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A study on the relationship of mindfulness to empathy was conducted with undergraduate students at a large southwestern university. Previous studies suggest that mindfulness may be related to empathy, but are inconclusive due to measurement and methodological limitations. A mindfulness construct that includes axioms related to intention, attention, and attitude is suggested for researching empathy, along with statistical models that include mediation. A multifactored measure of mindfulness was hypothesized to predict perspective taking and empathic concern empathy components, which in turn would mediate the relationship of mindfulness facets to individual and interpersonal outcomes. Study results suggest a relationship of mindfulness to perspective taking, but not to empathic concern. Results from the mediation procedures were not supportive of the theorized role of empathy in relation to mindfulness on individual and interpersonal outcomes. Implications and limitations to the study design and theory are discussed. / text

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experienced impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) within the context of intimate relationships. Few studies have examined the lived experience of CSA within the context of a relationship from the perspective both partners. Further, previous research in the area of CSA has primarily focused on the trauma experienced by the survivor, thus excluding the impact of CSA on the couple relationship. Examining the impact of CSA on intimate relationships is important as those individuals in close relationship with the survivor will often also experience the impact of the long-term sequelae associated with CSA. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced CSA and their partners. Data generated during two joint interviews with three participant couples were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. An over-arching theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing emerged from the data; this theme was impacted by the additional themes identified throughout the analysis process. The additional three themes were: living with the unknown, (barely) surviving, and commitment. Given the limited research on the impact of CSA on intimate partnerships and the focus of existing studies on the more negative aspects of the impact CSA has on relationships, the theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing provides a valuable contribution to the literature. These themes are discussed along with implications for counselling practices and future research.

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experienced impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) within the context of intimate relationships. Few studies have examined the lived experience of CSA within the context of a relationship from the perspective both partners. Further, previous research in the area of CSA has primarily focused on the trauma experienced by the survivor, thus excluding the impact of CSA on the couple relationship. Examining the impact of CSA on intimate relationships is important as those individuals in close relationship with the survivor will often also experience the impact of the long-term sequelae associated with CSA. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced CSA and their partners. Data generated during two joint interviews with three participant couples were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. An over-arching theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing emerged from the data; this theme was impacted by the additional themes identified throughout the analysis process. The additional three themes were: living with the unknown, (barely) surviving, and commitment. Given the limited research on the impact of CSA on intimate partnerships and the focus of existing studies on the more negative aspects of the impact CSA has on relationships, the theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing provides a valuable contribution to the literature. These themes are discussed along with implications for counselling practices and future research.

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No description available.

Maladaptive interpersonal functioning is considered typical of eating disorders. The present thesis aimed to add to existing knowledge of interpersonal functioning in the eating disorders in terms of both symptomatology and treatment. In Study 1, relationships were found between eating disorder attitudes and several types of poor interpersonal functioning. These associations were present when controlling for depression and anxiety. Study 2 found that generalised interpersonal problems were more likely to be reported by women with bulimic disorders than comparison women, apart from problems with being too open, which were more likely to be reported by comparison women. In Study 3, individuals with self identified eating disorders were found to have poorer problem solving skills in specific interpersonal situations than healthy controls, generating less means to solve the problem, with these means being significantly less effective and less specific than those generated by healthy controls. In Study 4, the experience of an invalidating childhood environment was explored as a potential predictor of adult interpersonal problems in the eating disorders. Viewing the expression of emotions as a sign of weakness was a mediator of the relationship between having a more invalidating mother and adult eating concern in a nonclinical population. In Study 5, the interpersonal experiences of patients with bulimic disorders are explored using qualitative methodology. They report a range of problems characterised by social avoidance, social anxiety, non-assertiveness, and a difficulty with being genuine in relationships. In Study 6, patients reported their experiences of interpersonal psychotherapy for bulimic disorders. In general, they experienced the therapy as positive and beneficial. They express that it helped them address a range of interpersonal problems, and reduced but did not cure their eating disordered behaviours. Patients liked that therapy focused on both interpersonal relationships and eating. In Study 7, interpersonal psychotherapists discussed their perceptions of the modified therapy. They identified several factors as being related to outcome, such as the existence or willingness to build a support network, motivation to change, a clear interpersonal problem identified in the patient, level of depression, duration of the eating disorder and keeping therapy focused on the interpersonal. Results of these studies suggest that those with higher levels of eating disorder related attitudes and behaviours often have significant problems with interpersonal functioning. This thesis supports the use of interpersonal psychotherapy as a viable treatment approach to the eating disorders. It also supports the use of the modified version of the therapy, which addresses eating as well as interpersonal functioning.

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No description available.