The Glendon Association conducts ongoing research in the areas of self-destructive and violent behavior, parent-child relationships, and intimate relationships.

Self-Destructive Behavior

Firestone Assessment of Self-Destructive Thoughts (FAST)
Most individuals who seek psychological services experience self-defeating and self-destructive thought processes that can be conceptualized as an internal dialogue or " critical inner voice." The Firestone Assessment of Self-Destructive Thoughts (FAST) is based on voice therapy theory, and was derived from 20 years of clinical research into self-attacking attitudes, or introjects, that restrict or impair an individual’s psychological development. The FAST can be used by clinicians to determine client levels of self-harmful and suicidal ideation. The FAST has been translated into several languages and has proven to be reliable across cultures. Licensed mental health professionals can purchase the FAST from the Glendon Store.

Firestone Assessment of Suicide Intent (FASI)
The Firestone Assessment of Suicide Intent (FASI) is a new assessment instrument developed from a subscale of the FAST. This 27-item self-report questionnaire specifically determines an individual’s suicidal risk. The FASI yields significant information that helps a clinician establish whether or not the client is in imminent danger of self-harm, and also provides a decision-making guide that will help the clinician develop an appropriate treatment strategy. The FASI is in final development, and upon completion will be available for purchase from the Glendon Store.

Violence

Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT)
Data collection is currently underway to establish the construct and criterion validity, and reliability, of the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT). Preliminary findings from the pilot study of the FAVT have demonstrated significant relationships between the concept of the internal voice and violent behavior. Results of our initial research revealed significant predictive power beyond demographic and background descriptors and history of criminal and violent behavior after adding the FAVT to the model. Thus far, data gathered on more than 500 prisoners, parolees, and domestic violence perpetrators has indicated that the FAVT is capable of distinguishing between violent and nonviolent individuals. An adolescent version of this scale is being developed, and results of the pilot research showed that the FAVT was able to distinguish between adolescents with a history of violence and those without such a history.

Parent-Child Relationships
Glendon’s research in the area of parent-child relationships has focused on the Compassionate Child Rearing Parent Education Program, a program that emphasizes that effective parenting grows out of parents’ knowledge, insight, and understanding of themselves as individuals, separate from parental roles or expectations. This program is designed for educators and professionals working in prevention/mental health services. A two-day intensive training program and ongoing support are provided for instructors who purchase the program. The CCR program has been adopted by therapists and facilities in six states, British Columbia and Costa Rica. Results from a small pilot study to measure the effectiveness of the program indicated an increase in parents' positive feelings, and a reduction of negative attitudes and rejection toward their children following the training. Results also indicated positive changes in parental attitudes toward themselves and others.

Intimate Relationships
The Glendon Association has developed two new instruments that address intimate relationships. The first, the Checklist for Partners, evaluates the quality of relating between partners. The second, the Firestone Voice Scale for Couples, identifies negative thoughts toward self and one’s partner, and about relationships in general that create conflict in relationships. Please contact Dr. Lisa Firestone or Joyce Catlett for more information about these instruments.