Dr. Cecil Hutto has been appointed Chair for the newly created Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Louisiana – Monroe (ULM).
Dr. Hutto takes over from Dr. David Williamson, previous Chair of ULM Psychology for 15 years, who retired this May.
The new department has been expanded to include psychology, marriage and family, and counseling, Hutto explained to the Times.
The enlarged and re- organized department will help consolidate and streamline the services that fall under ULM’s College of Education and Human Development, he said.
There will not be a specific department called psychology anymore, he explained. Now, the psychology programs and courses will come under the new, expanded department with the new title of Behavioral Sciences. The national economic slow- down and need for streamlining was the main driving force behind the reorganization, he indicated.
“The faculty is great,” he told the Times. But broader scope and the expanded departmental themes come with greater diversity of topics and backgrounds for the members of the new organization. This is not without some changes and challenges, he explained.
“My immediate goal is to join the departments together,” Hutto told the Times, “and to build collaboration and the associations” between the various faculty members.
“That’s what I stepped into,” he said. It has proven both challenging and satisfying for him as he gets to know his colleagues better and the demands of a much larger department.
Dr. Cecil Hutto received his PhD in experimental psychology from the U. of Mississippi in 1993 and is Assistant Professor for both undergraduate and graduate programs. He has served in the Faculty Senate at the university for almost 10 years, on the University Publication Board, the University Animal Use and Care Committee, and the University Strategic Planning Committee, among his many duties at ULM.
Dr. David Williamson was the head of the Psychology Department from 1997 to this year.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Health Psychology: An Introduction to Behavior and Health, is a well- written, authoritative, yet pleasantly user-friendly book about one of the most important areas of psychology today.
The authors, McNeese professors Dr. Linda Brannon and Dr. Jeff Feist have been in for the long haul–this review is for the seventh edition. It has been 20 some odd years since they started looking at health psychology and capturing the diverse and complex interactions that support factual and evidenced-based conclusions impacting health and longevity.
Authors do an excellent job staying up with this fast-moving field and the challenges of rapid and sometimes perplexing shifts in the landscape of research about health and behavior.
The authors meet the challenge easily. Health Psychology is a comprehensive and detailed review. Brannon and Feist integrate a very large amount of information both within psychology and between psychology and biology, physiology, and biochemistry.
But the authors also are able to keep the reader engaged and attentive by employing teaching devices such as self-checks, intriguing questions, surprising facts, exercises, special features and personal profiles. Also included are web-based resources such as additional readings and self-testing Q & A.
One of the most entertaining features is the “Would You Believe …?” box that surprises with unusual research facts about health, unraveling the readers’ preconceived notions.
Brannon and Feish have cocooned difficult subjects of theoretical and scholarly evidence to ease the important topics into place for the student reader. They provide a hopeful and empowering message that should be standard fair for not just psychology students, but all students.
In the modern world with skyrocketing health costs and increasing health problems, this topic could easily be as, or more important than general psychology subjects. For this reason, the text might be considered motivational and psychoeducational. It would seem that all students would benefit from accurate, evidence-based knowledge in this area.
Dr. Brannon addressed this idea with the Times. “I believe that the text is used mostly in psychology departments in health psychology courses. There are a growing number of such courses, which probably reflects the same sentiment that you have—it is an increasingly important topic.”
Health Psychology authors keep the reader up with advances, such as alternative and complementary medicine, and the eighth edition is coming out next year, Dr. Brannon explained.
The text is divided into four parts and 16 chapters, beginning with “Foundations of Health Psychology” and Chapter 1, “Introducing Health Psychology.” Brannon and Feist provide overview of statistics, trends, and paradoxes in health for this introductory chapter. They point out the shift between death due to infectious disease and death related to unhealthy life styles, noting the changes toward the end of the 20th century, with also shifts in the reverse.
They look at ethnicity, income, and some unusual patterns in health and illness, and also which causes of death rank highest in each ethnic group.
They highlight the escalating cost of medical care, much greater than inflation, and that this is in part related to longer life expectancy. But they note that 45 percent of the people in the US have a chronic condition and this group creates 78 percent of the health costs.
In this introductory section, the authors look at models for health, starting with the biomedical and traditional view, and describe how another model, the biopsychosocial model has evolved to address the problems that the traditional approach fails to solve.
Authors give a clear, cogent, and guiding definition of the field of health psychology. “… the application of psychological principles to physical health areas such as controlling cholesterol, managing stress, alleviating pain, stopping smoking, and moderating other risky behaviors, as well as encouraging regular exercise, medical and dental checkups, and safer behaviors.” “In addition, health psychology helps identify conditions that affect health, diagnose and treat certain chronic diseases, and modify the behavioral factors involved in physiological and psychological rehabilitation.”
In Chapter 2, authors look at “Conducting Health Research,” and review the placebo effect and asking, “Would you believe …? Providing Ineffective Treatment May Be Considered Ethical.” They review research methods in psychology and epidemiology, as well as observational methods, randomized trials, and natural experiments. A section on the “risk factor approach” is provided.
Chapter 3 is “Seeking Health Care.” In this section authors examine health protective behaviors, illness behavior and the “sick role.” They surprise the reader with a, “Would you believe …” box showing that hospitals are a leading cause of death.
In Chapter 4, “Adhering to Medical Advice,”authors review the theories applicable to people adhering to medical advice. They look at behavioral theory, self-efficacy theory, reasoned and planned behavior, and the “Transtheoretical Model.” They also review how adherence is measured and factors help predict when patients will adhere or not to advice.
Part 2 is “Stress, Pain, and Coping,” and begins with Chapter 5, “Defining, Measuring, and Managing Stress.” In this section authors review theories, measurement, and sources of stress, and ways that people cope with stress.
This is followed by Chapter 6, “Understanding Stress and Disease,” A review of the physiology of the immune system and psychoneuroimmunology, history and mechanisms are covered. Authors also examine the research about stress and disease, and the “Diathesis-Stress Model.”
The reader is given a chance to test his or her own stress level and authors include a list of stress scales, including the Daily Stress Inventory authored by Pennington’s Dr. Phillip Brantley, Sheryl Catz, and Edwin Boudreaux. And also listed is the Weekly Stress Inventory, by Drs. Brantley, Glenn Jones, and Boudreaux.
In Chapter 7, “Understanding and Managing Pain,” authors provide a comprenhensive look at pain, the somatosensory systems, neurotransmitters, and how pain is measured. Headache, low back, arthritis, cancer pain, and phantom limb pain are described. The chapter concludes with managing pain, both medical and behavioral techniques.
Chapter 8 is “Considering Alternative Approaches,” and provides an overview of practices and systems that fall outside of traditional approaches, and also outside of the biopsychosocial model. They include Ayurvedia Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is described along with information about the US agency that helps to provide information and research for these approaches. The authors also provide a section on “Alternative Practices” including chiropractic, massage, energy healing, meditation and yoga, biofeedback and hypnosis.
Part 3, “Behavior and Chronic Disease,” begins with Chapter 9, “Behavioral Factors in Cardiovascular Disease.” A review of the cardiovascular system and the changing rates of cardiovascular disease is explained, aloing with specific reasons for the decline in death rates. Authors outline risk factors, behavioral factors, psychological factors, with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation.
In Chapter 10, “Behavioral Factors in Cancer,” authors look at the increasing death rates of some cancers and the increasing incidence and death rates in others. They examine the evidence regarding risk factors beyond the individual’s control and environmental risks. Then they look at behavioral risks of smoking, diet, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, ultraviolet light exposure, sexual behavior, and psychosocial risk factors. And authors conclude this chapter with a section on “Living With Cancer.”
“Living With Chronic Illness” follows and chronic diseases of Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Asthma, HIV/AIDs, and a section on death, adjusting to terminal illness and grieving.
Part 4 is “Behavioral Health,” and provides a useful set of chapters on models, theory, research, and applied recommendations for behaviors related to health.
Included is Chapter 12 on “Smoking Tobacco,” and Chapter 13, “Using Alcohol and Other Drugs,” which includes information on motivations, health consequences, and interventions.
In Chapter 14, “Eating and Weight,” authors look at starvation and overeating, and why some people are obese. A “Would You Believe …? You May Need a Nap Rather Than A Diet,” addresses new findings about weight and biochemistry. Authors examine issues regarding the question: is dieting is a good choice. Then they look at clinical conditions of eating disorders.
Chapter 15 is “Exercising.” The research on physical activity and cardiovascular, protection against caner, control of diabetes, psychological benefits, as well as exercise additions and injuries, is examined, with supporting evidence and applications.
In Part 5, “Looking Toward the Future,” and Chapter 16, “Future Challenges,” the authors define the goal of increasing the span of healthy life, and point to the leading indicators of physical activity, obesity, tobacco use, substance abuse, sexual behavior, mental health, injury and violence, environmental quality, immunization and access to health care. Taking on the very big picture, they look at progress in health psychology, the changes needed nationally. In a section, “Making Health Psychology Personal,” they help the reader understand and change his or her risks through awareness and lifestyle.
I’m going to go swim now.
Dr. Jess Feist (L) and Dr. Linda Brannon, authors of Health Psychology. (Courtesy photo.)
Rocketing health costs. Health Psychology is full of graphs like this one to punctuate ideas. (Source is the National Center for Health Statistics. Graph by Times staff.)
Louisiana’s health rankings on some indicators. (Courtesy of America’s Health Rankings, United Health Foundation.)
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Who’s got power in the Louisiana psychology community?
Using an idea from the Independent News (Pensacola) the Times conducted a rough focus group to discover who is typically perceived as having power in our community. Thirty people who seemed likely to have an informed view of the topic were asked to provide ten names, a list of the most powerful individuals.
The people were asked to give their honest impression, from whatever perspective, about the “movers and the shakers,” in the community, whether liked or disliked.
Half of them responded. Despite sampling problems and silo effects, the picture that emerged was fairly consistent, with the same names showing up again and again.
Our Power List for 2012 includes those names listed multiple times by respondents, grouped in the following intuitive categories and very roughly ranked. Included is some limited narrative, and just a few of the comments by respondents.
Political
• Jim Quillin, LAMP
Dr. Jim Quillin is a medical psychologist (MP) and guiding force behind the RxP movement in Louisiana. His name appeared on the majority of the lists and more than any other person. Only a few academics missed noticing his decade long presence in the halls of Louisiana politics.
He is a leader in the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychology (LAMP) and serves on the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee (MPAC) under the state medical board. All of the MPs who participated in the focus group, and many of the other respondents, placed him first on their list.
Comments: “Managed to devise a ‘new hybrid’ profession amid significant controversy.”
“James Quillin, who has great influence with MPs and access to significant resources for lobbying legislators and public officials. But Quillin may no longer consider himself to be a psychologist, since his record suggests that he has long been more identified with the medical community than with the interests of psychologists broadly.”
“… the political mastermind behind moving medical psychology into medicine, for convincing APA to provide money for RxP, and then deftly gaining political control over the community by not telling anyone in Psychology who would oppose the move.”
Dr. Quillin practices in Alexandria, Louisiana.
• LPA Leaders
Bryan Gros, LPA President
The current president of the Louisiana Psychological Association (LPA), Dr. Bryan Gros was listed multiple times by respondents. Gros has said he is going to be open and transparent, and “welcoming” to all. He seems to be walking the walk.
Comments: “He seems to really try to be fair, to do the right thing, and to quiet the situation he was left with.”
[One of the] “Psychologists who are now trying to make a difference – the true heroes. Relatively few colleagues who have the courage to rebuild the profession within the context of the current division and apathy. It is difficult to make a silk’s purse out of a sow’s ear.”
“… has many good ideas and commitment to ethics.”
Gros is Director, Department of Psychology, Capital Area Human Services District for the Children's Behavioral Health Services.
Phillip Griffin, Past- President of LPA
Dr. Phil Griffin was one of the names that was mentioned by both those practice and academic circles. Griffin has served twice as LPA president, getting pulled in when he did not expect to win in 2009. He has endeavored to sooth both sides’ feelings within LPA. He is the Mollie Wallick Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, LSUHSC, in New Orleans.
Comment: “Quiet, dignified, conscientious, whip smart, and always persistent, he always has done what is right for our profession. Let's hope he does not retire soon.”
Wes Brockhoeft and Alicia Pellegrin – LPA officers
While Dr. Wes Brockhoeft tends to keep a low-profile, he was listed by many and noted for his past business success and general effectiveness. He lives out of state.
Comment: “… thoroughly understands how the health insurance industry interacts with mental health stakeholders, became a player in the industry.”
Dr. Alicia Pellegrin was listed multiple times also. She is a member of the current executive committee as both Secretary and Legislative Chair. She practices in Baton Rouge.
Comment: “… The success or failure of LPA as an advocacy organization rests largely in the hands of these individuals.”
• The Psychologists in State Government
Respondents tended to identify Drs. Speier, Comaty, and Lemoine together, mentioned numerous times by practitioners.
Tony Speier, Assistant Secretary, Office of Behavioral Health, DHH
Dr. Antony Speier reports to Kathy Kliebert, the Deputy Secretary, who reports to Bruce Greenstein, the Secretary of state Department of Health and Hospitals. Speier appears to work closely with many initiatives in the state services.
Joe Comaty, Office of Mental Health, DHH; Previous Chair LSBEP
Dr. Joseph Comaty has been listed as Chief Psychologist & Medical Psychologist, and Director-Division of Policy, Standards, & Quality Assurance, for the Office of Mental Health. He has served on the LSBEP. He is a member of LAMP.
Comment: “Given his position in DHH, he serves as an advisor to many regarding psychological practice.”
Randy Lemoine, Office of Behavioral Health, DHH
Dr. Randal Lemoine has been involved with DHH, and in the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), as psychologist and in business intelligence. He recently retired after 35 years with DHH. He is also in private practice in Baton Rouge and is a member of LPA.
Tiffany Simpson, Children’s Cabinet, Office of the Governor
A UNO graduate, Dr. Tiffany Simpson is the Executive Director for the Children’s Cabinet under the Governor’s Office. The Cabinet has the goal of coordinating children’s policy across departments in the state government, including recommendations for the Children’s Budget. Dr. Simpson was mentioned several times.
• The Chairs
Paul Frick, Chair of Psychology, UNO
Dr. Paul Frick was listed numerous times by those inside academic circles but also by practitioners. He is Chair at University of New Orleans, one of the few University Distinguished Professors, and has an international reputation in the area of adolescent behavior. He worked on the DSM-V for ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders.
Comment: “He is the area's hidden gem, … His PhD students are literally all over the world ….”
Robert Mathews, Chair of Psychology, LSU Baton Rouge
Dr. Bob Mathews was listed multiple times. He is Chair of the psychology department at LSU Baton Rouge and Co-Director of the Office of Applied Cognition. He is in charge of a large department at LSU with connections to a variety of state programs. He was listed more often by academics but also by practitioners.
Comment: “Has led the department through difficult periods …”
Stacy Overstreet, Chair of Psychology, Tulane
Dr. Stacy Overstreet is the new Chair at Tulane and involved in the school psychology community. She has served as Director for the APA-accredited School Psychology Doctoral Program for Tulane. She was one of the academics listed by those outside her silo. She took over the duties of the Chair only in July.
• The State Psychology Board
Lee Matthews, Chair of LSBEP
Dr. Lee Matthews was listed multiple times as the current Chair of the state board. He practices clinical and neuropsychology in the New Orleans area and is married to Janet Matthews. He jokes, “I’m the other Dr. Matthews.“ He filled one of the vacancies on the LSBEP when medical psychologists resigned. He is a member of LPA.
Comment: A “Veteran … with excellent ethics and exposure at APA.”
John Courtney, Vice Chair- LSBEP
Dr. John Courtney serves on the board and will take over chair next year. He is Director of Psychology at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. In the past he has been involved in key meetings for LAMP. Courtney has taken the lead in the LSBEP effort to put forth legislation regarding behavior analysts.
“A prominent mover and shaker in LAMP, as well as Vice Chair of LSBEP.”
Marc Zimmermann, LSBEP
While listed less often than Matthews and Courtney, Dr. Marc Zimmermann was mentioned several times by focus group respondents. He serves on the psychology board and is a medical psychologist. A member of LAMP and he has also retained his membership in LPA. He practices in Baton Rouge.
Gary Pettigrew, Lead Investigator for LSBEP
Long-time community member who is associated with Dawson Psychological Services in Baton Rouge. Pettigrew helps the psychology board with their investigations. Listed less than others but still mentioned a number of times by the practitioners.
• The Professors, Researchers & Scientists
George Noell, LSU Professor, Expert to Board of Regents
Dr. George Noell is a Professor at LSU, Baton Rouge, who also has been key in a Board of Regents project to improve schools and teachers throughout the state. His work guided redesign of multiple levels in state education. He is a school psychologist and has received national recognition for his research on behalf of the Regents.
Comment: “… for his pioneering work in educational assessment and its relationship to teacher performance. Not only an academic, but served in the department of Education.”
Johnny Matson, LSU Professor and Distinguished Research Master
Dr. Johnny Matson is a significant international figure in psychological science and Director of Clinical Training at LSU in Baton Rouge. A prolific writer (over 38 textbooks) and he has a strong influence in the scientific community in the area of autism spectrum disorders. Matson also has PhD students all over the world.
Jeffery Lockman, Tulane
Dr. Jeffery Lockman is a Professor at Tulane and was listed several times in the focus group for his scientific contributions, and work that is drawing attention of those in the scientific community. His research centers on cognitive development.
Tiffany Stewart, Pennington Biomedical, Inventor
Dr. Tiffany Stewart works at Pennington and is leading a 5-year grant with female athletes, collaborating with LSU Athletics. She has also developed and is marketing digital technology applications for eating disorders.
Comment: “… does research on eating disorders and recently co-founded a company to use digital technology to assist in treatment efforts.”
• LAMP Leaders
Glenn Ally, LAMP leader, MPAC
Dr. Glenn Ally has been involved in LAMP, LPA, and the American Psychological Association (APA), and in a number of divisions as well as a member of the Committee for the Advancement of Professional Psychology. He is a medical psychologist from Lafayette and was LPA president in ’98. He has served on the LSBEP and is now on MPAC. He is no longer a member of LPA.
Warren Lowe and John Bolter, LAMP, MPAC
Listed a little less frequently in this sample than Quillin and Ally, Drs. Lowe and Bolter were acknowledged by respondents as having power in the medical psychology community and LAMP. They both serve on the MPAC and Dr. Bolter has been on the faculty of the California Professional School Baton Rouge Campus for training in psycho- pharmacology. Bolter has retained his membership in LPA.
Comment: “ … There is simply too much to say about the power wielded by these … in the past and to this day. They continue to quietly control …”
• Others, Independents
Julie Nelson, The Psychology Times
Uninvolved in the community before Act 251, but created a community newspaper that has caught on with some.
Comment: “… is dedicated to the proposition that a free press should inform the public about the actions of those who are elected or appointed to represent them.”
John Simoneaux, Professional Training Resources
Dr. John Simoneaux received multiple mentions. He is viewed by many as a moral leader in the community. He served in LPA until he dropped to run for the LSBEP. While winning with a very high number of votes, he was not confirmed. Since that time he has focused on his popular and multi-disciplined mental health education business, Professional Training Resources. He did not remain in LPA.
Comments: “A person who holds to his very high standards.”
“… providing integrity in education for the mental health community.”
Janet Matthews, Loyola, APA
Dr. Janet Matthews has been strongly involved in the APA governance and community, over many years, including on the Board of Educational Affairs and a number of division leadership roles. Husband Lee and she are supportive of the state association and remain members. Listed multiple times.
Darlyne Nemeth, LPA Delegate to APA
A Baton Rouge medical psychologist who has long-time connections to many in the community. Past LPA president and LSBEP board member. Listed by several. She is member of both LAMP and LPA.
Comment: “An MP who has tried to stay true to psychology. Tireless at helping students.”
Tom Hannie, LPA member
Listed by several. Dr. Thomas Hannie is the straight talking Emeritus member of the psychology community who speaks his mind on the LPA list serve. He has been president of LPA and served on the board.
Comment: “Can always be counted on to say it like it is, so rare with psychologists.”
Interesting notes
Magellon Governor Jindal CoursonNickel- LAMP Lobbyists LPC community Robert Marier, MD, ED of medical board The New DSM Bruce Greenstein, Sec of DHH
Dr. Warren Lowe (L) and Dr. Jim Quillin at MPAC meeting.
Dr. Phillip Griffin reads over notes during the last LPA Convention.
U. of New Orleans Chair of Psychology, Dr. Paul Frick (L) and DHH psychologist Dr. Randy Lemoine at last years LPA Fall Conference. Both were listed often.
Dr. Lee Matthews is Chair of the psychology board.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 13.
Dr. Tracey Rizzuto, has joined the School of Human Resource Education & Workforce Development, in the newly organized LSU College of Human Sciences & Education.
Dr. Rizzuto received her PhD from Penn State University in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and has served as assistant professor in the LSU Psychology Department until recently, where she lead the IO psychology doctoral program.
Rizzuto’s research focuses developing human capital and organizational strength through technology-mediated processes. She is interested in building access to knowledge, expertise, and resources for managing change in the modern workplace. Rizzuto studies attitudinal and behavioral responses to large- scale organizational change, governmental integrated enterprise systems, and healthcare information technology.
Earlier this year, LSU combined the School of Education, the School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work and the University Laboratory School, under the collective of the College of Human Sciences and Education.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 2.
My husband and I stumbled across the 2011 movie Moneyball, a film about the Oakland Athletics and their general manager, Billy Beane.
Based on M. Lewis’ book, Moneyball is a true story about Beane’s efforts to get a leg up in the baseball market with his underdog budget of $14 million and heavyweight competitors like the New York Yankees, with their $125 million for attracting talent.
The backstory is that Beane himself had been predicted to be a shooting star in baseball but his athletic career never got off the ground.
The movie begins with Beane, disgusted with losses and hamstrung by his budget, hiring a Yale statistics geek. The two go on to put together an innovative selection program that includes evidence- based statistics and Beane’s talent for negotiation. They ferret out and hire these “undervalued” players and go on to build a winning team at bargain basement prices.
This innovation in predictive statistics caused a paradigm shift in the baseball industry.
Psychologists will recognize the group dynamics in the film. In one scene, a bunch of grizzled, tobacco-chewing, baseball gurus sit around a table and criticize the new approach. They have based their careers on metrics like batting averages and runs batted in. They see little value in the new metrics.
The gurus were in the unavoidable traps of social judgment: ignoring base-rates, being misled by compelling details, regression to the mean, groupthink, selective attention, and so on.
When problems are complex, when the issue in front of our nose clashes with our preexisting beliefs, when time separates our dots, when we are tired, and so on, we are prone to flawed judgment. Nobel Prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman would probably tell us that our baseball gurus were influenced by “WYSIATI” – What You See Is All There Is.
I called DDS director Ms. Spurgeon several times to discuss her reason for sending a cautionary memo out to psych- ologists about Dr. Michael Chafetz’ work on malingering in Social Security exams (also predictive statistics). I never received a reply, not even a courtesy return call. I contacted the government public relations fellow (a very cordial gentleman) who said I’d receive an answer, he even checked back to see if I had. I never did. I submitted a request for documents. That has not worked either.
The SSA and the local DDS should open itself up to new scientific information, and let the chips fall where they fall. It is not their job to censure scientific findings. There are only a few scientists doing this important work, and Chafetz is one of them.
The most common human judgment error is overconfidence. Even when we are 98 percent sure that we are correct, we are only right 68 percent of the time.
Evolutionary biologist Robert Trivers, relates overconfidence to self- deception and writes, “It is systematic deformation of the truth at each stage of the psychological process. This is why psychology is both the study of information acquisition and analysis and also the study of its continual degradation and destruction.”
Are we in an age of overconfidence? Stanley Silverman, an IO psychologist, might say so. “Arrogance has run amok lately,” he writes in, “Arrogance: A Formula for Leadership Failure.” He points to a comment in Time Magazine that we are in an “age of arrogance.”
Silverman tells us that arrogance in leaders has a cost in decision- making. Arrogance promotes a “weak learning orientation” and leads people to “disregard potentially helpful feedback.”
There is always a chance that power will lead to overconfidence, arrogance, and bad decisions. In his 1887 letter to the Church of England historian Mandell Creighton, and in a statement as elegant as it was profound, Lord Acton warned that powerful people should not be let off the hook.
“I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong. If there is any presumption it is the other way, against the holders of power, increasing as the power increases. […]
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority, still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it. […]
“The inflexible integrity of the moral code is, to me, the secret of the authority, the dignity, the utility of History. If we may debase the currency for the sake of genius, or success, or rank, or reputation, we may debase it for the sake of a man's influence, of his religion, of his party, of the good cause which prospers by his credit and suffers by his disgrace.
“Then history ceases to be a science, an arbiter of controversy, a guide of the wanderer, the upholder of that moral standard which the powers of earth and religion itself tend constantly to depress. It serves where it ought to reign; and it serves the worst cause better than the purest.”
It is not 1887 anymore, but we still need those in power to be careful. Power still corrupts.
Lewis’ book about predictive statistics in baseball.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 13.
Baton Rouge medical psychologist, Dr. Darlyne Nemeth has authored, Living in an Environmentally Traumatized World. The book, just released, is edited by Nemeth, Robert Hamilton, and Judy Kurlansky. It published by Praeger and its series on Practical and Applied Psychology.
The text features expert contributions from across the disciplines of psychology, geology, biology, and climatology. The work also features an explanation of why environmental change is inevitable and how to deal with these changes. Contributors provide information on the stages of environmental trauma, the impact on humans, and they explore political agendas surrounding these issues. Nemeth has worked closely over the years with her co-editors, especially Dr. Judy Kurlansky who has contributed to projects coordinated by Dr. Nemeth and her colleagues at the Neuropsychology Center of Louisiana, including “Group Interventions for Disaster/Trauma Anniversary Reactions,” in 2010.
Nemeth has previously authored, Helping Your Angry Child, with colleagues Dr. Kelly Ray and Maydel Schexnayder, and also contributed a chapter in Pediatricians and Pharmacologically Trained Psychologists.
Living in an Environmentally Traumatized World: Healing Ourselves and Our Planet is now available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books a Million.
Dr. Darlyne Nemeth’s (R) new book, Living in an Environmentally Traumatized World, has just been released. Above: She looks at her chapter in Pediatricians and Pharmacologically Trained Psychologists, with Amber Gremillion and John Hamilton.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 4.
In a news release September 4, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office reported that the Circuit Court of Appeal had upheld the $257.7 million jury verdict that the state Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell, had brought against Janssen Pharmaceutical and Johnson & Johnson.
Caldwell sued Johnson & Johnson for misrepresentation in regard to the drug Risperdal’s link to diabetes. This misrepresentation of facts then made it possible for the drug company to obtain funds from Louisiana’s Medicaid program, according to the news release.
“The appeals court ruling serves as a powerful reminder that a drug company’s misleading safety claims will not be tolerated in Louisiana,” said Attorney General Caldwell in the announcement.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 13.
Organic solvents are ubiquitous worldwide. Sources include paints, paint thinners, gasoline, varnishes, degreasing agents, adhesives, printing inks, pesticides, cosmetics and cleaners. Studies have suggested that chronic, high-level solvent exposure might be associated with a syndrome of personality change, memory impairment, and neurological deficits that is termed solvent neurotoxicity. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, psychomotor deficits, and depression are other symptoms seen as a result of chronic solvent exposure. Occupations with increased solvent exposure include painting, floor laying, printing, and dry cleaning.
1. Dick FD. Solvent neurotoxicity. Occup Environ Med. Mar 2006;63(3):221-226, 179. 2.Bockelmann I, Pfister EA, Peters B, Duchstein S. Psychological effects of occupational exposure to organic solvent mixtures on printers. Disabil Rehabil. Jul 8 2004;26(13):798-807.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 4.
The psychology board has replaced the older juris- prudence exam method, with a new, take-home version, according to the August, 2012 minutes. The rationale behind this move is that psychologists do not memorize laws, but rather reference them, Dr. John Courtney explained to the Times at a recent board meeting. As reported in the August minutes, the new exam was approved and can begin to being used with candidates.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 14.
(Editor’s note: “Webpages” is a feature that highlights the web presence of those in the Louisiana psychology community.)
Dr. Lacey Seymour is the Executive Director of Live Oak Behavioral Psychology. The clinic’s modern website provides the basic information clients will need to help them understand the psychological and behavioral services available to them.
But the website does much more than that. It delights the eye and warms the heart. The magical artwork and themes for Live Oak Behavioral Psychology immediately give the visitor the feeling that here, youngsters are welcomed, valued, and above all, understood.
The message is about growth: we’re going to put down some roots and grow. It’s fun. The message rings sweet and true.
On the home page we find the theme carried on, “Learn. Nurture. Grow.” The page gives concise introduction to the clinic and staff.
“Live Oak Behavioral Psychology offers evidence-based behavioral and psychological services to children in need of therapeutic intervention. Parents want the best for their children and so do we. At Live Oak Psychology, we believe that each child has the potential to grow and develop. Our mission is to help children reach their full potential by providing individualized treatment by well-trained, certified professionals in the field of behavioral psychology and applied behavior analysis. We strive to form close relationships with a variety of service providers including pediatricians, speech and occupational therapists, schools and daycares in order to provide a well- balanced and comprehensive approach to quality care.”
On this page we find that Dr. Lacey Seymour is the Executive Director, licensed psychologist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. We also meet Cortney Seymour, MS and LPC.
Navigating around the site is done with a wonderfully cute menu of colorful little hand prints that makes you want to run go get your finger- paints.
On the “about” page, we find the child-oriented themes portrayed with a young girl in a field of dandelions, blowing petals. The topic is “Building Roots,” and the visitor is provided some technical and specific information.
“Dr. Lacey Seymour provides services for both typically developing children and those with special needs. Common problems addressed in therapy include behavioral issues such as non-compliance, aggression, feeding difficulties, communication deficits, tantrums, social skill deficits, anxiety, and toileting issues as well as academic/school difficulties. We also offer psychological testing for a variety of diagnosis including ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities and gifted evaluations. Home based applied behavior analysis (ABA) program design and implementation training is also available. In addition to working individually with children and adolescents, caregiver training is oftentimes an important focus of our treatment approach.”
In the page for services, “Reach the Sky,” the visitor can review some detailed information about what the clinic can provide.
• Psychoeducational assessments to assess for learning disabilities, gifted evaluations, ADHD and other disorders • Developmental testing for Autism • Individual behavior modification and academic interventions with children and adolescents • Feeding therapy for picky eaters • School Consultation/IEP Support • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy • Social Skills Groups • Parent Training
The staff page offers credentials and backgrounds that potential clients may wish to have as they make important decisions for their children.
“Dr. Lacey Seymour is the Executive Director of Live Oak Behavioral Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate level (BCBA-D). Dr. Seymour received a Doctorate degree in School Psychology from Louisiana State University. […]”
“Cortney Seymour, M.S., LPC- I, NCC received her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Louisiana State University. […]”
The site also provides a map, directions, and even the opportunity to see the clinic from Google Earth.
The theme of the growing tree is pleasantly captured and used throughout, while at the same time the visitor is offered direct, concise information and answers about the services and providers.
The Facebook connection extends the information about Live Oak Behavioral Psychology and proves that the theme is carried right into the office space. Photos of the clinic say that it is what we think it is, child-oriented, fun and engaging. A visitor can enjoy the murals of elephants and giraffes and balloons and lakes, and believe that there must be fairy castles everywhere.
The parents will know, and so will the youngsters, that here is a safe and fun place to grow and develop.
Live Oak Behavioral Psychology can be found in Covington, Louisiana. For the webpage go to: http://www.liveoakpsychology. com
(The website was designed by Gatorworks Web Design. Cortney Seymour is Dr. Seymour’s sister-in-law.)
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 4.
Executive Director, Kelly Parker, of the psychology board reported that 641 psychologists had renewed their licenses for the 2012-2013 period, according to the August minutes.
The total number of lapsed licensees was 29. Four of those lapsed licenses were by medical psychologists and the reasons for the other 25 were unknown, noted Parker’s report in the minutes.
Ms. Parker also reported that 547 renewals were conducted through the online renewal system and 94 were handled through the traditional paper renewal methods.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 15.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center will hold a public health conference, “Play Your Part -Childhood Obesity In Louisiana: Developing an Evidence Based Policy Agenda,” October 24, 2012.
The fifth conference of it kind, the effort is designed for professionals engaged in public health and health care, according to news on the Pennington website. Physicians, nutritionists, physical activity specialists, registered dietitians, nurses, health educators, psychologists, and counselors are encouraged to attend. Also invited are those in healthcare policy, researchers, media, business and civic leaders, and early childhood and school-age educators and decision-makers, according to the announcement.
Speakers include Dr. Robert Newton from Pennington speaking on the Fifth Annual Childhood Physical Activity and Health Report Card for Louisiana’s Children and Youth: Has the Needle Moved?”
Also presenting will be Pennington researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles, Tulane graduate and biostatistician. She will speak on “Using Evidence to inform Public Policy: Results of Systems Models for Louisiana.”
Berry Burnside from the American Heart Association will speak on “Obesity Policies: Louisiana Legislative Update.”
Learning objectives are for participants to:
• understand the strengths and pitfalls associated with developing public health policy as a tool to improve population health
• comprehend the extent of the problem of childhood obesity in Louisiana
• identify evidence-based public health and policy strategies to achieve demonstrable improvements in obesity-related behaviors, and
• understand the expected potential of policy initiatives at making a change in childhood obesity rates in Louisiana
The announcement noted, “Given the recent emphasis on developing evidence-based public health strategies targeting childhood obesity, the topic of this conference is on the role of public policy at addressing the problem. A specific focus of the conference this year is on Louisiana-specific data and solutions to address childhood obesity.”
Conference sponsors include the BCBS Louisiana Foundation, Louisiana Action for Healthy Kids, and Baton Rouge Coca-Cola.
For more information go to https://www.pbrc.edu/childhood_ob esity_conference/default.htm
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 4.
The psychology board has requested that the state Attorney General expedite an Opinion regarding the practice of applied behavioral analysis.
In the August, 2012 LSBEP minutes, Vice-Chair and Legislative Coordinator, Dr. John Courtney reported that the request regarding the practice of behavioral analysis is being expedited.
Based on an online search of Attorney General’s Opinions, through the end of September, the Opinion has not been issued or released to the public at this time.
Dr. John Courtney, LSBEP Legislative Coordinator, at recent LSBEP meeting.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 15.
The Louisiana Psychological Association will host a CE workshop presented by the American Psychological Association Insurance Trust (APAIT), “Adventures on the Electronic Frontier: Ethics and Risk Management in the Digital Era.” Six hours of CE credit is available for psychologists. The workshop will be held at the Baton Rouge Renaissance Hotel from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Jeffrey Younggren, Ph.D., ABPP, will present. The workshop is designed to help practitioners reduce risk and also cope with potential complaints to licensing boards and ethics committees.
For more information contact LPA at 225.766.0185.
Last year’s LPA Fall Conference featured Dr. Paul Frick, Dr. Rita Culross and Dr. Marc Zimmermann from the psychology board.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 2. Source pages: 5.
Bryan Gros, PhD, presented the topic “Stop the Bullying Now,” for the Capital Area Human Services District, on September 25, in Baton Rouge.
In the workshop, Gros covered bullying and its effects on youngsters and adolescents, and examined methods for dealing with this common problem. He explained forms of bullying including types in the new “cyber age.”
Dr. Gros’ presentation was part of the Fall Staff Development and Community Training Series.
In spring 2012, the Legislature passed Act 861 defining a program to reduce bullying in public elementary and secondary schools. The legislation required anti-bullying training addressing key issues, such as how to identify bullying and what are the appropriate interventions and remediation.
Dr. Gros is Director, Department of Psychology, Capital Area Human Services District for the Children's Behavioral Health Services. He is also the current president for the Louisiana Psychological Association.
Dr. Bryan Gros recently presented training on anti-bullying. Act 861 added to the regulations in the state to define programs for anti-bully efforts in Louisiana.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.