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To better understand the stress and quality of life of clergy and clergy spouses, a survey research design was utilized involving a random sample of clergy. Of the 436 respondents involved in this study there were 259 clergy who were employed full-time and 177 clergy spouses. Various scales related to Family Stress Theory and the ABC-X model were used in this investigation. Whereas clergy spouses had greater psychological and physiological stress than clergy, clergy had a greater sense of coherence and spiritual resources. Clergy spouses, however had a greater level of coping. Findings indicated that for both clergy and clergy spouses spiritual resources had the greatest total effect on their quality of life.

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The CANS-MCI, a computer administered, scored, and interpreted touch screen battery, was evaluated for its ability to screen for mild cognitive impairment. 310 community-dwelling elders enrolled in an NIA-funded study. One-month test-retest reliability correlations were all significant (p<.05-p<.001). Concurrent validity correlations were all significant (p<.001). A high level of diagnostic validity was attained relative to the WMS-R LMS-II test (p<.001). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor model indicating the tests measure the intended cognitive dimensions of Memory, Language/Spatial Fluency, and Executive Function/Mental Control. Goodness of fit indicators were strong (Bentler Comparative Fit Index = .99; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=.055). Initial validation analyses indicate that the CANS-MCI shows promise of being a reliable, valid screening tool to determine whether more intensive testing for early cognitive impairment is warranted. KeywordsScreening; Mild Cognitive Impairment; Computer; Neuropsychology; Tests Since most new research and treatments for dementia focus upon slowing the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), 1,2 it is critical to identify the need for intensive diagnostic evaluation so that early treatment can delay AD progression. 3,4 People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), characterized by marked memory impairment without disorientation, confusion, or abnormal general cognitive functioning, appear to develop AD at a rate of 10-5% a year. 5-7 Research concerning MCI, both as a distinct diagnostic entity and as a precursor to AD, 6-11 suggests that instruments focused upon MCI measurement would provide useful screening information for decisions concerning full diagnostic evaluations for AD. Brief or automated neuropsychological tests may be the preliminary step most suited to determine the need for evaluations, which require costly neuropsychological, biochemical, or neuroimaging techniques. 12 While memory deficits have been found to be the most reliable single predictor, 5,10,13-15 studies indicate that tests sampling different cognitive domains, when combined, significantly enhance the predictive validity of a test battery because of variations in the initial cognitive deficits associated with AD. 15-19 Current methods of detection are costly and often deferred until later in the disease process, when interventions to delay AD are likely to be less effective. Therefore, an effective screening device for MCI would be cost efficient and incorporate tests that assess multiple cognitive domains. In this article, we present a reliability and validity study of a touch screen test battery that accomplishes these goals and is administered, scored, and METHODS SubjectsA community sample of 310 elderly people was recruited through senior centers, American Legion halls, and retirement homes in four counties of Washington State. Exclusionary criteria were non-English language, significant hand tremor, inability to sustain a seated position for 45 minutes, ...

This article explores the concept of forgiveness in the context of couple and family therapy. Forgiveness is described as a complex psychological and relational process that is more a discovery via understanding and empathy than an act of will. Empathy is related to emotional intelligence, and the developmental and relational benefits of both are discussed. A rationale for viewing forgiveness in a contextual (family of origin), historical and relational attachment paradigm is offered. Relevant clinical cases illustrate the process of forgiveness as discovery in the context of an empathic relational environment where ambivalence is anticipated and respected.