals changes in mental functions, the second reveals the subject’s experiences about the defect, including the attitude towards the defect, emotional-sensory and behavioral components. The agent's reaction to the defect reflects the cyclical nature of the formation of the structure of the defect. It can both support the existence of the nuclear defect, generate defects of a higher order (dysfunctional cycle) and facilitate overcoming them (evolutionary cycle).</p>

Sistem Pakar Diagnosa Penyakit Skizofrenia Dengan Menerapkan Kombinasi Metode Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) Dan Metode Certainty Factor

Psychiatric illness is a change in mental function that causes disturbances in ways of thinking, will, emotions, actions and social relations that can cause obstacles in carrying out social roles. One type of psychiatric disorder that is very often known by the public is schizophrenia. If schizophrenia is not followed up, it will have a lot of impact on Indonesian society. For this reason, we need a system that is designed to mimic the expertise of an expert in answering questions and solving a problem in accordance with the knowledge of an expert that is entered into a computer system. The development of artificial intelligence technology that has occurred has enabled expert systems to be applied in detecting diseases using programming languages. One of them is in providing information about various problems, especially psychiatric disorders or often called schizophrenia. The expert system method used is a combination of the Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) and Certainty Factor (CF) methods, which is one of the solutions that can display the final results of several diagnoses of schizophrenia. With the facilities provided to users, it is possible to use this system according to their individual needs. Users are given the convenience of finding information about the symptoms of Schizophrenia and its prevention. This expert system was created using the Microsoft Visual Basic 2010 application.

Cogstim: A Shared Decision-making Model to Support Older Adults' Brain Health.

The lack of effective treatments for cognitive decline in older adults has led to an interest in the possibility that lifestyle interventions can help to prevent changes in mental functioning and reduce the risk for dementia. Multiple lifestyle factors have been related to risk for decline, and multicomponent intervention studies suggest that changing older adults' behaviors can have a positive impact on their cognition. How to translate these findings into a practical model for clinical use with older adults, however, is not clear. In this Commentary, we propose a shared decision-making model to support clinicians' efforts to promote brain health in older persons. The model organizes risk and protective factors into three broad groups based on their mechanism of action and provides older persons with basic information to allow them to make evidence- and preference-based choices in choosing goals for effective brain health programs. A final component includes basic instruction in behavior change strategies such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving. The implementation of the model will support older persons' efforts to develop a personally relevant and effective brainhealthy lifestyle that may help to reduce their risk for cognitive decline.

Effectiveness of a nurse-led hospital-to-home transitional care intervention for older adults with multimorbidity and depressive symptoms: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led hospital-to-home transitional care intervention versus usual care on mental functioning (primary outcome), physical functioning, depressive symptoms, anxiety, perceived social support, patient experience, and health service use costs in older adults with multimorbidity (≥ 2 comorbidities) and depressive symptoms. Pragmatic multi-site randomized controlled trial conducted in three communities in Ontario, Canada. Participants were allocated into two groups of intervention and usual care (control). 127 older adults (≥ 65 years) discharged from hospital to the community with multimorbidity and depressive symptoms. This evidence-based, patient-centred intervention consisted of individually tailored care delivery by a Registered Nurse comprising in-home visits, telephone follow-up and system navigation support over 6-months. The primary outcome was the change in mental functioning, from baseline to 6-months. Secondary outcomes were the change in physical functioning, depressive symptoms, anxiety, perceived social support, patient experience, and health service use cost, from baseline to 6-months. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using ANCOVA modeling. Of 127 enrolled participants (63-intervention, 64-control), 85% had six or more chronic conditions. 28 participants were lost to follow-up, leaving 99 (47 -intervention, 52-control) participants for the complete case analysis. No significant group differences were seen for the baseline to six-month change in mental functioning or other secondary outcomes. Older adults in the intervention group reported receiving more information about health and social services (p = 0.03) compared with the usual care group. Although no significant group differences were seen for the primary or secondary outcomes, the intervention resulted in improvements in one aspect of patient experience (information about health and social services). The study sample fell below the target sample (enrolled 127, targeted 216), which can account for the non-significant findings. Further research on the impact of the intervention and factors that contribute to the results is recommended. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03157999.

Activity Engagement and Cognitive Performance Amongst Older Adults.

Research supporting cognitive reserve theory suggests that engaging in a variety of cognitive, social, and physical activities may serve as protective factors against age-related changes in mental functioning, especially if the activities are cognitively engaging. Individuals who participate in a variety of cognitive activities have been found to be more likely to maintain a higher level of cognitive functioning and be less likely to develop dementia. In this study, we explore the relationship between engaging in a variety of activities and cognitive performance amongst 206 healthy older adults between the ages of 65–85. Age and years of education were found to be the most significant predictors of a global composite representing cognitive performance, consistent with previous work linking these variables to age-related changes in cognition and the cognitive reserve. We interpret these results to suggest that age and education are better predictors of global cognitive performance in older adults than self-reported activity engagement.

Fatores de risco para a depressão no cotidiano da equipe de Enfermagem no âmbito hospitalar

A depressão pode levar o indivíduo a apresentar alteração anormal na função mental, podendo ser compreendida como um prolongamento de sentimentos negativos. A equipe de enfermagem está no grupo dos mais propensos aos problemas de saúde mental, dentre os quais a depressão, pois estão em contato próximo das pessoas, acompanham o sofrimento, a dor física e psíquica, a expectativa de melhora ou o declínio do estado de saúde de pacientes. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa, com objetivo de descrever fatores de risco para a depressão no cotidiano da equipe de enfermagem no âmbito hospitalar. Após a associação de todos os descritores foram encontrados 132 artigos, excluídos 109 e selecionados 23. Posterior à leitura reflexiva emergiram três categorias: Fatores contribuintes para a depressão do profissional de enfermagem e Consequências da depressão para os profissionais de enfermagem e A equipe de enfermagem, automedicação e o suicídio. A depressão também pode sofrer influência em profissionais da enfermagem com baixa renda familiar. Quanto mais baixa a remuneração, maior prevalência de depressão. O profissional, em sua prática diária, espera o reconhecimento dos que estão próximos de si, porém nem sempre o desejável acontece, podendo surgir sentimentos de incompetência, incapacidade, desânimo, impotência e ideação suicida. Conclui-se que é relevante que se examine os fatores que podem contribuir para o estresse, o que resultará em ambientes saudáveis e com melhores condições de trabalho no sentido de prevenir reações adversas que podem ter consequências não só na saúde e bem-estar dos profissionais, mas, também, no desempenho profissional e na qualidade da assistência prestada ao paciente.

ROLE OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR SCREENING OF THE ELDERLY MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC ZONE

The share of the elderly population in Russia has been growing in recent years, which necessitates the search for new ways to improve the efficiency of medical, psychological and social services to assess the mental health condition of elderly people and directions of its preservation, taking into account national, historical features and social conditions. The aim of the study was the methodological substantiation of the use of new socially-conditioned approaches to ensure the early detection of mental disorders in the elderly in the Arctic territories of Russia. Subjective and objective difficulties of detection of mental disorders and specific "stresses of old age" reducing the quality of life level are systematized. Four directions of activity on strengthening of elderly persons mental health taking into account social and demographic structure, cultural and gender traditions, special value of a family and the related relations and other specific features of accommodation in the conditions of the Arctic zone are proved: shift of emphasis in primary and secondary preventive and diagnostic activity from psychiatric services to doctors of primary link and specialists in the sphere of rendering social services; training in the use of specialists in screening tools; psychological preparation of the relatives of the possession of screening simplest methods for mental activity disorders in persons of advanced age; involvement in the care of older people with mental health problems members of the foster - adoptive families. The basic prognostic factors of preservation and strengthening of senior age group representatives of the mental health are defined. The great social importance of the introduction of early screening of changes in mental functions in the elderly to improve the integrative indicator of their quality of life as a level of comfort in interaction with the micro-social environment, in the framework of the implementation of the basic provisions of the concept of active and healthy longevity.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Lowering blood pressure could cut the risk of developing a brain disorder that can lead to Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia according to a study published online in JAMA, CBS News reported Jan. 28. One in three American adults have high blood pressure, and only half have it under control. The lead author of the study, Dr. Jeff Williamson of the Wake Forest School of Medicine, called the findings a leap forward. “For the first time in history we can say, in terms of blood pressure lowering treatment, what is good for your heart is also good for your brain,” Williamson said. Researchers followed more than 9,000 people age 50 or older for around three years and found lowering blood pressure more aggressively — getting the systolic blood pressure number below 120 — led to a 19 percent decrease in mild cognitive impairment compared to a less aggressive treatment with a number of 140. Researchers didn't see the same effect for dementia, saying there were not enough cases in the study. Because of this, the Alzheimer's Association is going to help fund the study for another two years. This gives doctors something tangible to discuss with patients who are concerned about changes in mental function.

One-session cognitive behavior treatment for long-term frequent attenders in primary care: randomized controlled trial

Aim: The aim of the study was to find out, if a single cognitive behavior treatment (CBT) session for long-term frequent attenders in primary care affects the attendance frequency and mental well-being of the patients.Methods: Out of 193 long-term frequent attenders, 56 participated and were randomized to receive either a one-session CBT intervention or usual care. The groups were compared to each other regarding change in general practitioner visits and change in depressive symptoms, sense of coherence, somatoform symptoms and hypochondriacal anxiety at six months’ follow-up.Results: The attendance frequency decreased in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. Changes in mental functioning did not differ between the groups. When patients with no mental health disorder were analyzed separately, the decrease in GP visits was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = .004).Conclusion: A single session of CBT is not useful in reducing GP visits or improving mental well-being of long-term frequent attenders. Frequent attenders without a psychiatric disorder may benefit from this kind of intervention.

ПСИХОФІЗІОЛОГІЧНІ ЗМІНИ В ОРГАНІЗМІ СТУДЕНТІВ ПІД ВПЛИВОМ НАВЧАЛЬНОГО НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ

Introduction: Preparation of students for professional activity requires significant psycho-physiological stress. Adaptive changes that occur in the body, characterize the level of functioning of systems and their potential capabilities. Purpose: The aim of the artcle was to investigate the changes in mental functions and vegetative reactions in the formation of long-term adaptation of the students organisms to the study load. Methods: A method for studying the properties of attention for correctional tables Anfimova, the method of arrangement of numbers, red-black tables of Schulte, methods of studying short-term arbitrary visual memory; 5-minute Heart Rate Variability (HRV) records. Results: The study load for students of “Physics and Mathematics” (PHM) and “Chemistry and Biology”(CHB) corresponded to their psychological and mental abilities that were decisive when choosing a specialty, and therefore did not cause significant changes in attention and mnemonic processes. Adaptive reactions manifested in vegetative regulation. Changes in HRV showed an increase in parasympathetic regulation and decreased neurohumoral modulation in women, “Foreign Languages” (FL). Reduced memory for words (p ≤ 0.05), caused tensions of regulatory influences and increased central regulation. Under the influence of the educational load in the students of the “Physical Education” (PHE), the indicators of mental activity improved (p ≤ 0.05). Changes in regulatory influences were manifested in lowering the activity of higher super-segmental levels of cardiac rhythm management and increased activity of the respiratory and vasomotor centers. In women, PHM was observed reduction of cerebro-ergotropic activity (p ≤ 0.05) and maintenance of vegetative balance. Low volume and productivity of attention showed a decrease in efficiency, but it did not have a disruptive effect on the body. In students of CHB the activity of both departments of vegetative regulation decreased. This indicated the development of unsatisfactory adaptation mechanisms under the influence of the study load. Originality: The psycho-physiological parameters of students of different specializations of linked samples have been analyzed. Differences in the formation of adaptive changes in an organism depending on the content of educational activity have been established. Conclusion: The tension of regulatory mechanisms was felt by the students of FL and CHB. Women of PHE, psychophysiological parameters have improved as a result of high motor activity. The smallest psychophysiological discomfort was felt by women of PHM, which was manifested in the stability of the studied indicators.

Explaining How Cognitive Behavioral Approaches Work for Low Back Pain: Mediation Analysis of the Back Skills Training Trial.

This is secondary research examining the longitudinal mediation effect within a structural equation model. To identify possible mechanisms that mediate the effects of a cognitive behavioral approach upon disability and pain in low back pain patients. Cognitive behavioral interventions (CBIs) can improve pain and disability in low back pain (LBP) but the mechanisms of action are unclear. We used data from a large randomized controlled trial to investigate mediators of the treatment effect of CBI. Pain self-efficacy, fear avoidance, and physical and mental functioning were selected as candidate mediators based on the theoretical rationale of the intervention. The primary treatment outcomes were the Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the modified Von Korff scale (MVK pain and disability) at 12 months. We used structural equation models to estimate the contribution of mediators. All models were tested for goodness-of-fit using χ , Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index, and Bentler Comparative Fit Index. We included 701 adults with LBP. The average RMDQ score at baseline for those on the intervention arm was 8.8 (Standard Deviation 5.0). The intervention was effective in reducing disability and pain at 12 months. Change in mental functioning was not a significant mediator. Changes to pain self-efficacy, fear avoidance, and physical functioning were causal mediators of the treatment effect at 12 months (RMDQ b= -0.149, P < 0.001; MVK-pain b = -0.181, P < 0.001 and MVK-disability b = -0.180, P < 0.001). Overall, the SEM model exceeded the threshold for acceptable goodness-of-fit. Fear avoidance and self-efficacy were important causal mediators of the cognitive behavioral treatment effect. Self-assessed change in physical function was a causal mediator but mental functioning was not. This suggests people need to experience meaningful change in physical function and beliefs but not in mental functioning associated with LBP, to achieve a treatment benefit. 2.

The Effects of a Health Partner Program on Improving Health Status Among Overweight/Obese Individuals With and Without Prediabetes.

The purpose of this study was to compare baseline health status in overweight/obese adults with and without prediabetes and to determine whether a health partner program improved health status at 1-year follow-up from 2010 to 2011. Sociodemographic information, body composition, blood work, and health status were obtained from both baseline and 1-year follow-up visit. Healthy overweight/obese participants with prediabetes were likely to self-report poorer physical functioning compared with those without prediabetes at baseline. At the 1-year follow-up visit, compared with participants without prediabetes, participants with prediabetes had the greatest improvements in physical functioning. Although participants without prediabetes had a significant improvement in mental functioning, there were no significant differences in changes in mental functioning between those with and without prediabetes. Early interventions to improve health status are important, and provider advice and preventive measures aimed at improving health status should be integrated into clinical practice.

The ACHRU-CPP versus usual care for older adults with type-2 diabetes and multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMany community-based self-management programs have been developed for older adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), bolstered by evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that T2DM can be prevented and managed through lifestyle modifications. However, the evidence for their effectiveness is contradictory and weakened by reliance on single-group designs and/or small samples. Additionally, older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) are often excluded because of recruiting and retention challenges. This paper presents a protocol for a two-armed, multisite, pragmatic, mixed-methods RCT examining the effectiveness and implementation of the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit-Community Partnership Program (ACHRU-CPP), a new 6-month interprofessional, nurse-led program to promote self-management in older adults (aged 65 years or older) with T2DM and MCC and support their caregivers (including family and friends).Methods/designThe study will enroll 160 participants in two Canadian provinces, Ontario and Alberta. Participants will be randomly assigned to the control (usual care) or program study arm. The program will be delivered by registered nurses (RNs) and registered dietitians (RDs) from participating diabetes education centers (Ontario) or primary care networks (Alberta) and program coordinators from partnering community-based organizations. The 6-month program includes three in-home visits, monthly group sessions, monthly team meetings for providers, and nurse-led care coordination. The primary outcome is the change in physical functioning as measured by the Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) score from the short form-12v2 health survey (SF-12). Secondary client outcomes include changes in mental functioning, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Caregiver outcomes include health-related quality of life and depressive symptoms. The study includes a comparison of health care service costs for the intervention and control groups, and a subgroup analysis to determine which clients benefit the most from the program. Descriptive and qualitative data will be collected to examine implementation of the program and effects on interprofessional/team collaboration.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence of the effectiveness of a community-based self-management program for a complex target population. By studying both implementation and effectiveness, we hope to improve the uptake of the program within the existing community-based structures, and reduce the research-to-practice gap.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02158741. Registered on 3 June 2014.

Wyniki badań z obszaru psychologii w praktyce psychoterapii

The common objective of the articles included in this issue of Roczniki Psychologiczne is to explain some psychological mechanisms of psychotherapy by drawing on research findings from different areas of psychology. The need for such analyses is justified by the status of research on psychotherapy, which shows that psychotherapy works, but it is not known how or why it does. Such analyses are carried out in accordance with the paradigm of evidence-based clinical practice, suggesting that a potential source of answers to questions or resolution of controversies arising in the practice of psychotherapy can be all the available research findings. The articles in this issue of Roczniki illustrate the practical execution of this suggestion by using research findings from the field of psychology in search of answers to the questions arising in the practice of psychotherapy. Four of the papers concern the determinants of the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions and explain issues such as: (1) in whom and how to modify coping with stress in order to prevent the recurrence of mental disorder symptoms; (2) how to deal with negative emotions in patients; (3) under what circumstances patients have a chance to change their behavior under the influence of insight into the transference phenomenon; (4) what the effects are of psychotherapists perceiving patients in terms of stereotypical assumptions, and whether and how psychotherapists can control such perception. The fifth article refers to changes in mental functioning in patients treated with psychotherapy and answers the question of what the transformation of self-image is associated with in changing the behavior of patients under the influence of psychotherapy.

Wyniki badań z obszaru psychologii w praktyce psychoterapii

Research findings from the field of psychology in the practice of psychotherapy The common objective of the articles included in this issue of Roczniki Psychologiczne is to explain some psychological mechanisms of psychotherapy by drawing on research findings from different areas of psychology. The need for such analyses is justified by the status of research on psychotherapy, which shows that psychotherapy works, but it is not known how or why it does. Such analyses are carried out in accordance with the paradigm of evidence-based clinical practice, suggesting that a potential source of answers to questions or resolution of controversies arising in the practice of psychotherapy can be all the available research findings. The articles in this issue of Roczniki illustrate the practical execution of this suggestion by using research findings from the field of psychology in search of answers to the questions arising in the practice of psychotherapy. Four of the papers concern the determinants of the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions and explain issues such as: (1) in whom and how to modify coping with stress in order to prevent the recurrence of mental disorder symptoms; (2) how to deal with negative emotions in patients; (3) under what circumstances patients have a chance to change their behavior under the influence of insight into the transference phenomenon; (4) what the effects are of psychotherapists perceiving patients in terms of stereotypical assumptions, and whether and how psychotherapists can control such perception. The fifth article refers to changes in mental functioning in patients treated with psychotherapy and answers the question of what the transformation of self-image is associated with in changing the behavior of patients under the influence of psychotherapy.

Adolescence: Challenges and responses

Adolescence: Challenges and responses

Central facial paresis and its impact on mimicry, psyche and quality of life in patients after stroke

Using functional scales and face video analysis, changes in central facial paresis are monitored in patients with stroke after orofacial therapy and correlations between changes in mimicry, mental function and overall quality of life of patients after stroke are made. A prospective randomized study of patients after stroke with facial paresis. The functional status of the experimental group of 50 cases with orofacial regulation therapy and 49 control cases without mimicry therapy is observed after four weeks of rehabilitation. Changes in mimicry functions evaluated by the House-Brackmann Grading System (HBGS) clinical range and using 2D video analysis of the distance between the paretic corner of the mouth and earlobe at rest and during smiling were statistically better in the experimental group than in controls. Changes in mental function - depression using Beck Depression Inventory and changes in the quality of life using Bartle index and modified Rankin score (scale) were significantly greater in the experimental group. There was a very close relationship between the changes in mimicry, mental state and overall quality of life according to the Spearman correlative coefficient. Orofacial rehabilitation therapy for patients with paresis after stroke has a significant influence on the adjustment of mimicry, mental functions and overall quality of life after 4 weeks of treatment.

Exploration of Patient-Centered Success Criteria and Clinically Measured Improvement During Falls Rehabilitation

One method for defining successful rehabilitation outcomes is to use a threshold of performance on a clinical measure. Patients also have their own criteria for success. The aim of this study was to examine the association between clinical measures and patient criteria for determining successful intervention. Twenty-two participants participated in a 12-week intervention program for balance disorders. Participants were tested using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and dynamic gait index (DGI) at the first and final visits. They also used the patient's perspective outcomes questionnaire (PPOQ) at the first visit to rate impairments in the core domains from the international classification of Function. Participants rated their usual levels of impairment across domains, their desired levels of impairment after intervention (success criteria), and how important it was to change in each domain. At the final visit, all participants used the PPOQ to rate their current impairment across domains and completed a 15-point global rating of change (GRC). The intervention was defined as a success if the participant rated himself or herself as "a great deal" or "a very great deal" better using the GRC. Changes in the BBS and the DGI were dichotomized on the basis of whether the change exceeded the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the instrument. Participants' ratings of impairment at 12 weeks were compared with their success criteria and dichotomized on the basis of whether the success criteria had been met. The Freidman test was used to test differences across domains at baseline with Wilcoxon tests for follow-up. Wilcoxon tests were also used to examine the importance of change across domains. Chi-square tests were used to explore the association among the GRC, performance on clinical tests, and whether success criteria were met. Significant changes were noted for the group for both BBS (P < .001) and DGI (P = .006). Only 40% of participants exceeded or met their desired or expected change in impairment for mobility. No significant associations were noted between exceeding MDC on the BBS or DGI and any of the domains on the PPOQ (all Ps = .263). Bivariate associations were noted between baseline measures of psychological factors and many of the participant ratings of impairment. Fifty-five percent of participants indicated that they were a great deal better or a very great deal better. Significant association was identified between success and exceeding MDC on the BBS (χ = 5.84, P = .016) but not the DGI. When considering participants' desired change in impairment, only meeting desired changes in mental function was associated with considering the intervention a success (χ = 4.55, P = .033). Treatment success from the perspective of this group of older adults was related to improvement on a clinic-based performance measure and not the participants' intrinsic success criteria assessed at the beginning of the intervention. Making measurable change in gait and balance translates into perceived success for the patient with a balance disorder.

Effects of mindful-attention and compassion meditation training on amygdala response to emotional stimuli in an ordinary, non-meditative state

The amygdala has been repeatedly implicated in emotional processing of both positive and negative-valence stimuli. Previous studies suggest that the amygdala response to emotional stimuli is lower when the subject is in a meditative state of mindful-attention, both in beginner meditators after an 8-week meditation intervention and in expert meditators. However, the longitudinal effects of meditation training on amygdala responses have not been reported when participants are in an ordinary, non-meditative state. In this study, we investigated how 8 weeks of training in meditation affects amygdala responses to emotional stimuli in subjects when in a non-meditative state. Healthy adults with no prior meditation experience took part in 8 weeks of either Mindful Attention Training (MAT), Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT; a program based on Tibetan Buddhist compassion meditation practices), or an active control intervention. Before and after the intervention, participants underwent an fMRI experiment during which they were presented images with positive, negative, and neutral emotional valences from the IAPS database while remaining in an ordinary, non-meditative state. Using a region-of-interest analysis, we found a longitudinal decrease in right amygdala activation in the Mindful Attention group in response to positive images, and in response to images of all valences overall. In the CBCT group, we found a trend increase in right amygdala response to negative images, which was significantly correlated with a decrease in depression score. No effects or trends were observed in the control group. This finding suggests that the effects of meditation training on emotional processing might transfer to non-meditative states. This is consistent with the hypothesis that meditation training may induce learning that is not stimulus- or task-specific, but process-specific, and thereby may result in enduring changes in mental function.

The Flynn Effect and the Demography of Schooling

Background/Context Although the Flynn effect has been recognized for 60 years and a wide range of factors has been suggested, there is still no agreement on cause. The effect is generally interpreted as a phenomenon involving changes in mental functioning as a consequence of various forms of environmental influence. Purpose The purpose of the account is to argue that at least part of the change in intergen-erational IQ scores is an artifact of the age-based scoring system of IQ tests, together with historical changes in age-grade patterns in school systems. Research Design This is a logical argument using secondary analysis to illustrate historical change in the demographic patterns at the level of the classroom, together with a survey of psychometric documents and accounts of constructing Otis-type tests to explain the role of age in calculating an IQ. A review of research focuses on whether the IQ measures age or grade and whether age change in a school population can account for an IQ change. Conclusions/Recommendations It is concluded that because the age-based scoring systems of IQ tests interact with generational changes of age by grade, a Flynn effect should not be interpreted as a massive intergenerational rise in mental functioning unless the two generations match age in grade in the case of school populations, and highest grades achieved in the case of adults.