Changes in coping skills and problem-solving skills were examined in two groups of schizophrenic patients. The groups received either coping skills enhancement or problem-solving treatments to reduce their drug-resistant residual psychotic symptoms. The coping skills group showed significant increases both in the number of positive coping strategies used and in their efficacy, whereas the problem-solving group showed a decrease in these measures during treatment. Both groups showed significant improvements in problem-solving skills. Changes in coping but not problem solving were significantly related to decreases in psychotic symptoms during treatment. It was concluded that treatment involving the teaching of coping skills had a specific treatment effect.

A method of teaching coping skills to patients with schizophrenia who experience unremitting psychotic symptoms is described. This method (Coping Strategy Enhancement CSE) is based on a thorough behaviour analysis of each symptom and the assessment of any coping strategy the subject may already employ. The subject is then systematically trained in the use of appropriate coping strategies i n response to the occurrence of their psychotic symptoms. Two case studies are described in which CSE was used. Both patients showed considerable improvements over treatment. In one patient improvement continued at 6 month follow-up, in the other there was some deterioration at follow-up. Possible reasons for these results were discussed.

Jealousy is a common emotion which can be considered pathological in some circumstances. The term ‘morbid jealousy’ has been used to signify this abnormal or extreme condition. However, the literature on morbid jealousy is sparse and the empirical data fragmentary. The aims of this paper are to briefly review the concept, to define the dimensions of the disorder and to apply a cognitive-behavioural framework to it. Such a summary paper is timely, to draw together the different aspects of the problem and to provide a theoretical base from which to generate further research.

This paper uses preliminary findings from an ARC-funded Linkage grant to speculate on the requirements for producing gender analysis as a change process. Gender analysis, commonly associated with gender mainstreaming, is a methodology aimed at ensuring that all projects, programs and policies are gender-inclusive and gender-sensitive. In the Linkage study existing models of gender analysis taken from Canada and The Netherlands are being tested for their usefulness in selected agencies in South Australia and Western Australia. The goal is to design gender analysis processes appropriate to specific Australian contexts. This paper reflects on the challenges and obstacles encountered in the project to date. It focuses in particular on the importance of creating space for extended debate and discussion of the concepts and issues relevant to gender equality and social change. The authors describe this space as “somewhere in the middle”.

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