Despite increasing interest in the interface between emotion word processing and bilingualism, the representation of valence during emotion word processing in the bilingual brain remains unclear. In the present study, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the neural correlates of written emotion words in a first (L1) and a second (L2) language. Native English (16) and native Chinese (16) bilingual participants rated emotion words in their first and second language while we recorded their brain activity. Our results show distinct neural processing patterns between L1 and L2, with the former eliciting increased overall activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPF) during an emotional rating task. Our results suggest increased neural activity in the left hemisphere for positive words and the right hemisphere for negative words during L1 processing. Intriguingly, we observed the opposite pattern during L2 processing. Emotion condition elicited a statistically significant difference in ratings and response times across groups. Implications for research on bilingualism and emotion are discussed.

<p> Background: There is strong evidence to suggest that emotional distress, particularly depression, is common in patients with heart failure (HF). Caregivers of patients with HF play a pivotal role in improving HF patient outcomes; however, these caregivers are at risk for caregiver burden and emotional distress. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to explore potential relationships among patient and caregiver emotional status, uncertainty and caregiver appraisal. For the purposes of this study, emotional distress is defined as the presence of symptoms of anxiety or depression. Methods: Using a longitudinal exploratory design, 48 HF patient-caregiver pairs were recruited. Patients and caregivers completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS) and caregivers also completed the Caregiver Reaction Assessment at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. Results: Patients had advanced HF symptoms and were older than caregivers (mean age 72.6 years, 54% male versus mean age 58.4 years, 54% female). The majority of caregivers were spouses (58%) but many were adult children (42%). There were significant relationships between: a) HF patient and caregiver uncertainty, and b) caregiver emotional distress and caregiver burden. There were no significant relationships between: a) patient and caregiver symptoms of anxiety and depression, b) emotional distress and uncertainty, or c) patient emotional distress and caregiver burden. Over time, there was a trend for a decrease in: a) patient symptoms of depression, b) caregiver symptoms of anxiety, and c) patient and caregiver uncertainty. Conclusions: Contrary to findings in other studies, there was no significant relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients and their primary caregivers. There was no relationship between emotional distress and uncertainty; however, this is one of the first studies using the MUIS in HF patients and caregivers and further research with this tool is needed. Finally, this study supports findings from other studies suggesting a strong relationship between caregiver emotional distress and caregiver burden. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p> Challenges to the diagnostic accuracy of standardized tests of language can make the utility of these measures on their own, problematic. Consequently, this research program uses tools of conversational analysis to study the speech of preschoolers and young adults.</p> <p> In the first of three studies we examine, from a purely data-driven approach, how conversational measures relate to one another and compare with WPPSI-III expressive and receptive vocabulary scores in assessing preschoolers' language. Mean length of utterance (MLU) was found to be the only conversation measure strongly related to WPPSI-III language scores. However, other conversation measures constituted reasonably stable factors that may have utility for children's language assessment.</p> <p> The second study uses the same sample of children to investigate what features of language best predict behavioural and emotional problems and whether conversation measures provide better prediction of these symptoms than standardized scores. Results indicated that conversation measures of language significantly improved prediction of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL C-TRF) DSM-oriented and syndrome scales beyond that accounted for by WPPSI GLC scores.</p> <p> Finally, the third study uses conversational analysis to study the role of disfluencies in the speech of young adults with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to determine whether these features of speech serve listener or speaker-oriented functions. Individuals with ASD were observed to produce fewer filled pause words (ums and uhs) and revisions than controls, but more silent pauses. Filled-pause words, therefore, appear to be listener-oriented features of speech.</p> <p> Taken together, findings of this program of research highlight the importance of using conversational analysis as an alternative or in addition to standardized tests of language as well as inform what specific measures of language are best suited for this purpose.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / This is a study of thirteen families with an emotionally disturbed child, who reapplied to the Douglas A. Thom Clinic for Children after the termination of a treatment contact. The study explored (1) factors which might reflect that these parents will reapply; (2) factors existing at termination of the first contact which might relate to the bases on which these cases were reaccepted for further treatment, if this occurred; and (3) factors relating to the use of help when they reapplied.

The population of students with emotional and behavioral needs represent a significant proportion of the population of students in today's public schools. To help meet their needs, consultants from outside mental health agencies are often contracted to support school personnel who work with these students. There is little research, however, on this practice, its implementation, or its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of consultation among teachers, counselors, and administrators. Data were collect through open-ended interviews. An analysis of these interviews reveal that members of a school community generally view the practice as a positive experience and a worthwhile investment. Differences between administrators and direct service providers (i.e., teachers, counselors) were identified. Administrators focused on operational or logistical elements of consultation and teachers and counselors spoke more to relational elements, such as personal characteristics of the consultant and the ability to develop a working relationship with the consultant. Further, school personnel with clinical training seemed to welcome the consultation as an opportunity for constructive feedback, but perhaps more importantly, the clinical supervision they would not otherwise receive.

Within the last few decades, public opinion has greatly shaped the justice system to prevent "slippery slopes". This is most evident in the common law doctrine that restricts an alleged victim for recovering damages of emotional distress without notable physical manifestation in the eyes of a layperson—The Impact Doctrine. However, emotional distress is manifested in many psychological illnesses that do not require physical injury that are recognized as legitimate in psychology. This research explores the history of the rule and how it is inconsistent with not only areas of science; but also, other areas of the law. The purpose of this thesis is to explore alternatives to The Impact Doctrine. Through analysis of American common law, Florida common law, and British common law, it can be concluded that the British have found the best alternative to the rule that helps prevent "slippery slopes", while also bridging the gap between science and the law. By analyzing the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community and Civil Rights Actions, the LGBT community may bring a suit for emotional distress based upon a Civil Rights action.

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