There is a strong association between alcohol and relationship problems, with each problem exacerbating the other. In this program of research two studies were conducted. The first study was to investigate the variables that put couples at risk for developing a combination of relationship and alcohol problems. The second study was an evaluation of the effects of an integrated education program that promoted safe drinking and positive relationship interaction. Previous research shows that deficits in negative affect regulation and poor communication predict the onset of both relationship and alcohol problems. Based on these findings, it was hypothesized that deficits in communication exist in couples in which one or both partners drink at hazardous levels. In Study 1 communication of 85 couples (53 couples with no high-risk drinker and 32 couples with at least one at-risk drinker) in early stage committed relationships was assessed by observation of their interaction. Couples in which the man was drinking at hazardous levels had significantly more negative communication than couples without an at-risk drinker. In Study 2, 37 couples with at least one at-risk drinker were randomly assigned to either Controlling Alcohol and Relationship Enhancement (CARE) or a control condition. Couple communication, alcohol consumption, relationship satisfaction and relationship stability were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Alcohol consumption, relationship satisfaction and relationship stability were also assessed at 6-month follow-up. Couples receiving CARE improved their communication significantly relative to the control couples. Couples in both conditions showed significant reductions in hazardous drinking, but there was no significant difference in the effects of the interventions on alcohol consumption. The program of research demonstrates that deficits in couple communication are evident in couples with hazardous male drinking, even in the early stage of the relationship when the couples report high relationship satisfaction. The communication deficits are remedied with brief, skill-training relationship education. Furthermore, there was evidence for the effects of CARE on reduction of steps towards relationship dissolution at 6-month follow-up. The brief alcohol component of the intervention showed little benefit beyond the control condition in terms of impact upon the alcohol problems. This research is the first to demonstrate that a combined program of skill-based relationship education and strategies for alcohol reduction is effective in remediating communication skills deficits in the early stage relationships of couples with hazardous alcohol consumption. Future research can extend this work to enable the development of programs which match the content of relationship education to the specific needs of other high-risk couples.

The problem of inaccurate measurement techniques for quantifying isothermal solidification kinetics during transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding in binary and ternary systems; and resulting uncertainty in the accuracy of analytical and numerical models has been addressed by the development of a new technique using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This has enabled characterization of the process kinetics in binary and ternary solid/liquid diffusion couples resulting in advancement of the fundamental theoretical understanding of the mechanics of isothermal solidification. The progress of isothermal solidification was determined by measuring the fraction of liquid remaining after an isothermal hold period of varying length. A 'TLP half sample', or a solid/liquid diffusion couple was setup in the sample crucible of a DSC enabling measurement of the heat flow relative to a reference crucible containing a mass of base metal. A comparison of the endotherm from melting of an interlayer with the exotherm from solidification of the residual liquid gives the fraction of liquid remaining. The Ag-Cu and Ag-Au-Cu systems were employed in this study. Metallurgical techniques were used to compliment the DSC results. The effects of sample geometry on the DSC trace have been characterized. The initial interlayer composition, the heating rate, the reference crucible contents, and the base metal coating must be considered in development of the experimental parameters. Furthermore, the effects of heat conduction into the base metal, baseline shift across the initial melting endotherm, and the exclusion of primary solidification upon cooling combine to systematically reduce the measured fraction of liquid remaining. These effects have been quantified using a modified temperature program, and corrected using a universal factor. A comparison of the experimental results with the predictions of various analytical solutions for isothermal solidification reveals that the moving interface solution can accurately predict the interface kinetics given accurate diffusion data. The DSC method has been used to quantify the process kinetics of isothermal solidification in a ternary alloy system, with results compared to a finite difference model for interface motion. The DSC results show a linear relationship between the interface position and the square root of the isothermal hold time. While the numerical simulations do not agree well with the experimental interface kinetics due to a lack of accurate thermodynamic data, the model does help develop an understanding of the isothermal solidification mechanics. Compositional shift at the solid/liquid interface has been measured experimentally and compared with predictions. The results show that the direction of tie-line shift can be predicted using numerical techniques. Furthermore, tie-line shift has been observed in the DSC results. This study has shown that DSC is an accurate and valuable tool in the development of parameters for processes employing isothermal solidification, such as TLP bonding.

The problem of inaccurate measurement techniques for quantifying isothermal solidification kinetics during transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding in binary and ternary systems; and resulting uncertainty in the accuracy of analytical and numerical models has been addressed by the development of a new technique using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This has enabled characterization of the process kinetics in binary and ternary solid/liquid diffusion couples resulting in advancement of the fundamental theoretical understanding of the mechanics of isothermal solidification. The progress of isothermal solidification was determined by measuring the fraction of liquid remaining after an isothermal hold period of varying length. A 'TLP half sample', or a solid/liquid diffusion couple was setup in the sample crucible of a DSC enabling measurement of the heat flow relative to a reference crucible containing a mass of base metal. A comparison of the endotherm from melting of an interlayer with the exotherm from solidification of the residual liquid gives the fraction of liquid remaining. The Ag-Cu and Ag-Au-Cu systems were employed in this study. Metallurgical techniques were used to compliment the DSC results. The effects of sample geometry on the DSC trace have been characterized. The initial interlayer composition, the heating rate, the reference crucible contents, and the base metal coating must be considered in development of the experimental parameters. Furthermore, the effects of heat conduction into the base metal, baseline shift across the initial melting endotherm, and the exclusion of primary solidification upon cooling combine to systematically reduce the measured fraction of liquid remaining. These effects have been quantified using a modified temperature program, and corrected using a universal factor. A comparison of the experimental results with the predictions of various analytical solutions for isothermal solidification reveals that the moving interface solution can accurately predict the interface kinetics given accurate diffusion data. The DSC method has been used to quantify the process kinetics of isothermal solidification in a ternary alloy system, with results compared to a finite difference model for interface motion. The DSC results show a linear relationship between the interface position and the square root of the isothermal hold time. While the numerical simulations do not agree well with the experimental interface kinetics due to a lack of accurate thermodynamic data, the model does help develop an understanding of the isothermal solidification mechanics. Compositional shift at the solid/liquid interface has been measured experimentally and compared with predictions. The results show that the direction of tie-line shift can be predicted using numerical techniques. Furthermore, tie-line shift has been observed in the DSC results. This study has shown that DSC is an accurate and valuable tool in the development of parameters for processes employing isothermal solidification, such as TLP bonding.

Acknowledging the critical role that occupational factors play in employee health, researchers have tried to understand ways to reduce the harmful effects of work on employee health. As the process by which individuals recharge resources that have been depleted, recovery has been recognized as important due to its potential to mitigate the negative effects of work on employee well-being. Although the recovery literature has continued to grow, many questions remain unanswered. The purpose of the present study was to expand our knowledge of recovery by examining situational (job characteristics) and individual (trait guilt) predictors of recovery and investigating psychological attributes of off-job activities. An experience sampling design was used to understand relationships among focal variables at day level. Hypotheses were tested using the data from 99 full-time employees living with a full-time working spouse and at least one dependent. The results suggest that daily job characteristics serve an important role in recovery such that they relate to recovery experiences of psychological detachment and relaxation. However, job characteristics did not have significant relationships with the choice of off-job activities. With regard to subjective experiences of off-job activities, findings demonstrated considerable variance across individuals. Further, psychological attributes of off-job activities were found to relate to recovery experiences although the results were not always consistent with expectation. Next, little support was found for the moderating role of trait guilt in the relationship between job characteristics and off-job activities. Finally, consistent with previous research, recovery experiences related to better well-being outcomes.

Previous research indicates a high rate of long distance relationships, especially among young adults. Yet, research in this area is lacking, particularly regarding the role of video chatting. Through the lens of the media richness theory and the hyperpersonal model, this qualitative study explores how video chatting impacts idealization and disillusionment in young adults’ long distance dating relationships. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with both partners of six heterosexual couples. Data was analyzed using the constant comparative approach and following the basic framework of open, axial, and selective coding used in grounded theory research. Results indicate that video chatting helps partners feel close to one another, though partners must still manage the differences between feeling close and actually being close. Couples use idealization and uncertainty management to reduce disillusionment, and couples who anticipate changes manage those changes more successfully. These findings suggest that video chatting mimics in-person communication more accurately than any other technology, though it cannot replace true geographic proximity. Nonetheless, video chatting appears to help minimize disillusionment by promoting healthy idealization for couples who use it throughout their long distance dating relationship.

Syfte: Att öka kunskap om klinisk hypnos inom ramen för familje-/parterapi. Frågeställningar: I vilken omfattning används hypnos? När? Av vilka anledningar, samt hur? Metod: Kvalitativ, explorativ. 10 intervjuer har genomförts. Resultat: Inblick ges i systemiskt hypnosarbete, vilket kan utgöra förstudie till fortsatt forskning. Omfattning: Hypnos används i 0 - 100 % av fallen, vanligast i 40 - 50 %. När: Vid depression, ångest, affektiv-, kommunikations-, sex & samlevnadsproblem, med dissociativa klienter, trauma, ätstörningar, klienter med autistiska drag, vid kroppssymtom; smärta, mage/tarmproblem, högt blodtryck. Hypnos är särskilt givande vid problem som påverkar familjen. Anledningar: Hypnos är salutogent, ger verktyg för interaktion och bearbetning som når ickeverbala nivåer, kan ge kroppsreaktioner. Hypnos anses skonsamt, helande, effektiviserande. Hypnos upplevs ofta positivt, vilsamt för såväl klienter som terapeut. Terapeutens ensamarbete underlättas. Hur: Direkt och indirekt hypnos används, med och utan övrig familj närvarande, utifrån klientens behov. Namnet klinisk hypnos överväger, men ”visualisering, inre bild, imaginativ övning, dagdrömsteknik etc.” förekommer för att ej väcka fördomar, vilket existerar. Olika hypnostekniker exemplifieras. Diskussion: Metod och frågeställningar har god passform. Resultatet stöds av tidigare forskning och teoribildning samt pekar på nyheter; omfattningen, vikten av möjligheten att arbeta tyst, med medföljande personal, självhypnos, minska lugnande medicinering, vilsamt för terapeuten. Varför metoden ej är vidare spridd, beforskad diskuteras. Vetenskapliga studier om hypnos efterfrågas. / Purpose: To increase knowledge on clinical hypnosis within the context of family/couples therapy. Questions: To what extent is hypnosis utilized? When? For what reasons, and how? Method: Qualitative, explorative. 10 interviews were made. Results: Insight is given in systemic hypnotherapy, which could form a preliminary to further research. Scope: Hypnosis is used in 0 - 100% of cases, most common in 40 - 50 %. When: For depression, anxiety, affective-, communication-, sex & relationshipproblems, with dissociative clients, trauma, eating disorders, clients with autistic traits or bodily symtoms; pain, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure. Hypnosis is especially rewarding when family is affected by the problem. Reasons: Hypnosis is salutogenic, adds tools for interaction and processing that reach nonverbal levels, can give body reactions. Hypnosis is regarded gentle, healing, increasing efficiency. Hypnosis often gives positive, restful experiences, for clients and therapist. Hypnosis facilitates working alone. How: Direct and indirect hypnosis is used, with or without family present, based on the clients needs . The term clinical hypnosis dominates, allthough "visualization, mental image, imaginative exercise, reverie technique etc." appears to not arouse prejudice. Hypnotic techniques are exemplified. Discussion: Method and issues are well fit. The result is supported by earlier research/theories, pointing to news; scope, the importance of the possibility to work in silence, with escorts, reduction of sedatives, selfhypnosis, restfulness for the therapist. Why the method is not further spread, researched is discussed. Scientific studies of hypnosis are requested.

Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-57).

Thesis (M.A.)--Miami University, Dept. of Psychology, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-55).

The A15-based Nb3Sn and V3Ga superconducting compounds are an integral part of synchrotrons and magnetic fusion reactor technology, especially where a magnetic field higher than 10 T is required, which lies beyond the limit of conventional Nb-Ti superconductors (~8 T). These brittle intermetallic compounds are difficult to manufacture in the form of wires, required for the application purpose, using the traditional wire-drawing process. Hence, bronze technique is adopted to fabricate such filamentary wires. This is based on the solid-state diffusion where A3B compound (A=Nb or V, B=Sn or Ga) forms during the interaction of Cu(B) and A. The operation of pure superconducting wires gets restricted to the field of 12 T, however, the ever-increasing demands for an improved efficiency have promoted the development of these A15 wires with the addition of alloying elements such as Ti and Zr. Many important physical and mechanical properties of such wires depend on the growth behaviour of these compounds. Therefore, understanding the growth of such compounds necessitates an in-depth analysis on diffusion behaviour of various elements in both bronze-based solid solutions as well as A15-intermetallics. Estimation of diffusion parameters makes use of the most commonly used diffusion couple technique. There are mainly three methods available for the estimation of the interdiffusion coefficients, proposed by Matano-Boltzmann (MB), Den Broeder (dB), same as Sauer-Freise (SF) and Wagner. Among these three, MB treatment is known to be the least accurate method, especially when there is a deviation of molar volume in a system from the ideality. At the same time molar volume might affect the estimation process differently for dB and Wagner’s approach. MB method is still being used neglecting the actual molar volume variation. On the other hand, the implementation of dB or Wagner’s approach for the estimation remains to be random. For the first time, we have critically examined the role of molar volume on estimated diffusion parameters and indicated the more accurate approach. Similar analysis for the estimation of the intrinsic diffusion coefficient is conducted considering Heumann and van Loo’s methods. Furthermore, the discussion is extended to the estimations of various diffusion parameters considering the measured composition profile in the V-Ga system. A detailed diffusion study has been conducted on Cu(Ga) and Cu(Sn) solid solutions to examine the role of the vacancy wind effect on interdiffusion. The interdiffusion, intrinsic and impurity diffusion coefficients are determined to facilitate the discussion. It is found that Ga and Sn are the faster diffusing species in the respective systems. The trend of the interdiffusion coefficients is explained with the help of the driving force. Following that, the tracer diffusion coefficients of the species are calculated with and without consideration of the vacancy wind effect. We found that the role of the vacancy wind is negligible on the minor element in a dilute solid solution, which is the faster diffusing species in this system and controls the interdiffusion process. However, consideration of this effect is important to understand the diffusion rate of the major element, which is the slower diffusing species in this system. Major drawback of studying diffusion in multi-component systems is the lack of suitable techniques to estimate the diffusion parameters. In this study, a generalized treatment to determine the intrinsic diffusion coefficients in multi-component systems is developed utilizing the concept of pseudo-binary approach. This is explained with the help of experimentally developed diffusion profile in the Cu(Sn, Ga) solid solution. Based on an interdiffusion study using an incremental diffusion couple in the V-Ga binary system, we have shown that V diffuses via lattice, whereas Ga does so via grain boundaries for the growth of the V3Ga phase. We could estimate the contributions from two different mechanisms, which are, usually, difficult to delineate in an interdiffusion study. Available tracer diffusion studies and the atomic arrangement in the crystal structure have been considered for a discussion on the diffusion mechanisms. Diffusion–controlled growth rate of V3Ga at the Cu(Ga)/V changes dramatically because of a small change in Ga content in Cu(Ga). One atomic percent increase in Ga leads to more than double the product phase layer thickness and a significant decrease in activation energy. Kirkendall marker experiment indicates that V3Ga grows because of diffusion of Ga. Role of different factors influencing the diffusion rate of Ga and high growth rate of V3Ga are discussed. The growth of Nb3Sn by bronze technique on two different single crystals and deformed Nb is studied. The grain boundary diffusion-controlled growth rate is found to be different for each of these three specimens. The difference is explained on the basis of the grain size of Nb3Sn. Elemental additions such as Ti and Zr to either bronze or metal are found to improve the superconducting properties. We have examined their effects on the growth rates of A15-phase formed in Cu(B,x)/A and Cu(B)/(A,x), where x is Ti or Zr. In either cases Ti and Zr-additions result in an improved growth rate of the product phase and reduces activation energy with increase in alloying addition; however few precipitates are formed in the interdiffusion zone for Cu(B,x)/A. Wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS)-mapping reveals these to be x-rich. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)-analysis suggests having composition gradient inside a single precipitate. TEM-diffraction demonstrates these to be Ti(A) solid solution crystallizing as BCC-structure for Cu(B,Ti)/A. These are located on grain boundaries of A15-phase. Electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD)-analysis demonstrates grain morphology of product phase and found the average grain size to exhibit a decreasing trend with increasing x content. Columnar grains, on Ti and Zr addition tend to form as equiaxed ones. Based on the morphology and grain size pattern, the role of grain boundary diffusion is speculated to have a dominant effect with increase in elemental additions. The texture evolution of the product phase is also investigated and found the product phase to grow as a strongly textured one with the elemental additions. A peculiar pattern is observed for the texture of the product phase and its adjacent A or A(x) grains.

Althoughitislegalized by law to adoptchildren by homosexualindividuals in the Czech Republic now, mainfocusofthechapters in this thesis dealswithadoptivechildrenofregisteredhomosexualcouples in the country. Exceptforothergoals, the thesis aimsatthistopicfromthe point oftheethic and morality as thesociety´svalues. Italsosets up a discussionaboutthefactthatthischanceisgiven to theindividuals but not thecouplesthatofficiallyvalidatetherelationship, whichshowsthatthey are not aware to admittheirorientation. The thesis takes in theaccount not only second and philosophic bibliografy, but it si alsosupported by the public discoursebeing in progress in media and online editorials. These ale alsoimportant to beconsideredwhilesolvingthissituation.