Partial least squares (PLS) is a modeling technique that has met with considerable success, particularly in the fields of chemometrics and psychometrics. In this paper, we extend linear PLS to a nonlinear version called “reciprocal curves.” Reciprocal curves are smooth one-dimensional curves that pass through the center of the data, are co-consistent and share several optimality properties originally identified with PLS.

It is still widely unknown in chemometrics that the statistical analysis of compositional data requires fundamentally different tools than a similar analysis of unconstrained data. This article examines the problems that potentially occur when one performs a partial least squares (PLS) analysis on compositional data and suggests logcontrast partial least squares (LCPLS) as an alternative.

Treatment integrity procedures, generally lacking in previous research, were employed for evaluation of relaxation training for tension headaches. Treatment integrity is the extent to which the therapist implements the relaxation procedure as describe, and the degree to which the patients comply with the therapist's instructions. Objective compliance with the home practice of relaxation training was assessed using a microcomputer-based method which required the patient to squeeze a hand control when instructed to tense a muscle. A single-case replication design with three tension headache patients was used. The dependent variables were taken from patients' self-reported daily headache data. Results indicate that: (a) the therapist accurately adhered to the relaxation training protocol; (b) headache frequency decreased in all patients from baseline to 1-year follow-up (improvements ranged from 72.7% to 98.2%); and (c) improvement was greater with higher compliance.

Many students fail in the university environment due to an inability to perform in testing situations because of anxiety associated with tests (Suinn, 1968). Systematic desensitization has been found to be effective in the treatment of test anxiety, and attempts are being made to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of this procedure (Mann and Rosenthal, 1969; Suinn and Hall, 1970). This study evaluates the relative effectiveness of four methods of systematic desensitization in the treatment of test anxiety. Specifically, two changes were investigated which may lead to: (a) more rapid forms of treatment (massed treatment versus distributed treatment); (b) more easily administered forms of treatment (vicarious desensitization versus active desensitization).

In this paper the authors describe a relationship enrichment workshop they have developed and conducted for married and engaged college students. The workshop is for healthy couples and not primarily rehabilitative in nature. Rather the goal of the workshop is to teach participants some concepts and exercises for improving their mnutual communication, including expression of affection and constructive fighting. It is the authors' hope that this paper will encourage more preventive mental health programs for married adults and those contemplating matrimony.

What happens when two agencies cooperatively seek to work together more closely? This report analyzes the communication between two social agencies, a state hospital and a community mental health center, as they attempted to develop working ties through a liaison social worker. The program did not prove completely effective; this report presents a practical and theoretical analysis of what happened.

Research and evaluation is a central part of the program of the Southeast Wyoming Mental Health Center. An evaluation team of four consultants is used for (1) continuing review of Center goals, (2) developing record forms and systems for processing demographic data, (3) creation of instrumentation and research design for study of individual projects, and (4) analysis of data and writing and publication of reports. The team is closely integrated into the overall planning of Center activities. Benefits include refined programming, increased staff effectiveness, and improved feedback to the community.

Two staff members of a mental health center were asked a series of questions about the role of a community welfare agency, its personnel, and their functions, both before and after one of them visited and worked within the agency. Changes in factor scores of a semantic differential to various staff and agency concepts were also assessed. The visitant showed considerable change, suggesting increased identification with the agency, its personnel, and its goals. The evaluation procedure itself appeared to make the visitation more effective.