Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 3 March 2008
Domestic Violence: A Worldwide Exploration
Carrie M. Carretta, MSN, RN
ABSTRACT
The concept of domestic violence is important to nursing because further knowledge of this phenomenon can help drive more effective
intervention and prevention approaches. Domestic violence, also known as gender violence, interpersonal violence, and domestic abuse, is
a daily and often a deadly fact of life for millions of women and girls around the world. Attacks are perpetrated in settings that
include public streets, at places of employment, in the home, while serving in the military, and in prisons and jails. The costs of this
violence, both monetary and in human lives, are tremendous. Although nurses are in a unique position to screen for domestic violence and
provide assistance and advocacy for victims, barriers exist related to victim disclosure and staff training and comfort levels. Advanced
practice nurses can address the issue directly through appropriate treatment facilitation, including both physical and psychosocial
intervention.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms. Carretta graduated with a master’s degree in nursing in January 2008 from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey with a focus
in psychiatric-mental health nursing and is currently an advanced practice nurse applicant.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or
indirectly in this activity, including research support.
The author acknowledges Lucille A. Joel, EdD, RN, APN, C, FAAN, for her tireless encouragement, guidance, and support.
Address correspondence to Carrie M. Carretta, MSN, RN, 31 Rosalie Avenue, Lincroft, NJ 07738; e-mail: ccarretta@aol.com.
Behavioral Activation and Rehabilitation
Harold R. Wallbridge, PhD, CPsych; Patricia Furer, PhD, CPsych; and Carrie Lionberg, PhD, CPsych
ABSTRACT
Rehabilitation from a mental or physical disorder can become complicated when patients feel overwhelmed by symptoms and unable to make progress. Newer behavioral approaches have been developed that can help these patients. This article describes behavioral activation techniques designed to address depression.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Wallbridge, Dr. Furer, and Dr. Lionberg are Psychologists, St. Boniface General Hospital; Dr. Wallbridge and Dr. Lionberg are Assistant Professors, and Dr. Furer is Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Harold R. Wallbridge, PhD, CPsych, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, M4, 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2H 2A6; e-mail: wallbrid@cc.umanitoba.ca.
Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia, Depression, and PTSD
Goran Arbanas, MD
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to compare adolescents’ attitudes toward schizophrenia, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stigmatizing attitudes toward these three mental disorders were evaluated in 325 senior students from medical, commercial, and grammar high schools in Croatia using a 45-item questionnaire. Results indicated that stigmatizing attitudes toward PTSD were at the same level as attitudes toward depression and were less stigmatizing than were attitudes toward schizophrenia. Negative attitudes were the lowest among medical students. Gender differences existed only for attitudes toward depression. Stigmatizing attitudes toward PTSD were not as high as expected. All of the students believed mental disorders are different from other disorders. Specific knowledge of psychiatry has been shown to reduce stigma. The nonaddictive nature of psychotropic medications should receive greater emphasis when teaching psychiatry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Arbanas is a psychiatrist and head of a day care centre for psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital Karlovac, Karlovac, Croatia.
The author discloses that he has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Goran Arbanas, MD, Naselje Marka Marulica 10e, 47000 Karlovac, Croatia; e-mail: goran.arbanas@ka.t-com.hr.
