No abstract

Social support influences the development, severity, and evolution of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of this systematic review was twofold: (1) to examine the role of social and marital support on the efficacy of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD and (2) to assess whether CBT for PTSD improves the quality of patients’ social and marital support. A systematic search of databases was executed and provided 17 eligible articles: 6 answering the 1st research question and 11 answering the 2nd research question. Most articles found that social and marital support play a role on the efficacy of CBT for PTSD. All but 1 article found that CBT for PTSD improved the quality of social and marital support. However, some studies included in this review were methodologically limited. More randomized clinical trials would then be needed to determine the specific and definite role of social and marital support pertaining to PTSD treatment.

<p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Hispanic Americans are becoming a substantial purchasing force in the United States, thus creating as many opportunities as challenges for marketers in many companies. Although the literature is rich with studies of this sub-culture, new information is always welcome due to the extensive changes that this segment of society is experiencing, from population growth, increasing purchasing power and income, to shifting demographics, diversity, and acculturation. This study is designed to enhance understanding about Hispanic Americans via a survey of a random sample of 120 Hispanic American adult individuals in the Inland Empire area of Southern California. The data collected was analyzed and in this paper, the findings are reported and discussed as well as some marketing tactics recommended. At the strategic marketing level, the authors recommend the application of a theoretical marketing framework, one that matches the nature of the Hispanics&rsquo; market and its dynamics, to develop winning strategies and guidelines for marketers who are interested in this vital market segment.</span></span></p>

Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD/A) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are characterized by major behavioral dysruptions that may affect patients’ social and marital functioning. The disorders’ impact on interpersonal relationships may also affect the quality of support patients receive from their social network. The main goal of this systematic review is to determine the association between social or marital support and symptom severity among adults with PD/A or OCD. A systematic search of databases was executed and provided 35 eligible articles. Results from OCD studies indicated a negative association between marital adjustment and symptom severity, and a positive association between accommodation from relatives and symptom severity. However, results were inconclusive for negative forms of social support (e.g. criticism, hostility). Results from PD/A studies indicated a negative association between perceived social support and symptom severity. Also, results from studies using an observational measure of marital adjustment indicated a negative association between quality of support from the spouse and PD/A severity. However, results were inconclusive for perceived marital adjustment and symptom severity. In conclusion, this systematic review generally suggests a major role of social and marital support in PD/A and OCD symptomatology. However, given diversity of results and methods used in studies, more are needed to clarify the links between support and symptom severity among patients with PD/A and OCD.

Companies are claiming that they are being challenged to maintain profitability and behave in socially responsible ways. The question is how much the social responsibility is a real pressure. Do consumers really know what the companies, producing their favorite brands, are doing? Do consumers really care? How much of an effect do the company practices have on the consumers response to a brand? Or does the consumer-brand relationship have nothing to do with the companys practices? Does the customers response change with the type of company practices (e.g. environmentally friendly or not, treats well or mistreats employees, relationship with suppliers, supports or doesnt support social causes, etc.)? Does such response depend on who the customer is (e.g. different demographics, loyalty to a brand, or level of awareness of societal issues, etc.)? The study attempts to answer these questions and more. The survey included a random sample of 317 adult individual consumers in the Southern California region. Results of the survey are presented within a conceptual framework hypothesizing that the relationship between the consumer and the brand can be affected differently by the companys different practices in regard to social responsibility; and by the consumers characteristics. The paper concludes with some recommendations that may benefit interested companies, social-action groups, and policymakers.