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The present article explores the hypothesis that gambling might serve a justice-seeking function for some people, as gambling might offer a means to pursuing desirable outcomes that people feel they deserve but might be unable or unwilling to attain through conventional means. In Study 1, across two separate samples, self-reports of personal relative deprivation predict problem gambling and gambling urges over and above relevant control variables. In Study 2, the authors manipulate personal relative deprivation by informing participants that they have either less or more discretionary income than "similar others." They then give participants $20 and the opportunity to gamble. The results show that a greater percentage of participants who are "relatively deprived" (vs. "not relatively deprived") opt to gamble. Two manipulation validation studies demonstrate that the "relatively deprived" participants are preoccupied with justice during a modified Stroop task and feel resentful. Implications for understanding why people gamble are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciding that negative experiences are punishment for prior misdeeds, even when plausible causal links are missing, is immanent justice (If) reasoning (Piaget, 1932/1965). Three studies examined a just world theory analysis of If reasoning in adults (Lerner's 1980). Studies 1 and 2 varied the valence of a target person's behavior prior to them experiencing an unrelated negative (car accident, Study 1) or positive (lottery win, Study 2) outcome. Participants viewed the outcomes as the result of prior behavior most when they fit deservingness expectations (good person won the lottery, bad person injured in automobile accident), suggesting that just world concerns influenced If reasoning The lottery-winning finding (Study 2) also extends If reasoning to positive experiences. A third study found that a manipulation of just world threat in one context (prolonged or ended suffering of an HIV victim) influenced If responses in a subsequent unrelated context (automobile accident scenario). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents reflections of psychiatrists on their professional practice. Hope for future development on the field of psychiatry; Thrill in dealing with problems of patients; Commitment for the common good.

Presents information on a study which tested the equity interpretation of forgiveness and retribution on transgressor compliance. How the study was conducted; Guilt manipulation check; Means, standard deviation and vector weights for compliance.

Objective: The aim of this article was to examine the concept of mental health and the policies that have been advanced to improve the wellbeing of the population. Conclusions: In the last century there have been many changes in the phenomena of psychiatric disorder, the management of those disorders and the outcomes. All of the changes have largely been due to the efforts of those working pragmatically at the coalface. There is little to suggest that the plans and programs advanced in the last half century have achieved more than enhancing the status of those who advance them. Conclusion: It is difficult to define mental health and equally difficult to develop a comprehensive program that will benefit the whole field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to consider the history of human beings killing one another and reflect upon their reasons. Has it ever been altruistic? Method: Important examples of large episodes of killing, such as wars, the Crusades, the Inquisition and genocides were examined. Results: Reasons are always advanced for killing large numbers of people who did not want to die. They were not based on logic nor on altruism but on moralities constructed from religious and political beliefs. Those who wanted to die because of unrelievable pain involved in the process of dying from an incurable illness are always preserved against their wishes. Once more, the reasons were usually religious and/or politically supported. Conclusion: The belief that it is acceptable to kill those who do not want to die but unacceptable to kill those who want to die provides a curious paradox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To consider Dr Joseph Dunn's thoughts about the future of psychiatry. The future has begun; we are standing in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An attempt to discover the meaning of “disease” in general medicine and “disorder” in psychiatry. Conclusions: There is no satisfactory definition: the terms are social constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the duties of editors and the ways in which authors can make an editor’s life easier. Conclusions: An editor’s tasks include knowing his or her reader, making a journal attractive and ensuring articles are accurate and up to date. Authors can assist by having the reader in mind, writing in plain English and keeping articles short. Peer review is an important aspect of medical publishing but has limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about David Maddison's article on organization of hospitals into multiple group functions at different levels.

Offers tips to psychiatrists on conducting rewarding psychiatric research that can facilitate promotion.

Comments on the article by R. Morstyn about the process notes in psychotherapy. Confidentiality of psychotherapy; Legal status of private notes; Compromising duties under the Medical Practitioners Act; Exclusions for politicians in the Act.

Presents a letter to the editor about movement disorders and the treatment of schizophrenia.

Comments a critique of the author's study on psychiatric research. Omission in relation to seeking research grants.

Presents a reply to the study on traumatic stress in the 21st century. Issue behind the reluctance on accepting the importance of adult experience in psychopathology; Neglect in the disturbing consequences of severe trauma.