Behavioral Medicine

Biobehavioral pain research: a multi-institute assessment of cross-cutting issues and research needs

by Lynn Underwood

Randomized controlled trial of a brief research-based intervention promoting fruit and vegetable consumption

by Ian Kellar

Objective. The present study sought to test the efficacy of a brief research-based, leaflet-like intervention to... more Objective. The present study sought to test the efficacy of a brief research-based, leaflet-like intervention to promote eating the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables (RDIFV).

Design. A controlled, pre- post-test experimental study with random allocation and a 1 week self-report behavioural follow-up was conducted.

Method. The intervention employed persuasive communication targeting self-efficacy and intention, and invited participants to form implementation intentions in relation to acquiring and preparing fruit and vegetables for consumption.

Results. Intervention participants had stronger post-intervention intentions to consume the RDIFV, and higher anticipated regret in relation to failing to do so, compared with controls, controlling for pre-intervention scores. At follow-up, the intervention group was found to have eaten more fruit and vegetables and to have consumed the RDIFV more frequently.

Discussion. It is concluded that this study supports the previously reported power of implementation intentions to prompt enactment of intentions, and that a brief research-based leaflet-like intervention could result in immediate enhancement of intentions and anticipated regret, and promote greater fruit and vegetable consumption.

Prediction of nonspecific side effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients by beliefs about medicines

by Yvonne Nestoriuc

Measurement of cortisol

by Nancy A. Nicolson

Nicolson NA. 2007. Measurement of cortisol. In Luecken LJ, Gallo LC, eds., Handbook of Physiological Research Methods in Health Psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, pp. 37-74.

A Meta-Analytic Review of the Penn Resiliency Program's Effect on Depressive Symptoms

by Eric S. Kim

Published in: the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

The purpose of this review was to evaluate whether the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP), a group cognitive–behavioral... more The purpose of this review was to evaluate whether the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP), a group cognitive–behavioral intervention, is effective in targeting depressive symptoms in youths. We identified 17 controlled evaluations of PRP (N = 2,498) in which depressive symptoms had been measured via an online search of PsycInfo, Medline, ERIC, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and by requesting data from PRP researchers. We combined effect sizes (ESs; Glass's d), using random effects models at postintervention and two follow-up assessments (6–8 and 12 months postintervention). PRP participants reported fewer depressive symptoms at postintervention and both follow-up assessments compared with youths receiving no intervention, with ESs ranging from 0.11 to 0.21. Subgroup analyses showed that PRP's effects were significant at 1 or more follow-up assessments among studies with both targeted and universal approaches, when group leaders were research team members and community providers, among participants with both low and elevated baseline symptoms, and among boys and girls. Limited data showed no evidence that PRP is superior to active control conditions. Preliminary analyses suggested that PRP's effects on depressive disorders may be smaller than those reported in a larger meta-analysis of depression prevention programs for older adolescents and adults. We found evidence that PRP significantly reduces depressive symptoms through at least 1-year postintervention. Future PRP research should examine whether PRP's effects on depressive symptoms lead to clinically meaningful benefits for its participants, whether the program is cost-effective, whether CB skills mediate program effects, and whether PRP is effective when delivered under real-world conditions.

Author Keywords: depression; prevention; adolescents; meta-analysis; Penn Resiliency Program