Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 12.

Attendees at the Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) enjoyed the most extensive continuing education (CE) program in history at its recent 2012 conference in Oklahoma City.

Fourteen American Psychological Association (APA) accredited presentations were offered, including four dynamic invited speakers.

This year’s conference was lead by a Louisiana team. Dr. Lawrence Dilks, headed up the committee with the assistance of his intern Burton Ashworth, his psychological student Jackie Bourassa, and a doctoral student Billie Meyers. All are from southwest Louisiana. Burton Ashworth and Billie Meyers are currently pursuing their doctoral degrees from Fielding University. Jackie Bourassa is a graduate student at McNeese State University studying experimental psychology.

All three assistants contributed to the convention’s research poster sessions with the following titles: A Psychological Profile of Diaconate Candidates, Identifying Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities Using the WAIS- III, A Case Study of a Group Experiencing a Major Oil Rig Disaster, A Case Study of Psychological Consequences of Pre-frontal Lobectomy, Neuropsychological Consequences of Peritoneal Mesothelioma and A Case Study of a Toxic Chemical Exposure Group.

The CE program began with a six-hour pre-conference workshop by Dr. John Simoneaux, who detailed the upcoming changes for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5). Dr Simoneaux provided a ‘tour de force ‘ of the entire manual, pausing to emphasize areas of exceptional change such as PTSD of early childhood, autistic spectrum and the array of communication disorders.

The following three days saw numerous presenters expound on their specialties in a series of two- hour presentations.

Dr Marty Kransberg discussed the intervention technique known as Redecision Therapy. She is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Texas, as well as academic professor for the Department of Psychology at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California.

Dr. Valarie Waldmeier, head of the graduate nursing program at McNeese State University reviewed the latest changes in antidepressants with emphasis on clinical manifestations and mechanisms of action.

Dr Richard Kishur outlined effective treatment strategies for sex offenders, and Dr. Thad Leffingwell, a professor from Oklahoma State University, presented on motivational interviewing.

Dr. Tari Dilks, psychiatric nurse practitioner, reviewed the basic tenants of a psychopharmacological approach to the treatment of chronic pain. She reviewed fundamental neurochemistry and how it engenders the efficacy of medications. She presented a variety of medications and treatment while reviewing the primary side effects of each.

Dr. Dolores Subia Bigfoot shared with the audience parental training techniques utilized by her agency to reduce childhood abuse and facilitate social and psychological development with Native American children. And Dr. Sue Jacobs discussed ethical dilemmas faced by psychologists who provide services during natural disasters.

The general session also offered CE credit for a number of conference presentations, including the SWPA 2012 presidential addressed offered by Dr. Shelia M. Kennison entitled “Risk-Taking in Young Adults: A Terror Management Perspective.” Likewise, Dr. Joseph E. Trimble presented the prestigious APA/SWPA G. Stanley Hall address speaking on “Attentive Exploration of Ethnic Identification Perspective and Influence on Change, Measure, and Theory.”

Invited speakers were Dr. James W. Pennebaker spoke on “What Our Words Say About Us.” Dr. Ann S. Masten on, “Resilience after Catastrophes: Emerging Guidelines for Research and Practice,” Dr. Daniel L. Schacter presented, “Constructive Memory: Linking the Past and the Future,” and Dr. Mark V. Flinn delivered the provocative subject, “Hormones in the Wild: Anthropological Perspectives on Traumatic Experiences and Cortisol.”

All agreed this year’s conference was a major success.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 4.

According to the Louisiana Record, an online journal of legal events in Louisiana, and Justia Dockets and Filings, John C. Courtney, PsyD, MP, filed a lawsuit against Bartholomew Vereb, MD, and against Angie’s List, Inc. The suit was filed on March 9, 2012.

In the Record the author notes that the lawsuit states that Vereb posted reviewer comments in June 2009 that referred to Courtney as a “joker” and a “quack.”

According to the Record’s review, Courtney dis- covered the comments in December 2011 and asked Angie’s List to remove them. Angie’s List did remove the comments about two months later, and said they do not allow businesses or competitors to make statements about one another.

“Vereb is accused of intentionally and maliciously posting false and defamatory comments, which Courtney claims harmed his standing in the medical community,” said the Record.

The article also notes that “Angie’s List is accused of negligence for failing to follow its own procedures that would have prevented Courtney’s damages, for breaching its duty to Courtney, and for acting with reckless disregard for the truth.”

Courtney is seeking damages for “mental pain and suffering, economic loss, loss of earning capacity, injury to his reputation, personal humiliation, embarrassment and mental anguish, lost income, attorney’s fees and court costs.”

Dr. Courtney is a member of the psychology board, a medical psychologist, and a Director at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Vereb is a psychiatrist, now practicing in Florida, according to his website. .

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 13, 14.

Editor’s note: In honor of fathers everywhere, and their impact on the flying behaviors of their daughters and sons, The Times is pleased to re-run the 2010 article of Dr. Peggy Hagan’s journey to attain her pilot’s license. We wish all fathers out there the best on June 17th.

Margaret “Peggy” L. Hagan, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice from Slidell, took her first flying lessons in 1995, but then had to postpone because of other duties. She told the Times, “In late 2008, I had a little sit down chat with myself and asked what was the most exciting part of my life, and why wasn’t I still doing that?”

She decided to get her pilot’s license, thinking, “Why not? Flying a plane is pretty exciting…”

Peggy’s father (Bill) was a pilot until 1985, when he felt it might be best to discontinue flying.

He took flying lessons at age 16, in 1940, expanding on his keen interest in aviation, evidenced by his building a rudimentary flight simulator when he was only ten years old.

Bill flew a Piper Turbo Arrow for his business during the years Peggy was in college at the University of Illinois. He would pick up Peggy and her brother (a Ph.D. in physics and nuclear engineering) from Champaign- Urbana and fly them home to Omaha.

“…But let me tell you,” Peggy said, “we had some very harrowing flights when he was Pilot-in-Command.”

“One Christmas the plane was tossing this way and that,” she recalled. “I kept hitting my head on the top of the plane. It was ferocious.” Peggy remembers her father yelling, “ ‘We’re all going to die!’ ”

“When we came in for a landing,” she said, “the icing on the plane was so bad he had me open my door so he could look out and see the runway.”

When we touched down, there were fire trucks and ambulances. And Dad said ‘I didn't call a Mayday.’ The tower said, ‘Well, we did. We were sure you wouldn't make it down.’

They had closed the airport to commercial flights a few hours before,” Peggy said. Bill explained to the Times that the plane had accumulated too much ice, and he could only keep the engine just above a stall.

“On the drive from the airport to our house,” Peggy said, “our car swerved into a ditch.”

Even aware that sometimes the excitement can get a little higher than she might want, Peggy returned to her lessons in 2008, determined to earn her license.

She trained with two Certified Flight Instructors, Don Pechon at the Slidell airport and Sharon Knight at Hammond. “Two amazing aviators,” she said.

“My first solo flight was on April 13, 2009,” she noted. “We had a flight lesson in the Cessna 150…Don said ‘Okay, go do 2 or 3 touch and go's. Be careful.’ I was so excited. I let him out and thought I would be a nervous wreck. But like anything, training takes over and I taxied out, made my radio calls, took off and did a couple of –perfect– landings. Quite a thrilling day!”

In November 2009 Peggy completed her solo cross-country requirements– 150 miles or more with several landings and take-offs. She flew from Slidell, landed in McComb, and then proceeded to Hattiesburg, announcing, “ ‘Hattiesburg traffic, Cessna 334 is 5 miles west, inbound for landing. Runway one- three, full stop, Hattiesburg.’”

Peggy landed, talked to some other pilots, called her instructor, and took off back for home. “It was 3.3 hours of solo cross-country. I was really, really thrilled.”

To pass the FAA exam, “I studied my caboose off,” she said. “When I wasn’t in my office, I was found at our local coffee shop where I studied and studied.” The exam requires proficiency in a variety of technical and critical-thinking areas, “…weather conditions, navigation, computing headings and the effect of wind, engine and mechanical workings, decision making, emergencies, etc.,” she explained. “–A vast array of subjects.”

Peggy aced the exam, with the help of Sharon Knight. She also aced the three hour oral exam with the FAA examiner. Then Peggy continued her training with Don to prepare for the checkride.

“I was nervous about the checkride with the examiner,” Peggy said. “You have to do stalls, emergency landings with no power, steep turns, and other maneuvers.”

But she successfully completed her checkride on June 19th, 2010, and earned her Private Pilot License. How did she feel about the accomplishment? “It was a blast and a half,” she said.

Eight days later, on June 27th, while her father and mother were visiting from San Diego, Peggy surprised her dad by inviting him to go up with her as her first official passenger.

Bill was delighted, telling the Times, “The flight was perfect from the smooth take off to the very smooth slight crosswind landing. She flew me out over Slidell to get me oriented and then out towards the Gulf.” He said, “…the view from 2000 feet was excellent.” And, “Her communications with the ground and also with the oil company helicopter crew that was getting ready for their daily flight out over the oil spill was flawless.”

Years ago, Bill had taken up his mother for her first trip in an airplane. His first passenger-carrying flight was his wife, Peggy’s mom.

On the 27th, Peggy’s second passenger that day was her first-born daughter Joanne.

The weather was perfect, Bill and Peggy and Joanne all noted. The sky was blue, the clouds were white, and the sun was shining.

Bill, age 85, said, “All in all, it was a perfect flight.”

Peggy told the Times, “It was a beautiful day.”

Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Hagan has been in private practice in Slidell since 1984. She sees all ages, and specializes in psychoeducational evaluations. Even though she started out in mathematics, she told the Times, “I absolutely love my ‘job’– I cannot imagine doing anything else.” Above, she goes through her careful checks.

Dr. Peggy Hagan and her father Bill.

Photos by Dr. Hagan’s daughter, Joanne Hagan Mabry. Joanne was Peggy’s second passenger and said about her mother, “She was so dedicated and determined to obtain her pilot's license,” and noted that her mom’s efforts in aviation are “inspiring.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 4.

According to information obtained by the Times, speakers at the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists (LAMP) April 2012 conference included Dr. Cecil Reynolds, presenting on the “RIAS: Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales & CTMT: Comprehensive Trail Making Test,” and also “TOMAL-2: Test of Memory and Learning-2.”

Dr. Joe Comaty spoke on “Update on HIPAA: Are You Hip to the New Rules?” and Dr. Claire Advokat presented on “Brain Buzz: Better Thinking through Electricity.”

“Negative Clinical Outcomes Associated with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder Comorbidity: Identifying Potential Mechanisms and Targets for Treatment,” was presented by Dr. Matthew Tull. And Dr. Kim Gratz, presented, “The Role of Emotion Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and Related Behaviors.”

Complimentary lunches were provided by Sunovion Pharma- ceuticals, Pfizer, and Avanir.

LAMP officials declined to publish conference information, apparently restricted to LAMP members.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 15.

Louisiana Psychological Assn will present two Webinars for June.

On Wednesday, June 27, from 12 noon to 2, Cass Nelson- Dooley, MS, will present “Nutrition and Mood.” She will explore the underlying nutritional imbalances that clinicians need to consider when treating individuals with depression. She is a Specialist and Clinical Educator at Metametrix Laboratories, Atlanta, Research Coordinator in the Science and Education Department, and co-author of "Nutrient and Toxic Elements" in Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine.

This presentation will cover nutritional causes of neurotransmitter imbalances that could result in treatment- resistant depression. Topics include neurotransmitters, amino acids, fatty acids, allergenic foods, and cortisol. Clinical cases will be presented with an emphasis on the laboratory results commonly seen in patients suffering with depression and how treating these biochemical abnormalities improves clinical outcomes. Knowledge of the underlying nutritional and dietary causes of depression can be useful in a comprehensive treatment of depression.

On Friday, June 29, 12 noon to 2 pm, Dr. Susan Andrews will present, “Applying the ABCs of Stress Solutions in Clinical Contexts.”

Susan Andrews, PhD, is a psychologist, a neuropsychologist, and author of Stress Solutions for Pregnant Moms: Now Breaking Free from Stress Can Boost Your Baby’s Potential.

Emerging new evidence is now linking stress during pregnancy to risks for childhood emotional, physical, and behavioral problems, writes Dr. Andrews in her new book. These connections include preterm birth, ADHD, and learning disabilities. The evidence suggests that managing stress for pregnant moms could be as important as the reasons for avoiding smoking and alcohol during pregnancy. Dr. Andrews will review the practical applications of her ABC formula, case descriptions, and show participants effective methods for lowering dangerous cortisol levels.

Continuing education chair, Dr. John Fanning invites anyone interested in participating to contact him through the LPA office at www.louisianapsychologist.org/ or call 225.766.0185.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 5.

Based on feedback from judges at the 132nd Louisiana Press Association, the Times is changing its format.

The new format, launched for this issue, includes larger pages, larger and more complex headlines, and more concise articles. Type size remains at 11 point. Readers who print out the Times may have to modify printer settings. Those who read the Times online may notice that the text seems smaller. However, it is the page that is larger.

The publisher welcomes comments or feedback. (psychologytimes@drjulie nelson.com)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 15.

Professional Training Resources will host the 10th Annual Mental Health Summer Symposium on July 25 to 27, 2010, in Lafayette at the West Pinhook Road Hilton. The Summer Symposium offers educational seminars and continuing education for psychologists, social workers, substance abuse counselors, licensed professional counselors, school psychologists, and marriage and family counselors.

The firm is owned by Dr. John Simoneaux who has developed the program for approval by the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, National Board for Certified Counselors, Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority, and the National Association of School Psychologists.

“What’s cool about it,” John told the Times, “is that we started it with the idea that people can have fun while learning. So we really emphasize being relaxed, a friendly atmosphere. We give door prizes. We joke around. Historically our sons come and play. They’re musicians. We celebrate my wife’s birthday every year at that time. So in the evenings, we invite people to come and hang out with us. We play music and have the greatest time.” John explained that it has grown in popularity so much that they are limiting it to 200, “So we can keep the user friendly atmosphere.” His tee-shirts, Curly and Barney Fife, make the point.

This year the training includes “Hoarding” by John Simoneaux, PhD. “Intellectual Disability: Aspects of the Law that Every Mental Health Professional Should Know,” by Mike Chafetz, PhD, ABPP. Luke Elliott, PhD will present “ADHD Across the Lifespan,” and John Strain, LPC, will present, “Calming the Storm: Crisis Intervention from Theory to Practice.” Attorney William “Chuck” Credo, will provide a workshop on, “Louisiana Mental Health Law: Insanity and Incompetence.” And John Simoneaux will provide the seminar, “Ethics and Boundary Violations.”

More information at http://professionaltrainingresourcesinc.com/

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 6.

Senate puts back “one-time-money”

The Louisiana Senate advanced the state budget, HB 1, on Thursday night, May 31, in a 39 to 0 vote. This was after the Senate Finance Committee added back the approximately $300 million of “one-time-money” that had been removed by the House.

In an earlier committee meeting the state Treasurer explained that if this one-time money was not restored to the budget, services would be dramatically cut. And these cuts would come from healthcare and higher education.

Because of the structure of the state finances, legislators are not allowed to touch $20 billion of the $25-26 billion state budget. This pushes the cuts to healthcare and higher education.

Governor Jindal had urged the Senate Finance Committee to return the money to the budget, according to an Advocate news blog.

In a Times–Picayune article on May 25, by Jeff Adelson, Senator Norbert Chabert, Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance, said that the committee needed to take steps so that the budget doesn’t “decimate services throughout the state.”

The report also noted that Chabert said in the Legislature will need to make changes in how the process is handled, to avoid a regular crisis. The report clarified that because of the budget structure and restrictions, “unprotected areas of health care and higher education take large hits whenever the state needs to trim spending.”

In an article by Mike Haster in the Alexandria Town Talk, Secretary Department of Health and Hospitals, Bruce Greenstein had predicted that cutting the $267.7 million would impact critical services. Kathy Kliebert, Assistant Secretary said the DHH budget was already “stretched to its limit of elasticity.”

The report noted that Kliebert said “there would no longer be psychological services” in Central Louisiana. She was quoted to say, “These patients are not going to evaporate. They’re going to migrate to more expensive methods of treatment.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 16.

“In my judgment this is the most sacred of all national holidays, celebrating and honoring those people who have served, and particularly those who have given up their lives in the service of this great nation.”

“I think we can pay tribute to the 9/11 Generation, who has fought the longest war this country has ever fought. And I think they are the new Greatest Generation, to be sure. Never before have so few, fought for so many, and have done that for so long. We not only honor their sacrifice but we honor the sacrifice of their families.”

“And, it gives us the opportunity on Memorial Day to renew our own commitment to America and its values. And also, to remind ourselves that as ugly as war is, and as devastating as the consequences are, there truly are some things that are worth fighting for. And these wonderful Americans who stepped forward and have done that for us, we are truly blessed as a result of it.”

Ret. General Jack Keane on Fox News, 5/28/12

Special care is taken in folding the flag after Memorial Day ceremony at the Task Force Leatherneck headquarters, May 28, 2012. Photo by Master Sgt. Grady Fontana of 1st Marine Division.

Since January 2011, eight Louisiana servicemen have been killed. Here are their names, their hometowns, their units, and how they died.

Spec. Jeffrey L. White, Jr., age 21. Hometown: Catawissa, La. Branch: Army. Unit: 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Incident: Apr 3rd, 2012: Died in Khost province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with a makeshift bomb.

Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, age 32. Hometown: Shreveport, La. Branch: Navy. Unit: East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit. Incident: Aug 6th, 2011: Died in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed.

Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, age 32. Hometown: Shreveport, La. Branch: Navy. Unit: East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit. Incident: Aug 6th, 2011: Died in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Douville, age 33. Hometown: Harvey, La. Branch: Air Force. Unit: 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Incident: Jun 26th, 2011: Died as a result of injuries suffered from a makeshift bomb on the border of the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Cpl. Matthew T. Richard, age 21.Hometown: Acadia, La. Branch: Marines. Unit: 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Incident: Jun 9th, 2011: Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Quadi S. Hudgins, age 26. Hometown: New Orleans, La. Branch: Army Unit: Maintenance Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Incident: Apr 2nd, 2011: Died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their position with indirect fire in Babil, Iraq.

Pvt. Jeremy P. Faulkner, age 23. Hometown: Griffin, La. Branch: Army. Unit: 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. Incident: Mar 29th, 2011: Died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire in Konar province, Afghanistan.

Spec. Christian J. Romig, age 24. Hometown: Kenner, La. Branch: Army National Guard. Unit: Missouri National Guard Agri-Business Development Team IV, Jefferson City, Mo.Incident: Jan 5th, 2011: Died of wounds suffered at Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan when insurgents attacked their unit using a makeshift bomb.

Source “Faces of the Fallen,” and military records, by state. Go to http://apps.washingtonpost.com/national/fallen/maps/states/

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / June 1, 2012

Originally published: June 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 10. Source pages: 6.

New Sunset Date July 2017

In a measure that sailed through the legislature, the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) was re-created, along with its “statutory entities.” This includes the boards for psychology, social work, medicine, and counselors.

SB87, authored by Senator Buffington, supersedes the “Sunset” law, which would have automatically terminated DHH and all the connected boards and commissions, requiring they either be re-created this year or close down.

The measure makes July 1, 2017, the new “Sunset” date and so the 2016 legislative session is the new time period where issues of Sunset will be addressed again. The governor is signing the law at any time.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 1, 2012

Originally published: May 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 9. Source pages: 15, 17, 18.

The Association for Psychological Science will host its Annual Convention in Chicago, May 24-27, 2012. A number of Louisiana students, professors, and scientists are presenting their research. Below are some of the local research talent. More information is available at http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.p hp/convention.

In a Symposium, “Dirty, Clean, Balanced, and Bitter: Embodiment Perspectives on Morality,” Kendall J. Eskine, from Loyola University in New Orleans will be presenting, “Exploring Moral Tastes: The Bitter Truth About Morality.” The APS program notes, “Across three studies, we demonstrated that moral and sensory/emotional disgust give bidirectional effects that can be moderated by mindfulness, showing specifically that disgusting tastes elicited harsher moral judgments than did non-disgusting tastes and that processing moral transgressions makes a neutral-tasting beverage seem disgusting, with moral virtue eliciting opposite gustatory perceptions.”

Jennifer L. Thibodeaux from Louisiana Tech University, and Walter Buboltz from Louisiana Tech University, will present a poster, “Auditory Distractors and Sleep Deprivation: Significant Combined Factors in Auditory Inattention?” The program notes, “The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between individuals’ sleep quality and performance on a divided attention task with differing levels of auditory distractors present. No significant differences between sleep quality and divided attention performance were evident, but an interaction between sleep quality and distractors was found.”

“The Impact of Emotion Arousal on Item and Associative Memory,” will be presented by Leslie A. Butler from Louisiana State University, and Sean M. Lane, from Louisiana State University.” We examined the impact of emotional arousal on the memory for pairs of pictures using a task that allowed us to separate the effects of item familiarity and associative strength. Our results revealed that while arousal can enhance item memory, it does not enhance and sometimes impairs associative memory.”

Wade Smith from Louisiana State University Laboratory School, Jason Droddy from Louisiana State University, Rebecca R. Robichaux from Mississippi State University, and Anthony J. Guarino from Massachusetts General Hospital, will present a poster presentation, “Relationship Between High School Experiences and First Year College Persistence.” According to the program, “This study investigated the relationship between, (a) school accountability, (b) Pell Grant (c) GPA, (d) TOPS, and (e) Free/Reduced Lunch on first year college retention. Results indicated that students attending STAR4 schools were more likely to persist compared to STARS1 or 2 with odds ratios of 1.38 and 1.62 respectively.”

“Program Characteristics and Internship Placement,” will be presented by Rose M. Niles from Louisiana Tech University, Deborah P. Simpson from Louisiana Tech University, Donna B. Thomas from Louisiana Tech University, and Walter Buboltz from Louisiana Tech University. “The number of psychology graduate students who fail to match for internship continues to increase. We surveyed graduate training programs to determine whether there are particular characteristics of programs with high match rates. No unique program characteristics were related to internship match rates. Additional research is required.”

“Embarrassment and Empathy and Their Relations to Models of the Self and Others,” will be presented by Hung-Chu Lin from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lena Marie Bethell from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Robert McFatter from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. From the APS program: “Internal working models and dispositions for personal distress and perspective taking were examined as underlying processes of embarrassment and empathy. The findings indicated that embarrassment was primarily associated with the model of self and personal distress, whereas empathic concern was primarily associated with models of others and perspective taking.”

“A Psychological Climate for Emotional Labor? A Study Investigating Burnout and Stress,” will be presented by Kevin T. Mahoney Louisiana Tech University, Christopher T. Huynh Louisiana Tech University, John E. Buckner Louisiana Tech University, and Walter C. Buboltz Louisiana Tech University. “Psychological climate, employee perceptions of their work environment, and employee work behavior, such as emotional labor, may impact work stress. In a survey of 324 employees, psychological climate and emotional labor predicted stress and burnout. Emotional labor also explained some of the influence psychological climate had on these outcomes.”

Kendall J. Eskine from Loyola University New Orleans, Samantha Montano from Loyola University New Orleans, and David Garcia from Loyola University New Orleans, will present “Standing Up for What’s Right: Proprioceptive Effects on Social Justice.” From the APS review, the authors address, “While traditional approaches to social justice focus on higher-order cognitive processes like perspective taking and reflection, the present research shows that physical engagement (literally standing up as opposed to sitting down) can help instantiate interest in various social justice issues.”

(Editor’s note: More APS research next issue.)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 1, 2012

Originally published: May 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 9. Source pages: 15.

Dr. Suzanne Chabaud, speaking at the Louisiana Psychological Association Convention in April. Dr. Chabaud is an expert on hoarding disorders and a consultant on the A&E television show Hoarders. She presented fascinating research about the lives of children-of-hoarders. She is the Director of the OCD Institute of Greater New Orleans.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 1, 2012

Originally published: May 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 9. Source pages: 1, 2, 3.

A third version of a bill to regulate applied behavior analysts by creating a committee structure within the state psychology board, SB 755, is to be heard today. The newest version includes licensure for behavior analysts (BAs), certification for assistant behavior analysts, a committee with members appointed by the governor, and provisions for an independent authority in the future. The earlier versions, SB 185 and SB 191, met with opposition from members of the Louisiana Association for Behavior Analysts, and others.

The original bill, Senate Bill 185, was heard in the Senate Commerce Committee on April 4. Testifying in support and to clarify supposed misunder- standings regarding its impact on the practice of BAs, were psychology board members Dr. John Courtney and Executive Director, Ms. Kelly Parker.

Courtney testified on a number of issues. He said, “The dilemma that we faced was that behavior analysts, specifically those that are practicing behavior analysis, are practicing a specific set of behaviors, or specific set of practices, that are already regulated.”

Ms. Parker spoke on a number of clarifications. Dr. Phil Griffin, current President of the Louisiana Psychological Association, also spoke in support of the bill.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Christian, a Baton Rouge breast surgeon, a BA, and mother of an autistic child, spoke in opposition. She said she felt that there is a need for regulation, “… but that the financial and professional conflict creates a problem …” with psychology. She sug- gested putting BAs under the medical board.

The bill was deferred, but then Senator Claitor offered a substitute bill, SB 191, heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on April 25.

Dr. Courtney, Ms. Parker, and Dr. Griffin spoke to clarify that the legislation would not shut down clinics, restrict services, or require BAs to obtain doctorates, or to be supervised by psychologists.

Dr. Cecilia Mouton, representing the state medical board testified. “It is our position that the behavior analysts are best licensed and regulated by the psychology board,” she said.

Also testifying in support were Dr. Lacey Seymour, Dr. Brian Esteve, both board certified BAs and licensed psychologists, and also Dr. Michael Chafetz and Dr. Robert Storer.

Ms. Melissa Juno, Executive Director of Baton Rouge Speech & Hearing spoke in favor of the bill, describing their work and how it connected with LSU psychology. “I believe that the most logical and best licensing board to work to establish licensure for ABAs is the Louisiana licensing board for psychology,” she said.

Thirty-one people signed cards to express opposition. Dr. Grant Gautreaux, Assistant Professor of Education at Nicholls State University and President of Louisiana Association of Behavior Analysts spoke against the bill stating his concerns about BAs being allowed eventual independence.

Dr. Michael Dorsey, a licensed psychologist from Massachusetts, testified next. “Many psychologists, many of my colleagues, believe that applied behavior analysis is in fact, somehow a subset of the field of psychology.” And, he said, “I will tell you that psychology and applied behavior analysis are two very different fields.”

Senator Heitmeier suggested looking at DHH to regulate the BAs. Dorsey said that the medical board has a track record of overseeing other professions and allowing them to be independent. “Nothing against the board of psychology,” he said, “but they don’t have that track record.”

Dr. Christian said, “I think this bill is essentially a hostile takeover of the behavior analysts by the psychologists.”

Charles Tubre from The Advocacy Center, a statewide organization serving those with disabilities, stated his concern about the bill. “This profession is an important, evidenced- based therapy, and Louisiana residents who desperately need it should not have their already difficult lives complicated by a needless layer of additional oversights …” He suggested taking more time to make sure citizens have no new burdens.

After further discussion, Senator Claitor indicated that the bill would be reported favorably, as amended, by substitute. Sen. Heitmeier said, “And just to make sure, you are going to work with DHH to look for language, to potentially put them under DHH, moving forward.” Sen. Claitor responded, “I’m going to work with DHH with the assistance of the Chairman (Heitmeier) ….” […] “But I don’t want it to be misinterpreted as a promise that I’m going to work to put this group under DHH.”

At the LPA convention on April 19, the psych- ology board held and open meeting. A group of about ten people from the ABA community attended and voiced their concerns about the legislation, recom- mended changes, and some said that they did not trust the board.

The Times contacted Dr. Robert Marier of the state medical board and asked about the matter. He noted an expectation that the BAs will be regulated by the psychology board.

LSBEP Executive Director Kelly Parker (L) and Chair Dr. Tony Young listen to discussion at the LPA meeting about bringing Behavioral Analysts under the state psychology board.

Mr. Kevin Hayes (front), governmental relations consultant to the LPA, reviews his notes before addressing members at the April LPA convention regarding legislative issues. Representative Tom Wilmont (background) also attended.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 1, 2012

Originally published: May 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 9. Source pages: 16.

Luke Simmering, an industrial- organizational psychology graduate student from Louisiana Tech worked with Golf Digest to develop a survey to understand more about which rules golfers considered sacrosanct and which they think could be easily broken.

Luke developed the survey with co- investigator Dr. Dan Sachau, an IO psychologist and director at Minnesota State-Mankao. The questionnaire was completed by 2,015 golfers and readers of Golf Digest.

The results were published in “Where Do You Fall on Golf’s Honesty Meter?” for the March issue. The 15 item survey covered golfing behaviors such as double hitting the ball, playing shots from the deep rough, moving ball positions, changing scores, ect.

An example question is, “Your ball is in the rough. You take a full swing intending to hit the ball but miss it completely. You did not touch any part of the ball, nor did you change the ball's position. Would you pretend the stroke was a practice swing and not count it?” Eighty seven percent said “Never” and 13 percent said “Under some circumstances.”

Most golfers said they were honest. In 10 of 15 of these golfing “fishy” situations, the majority of respondents reported that they stick with the rules.

However, one of the main findings was that 99 percent of those who admitted to breaking the rules believed that most others also break the rules.

Luke thinks the research “… adds to the conversation that a different set of rules or standards may be pragmatic for recreational golfers,” explaining this to LaTec news reporter Dave Guerin.

The article is available online at: http://www.golfdigest.com/magazin e/2012-03/golf-honesty-survey

Dr. Tillman Sheets is Chair of Psychology at LaTech, and an IO psychologist. Above, he presents for the LPA Fall Conference 2010, Scientific Track.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 1, 2012

Originally published: May 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 9. Source pages: 1.

A bill that re-creates the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), and along with it, the state psychology board, Senate Bill 87, passed the full Senate on April 26. SB 87 re-creates DHH “and its statutory entities” for a four year period. The legislation “Supersedes the provisions of the ‘Sunset’ law,” and makes July 1, 2017 the new Sunset date.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.