Browsing by Author "Merrick PL"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    Evaluation of the factor structure of the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale – Elderly version (AMAS-E) in community dwelling older adult New Zealanders
    (New Zealand Psychological Society, 2016) Roberts MH; Fletcher RB; Merrick PL
    Background: The measurement of anxiety in older adults is problematic due to insufficient evidence of content and discriminant validity for existing anxiety measures used with older adult populations. The Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale - Elderly Version (AMAS-E) is a measure of anxiety developed specifically for older adults. However, there has been limited psychometric data published to enable clinicians to evaluate its appropriateness for older adult populations. This study provides information on the validity and clinical utility of the AMAS-E within a New Zealand population. Method: 203 community dwelling older adult New Zealanders responded. Three competing models were trialled using confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated between the AMAS-E and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Variable internal consistency was observed for the subscales of the AMAS-E. Reasonable fit was observed for both the higher-order and correlated AMAS-E models. However the Lie subscale showed no significant relationship with the other factors, and consequently was removed. Model fit worsened, however the model was retained as it was more theoretically plausible and justifiable statistically. Correlations between the AMAS-E and the HADS revealed moderate convergent but poor discriminant validity. Conclusion: The factor structure of the AMAS-E was not strongly supported. The observed limited validity of this anxiety measure for older adults in its present form, suggests the need for a revision and its clinical use is cautioned.
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    Practitioners' processes and attitudes involved in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment
    (New Zealand Psychological Society, 2014) McKinlay AR; Leathem JM; Merrick PL
    The present study sought to build on the findings of Mitchell, Woodward and Hirose (2008) who first examined the subject of practitioner attitudes towards disclosure of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Australia and New Zealand. 57 New Zealand based practitioners completed an online questionnaire relating to how they reach a diagnosis of cognitive impairment and factors considered when relaying a diagnosis to a client. The findings indicate that 83% of practitioners directly labelled MCI during diagnosis disclosure. All qualitative responses were analysed using traditional content analysis. This study adds to the field of ethics and diagnostic disclosure in that it highlights what specific factors are considered when a practitioner chooses how to relay a diagnosis to their client, such as the presence of other illnesses, the specific wishes of the client and that the family should at least know if the client doesn't.
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    The contemporary appeal of cognitive behaviour therapy
    (NEW ZEALAND PSYCHOL SOC, 1/11/2006) Merrick PL; Dattilio FM
    With the approach of the 21st century, revolutionary developments in communication as well as the commonplace use of computers encouraged enquiry into all aspects of our world including the scientific basis for matters affecting health and wellbeing. Not surprisingly, the more popular psychotherapies, sensitive to these social and economic changes in our society and to theoretical developments in psychology, have evolved into more empirically based solution-oriented interventions that have become focused on addressing the more immediate cognitive, emotional and behavioural needs of people. As a result, far less emphasis is now placed, for instance, on force-fitting clients to the doctrines of the rigid pressure-driven hydraulic model of classical psychoanalysis and more towards approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy that allow for flexibility in their application and direct responsiveness to client distress.
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    Training cognitive behavioural therapy practitioner in New Zealand: From university to clinical practice.
    (New Zealand Psychological Society, 2008) Kennedy Merrick SJ; Haarhoff BA; Stenhouse LM; Merrick PL; Kazantzis N
    The present study evaluated the transfer of skills taught in a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training programme to work practice. Seventy-three past trainees from varying mental health professions completed self-report questionnaires exploring key aspects of transfer. The results showed that, overall, there was a moderate degree of perceived transfer and a high degree of confidence in using CBT techniques. Statistically significant differences in transfer scores were found between groups with different current therapeutic approaches, age groups of clients, and therapy formats. Significant positive correlations were found between the transfer outcome and two variables: perceived confidence in using the CBT skills, and the perceived impact of the CBT training on skills and knowledge. The most helpful factors and influential barriers in the transfer of CBT training were identified. Results were consistent with findings from previous CBT studies and Goldstein and Ford's (2002) theory of the transfer process. Limitations and strategies to enhance the transfer of training are highlighted.
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    "Where did I park my car?" How do older adults cope with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment
    (16/11/2011) McKinlay AR; Leathem JM; Merrick PL
    Background: This presentation will background a New Zealand based research study to be conducted this year focusing on how people cope with and adjust to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This area of research is important because as a person reaches older age, their chances of developing a certain set of age related illnesses, such as dementia and cognitive impairment increases (Larson, 2010; Coulson et al., 2005; Hughes & Heycox, 2010). At the same time, the number of adults aged 65 and over is set to increase at levels unseen in Western Society to date in coming years. By 2050, the world's population of older adults is estimated to reach over 22% in its entirety, which roughly equates to a staggering 1 and a quarter billion people (Lloyd-Sherlock, 2010). Adjusting to and coping with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment can be difficult and is comparable to receiving a diagnosis of other chronic diseases (Preston, Marshall & Bucks, 2007). Some report depression, anxiety and other psychological reactions following their dementia diagnosis (Carpenter et al., 2008). Current literature to date is divided on how people react psychologically to knowing that they have a progressive cognitive impairment, and much of the research has overlooked the issue of MCI and the associated reactions to this diagnosis.