bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Styles of Conflict Management in Japanese and Americans: Passivity, Covertness, and Effectiveness of Strategies1
Authors: Ohbuchi Ken‐Ichi , Takahashi Yumi
Published: August 2006

We asked 94 Japanese and 98 American students to report their recent experiences with interpersonal conflicts; they reported 476 episodes. The content analyses of these episodes were conducted in terms of desired and engaged conflict management strategies, effectiveness of chosen strategies, covertness of conflicts, and motives for covertness. Strategies other than simple avoidance were coded into four types, based on Falbo and Peplau's (1980) model. As a result, a particularly strong tendency to avoid conflict was found among Japanese subjects, who were motivated by both their desire to preserve relationships and their perceptions of shared responsibility. These findings were interpreted in terms of cross‐cultural concepts of collectivism versus individualism (Triandis, 1989a) and independent versus interdependent self (Markus & Kitayama, 1991).
Parent and Teen Perceptions Regarding Parental Efforts at Controlling Teen Drunk Driving1
Authors: Turrisi Rob , Jaccard James , Kelly Sue Q. , Valera Eve M.
Published: August 2006

This research examined the potential utility of a parental control technique to prevent adolescent drunk driving by identifying parent and teen sources of resistance to an ignition interlock system. The research also examined the theoretical issue of parental control over adolescents by identifying factors parents consider when deciding to use a control technique. Parent and teen receptivity to the interlock was examined in relation to teen drunk driving. General parental control orientations (controlling vs. permissive) were examined in relation to the factors that influence parental decisions to implement such a control technique. Factors related to sources of reluctance to use the device were also examined. The findings revealed that parents were generally ambivalent toward the interlock. In contrast, teens responses varied, with approximately 20% of the sample reporting favorable attitudes toward having an interlock installed in the their cars. In addition, both parents and teens expressed concern about how the interlock would affect their relationship with each other. Finally, controlling parents tended to place less emphasis on the perceived effectiveness of the control technique when forming their attitudes toward its implementation compared to permissive parents. The findings are discussed in the context of prevention efforts for adolescent drunk driving.
Minimizing Intergroup Contact: An Urban Field Study
Authors: Henderson‐King Eaaron
Published: August 2006

This study examines the effects of observing the negative or neutral behavior of a black or a white couple on white subjects' subsequent social interactions with either a black or a white person. Subjects encountered either a black or a white couple having an argument or a neutral interaction. Shortly thereafter the subjects were approached by either a black or white male confederate who asked for directions. A 2 (Couple's Race) × 2 (Couple's Behavior) × 2 (Confederate's Race) analysis of variance revealed that white subjects interacted with a black confederate for a shorter period of time after having observed a black couple's argument.
A Prototype Matching Approach to Understanding the Role of Applicant Gender and Age in the Evaluation of Job Applicants1
Authors: Perry Elissa
Published: August 2006

This research uses a prototype matching approach to understand how job applicant evaluations are made and the role that applicant gender and age play in these evaluations. It is hypothesized that raters represent information about jobs and jobholders in person‐in‐job prototypes. Raters evaluate applicants by matching information about applicants to the person‐in‐job prototype associated with the job for which the applicant is applying. Person‐in‐job prototypes are comprised of features that are more (i.e., central) or less (i.e., peripheral) strongly associated with the prototype. Three laboratory studies examined several hypotheses derived from a prototype matching approach. Results indicated that applicants who matched on more central features were evaluated more favorably than applicants who matched on fewer central features of person‐in‐job prototypes. In addition, applicants who matched on age were evaluated more favorably than applicants who did not match on age when age was a central but not a peripheral feature of a person‐in‐job prototype. However, applicants who matched on gender were not evaluated differently from applicants who did not match on gender when gender was a central or a peripheral feature of a person‐in‐job prototype. Finally, there was some evidence that raters used applicant gender in a complex manner when evaluating applicants. Implications for theory and research on bias in selection are discussed.
Stress and Health in First‐Year Law Students: Women Fare Worse1
Authors: McIntosh Daniel N. , Keywell Julie , Reifman Alan , Ellsworth Phoebe C.
Published: August 2006

The social and psychological consequences of being a female law student may include greater stress and worse health than that experienced by male students. First‐year law students at a major state university were surveyed about their physical and psychological health prior to, in the middle of, and at the end of the school year. They were also asked about specific sources of strain (e.g., grades, time pressure) at mid‐year. Relative to men, women reported greater strain due to sexism, lack of free time, and lack of time to spend with one's spouse/partner. Women also displayed more depression and physical symptoms at the end of the year. Partial correlation analyses controlling for baseline health were used to show associations between mid‐year strain and end‐of‐year emotional and physical health. Gender‐role constraints may be more responsible for women's stress than law school per se.
Violence, Conflict, Trickery, and Other Story Themes in TV Ads for Food for Children
Authors: Rajecki D. W. , McTavish Donald G. , Rasmussen Jeffrey Lee , Schreuders Madelon , Byers Diane C. , Jessup K. Sean
Published: August 2006

Stories in a sample of 92 television (TV) food ads aimed at children were analyzed for thematic and subtextual content. Violence as a surface theme ranked first in use receiving a nonzero score in 62% of the ads, followed by conflict (41%), achievement (24%), mood alteration (23%), enablement (18%), trickery (20%), and product dependence (8%). Cluster analysis identified six groupings of themes, with 64% of the ads characterized by some combination of violence, conflict, and trickery. Regarding subtexts, the computer‐based Minnesota Contextual Content Analysis program evaluated the voiced material in ads in terms of four marker categories named “traditional (normative)”, “practical”, “emotional”, and “analytic”. It was found that the texts had a strong emphasis on the emotional subtext or thrust, and a pronounced underemphasis on the analytic context. These analyses identify possibly dubious content in a significant segment of children's TV viewing.
The Effects of a Mental Health Video on the Social Skills Knowledge and Attitudes of Mexican Immigrants1
Authors: Bohon Lisa M. , Santos Silvia J. , Sanchez‐Sosa Juan Jose , Singer Robert D.
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Spanish mental health video, “Cuida Su Salud Mental”, on the relationship attitudes and social skills knowledge of a Mexican immigrant sample. Subjects consisted of 72 Spanish speaking English as a second language (ESL) students recruited from the Paramount Adult School, in the county of Los Angeles. The Solomon (1949) Four Group Design was used. Half of the subjects were pretested on knowledge and attitudes about effective communication skills and relationships, respectively. All subjects view either the mental health video or a control video, and then were posttested on knowledge and attitudes. Results indicated that the mental healthy video (MHV) group exhibited more knowledge, F(1, 62) = 10.61, p= 0.002, and less risky attitudes, F(1, 62) = 4.29, p= 0.043, than the control video group. The MHV group also showed an increase in knowledge from the pretest to the posttest, F(1, 35) = 7.36, p= 0.01. Finally, both video groups reported a decrease in risky attitudes from pretest to posttest, F(1, 34) = 18.21, p= 0.001. These results support the use of “Cuida Su Salud Mental” as a productive and cost‐effective mental health intervention that can be used to reach a large segment of the Spanish speaking community.
Predicting Child Restraint Device Use: A Comparison of Two Models1
Authors: Richard Lucie , Dedobbeleer Nicole , Champagne Franćois , Potvin Louise
Published: August 2006

This study's first objective was to apply Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB) in the context of automobile child restraint device use to identify determinants of that behavior. A second objective was to test two specific hypotheses regarding the predictive role of perceived behavioral control: (a) Its inclusion should increase the proportion of variance already explained in intention by the attitudinal and normative components included in the theory of reasoned action; and (b) given the behavior under study, a model in which perception of behavioral control's influence on behavior is entirely mediated by intention, should fit the data. Subjects (N= 590) were parents driving with their 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children intercepted while entering or leaving parking lots of different public settings. The behavior of interest, child restraint device use, was rated by two independent observers. A self‐report questionnaire assessing all constructs of Ajzen's model was given to the parent, who was instructed to return it by mail. Data were analyzed using LISREL VII. Results showed that perceived behavioral control and, to a lesser extent, attitude, emerged as the main determinants of behavioral intention which was itself predictive of child restraint device use. In addition, both hypotheses regarding the relation between perceived behavioral control on the one hand and intention and behavior, on the other, were supported. Discussion centered first on the mechanism through which perceived behavioral control exerts its influence, and second on the implications of the present results for the theory of reasoned action as well as for the theory of planned behavior.
Disassembling a Stereotype: Gender Differences in the Use of Token Resistance1
Authors: O'Sullivan Lucia F. , Allgeier Elizabeth Rice
Published: August 2006

Traditionally, women have been perceived as using token resistance to avoid appearing desirous of sexual activity and to gain some degree of restrictive control in heterosexual dating interactions. In the current study, we examined both men's and women's use of token resistance and the reasons they attributed for their use of this dating behavior. A total of 108 male and 199 female heterosexual college students completed the Dating Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) used to examine the use of token resistance, as well as a number of attitudinal and behavioral measures. An ANOVA revealed that a higher percentage of men than women reported the use of token resistance. The types of reasons men and women attributed to their behavior did not differ. Token resistance reportedly served a number of functions, including an expressive game‐playing function. Most interactions were perceived by both men and women as being pleasant, despite concerns by researchers that token resistance may be associated with a partner's subsequent use of sexual coercion. Thus, token resistance does not appear to be indicative of adverserial relations. The findings are discussed in terms of the benefits for men and women of relaxing the constraints of traditional gender roles with regard to dating behavior.
Performance Self‐Predictions: The Impact of Expectancy Strength and Incentives1
Authors: Henry Rebecca A. , Strickland Oriel J.
Published: August 2006

Performance self‐predictions represent an individual's anticipated level performance on an upcoming task. This study focused on the accuracy of these predictions, as well as subjective reactions to making them under varying expectancy and incentive conditions. Results indicate that performance‐contingent incentives had a positive effect on task performance, but a negative effect on preferences for making performance predictions. Expectancy strength also influenced these predictions, their subjective interpretations, and task performance. Additional results address the role of other task‐relevant judgments (e.g., self‐assessed ability and intended effort) when predicting one's performance on a task. Implications of these findings for work motivation and judgment accuracy are discussed.
The Influence of Third Party Power and Suggestions on Negotiation: The Surface Value of a Compromise1
Authors: Conlon Donald E. , Carnevale Peter , Ross William H.
Published: August 2006

A simulated organizational dispute tested the influence of third party power and settlement suggestions on negotiation. Six different types of third party suggestions were tested: Integrative (highest possible value to both parties), compromise (the prominent solution equally favorable to both parties), unintegrative (lowest possible value to both parties), favorable (more value to subject than to opponent), unfavorable (more value to opponent than to subject), and no offers. Additional subjects bargained with no third party. The results suggest that the potential of a third party to impose a settlement influenced disputant perceptions of power and desire for third party involvement, but had only weak effects on communication processes and little effect on offer proposals. While integrative suggestions led to greater acceptability of the third party, compromise suggestions positively influenced the appearance of fairness and the use of rationality and exchange messages. Receipt of an unfavorable suggestion resulted in less favorable ratings of third party acceptability, greater perceptions of bias, and the use of more assertive messages and fewer upward appeals aimed at the third party than did receipt of a favorable suggestion. Implications for managerial dispute resolution behavior and subsequent perceptions of satisfaction and justice are discussed.
Gay Identification and Psychological Health in HIV‐Positive and HIV‐Negative Gay Men1
Authors: Leserman Jane , DiSantostefano Rachael , Perkins Diana O. , Evans Dwight L.
Published: August 2006

This paper reports a study of HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative gay men focusing on comparisons between the HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative on gay identification, the interrelationships among gay identification variables, and the psychological correlates of gay identification. We hypothesized that better psychological health would be related to gay self‐acceptance, participating in gay organizations and groups, socializing with other gay men, and parental disclosure and acceptance of being gay. The sample was composed of 169 gay men, including 98 asymptomatic HIV‐positive and 71 HIV‐negative men. The findings are largely consistent with our hypotheses. A strong and consistent relationship of the gay identification measures with psychological variables was observed, explaining up to one fifth of the variance in current level of mood and self‐esteem. Among the HIV‐positive subjects, participating in gay organizations and groups and having parents who accepted their sexual orientation were important correlates of psychological adaptation. Despite this, 36% of subjects had parents who disapproved of their sexual orientation, and 69% of HIV‐positive subjects were not in any gay organizations or groups. Among the HIV‐negative subjects, gay self‐acceptance and disclosing their sexual orientation to parents were associated with better psychological adjustment. These results suggest that the psychological health and outlook of gay men may be influenced by gay self‐acceptance, participation in gay groups, and parental disclosure and acceptance of their children's sexual orientation.
The Correlation Between Depression and Headache: The Role Played by Generational Changes in Female Achievement
Authors: Silverstein Brett , McKoy Elizabeth , Clauson Joanne , Perdue Lauren , Raben Jill
Published: August 2006

The relationship between depression and somatic symptoms such as headache has never been explained. Both depression and headache appear to become more prevalent among women than among men only for cohorts that reach adolescence during periods of great change in opportunities for a female's academic achievement. In Studies 1a and 1b, the same pattern was found to apply to the correlation between depression and headache. In Studies 2a and 2b, self‐report measures of depression and headache were found to share significant variance only among female adolescents who reported concerns regarding the limited achievements of their mothers. These females may view the roles of adult women as being limited and may experience stress and low self‐esteem associated with depressive and somatic symptomatology.
Women's Reactions to Miscarriage: The Role of Attributions, Coping Styles, and Knowledge1
Authors: James Deborah S. , Kristiansen Connie M.
Published: August 2006

This study examined 72 women's retrospectively reported reactions to miscarriage, including depression, stress, and anxiety. The buffering role of women's attributional explanations for the event, the significance of the loss of the baby, coping strategies, and women's knowledge of miscarriage were also assessed. Correlational analyses revealed that women's attributions were tied to their reactions, in that the more women blamed their own character or doctor, the more severely they reacted. Coping strategies accounted for a large portion of the variance (64%), whereby women who used cognitive restructuring as a strategy suffered less adverse reactions than did those who used social withdrawal or wishrul thinking. Women's knowledge before miscarriage, rather than after, accounted for 6% of the variance in their reactions. Examining the interrelations of these variables revealed that the amount of women's knowledge before miscarriage was related to less wishful thinking, and their knowledge after the event was related to less problem avoidance. Women's attributions were also related to their coping strategies: Blaming one's character, behavior, or doctor were positively related to self‐criticism and social withdrawal, and negatively related to support from doctors and significant others. The implications of these findings for interventions to facilitate adjustment to miscarriage and future research are discussed.
Attributions, Cognitions, and Coping Styles: Teleworkers' Reactions to Work‐Related Problems1
Authors: Norman Paul , Collins Sylvie , Conner Mark , Martin Robin , Rance Jaynie
Published: August 2006

Based on the attributional reformulation of learned helplessness theory (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978) and Lazarus and Launier's (1978) primary‐secondary appraisal theory of stress, the present study sought to examine teleworkers' reactions to their work‐related problems. The role of attributions about the sources, and cognitions about the consesquences, of these problems in promoting positive adaptation was addressed. In particular, it was predicted that teleworkers who made optimistic attributions and cognitions would be more likely to employ problem‐focused coping strategies and, as a result, report more positive psychological and job‐related outcomes. Based on a survey sample of 192 teleworkers, the results indicated that a tendency to engage in self‐blame was related to the use of emotion‐focused coping strategies. In turn, there was evidence linking emotion‐focused coping strategies to negative outcomes and problem‐focused coping strategies to positive outcomes. The results are discussed in relation to attributional approaches to stress which highlight the importance of cognitions about the consequences of negative events. Finally, implications for the training of teleworkers are presented.
Self‐Reported Alcohol Expectancies and Postdrinking Sexual Inferences About Women1
Authors: George William H. , Cue Kelly L. , Lopez Peter A. , Crowe Leif C. , Norris Jeanette
Published: August 2006

In evaluating dating scenarios, perceivers tend to infer more sexual responsiveness for drinking than nondrinking daters. The origin of these postdrinking sexual inferences has not previously been examined. In the present study, we considered whether perceivers' alcohol expectancies would influence these inferences. Male and female subjects completed a brief expectancy measure, read a vignette depicting a beer‐drinking or cola‐drinking woman, and evaluated the targeted woman. Multiple‐regression equations were computed to test a replication hypothesis and an interaction hypothesis. In support of the replication hypothesis, subjects rated the beer‐drinking woman as more sexual than her cola‐drinking counterpart. In support of the interaction hypothesis, male but not female subjects exhibited the predicted expectancy by drink interaction. High expectancy men but not low expectancy men rated the beer‐drinking woman as more likely to engage in sexual behaviors than the cola‐drinking woman. This finding was evident on behaviorally specific measures, but not on trait‐like measures. The roles of stereotypes and alcohol expectancies as determinants of post‐drinking sexual inferences are discussed.
Spared at Random: Survivor Reactions in the Gay Community1
Authors: Wayment Heidi A. , Silver Roxane Cohen , Kemeny Margaret E.
Published: August 2006

Many gay men who have tested negative for HIV were sexually active prior to a general awareness of how HIV is transmitted. Based on the work of Lifton (1980), such HIV‐negative gay men may be considered “survivors” since they have witnessed the deaths of many members of their community and have been spared. Survivors may be expected to manifest one or more of three survivor reactions: guilt about surviving (HIV‐related guilt), anxiety about dying (AIDS‐related death anxiety), and blunted affect. The present study employed structural equation modeling in samples of HIV‐negative (N= 129) and HIV‐positive (N= 95) gay men to assess psychological and behavioral variables predictive of the presence of a survivor reaction. Survivor reactions were uniquely predicted among HIV‐negative gay men. The larger the number of sexual partners HIV‐negative gay men reported having had prior to 1984, the more likely they were to experience a survivor reaction. Greater satisfaction with social support from gay friends, and, indirectly, gay‐related community group involvement, was associated with being less likely to experience a survivor reaction.
Race Relations on Prime Time Television Reconsidered: Patterns of Continuity and Change
Authors: Weigel Russell H. , Kim Eleanor L. , Frost Jill L.
Published: August 2006

This study was designed to assess the changes that have occurred in the portrayals of black people and cross‐racial relationships in prime‐time television broadcasting during the past decade. By replicating the content analysis procedures used by Weigel, Loomis, and Soja (1980), this investigation provided a consistent basis for comparing two similar samples of television content drawn, respectively, from 1978 and 1989. Results of this comparison indicated that, although black appearances and cross‐racial interactions were no more frequent in the 1989 sample of product commercials, the black presence in prime‐time programming had increased substantially. As compared to 1978, the proportion of time that one or more black characters were on the screen more than doubled, while the frequency of cross‐racial interactions more than tripled in the 1989 sample. Nevertheless, ratings of qualitative dimensions of these cross‐racial interactions suggested that relationships between blacks and whites on television continued to be portrayed as cooperative but emotionally detached, particularly when the relationships occurred outside of the work place.
The Effects of Source Credibility and Performance Rating Discrepancy on Reactions to Multiple Raters1
Authors: Albright Michelle D. , Levy Paul E.
Published: August 2006

Using multiple feedback sources, the present study investigated the effects of source credibility and performance rating discrepancy on recipients' reactions. Individuals performed an ambiguous group task, rated their own performance on the task, and were later provided bogus feedback ostensibly from their peers and an expert rater. Individuals reacted toward the feedback and the source of the feedback as a function of the rating discrepancy and credibility of the feedback source. Generally, more credible sources and their feedback were evaluated more favorably. However, as predicted, this effect was overcome by performance rating discrepancy in the predicted conditions. The results show the importance of studying the interactive effects of message and source characteristics on individuals' reactions.
Why Me? The Persistence of Negative Appraisals Over the Course of Illness1
Authors: Schiaffino Kathleen M. , Revenson Tracey A.
Published: August 2006

This paper examines the relationship of illness appraisals and causal attributions to later psychological adjustment among individuals coping with a chronic illness. Data on threat and challenge appraisals, causal attributions, and depression were collected twice over an 18‐month period from patients with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Appraisals and attributions were differentially related to psychological adjustment. Challenge appraisals were stable over time but were unrelated to depression. Internal, stable, global attributions about the diagnosis were associated with greater depression at follow‐up for subjects who were initially high on the depression measure but were related to lowered depression for individuals with initially low depression. An interaction between initial threat appraisals and depression was also found for depression 18 months later. For individuals with low depression scores initially, threat appraisals were related to greater depression later; when initial depression was high, threat appraisals were unrelated to later depression. In addition, initial threat appraisals mediated the relationship between initial level of depression and rumination (continuing to ask, “Why me?”) 18 months later. These findings are discussed in terms of the failure to achieve some resolution about the place of the illness in one's life and of theories of dysphoric rumination that suggest that negative self‐focus contributes to a continuing depressed mood.
Behavioral Intentions: Which Ones Predict Fertility Behavior in Married Couples?1
Authors: Miller Warren B. , Pasta David J.
Published: August 2006

The published literature on the relationship between behavioral intentions and fertility behavior exhibits four major problems: inconsistent and confusing use of theoretical constructs, limited use of different types of intentions, use of nonbehavioral outcomes, and failure to explore adequately the couple aspects of the intentions/behavior relationship. The study reported here addresses these problems by using a theoretical framework that characterizes the psychological/behavioral sequence leading to a planned conception, three different types of fertility intentions, a behavioral outcome variable, and data from 196 married couples with no children and 185 married couples with one child. Data analysis results in a simultaneous equation, constrained regression model which indicates that child‐timing intentions are the most important predictors of proceptive behavior over a 3‐1/2 year period and that childbearing intentions are next in importance; that behavioral intentions are the final common pathway through which fertility motivations, attitudes, beliefs, and desires affect behavior; that the use of proceptive behavior as an outcome variable improves the explanatory power of our models; and that the interaction of couple intentions do not demonstrate greater husband or wife influence over couple proceptive behavior but do demonstrate that disagreement has a delaying effect on the onset of that behavior.
Through the Lens of Mathematical/Scientific Self‐Schemas: Images of Students' Current and Possible Selves1
Authors: Lips Hilary M.
Published: August 2006

Two studies identified university students whose mathematical, scientific networks of cognitive associations function either as a positive self‐schema, a weak or nonexistent self‐schema, or a negative self‐schema. Schematicity tendency was significantly related to both current and possible self elements. In Study 1, subjects’ mathematical, scientific self views were positively associated with preferential recall of schema‐relevant material. Both recall and item extremity signaled the presence of a global, positive or negative, math/science self‐schema, a conclusion supported by negative schematic subjects' significantly lower math test scores. However, aschematics, with math test performance very similar to positive self‐schematics, were much less likely than positive schematics to enroll in mathematics, statistics, computing, and natural science courses. In Study 2, standardized math/science trait item endorsements and response latencies were used to form double cross‐validated self‐schema clusters. Positive and negative schematics were more confident than aschematics in “me, not‐me” math/science self‐descriptions, and in possible math/science careers. Both intentions to take more mathematics and total courses subsequently taken were greater for positive than negative schematics. Implications for gender‐related issues, interventions, and instruction in academic domains are discussed.
Condom Use by Low‐Income African American and Hispanic Youth With a Weil‐Known Partner: Integrating the Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Construct Accessibility Model1
Authors: Norris Anne E. , Ford Kathleen
Published: August 2006

This study used multiple group structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate gender and ethnic differences in a theoretical model of condom use with a well known partner. The sample consisted of urban, low income, African American and Hispanic males and females. The theoretical model incorporated concepts from the Health Belief Model (HBM), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and Construct Accessibility Model (CAM). A new theoretical concept, condom predisposition, emerged from SEM as a predictor of condom use in all four gender‐ethnic groups. This concept combines elements of the TRA (attitude, partner norm) and CAM (accessibility of condom related constructs). Statistically reliable differences were found in the theoretical models for each group. For example, talking about AIDS was positively related to a predisposition to use condoms for African American males and both Hispanic males and females. In contrast, for African American females, it was their concern about AIDS that was positively related to this predisposition. These results underscore the importance of investigating gender differences within ethnic groups, and benefits of integrating different theoretical perspectives.
Childhood Psychosocial Predictors of Adulthood Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Physical Activity1
Authors: Tucker Joan S. , Friedman Howard S. , Tomlinson‐Keasey Carol , Schwartz Joseph E. , Wingard Deborah L. , Criqui Michael H. , Martin Leslie R.
Published: August 2006

This study prospectively addresses whether aspects of the childhood home environment (SES and parental divorce) and personality are predictive of smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity in middle adulthood. Subjects were 972 males and females who participated in the Terman Life‐Cycle Study. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that childhood unconscientiousness, cheerfulness, and parental divorce predicted adult smoking. Childhood unconscientiousness and sociability predicted adult alcohol consumption. Physical activity was predicted by a higher energy/activity level in childhood. Results suggest that the previously found associations between childhood characteristics and health‐related behaviors over shorter periods are not simply reflective of early experimentation with such behaviors, but may be indicative of long‐term lifestyle patterns.
Voluntary Stigmatization and Social Comparison: Single Mothers View Their Lot1
Authors: Siegel Judith M.
Published: August 2006

This research examined the impact of voluntary Stigmatization, depression, and self‐esteem on downward social comparisons. The stigmatized group was 51 mothers who chose to become parents as single women; 51 demographically similar married mothers were the nonstigmatized group. The women described their stressors and rated these stressors relative to other mothers of the same marital status and relative to mothers who differed in marital status. Consistent with downward comparison theory, Stigmatization increased the likelihood of making downward comparisons. Contrary to the theory, high self‐esteem and low levels of depression resulted in self‐enhancing comparisons, but only when individuals compared themselves to others who differed in Stigmatization status. The combination of these individual difference variables and Stigmatization increased the tendency to make downward comparisons.
College Students' Attitudes Toward Abortion: The Role of Knowledge and Demographic Variables1
Authors: Esposito Christianne L. , Basow Susan A.
Published: August 2006

The present study sought to determine the role that knowledge of abortion information and various demographic variables play in discriminating between those who approve and those who disapprove of abortion. Four hundred and fifty‐four college students completed the Abortion Knowledge Test, constructed by the researchers, as well as an abortion attitudes questionnaire which asked subjects to indicate their degree of approval or disapproval of abortion in the case of 7 different scenarios. Attitudes toward abortion were significantly predicted by knowledge of abortion‐related information above and beyond the significant influence of degree of religiosity, religion, and age. No significant gender differences were found. Respondents who indicated approval of abortion scored significantly higher on the Abortion Knowledge Test and tended to be older, less religious, and non‐Catholic compared to those who disapproved of abortion.
Peer Assessment of Early Adolescents Solicited to Participate in Drug Trafficking: A Longitudinal Analysis1
Authors: Weinfurt Kevin P. , Bush Patricia J.
Published: August 2006

This study examined differences in peer‐ascribed sociometric ratings of preadolescent and adolescent students who were, versus who were not, solicited to help someone sell crack cocaine 1 year later. The sample consisted of 3, 838 predominantly Black, urban public‐school students in 6th/7th grade. In the first year, students rated their classmates on 16 psychosocial descriptors; in the next year, students self‐reported their involvement in cocaine trafficking. Discriminant analyses performed separately for males and females indicated that solicited and unsolicited students differed significantly on the 16 sociometric items. Solicited students were more likely to be rated as not friendly, not shy, restless, untrustworthy, disliked by teachers, and not liking school. In addition, solicited male students were judged to be good at sports, liked by classmates, and were not picked on by others. The salience of particular items differed between genders. A longitudinal prediction model correctly predicted 61.88% and 64.30% of male and female students, respectively. However, sensitivity for solicited students was less for females (55.28%) than males (61.20%).
The Preconditions and Consequences of Relative Deprivation: Two Field Studies1
Authors: Olson James M. , Roesesc Neal J. , Meen Jennifer , Robertson D. Joyce
Published: August 2006

Two field studies assessed the preconditions and behavioral consequences of relative deprivation. A sample of single mothers receiving government assistance participated in Study 1, and a sample of working women participated in Study 2. We found general support for a 2‐factor model of the preconditions of relative deprivation, in which wanting the desired state and deserving the desired state were the best predictors of discontent. In both studies, discontent regarding the status of one's group (i.e., single mothers or working women) was specifically predictive of reports of group‐directed protest behaviors. In Study 2, discontent regarding one's own status was specifically predictive of willingness to engage in self‐improvement behaviors. Participants in both studies reported more group discontent than personal discontent. These findings provide support from naturalistic settings for the construct of relative deprivation.
How (Fast) Can I Help You? Tone of Voice and Telephone Operator Efficiency in Interactions1
Authors: Hecht Marvin A. , LaFrance Marianne
Published: August 2006

This study examined how tone of voice related to directory assistance operators' s]peed at handling customer calls. Brief (5‐s) audio exerpts of telephone operator conversation were presented to judges who rated these on 5 personality dimensions and 5 vocal qualities. When these measures were correlated with a key measure of job performance, namely call duration, results showed that operators who were faster at handling calls were rated as significantly more enthusiastic, sympathetic, confident, professional, and friendly (average r= ‐.56). The voices of faster operators were also rated as significantly more changing (vs. monotonous) and as containing clearer (vs. slurred) pronunciation. Results are discussed in terms of the role that tone of voice plays in telephone operator‐customer interaction, and telephone interactions more generally.
Group and Individual Decision Making for Task Performance Goals: Processes in the Establishment of Goals:in Groups1
Authors: Hinsz Verlin B.
Published: August 2006

The study examines the processes by which goals in groups are established. Performance goals and preferences for goals were stated by individuals acting alone, by groups deciding in unison, and by group members. All subjects performed a card‐sorting task as individuals, and self‐set goals were selected for expected levels of individual performance. Groups selected goals that were less difficult than individual goals on several occasions of goal setting. Analysis of the group goal decisions suggests that a success‐based social comparison process occurs that implies groups select a goal slightly lower than the average of the member preferences so that the group members may appear successful. Analyses also indicated that the lower group goals arose quickly in the group interaction, and that group members readily adopted the lower goals as appropriate levels of performance. Discussion focuses on the observed differences among group, group member, and individual performance goals, and the ability of the success‐based social comparison process to account for these differences.
An External Validation of Laboratory Evidence for Earned Dignity
Authors: Harcum E. Rae , Rosen Ellen F. , Pilkington Constance J. , Petty Linda C.
Published: August 2006

Both theoretical arguments and laboratory evidence indicate that society awards earned dignity (worth) to persons perceived as voluntarily performing praiseworthy behaviors. Laboratory research, as well as common observation, indicates also that society accords an intrinsic dignity unconditionally to all people. On a questionnaire given in class, college students reported increased dignity earned by the Russians from their praiseworthy (i.e., embracing freedom) and voluntary rejection of the attempted coup in 1991. The questionnaire also revealed a general belief in intrinsic dignity. External evidence for earned dignity is shown by increased international support for the Russians after rejection of the coup. This convergence of laboratory and external data validates the laboratory techniques for studying social perception of human dignity.
Intrusive Thoughts as Determinants of Distress in Parents of Children With Cancer1
Authors: Hall Martica , Baum Andrew
Published: August 2006

This study investigated the relationship between frequency of intrusive thoughts and susceptibility to reminiscent stimuli and consequent distress in parents of children with cancer and parents with healthy children. Cancer‐related words embedded in the Stroop task (e.g., “chemo” printed in green ink), served as the reminiscent stimuli. Results indicated that frequency of intrusive thoughts reported 2 months before the experimental session was positively correlated with evoked thoughts and associated distress among parents with ill children. Intrusive thoughts predicted 11–17% of the variance in evoked thoughts and in elicited distress, whereas other symptoms of chronic stress did not predict evoked thoughts and elicited distress. Cognitive and affective task reactivity by parents of children with cancer were not accompanied by behavioral or physiological reactivity. Future research should examine the extent to which more acute and naturalistic intrusive thoughts elicit reactivity across cognitive, affective, behavioral, and physiological dimensions, and long‐term physical and mental health effects associated with chronic intrusive thoughts.
Sociocultural Influences on African‐American Racial Identification
Authors: Thompson Vetta L. Sanders
Published: August 2006

This paper examines the relative impact of two sources of sociocultural influence on racial identification. Using interviews with 225 African‐American adults (Thompson Sanders, 1994), the relative influence of within‐group vs. intergroup interaction variables was assessed. The data were collected using a structured interview protocol and a 30‐item racial identification questionnaire. Information on the level and quality of intragroup interaction, experiences with race relations, political activism, age, gender, income, education, and orientation on four parameters of racial identification—psychological, physical, cultural, and sociopolitical—was collected. The results suggest that within‐group contact variables have a strong association with the psychological and physical parameters of racial identification. The extent and quality of intergroup interaction with non‐African Americans were associated with the sociopolitical parameter. Cultural racial identification was largely determined by demographic variables. These data suggest a model of racial identification based on a complex set of within‐group, intergroup, and demographic variables.
Attitudes, Intentions, and Behavior: A Study of Women's Participation in Collective Action
Authors: Kelly Caroline , Breinlinger Sara
Published: August 2006

The present study tests the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior in the context of women's participation in collective action. Participants were 387 women who completed two questionnaires with an interval of 1 year. In the first questionnaire, participants were asked to provide measures of attitudinal, normative, and control factors, as well as measures of intention to participate in 4 group‐related activities over the coming year. One year later in the second questionnaire, the same women provided measures of the degree to which they had actually participated in these behaviors during the course of the year. Findings showed strong relationships between attitudinal factors and intentions, and between intentions and behavior. The addition of perceived behavioral control, as specified by the theory of planned behavior, made little difference in regression analyses. Further analyses focused on the mediating role of identification as an activist. This revealed that attitudinal considerations were only important in the prediction of intention for those individuals with a weaker sense of themselves as activists. It is suggested that expectancy‐value calculations may be less important in predicting the intentions of strongly committed individuals to engage in group‐relevant acts.
Coping Strategies as Predictors of Distress in Survivors of Single and Multiple Sexual Victimization and Nonvictimized Controls
Authors: Proulx Jocelyn , Koverola Catherine , Fedorowicz Anne , Kral Michael
Published: August 2006

This study investigated the relationship between coping strategies and distress symptomatology in survivors of sexual revictimization. Coping strategies were assessed with the revised Ways of Coping Scale (Aldwin & Revenson, 1987). Distress symptoms included global distress, depression, anxiety, and somatization. Subjects were 44 survivors of sexual victimization in both childhood and adulthood; 54 survivors of a single incident of sexual victimization in childhood; and 256 nonvictimized individuals. All were drawn from a subject pool of female undergraduate students. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences between groups on reported symptomatology and coping strategies. Victimized groups reported more distress than did the nonvictimized group. The multiple victimization group indicated greater use of coping strategies than did the nonvictimized group, and both victimized groups reported greater use of the escapism strategy than did the nonvictimized group. Multiple backward regression analysis found that coping strategies were predictive of distress symptomatology in all three groups, with escapism as the most potent predictor of distress for each group. Coping strategies were the most powerful predictors of distress in the multiply victimized group. The results of this study provide strong support for the importance of addressing coping strategies in clinical intervention of distress, particularly with survivors of multiple sexual victimization.
Attribution and Social Influence1
Authors: Rodrigues Aroldo
Published: August 2006

This article utilizes an attributional approach to explore genotypic similarities among Raven's (1965) 6 bases of power. Two scenarios describing a successful influence attempt leading to a good or a bad outcome were created. Following a randomized blocks design, 60 subjects in each condition read 6 explanations given by the target of influence that reflected the bases of power of Raven's taxonomy (reward, coercion, legitimate, referent, expert, and informational). Rating scales following each power basis explanation assessed the perceived causal dimensions of locus and controllability attributed to the target of influence's behavior and how much the behavior led, in the good and bad outcome conditions, respectively, to pride (guilt), self‐esteem enhancement (decrement), responsibility (as perceived by self and by others), and gratitude (anger). The results revealed that reward, referent, and informational influence are genotypically similar and perceived as more internal and more controllable than expert, legitimate, and coercive influence. These perceptions, in turn, led to higher degrees of affective reactions, confirming the predictions of Weiner's theory (1986). The results are related to Milgram's (1963) obedience studies and Kelman and Hamilton's (1989) crimes of obedience. Comments on why reward and coercive influence were found to be genotypically distinct in this study are also presented. Implications of the actor/observer bias in studies of this nature are indicated.
Distinguishing Context Effects From Context Errors in Judgments of Behavior1
Authors: Maurer Todd J. , Palmer Jerry K. , Lisnov Shari S.
Published: August 2006

Context effects (assimilation and contrast) are examined in relation to accuracy in judgments of stimuli. Context effects are distinguished from context errors. This is shown to depend on one's definition of true scores, rater tendencies (leniency‐severity) relative to true scores, and the direction and magnitude of observed context effects. The framework is illustrated empirically in a study of contrast effects involving performance judgments. Implications for reliability, validity, and agreement of behavior judgments in practice are explored.