Archives

Volume 2: Abstracts

NeuroScience-based Voice Dialogue Imago Therapy
Dr. Edward WengLok Chan
International Psychology Centre
Abstract: Most couple therapy models (Declaire & Gottman, 2001; Beck, 1967; Bader & Pearson, 1988; Greenberg & Johnson, 1988; Johnson, 1996) do not produce effective outcomes. This is mainly because of the lack of sound theoretical constructs for most of these models. This paper shows how a model based on Imago Therapy (Hendrix & Hunt, 1988; Hendrix & Hunt, 2003; Hendrix & Hunt, 2005) and Voice Dialogue Facilitation (Stone and Stone, 1989; Stone & Stone, 1993; Stone & Stone, 2000) can be based on sound neuroscience evidence: Chan (2015); (Pare & Duvarci, 2012); Lewis, Fari & Lannon (2000); Harlow's (1958); (Brehony, 2003; Farrow & Woodruff, 2007; Schore, 2003) and can help couples in distress not only heal and reestablish their initimacy, but also prevent experiences of future distress in ways that the current Imago Therapy model cannot.

Toward Developing a Conceptual Framework to explain Positive Thinking Based on Islamic View
Mohammad Kodayarifard, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran
Bagher GhobariBonab, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran
Saeed Akbari ZardKhaneh, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran
Enayatollah Zamanpour. AllamehTabatabaei University
Saeid Zandi, University of Tehran
Mariam Derakhshan, University of Tehran
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to critically review theories and approaches related to positive thinking and to develop a theoretical model based on Islamic view, which is compatible with cultural values in Iran. To fulfill the stated aim, philosophical and historical foundations of positive thinking in different schools of thought including Leibnitz, Sadra, Kant, Freud and James were critically reviewed. In addition, the theoretical constructs associated with positive thinking including hope, positive automatic thoughts and paradigms of Seligman, Scheier and Carver in this regard were critically studied. Finally, based on the attachment theory of Bowlby, positive thinking was established on and its applications were explained for individuals' thinking styles about past events, present interpretations of events and future expectations. Since the attachment theory is a relational theory, positive thinking in this paradigm was discussed in a way that included individuals' relationship with transcendental being, others, nature, and the self.

The Influence of Different Music Genres on Task Performances of Employees
Lim Lee Chun
International Psychology Centre
Abstract: Across a team or an entire organization, the key performance factors like increased productivity, minimal error, high morale, positive atmosphere and good customer service are always the major ingredients contributing towards employees' overall task performances, which will then lead to an inspiring business growth. Music has a profound effect on human behavior. It creates ambience, changes mood, influences behavior, evokes emotions and builds pleasant personality among employees. This study attempts to shed light on the correlation between specific genre music with mood, concentration and work efficiency. It aims to see whether popular music or calm music aids in employees' task performance better than Mozart music. In Camy Bookland (a bookshop that sells children's books, educational toys and stationery), two participants are exposed to said set of music while they are working. They are required to self-assess their work performance and behavioral response (in terms of State Positive Affect, Quality of Work and Time Spent On Task) by filling up the questionnaire. Findings showed the participants perform significantly better in the presence of Mozart music as compared to Pop music and Calm music. Mozart music helps regulate mood and increases quality of work as it evokes a pleasant mood and an increases arousal state. Comparatively, Mozart music provides a 'controlled distraction', which is helpful to the employees in speeding up work. It prompts to force brain into gear and hence prevents the mind from "wandering off". However, music isn't beneficial for the employees in every situation. Sometimes it can divert some of the mental resources away from the novel task (especially a cognitively demanding task) at hand. Therefore, a decent music selection is very important in determining whether it hampers the job performance or bolsters the productivity.

The Music Therapist: Creative Arts Therapist and Contemporary Shaman
Joseph Moreno-MT
Maryville University
Abstract: While much of contemporary psychotherapy practice often focuses primarily on verbal exchange between therapists and clients, it is important to recognize that verbal expression is just one mode of expression, and not necessarily the deepest or most profound. Many clients in therapy may be more comfortable in expressing themselves in other ways through the modes of music, art, dance and psychodrama. The sources of the arts in healing extend back for many thousands of years and their modern expression through the creative arts therapies are now widely utilized in the mainstream of modern psychotherapy. Traditional healing practices are still widely practiced in many indigenous cultures around the world today and an appreciation of these practices can deeply enrich our understanding of the essential role of the arts in human expression. The aim of this paper is to consider the roots of the arts therapies and really all of psychotherapy, going as far back as pre-historic evidence, followed by an overview of living indigenous healing practices in such settings as Bushman culture in Namibia, Native American Indian culture, as well as in Kenya, Bali, Malaysia, Mongolia and more.

A qualitative analysis of women who have undergone a multi-stage psychotherapy and hypnotherapy intervention to manage psychological stress while undergoing in-vitro fertilisation: What were their experiences and outcomes?
Professor Alan Francis Patching
Bath Spa University, United Kingdom & Bond University, Australia
Abstract: The literature is rich with studies addressing stress effects on In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) outcomes. Debate continues regarding whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship, or merely a correlation, between stress and IVF failure. While several studies have addressed coping mechanisms used by couples undergoing IVF, and the effects of coping mechanisms used at three points within an IVF cycle, the author found no study that presented a programme for women to deal with stress before, during and after IVF cycles. Based on evidence from practice, the author devised a five-phased psychotherapy and hypnotherapy protocol ("IVF-Assist"). This qualitative study provides insights from the narratives of eight 'difficult case' women who underwent that programme, including one who found she would never be able to carry to term. The narratives of both the seven participants who fell pregnant and the one who was unable to carry to term inform future psychotherapy interventions to assist women better address stress effects that could affect IVF outcomes.

Parental Styles And Aggression In Children And Adolescents
Ass.Prof.Teodora Stoeva
Bath Spa University, United Kingdom & Bond University, Australia
Abstract: In the article is considered the influence of the different parental styles-authoritarian; democratic; permissive; and style of rejection, on the emergence and development of aggression in children and adolescents. They have been formulated the following hypotheses:1. It was assumed that the protective style of parenting that inhibits the development of social intelligence, and the permissive style, leading to a perception that any behavior is acceptable, are associated with aggression in childhood.2. It was assumed that the authoritarian style of parenting, in which is used the method of punishment, is associated with aggression, both in childhood and adolescence. The results show that a key factor for the development of aggression has been proved to be the authoritarian style of parenting. The study has implications for the family counseling related to the treatment of the parental patterns and relationships in families with children and adolescents with aggressive behavior. The results for the "autoritarian style", key to the emergence of aggression, especially in adolescence, shows that the parental counseling should include training, related to the discussion of alternative styles of behavior. It is appropriate the parents to be included in training for the so-called education of management strategies of parenting - by offering case studies and exercises on the issue of effective methods of rewards and punishments against children and adolescents.

Improving Treatment Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes: What Kind of Intervention Could be Offered?
Astrid Wulandari, Magdalena S. Halim
Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
Abstract: Treatment adherence is a key factor to achieve stable glucose level in type 2 diabetes. Treatment adherence is defined as changes in lifestyle associated with self-care behaviors, like diet and exercise. The purpose of the study was to identify potentially modifiable factors based on patient illness perception associated with treatment adherence among people with type 2 diabetes and to develop intervention based on the result to increase the adherence. 152 respondents (males 37,5%, females 62,5%) were recruited from several public health institutions in Jakarta. The mean age of the study group was 57,9 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 6,9 years. Measurements used were Self-Care Inventory Revised (SCI-R), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), Self-Efficacy for Diabetes, and Social Support Questionnaire 6 (SSQ-6). Significant predictors of treatment adherence were self-efficacy, subscale treatment control and concern of illness perception. Based on that result, we developed 4 -session group therapy focusing on illness perception aspect, and also developed the intervention module and booklet for respondents.