bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Asphalt Identikit: Old Age and the Driver's License
Authors: Eisenhandler Susan A.
Published: May 2005

A recent study of fifty older adults from a small community is used to explore the asphalt identikit—possession of a valid driver's license and driving—and its use as a disidentifier of old age. Interview material is used to illustrate the substantive issues of identity that underlie the practical activity of driving. Resistance to giving up driving is strong even as self-imposed limits curtail the kind and amount of driving that is done. Older adults use and maintain this asphalt identikit to ward off the stigma of an old age identity.
A Comparison of Collaborative and Individual Everyday Problem Solving in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Cheng Suling , Strough Jonell
Published: May 2005

To understand the conditions under which age differences in everyday problem-solving performance occur, this study investigated individual and collaborative problem solving. Younger (24 females, 24 males; M age = 19.98, SD = 1.43) and older adults (25 females, 24 males; M age = 71.14, SD = 6.65) worked either alone or with a same-sex friend to plan a cross-country trip to attend a wedding. Age differences favoring younger adults were found on three of eight performance measures: two component completion accuracy variables (i.e., city completion, Mt. Rushmore completion) and a composite variable that assessed overall performance. Younger adults also completed the task faster than did older adults. Collaborators outperformed individuals on the composite measure of overall performance and frequency of planning errors. Females committed more planning errors than males did. Younger and older adults' performances were predicted by different variables; however, basic abilities were not consistently significant predictors of performance for either younger or older adults. The results of the study suggest that task characteristics may differentially influence older and younger adults' collaborative performance.
Depth Perception as a Function of Age
Authors: Bell Benjamin , Wolf Ernst , Bernholz Charles D.
Published: May 2005

Binocular depth perception was investigated in 164 healthy Ss of the Normative Aging Study, in connection with a model of ocular aging which explains change in the dioptric media in the forties on the basis of mechanical change and later vchange in the retina on the basis of metabolic change. A modified Verhoeff stereopter was used. The results showed a marked diminution to make stereoptic judgments occurred in the forties decade. This is in accordance with the model. In a companion paper, retinal field shrinkage will be explored as an illustration of later metabolic age change.
Beliefs of Smoking and Nonsmoking College Students about the Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Related Issues
Authors: Shor Ronald E. , Williams Daniel C. , Shor Marilyn B. , Canon Lance K. , Latta R. Michael
Published: May 2005

The purpose of the present investigation was to survey beliefs on the aversiveness of environmental tobacco smoke held by smoking and nonsmoking college students. A few questions were also included on several closely related issues including the health hazards of smoking to smokers. Analysis was made of a thirty-one item section from a longer questionnaire that had been administered to sixty-one smoking and 246 nonsmoking college students at the University of New Hampshire. Although nonsmokers expressed a statistically significant degree of belief in most of the environmental smoke items there was considerable room for the beliefs to develop strength. In general smokers expressed slightly more skepticism or uncertainty. Both groups expressed quite strong levels of belief on a general statement on health hazards but considerably less strong belief on statements dealing with specific hazards. The question is raised whether most people really have an effective understanding of the health hazards.
Sharing of Culture: Adult Grandchildren's Perceptions of Intergenerational Relations
Authors: Wiscott Richard , Kopera-Frye Karen
Published: May 2005

The current study addressed the sharing of traditions, beliefs, and customs (i.e., culture) between grandparents and grandchildren. Two hundred and forty-six adult grandchildren were surveyed on both existing and newly created measures of grandparenting. Results indicated that extent of shared activities, attitudes toward grandparents, and perceptions of cultural sharing were significantly related. Additionally, it was found that minority and female participants were more likely to engage in intergenerational culture sharing and reported more positive statements about this sharing in response to open-ended questions. Findings highlights the importance of cultural sharing to perceptions of grandchild-grandparent relationships.
Determinants of Smoking Behavior among Nurses
Authors: Rausch Judith Cartledge , Hopp Joyce , White Ruth
Published: May 2005

This article explores the determinants of smoking behavior among nurses and reviews the research documenting the history and current trends of cigarette use among nurses. National and international studies of cigarette use among nurses show them to smoke more than any other group of health professionals. Stress has been the primary theory of smoking causation among nurses. While some studies suggest this, there are also studies demonstrating no significant differences of stress among smoking and nonsmoking nurses. The literature offers other determinants, including socialization processes, the pharmacological action of nicotine, normative influences, the medical environment, and the feminist movement. A surprising late addition to this list is that nursing education itself may play a major role in the smoking behavior of student and graduate nurses. The failure of nursing education to emphasize health behaviors as well as the use of the medical model in nursing curriculum is suggested as an explanation for the findings that nurses are likely to perceive themselves more as the providers of care and help to the ill than as health models and educators. A summary of conclusions from studies of cigarette use among nurses is that student nurses should receive a specific learning experience which would focus on the role of health educator and exemplar in the nurse's role of preventing smoking-related illnesses. Conclusions from the literature also repeat the recommendation that educational strategies for nurses should contrast the use of cigarettes with the concept that nurses assume a role of health advocacy in promoting wellness.
The Persistence of Experimentally Induced Cognitive Change: A Neglected Dimension in the Assessment of Drug Prevention Programs
Authors: Williams Raymond E. , Ward David A. , Gray Louis N.
Published: May 2005

Evaluations of alcohol education programs employing social psychological principles in an attempt to persuade subjects to adopt a favorable attitude toward responsible alcohol use have been mixed—some show attitude change while others find no significant impact. This inconsistency in the research literature may be a joint result of an unsystematic implementation of factors known to influence persuasion, and a neglect to study the persistence of experimentally induced attitude change. The present study, though a randomized split-plot design, sought to provide data relevant to a partial resolution of these inconsistencies. The results indicated that knowledge retention was greater under conditions of a “credible” communicator and under conditions of “low” fear appeal and, that these effects persisted through time. The findings regarding attitude change were somewhat disappointing—no significant differences were found upon post-experimental assessment and no significant differences emerged with the passage of time. The absence of a measurable impact on attitudes may reflect the fact that only a one week follow-up was used. If greater time spans were employed, real differences may emerge through the “sleeper effect.” Given this likelihood, it is suggested that future research efforts incorporate the persistence factor in their statistical designs, thereby providing a firmer basis for assessing the true impact of alcohol education programs on altered cognitions and internalized attitudes.
Can Welfare Mothers Hack it in College? A Comparison of Achievement between Tanf Recipients and General Population Community College Students
Authors: Fenster Judy
Published: May 2005

The achievement of a group of undergraduate students enrolled in a pilot program for welfare recipients in the form of TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) was compared with the achievement of general population students at an urban community college. Grades attained in a basic level, introductory Psychology course were used to measure academic achievement. Additionally, TANF students' rates of academic retention and election to the Dean's list were compared to rates among the general population community college students, over a period of four semesters. Students in the TANF program attained higher grades in the Psychology course, were elected to the Dean's list at higher rates, and retained their enrollments at equal rates to general population students. The findings suggest that, given proper support, TANF recipients can become successful college students. Implications for the current debate around welfare reform, specifically around the issue of allowing secondary education to substitute for TANF work requirements, are discussed.
The Use of Multiple Matrix Sampling for Drug Questionnaires
Authors: Pascale Pietro J.
Published: May 2005

This paper presents a procedure called multiple matrix sampling which simplifies data collection for drug incidence surveys. The technique has been used in achievement testing where the research interest was related to group and not individual differences as with the evaluation of statewide assessment plans. Advantages for the use of multiple matrix sampling with drug surveys are discussed and a practical example is outlined presenting the guidelines for a sampling plan.
Serendipity and Drugs: An Historical Perspective
Authors: Swanson Jon Colby
Published: May 2005

The scientific process of discovery is not always purely inductive. A large role is assigned to the deductive leap (insight). Sometimes, particularly often in the case of drug discoveries, this insight is very closely related to simple chance. We revere drugs as products of prolonged careful research, and we may assume safety levels for drugs because we assume this long process of development. In fact, though, serendipity and chance are often at the base of drug discoveries. Moreover, rationality in the application of drug discoveries to drug use is sometimes conspicuous by its absence. A variety of historical examples highlight the role of serendipity and allied processes in the discovery and use of drugs.
Locus of Control and Psychological Distress among the Aged
Authors: Hale W. Daniel , Hedgepeth Bruce E. , Taylor Ellen B.
Published: May 2005

A relationship between locus of control and adjustment has been found in many studies of young adults, with externals generally reporting higher levels of psychological distress. However, studies of locus of control and adjustment in the aged have produced conflicting results. This investigation examined the relationship between locus of control and self-reported psychopathology in a sample of 139 residents of a retirement complex. Correlation coefficients were computed for locus of control and each of the nine symptom dimensions of the Brief Symptom Inventory. These analyses were carried out separately for males and for females to determine if locus of control orientation was associated with adjustment for both males and females. Results indicate that locus of control is correlated with self-reported psychopathology for older women but not for older men. These results and those of related investigations are discussed within the context of Rotter's social learning theory.
Reducing HIV/AIDS High-Risk Behavior among Injection Drug Users: Peers vs. Education
Authors: Madray Heather , van Hulst Yaël
Published: May 2005

This study examines the effects of peer groups and education on risk behavior for HIV among injection drug users (IDUs). The sample consisted of 682 participants in the Eastern Connecticut Health Outreach project, which compares traditional and peer-driven outreach interventions for IDUs. Participants are educated about safer injecting, subsequently administered a risk-reduction knowledge test, and given an extensive interview. Logistic regression shows that education alone is not a significant factor in reducing risky behavior in IDUs among the behaviors studied. A significant interaction was found between peer support for safer use and personal saliency of peer attitudes for both syringe and water sharing. Neither peer attitudes nor education affected cooker sharing. These results suggest that while education may be an important component in any intervention, it is not alone sufficient to reduce risky behavior. Our findings suggest that peer-directed interventions may be useful in reducing some forms of risk behavior among IDUs.
The Cloze Procedure and Readability of Patient-Oriented Drug Information
Authors: Holcomb Carol Ann
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine 1) the readability of a patient package insert (PPI), and 2) the effect of age and schooling on the cloze test scores. The subjects (N = 75) consisted of female patients visiting family planning clinics in two midwestern communities. Each subject completed a 50-item cloze test. Raw cloze scores were converted to percentage of correct completions. Personal data supplied by each subject consisted of age and years of schooling. The mean cloze score for the PPI was 46.85 percent (instructional level) with no significant difference between the two communities. Forty percent of the subjects tested at the frustrational level, 33 percent at the instructional level, and only 27 percent at the independent level. Three out of four patients will need assistance in comprehending information in the PPI. Age and schooling had a significant ( p = .01) effect on the cloze test scores.
Student Desires for a University Drug Education Program
Authors: Jensen Margaret , Wakat Diane , Gansneder Bruce , Paviour Peggy Brown
Published: May 2005

A questionnaire was designed to determine the type of drug education program most desired by undergraduate students attending a major university. The survey was to provide the basis for a comprehensive drug education program. The 101 item questionnaire elicited responses from 656 undergraduates in categories ranging from knowledge base to credible information sources. The analysis of student desires as they relate to program design is included in this article. The students strongly believed the university should provide a drug eduction program. In particular they desired a credit course dealing with both drugs and alcohol. They also wanted regularly published articles on drugs in school publications. The most credible knowledge sources were PhDs and MDs. Students also wanted contact with former drug users. More than half the students believed that values clarification and “coping skills” training would decrease their drug use. In general more women than men were likely to utilize such resources.
Dimensions of Spiritual Meaning and Well-Being in the Lives of Ten Older Australians
Authors: Meddin Jacob Robert
Published: May 2005

This study examines how ten prominent older Australians—seven male and three female—impart a sense of spiritual meaning to their lives. The study is a secondary analysis of published interviews conducted by Caroline Jones on the Australian Broadcast Corporation's radio program, “The Search for Meaning.” The interviews explicitly address issues of personal meaning. The findings reported in this article focus mainly upon non routine or “spiritual” aspects of meaning. The topics addressed are: global sense of meaning, altruistic behavior, transcendent experiences, life review, and wisdom. Acquiring knowledge emerges as a global life purpose; altruistic behavior is prevalent, transcendent experiences are reported with frequency; life review and wisdom underscores both a sense of coherence and the continuity of personal characteristics over the life span, and a decidedly optimistic orientation toward human nature. The impression gained is one of older persons with an integrated and often deep and spiritual orientation toward their lives.
Effectiveness Evaluation of Smoking, Drug, and Alcohol Education Courses via Actual Relevant Behavior (The Smoking Education Curriculum MSACS as an Illustrative Case Study)
Authors: Zoller Uri , Maymon T.
Published: May 2005

The difference between the pre- and post-actual SDA (smoking, drug, alcohol) behavior of experimental and control groups is suggested as a major criterion for short-term effectiveness evaluation of SDA preventive education programs aimed at high school adolescents. This methodological approach has been successfully applied in the effectiveness evaluation of the newly-developed, knowledge-attitude, value-decision-making, and social competency-based anti-smoking MSACS program. The latter was shown to be effective in reducing the onset of smoking with fifteen to sixteen-year-old Israeli high school students. Based on the results and data analysis of the presented case study, both the program model and the methodology of its effectiveness evaluation appear to be generalizable to SDA education programs, and are proposed as appropriate “first approximations” to be used elsewhere for the same purposes.
Knowledge and Use of Services by the Elderly: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Krout John A.
Published: May 2005

This article critically reviews the existing literature on the perceptions, knowledge, and use of services by the elderly. Definitive statements concerning these topics are difficult to make because of the contradictory research findings and inadequacies of existing studies. However, the following observations are supported by this review: many elderly do not hold positive attitudes towards services, a bare majority appear aware of services, utilization rates are extremely low, and the correlates of service use are not well understood. In addition, this article identifies a number of weaknesses with the existing research and discusses the following specific recommendations for improvement: conceptualization and operationalization of knowledge and use as continuums, not as discrete phenomena, examination of the processes by which individuals come to know of and use services, and consideration of the roles played by informal networks as facilitators or deterrents to knowledge and use of services.
How Important is Marital Fairness over the Lifespan?
Authors: Traupmann Jane , Hatfield Elaine
Published: May 2005

Do marital relationships become more equitable over time? Is a sense of fairness or equity in marriage equally important at different points across the lifespan? To answer these and related equity/intimacy questions, a sample of middle-aged and older married women was asked to describe the level of equity in their marriages at eight points across their lifespan and their feelings about the equity/inequity at each point. The aggregated results suggested women begin a marriage with a sense of overbenefit, move into a period of underbenefit during their middle years, and finally feel fairly treated in late middle age. The disaggregated data revealed three distinct patterns of equity/inequity over the lifespan. Women's reactions to the level of equity at each stage followed the predicted curvilinear pattern.
Preliminary Typology of Couplehood for Community-Dwelling Wives: “I” versus “We”
Authors: Kaplan Lori , Ade-Ridder Linda , Hennon Charles B. , Brubaker Ellie , Brubaker Timothy
Published: May 2005

A qualitative analysis of women whose husbands reside in nursing homes was conducted to understand the concept of couplehood. Couplehood is defined here as the extent to which one person perceives herself as married to another person (feeling like an “I” or like part of a “We”). An “I”—“We” continuum was presented to each woman, and noticeable patterns emerged. Some women identified themselves as perceiving no couplehood with their institutionalized husbands (“Unmarried Marrieds”). A second group of women perceived a high degree of couplehood (“‘Til Death Do Us Parts”), while a third group perceived low couplehood (“Husbandless Wives”). Differences seem to exist in terms of the degree to which couplehood is perceived (no, low, high). Implications of such a typology are offered for researchers, clinicians, and community-dwelling wives.
Teachers' Perceptions Related to Smoking Education between 1973 and 1982
Authors: Chen Ted T. L. , Winder Alvin E.
Published: May 2005

The perceptions of public school teachers from the same school system about student smoking and smoking education were studied in 1973 and again in 1982. The data were analyzed according to three categories: changes that had occurred over time, areas that did not change, and changes in the data that were specifically related to teacher smoking status. The two major findings were: 1) there has been relatively little change in teachers' perception related to smoking education over the nine years, and 2) teachers that smoke are more resistant to participating in education programs to reduce student smoking behavior than teachers who do not smoke were nine years ago. The study lists three proposals to participate in smoking education. These include: 1) the development of in-service education programs; 2) the establishment of curriculum units on smoking education in teacher education institutions; and 3) workshops focussed on soliciting the cooperation of teachers who smoke.
Information-Seeking Triggered by Age
Authors: Ng Sik Hung , Giles Howard , Moody Joanna
Published: May 2005

Age labels may lead to the seeking of age-stereotypic information from target individuals. Using Carver and de la Garza's [1] information-seeking procedure (which asked respondents to judge the relative importance of various kinds of information they would glean from drivers involved in an automobile accident for assigning accident responsibility), but extending it to a wider life span (16 to 91 years of age) and to both genders, we generalized earlier findings to a similar undergraduate sample ( n = 437) in another country. Also demonstrated for the first time is the fact that ageist information-seeking across the life span was independent of the driver's gender, the participant's age, and the participant's gender. Specifically, participants wanted to know from younger drivers about their driving conduct (whether they had been drunk and speeding), and from older drivers about their capacity for driving (mental competence, vision, and health). The seeking of environmental information (car safety and road conditions) did not vary with the age of driver in any systematic way.
Drug Education at its Best—The Shaping of Values and Anti-Drug Attitudes
Authors: Piorkowski Geraldine K.
Published: May 2005

Parents and educators have become increasingly intent upon “doing something” to reduce the incidence of drug abuse. Frequently, these attempts, in the form of poorly-conceived drug education films and school programs, focus solely upon drug information. While information is useful, drug information per se does not automatically change behavior or attitudes. Of more importance are the values and attitudes which govern our relationships with others and our goals in living. Both children and adults need to learn the value of warm, intimate relationships with others, of facing emotional problems squarely without running away, and the value of creative self-expression in the exercise of one's unique talents.
The Global Trade and Public Health Nexus: The Role of WHO
Authors: Lee Kelley
Published: May 2005

The globalization of the world economy and changing trade relations have major public health implications. The trading community's foremost concern has been to minimize the perceived interference by health issues with freer trade. The exploration of how trade liberalization is affecting determinants of health is well underway and has attracted worldwide attention. Importantly, the professional community has engaged trade-related organizations to ensure proper representation of public health interests. The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) is mandated “to act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work.” This responsibility obligates it to address major trends that impinge on human health. The article suggests areas of study to strengthen the WHO's role and urges that it reevaluate its traditional focus on working with the health ministries of its member states. In many ways, public health is still playing “catch up” with powerful vested interests. New tools and strategies are needed.
Core Goals and Their Relationship to Semester Subgoals and Academic Performance
Authors: Schutz P. A. , White V. E. , Lanehart S. L.
Published: May 2005

This study was designed to examine the nature of core goals and to investigate how core goals are related to semester subgoals, time spent on subgoals, and academic performance. The study provides evidence for a set of core goals that tend to become the central focus of behavior. The importance of these goals was demonstrated by participants who set and accomplished more core semester subgoals than secondary semester subgoals and who spent more time on those goals. In addition, participants who spent more time on their core subgoals and accomplished more core subgoals tended to perform better academically. Thus results indicate that courses designed to increase student retention rates such as University 101 or learning and study strategies courses may profit from activities designed to help students think about their goals and to examine the alignment of their most important goals with their subgoals and how they spend their time.
Stimulants and Hyperkinesis: Drug Use or Abuse?
Authors: Cole Sherwood O. , Moore Samuel F.
Published: May 2005

The use of stimulants in the treatment of hyperkinesis is discussed in terms of: 1) the side effects and long-term consequences of drugs; 2) drugs as easy solutions to problems; and 3) the potential for abuse and addiction. While the effectiveness of stimulants in controlling hyperactivity is clearly recognized, the total welfare of the child should be our primary concern. Accordingly, the present paper stresses the need for a more intelligent and restrained use of stimulants than has heretofore been practiced.
Children of Alcoholics: A School-Based Comparative Study
Authors: Morey Connie K.
Published: May 2005

This study investigates children of alcoholics (COAs) and their cohorts who are not affected by parental alcoholism (non-COAs). Participants include fourth through sixth grade students who are identified as COAs and non-COAs. The study examines differences between COAs and non-COAs on measures of internalized shame, self-esteem, perceived support, and teacher behavior ratings. Results indicate that COAs and non-COAs demonstrate no significant differences on measures of social support and shame. In contrast, self-esteem and teacher ratings for COAs are significantly lower in comparison to ratings for non-COAs. In addition, teacher ratings of male COAs are significantly negatively affected by their COA status, whereas female COA and non-COA teacher ratings do not differ significantly.
Students' View of School Drug Use
Authors: Farkas Marshall I.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this investigation was to determine students' perception of their drug use activity and desired treatment. The data were collected through the use of perceived peer group members. More reliable data are made available to perceived student peers than to perceived adults or authority figures who administer formal questionnaires to students. Our findings indicate the existence of a positive relationship between student poly-drug use and socioeconomic status.
Mourning and Reminiscence: Parallel Psychotherapeutic Processes for Elderly People
Authors: Viney Linda L. , Benjamin Yvonne N. , Preston Carol
Published: May 2005

Mourning and reminiscence are therapeutic processes common in therapeutic work with the elderly. However, a theoretical explanation of why they are effective has been lacking. Personal construct theory accounts for both in terms of the search of elderly persons for validation of their construct systems. In this article, this explanation of the parallel psychotherapeutic processes is explored, together with relevant information from the literature on mourning and reminiscence. Therapeutic case studies illustrate the characteristics of the two processes and the relationship between them.
Korean Beliefs about Everyday Memory and Aging for Self and Others
Authors: Jin Young-Sun , Ryan Ellen Bouchard , Anas Ann P.
Published: May 2005

Studies in the West have demonstrated that more everyday memory problems are expected for typical older adults than for typical young adults. In order to examine memory beliefs about aging in Asia, we conducted a study in Korea which parallels that of Ryan and Kwong See (1993). We used the three self-efficacy scales of the Metamemory in Adulthood instrument (Dixon & Hultsch, 1983) to determine whether age changes are anticipated for oneself as well as for typical adults. Young adults ( N = 468; mean age = 21.0 years) rated the memory of either typical adults (aged 25, 45, or 65 years) or themselves at one of these ages. As in Ryan and Kwong See (1993), anticipation of decline was obtained on two of the three self-efficacy scales (i.e., capacity and change). In addition, beliefs about everyday memory decline (i.e., capacity and locus) were weaker for the self than for typical others. Hence, support was obtained for negative stereotypes about memory and aging in Korea as well as a self-protection bias indicating stronger anticipation of age-related decline among others.
Pellagra Encephalopathy following B-Complex Vitamin Treatment without Niacin
Authors: Pitsavas Stergios , Andreou Christina , Bascialla Franzesca , Bozikas Vasilis P. , Karavatos Athanasios
Published: May 2005

Pellagra is caused by nicotinic acid deficiency; it is rarely encountered in developed countries, and it is mainly related to poverty and malnutrition, as well as with chronic alcoholism. We report the case of an alcoholic patient who was diagnosed with pellagra and administered B-complex vitamin tablets that did not contain niacin. A few weeks later, the patient developed nervousness, irritability, insomnia and, consequently, delusional ideas and hallucinations, for which he had to be hospitalized. After his admission, the patient manifested loss of consciousness and myoclonus. All of his symptoms (cutaneous, neurological, and psychiatric) resolved fully with treatment with niacin in combination with other B-complex vitamins. All undiagnosed encephalopathies in alcoholic patients should be treated with multiple vitamin therapy, including nicotinic acid.
Personality, Life Events and Coping in the Oldest-Old
Authors: Martin Peter , Poon Leonard W. , Clayton Gloria M. , Lee H. Sil , Fulks J. Steven , Johnson Mary Ann
Published: May 2005

This paper compares older adults in their sixties, eighties, and 100s on personality, experience of life events, and coping. A secondary goal was to test a structural model of adaptation. Participants (165) filled out a personality inventory, life-event lists, and coping and mental health measures. Results revealed differences in personality: centenarians scored higher on dominance, suspiciousness, and imagination. While centenarians scored lower on active behavioral coping than other age groups, they used cognitive strategies when coping with health and family events. Results from the structural equation model indicated that extroversion and anxiety predicted morale and mental health.
Measuring Reminiscence Characteristics from Conversation as Adaptive Features of Old Age
Authors: Coleman Peter G.
Published: May 2005

A methodological study is reported into measuring reminiscing characteristics (including life reviewing) from spontaneous conversation, in elderly people living in sheltered housing in London. The reliability and stability of these measures were well demonstrated. Further statistical analyses were carried out to test the hypotheses e.g., that reminiscing is an adaptive feature of old age in the presence of severe life change, life reviewing in the presence of low past life satisfaction. No significant evidence was found for the role of simple reminiscence itself, but “life reviewing” appeared as an adaptive response when accompanied by dissatisfaction with past life. The relevance of these results to Butler's theory of the life review (1963) and to future studies of the concept is discussed, and also the possibility of using similar forms of content analyses of spontaneous conversation.
Neighborhood Environment and the Wellbeing of Older Tenants in Planned Housing
Authors: Lawton M. Powell , Nahemow Lucille , Tsong-Min-Yeh
Published: May 2005

The relationship between neighborhood characteristics and the well-being of elderly tenants was studied through a national area probability sample of 153 planned housing environments and over 3000 tenants in them. Six indices of tenants' psychological and social well-being were used as dependent variables in hierarchical multiple regressions where neighborhood characteristics were entered after personal factors were controlled. Neighborhood environmental factors accounted for a significant proportion of the residual variance in every index of well-being. In general, quiet neighborhoods in small or middle sized communities where the risk of crime was low were conducive to active and satisfying lives for older people. Well-being tended to be higher in segregated buildings even with other factors such as exposure to crime controlled. Although these residual effects were often small it was concluded that environmentally based interventions could significantly enhance well-being and in many instances have more widespread effectiveness than time-consuming attempts to change the individual.
Screening for Drug Abuse among College Students: Modification of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test
Authors: Cannell M. Barry , Favazza Armando R.
Published: May 2005

A modified version of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (Modified MAST) was anonymously given to 245 college students on two Midwestern university campuses (A and B). The questionnaire consists of twenty-five yes-no questions which can be easily and quickly administered with the cutoff score for suspected drug abuse set at five points. The modification was performed empirically to observe how the subjects would respond to a questionnaire similar to one with a well-established format. Twenty-five per cent of the students in the Campus A sample and 22 per cent of the Campus B sample scored five or more points.
Trade Policy and Public Goods
Authors: Loos Gregory P.
Published: May 2005

The World Trade Organization (WTO) was formed in 1994 as the first multilateral trade organization with enforcement authority over national governments. A country's domestic standards cannot be more restrictive than international standards for trade. WTO seeks to “harmonize” individual domestic policies into uniform global standards and encompasses trade-related aspects of health, public safety, and environmental protection. These issues are transnational and pose enormous challenges to traditional governance structures. Most governments are not equipped to manage problems that transcend their borders. Moreover, international governance in social issues—with the possible exception of public health—is still in its infancy. Many groups are concerned that local public interests will be subjugated to global corporate interests. The article looks at the social ramifications of world trade policy and concludes that world trade must be balanced with sustainable environments and human health.
A Discriminant Analysis of Adolescent Problem Drinking
Authors: Forney Mary Ann , Forney Paul D. , Davis Harry , Van Hoose John , Cafferty Thomas , Allen Harvey
Published: May 2005

A discriminant analysis was performed on a sample of 1,715 sixth and eighth grade students to determine which children are engaged in the use of alcohol and which sociocultural factors appear to be influencing their decision to drink. Parental drinking patterns, race, sex, and grade level have predictive ability in deciding if a child will become a frequent or heavy drinker. Targeting individuals, who are predicted as being prone to drink heavily, for special counseling may result in better use of counseling resources.
Six Ages of Man as Determined by Athletic Performance
Authors: Pirow P. C.
Published: May 2005

It is submitted that a useful quantitative measure of aging is provided by measures of athletic performance. Whereas there are enormous differences in the athletic ability of individuals, any individual's performance may be related to the top performance by means of a ratio. This article describes the development of a model for the top performance and hence a model for the performance of any person at any age. Previous work has concentrated on the effect of aging on oxygen consumption. Because of the close relationship between oxygen consumption and athletic performance, compatibility with previous research is assured. The model shows that athletic performance undergoes significant changes at certain ages and that these change points break the aging process into six “ages of man.” The model is however far from complete and needs to be based on more representative data. It is hoped that publication of the model will result in further studies in this field.
The Strategy of Functional Age Research
Authors: Nuttall Ronald L.
Published: May 2005

The metatheoretical ideas underlying the Normative Aging Study research on “Functional Age” are discussed. These ideas have been useful in generating research. It is assumed that each person has a given life-span. This span can be measured either from the date of his birth or, alternatively, from the date of his death. Nearness to death implies older functional age. Different people may make different rates of progress toward their death, tracing out a “life-trajectory.” People may have functional ages and life trajectories which differ from one subsystem to another. In the Normative Aging project at present functional ages have been defined for the domains of Blood Chemistry, Anthropology, Personality, Human Abilities, Sociology, and Hearing. Once defined and determined, these functional ages can be related to each other and searches for leading and lagging functional ages can be made.
Toward a Metatheoretical Model of Cognitive Development
Authors: Arlin Patricia Kennedy
Published: May 2005

Recently Piaget's model of cognitive development has been seriously questioned. This questioning was due partially to the inadequacy of the model in explaining creative, scientific and mature thought in adulthood. Various proposals have suggested the existence of a fifth stage in cognitive to represent adult thought. A second tradition has focused on the Piagetian model as a competence model. This has initiated a search for an appropriate performance model to describe the processes by which knowledge is actively constructed and applied. The present work reviews the theoretical positions and the research relevant to issue and proposes a synthesis through which cognitive development can be viewed as being both product and process, competence and performance, structure and function simultaneously.
The Psychological Niche of Older Japanese and Americans through Auto-Photography: Aging and the Search for Peace
Authors: Okura Yutaka , Ziller Robert C. , Osawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2005

In an effort to understand aging cross-culturally, photography as a universal language was used to perceive the perceiver. Persons averaging seventy-three years of age from Japan and the United States were asked to describe “Who are you?” by taking (or having someone else take) six photographs. A content analysis of the photographs showed that older Japanese appear to be inward oriented (inside own territory, gardens, residence) and aesthetically oriented, while older Americans were more oriented toward other people. The results were interpreted in terms of differences in the search for peace. Peace is sought through self-harmony in the orient, but through social harmony in the Occident.
The Effect of Hypermedia Assisted Instruction on Second Language Learning
Authors: Liu Min , Reed W. Michael
Published: May 2005

Literature on hypermedia has been growing. Although its potentials and educational implications are being explored, not much empirical research has been done to substantiate its rich theoretical assumptions and verify its promises. The purpose of this study was to provide some results on the practical application of the technology. It intended to investigate the effect of hypermedia technology on enhancing vocabulary learning among non-native English speakers.
Psychotherapy and Behavior Change with the Non-Institutionalized Aged
Authors: Knight Bob
Published: May 2005

This literature review discusses therapy with the aged person in the community. The discussion is based on the literature published since Rechtschaffen's review in 1959 [1]. The elderly are not receiving mental health services in proportion to their representation in the population or in proportion to their estimated need for such services. Major barriers to the utilization of such services by the aged are the prejudices of care providers, the poverty of the aged, and the lack of public commitment to the provision of services to this special population. A summary of the literature on the goals, content, and techniques of psychotherapy with the elderly client is presented and supports the conclusion that this therapy is different from similar work with the younger adult only in terms of a focus on different content areas. The potential contribution of behavior therapy to treatment programs for the elderly is discussed.
Biography after the End of Metaphysics: A Critique of Epigenetic Evolution
Authors: Novak Mark
Published: May 2005

This article places Erik Erikson's model of ego development against the ground of modern culture. It finds that this model fails to see the relationship between individual crises and the modern postmetaphysical world view, where the meaning of life is in question. The article suggests that Erikson's description of crisis and ego integration remains sound, but that this process should be tied to the specific problems associated with living in modern society. The article ends by returning to Erikson's original insight: that we need to locate the life cycle in the social-cultural setting in which it unfolds. This will make the study of biography at once a psychological analysis and a cultural critique.
Characteristics of Drug Abuse Counselors and their Relationship to Treatment Process and Outcome
Authors: Leclair Steven W. , Roberts Ralph R.
Published: May 2005

A sample of forty-two outpatient drug abuse counselors in a midwestern state were surveyed to assess certain process and outcome variables involved in their work. Selected counselor background and caseload variables were able to successfully predict the use of accepted treatment process techniques but no significant relationship between these variables and client outcome was found.
Youth, Drugs and Resilience Education
Authors: Brown Joel H.
Published: May 2005

Billions of dollars are spent annually on school-based drug education programs, with youthful drug use remaining near peak levels since the 1980s. Institutional, policy, and program evidence presented here suggests that although primarily delivered in schools, the educational community rarely participates in the development of drug education; and despite the finding that “no-use” programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) or Life-Skills Training (LST) are likely ineffective, they continue to thrive in schools. This may be explained by insufficient educational participation and scientific discourse considering these issues; and the role of interest group politics, such as the symbiotic relationship between government, researchers, and the tobacco industry, in drug education. In addition to this evidence, resilience based program alternatives, evaluation, and implications are discussed.
Over-The-Counter Appetite Suppressants Containing Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride (PPA) and the Young Adult: Usage and Perceived Effectiveness
Authors: Krupka Lawrence R. , Vener Arthur M.
Published: May 2005

A survey of 944 young adults regarding their usage and perceived effectiveness of over-the-counter (O-T-C) diet pills containing phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA) showed that 30.1 percent of the women had consumed these preparations during the year prior to the interview. Women who either perceived themselves as being very overweight and/or desired to lose the most poundage tended to consume more diet pills. About 25 percent of the women who had ingested appetite suppressants reported various side effects. The vast majority of women (86%) believed that the pills were useful only on a very short-term basis, or that they acted as placebos, with little or no anorectic action and/or that they were completely ineffective. Only 3.7 percent of the men had used an O-T-C diet preparation. In a second survey of 425 young adults the potentiality for overdosage was demonstrated by the 47 percent of the women who had used two or more O-T-C preparations (diet pills and/or decongestants) containing PPA in a twenty-four-hour period and the 10 percent who had consumed three or more.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Drug Prevention Education Program
Authors: Kearney Artie L. , Hines Max H.
Published: May 2005

The study was designed to measure the effectiveness of a drug prevention education program in grades 2–6. With 935 students in the experimental group and 449 students in the control group, the results were as follows: (a) children in the experimental group significantly increased their feelings of self worth; (b) significantly increased their decision making abilities; (c) significantly increased their factual knowledge about drugs; and (d) improved their attitude towards use and misuse of drugs. As a result of this study, the U.S. Office of Education has recognized this program as a national model. Presently this program is being disseminated nationwide via the National Diffusion Network (NDN) and is being replicated by schools in twenty-five states.
The Performance of Performance Assessment in a Large-Scale Study of Computer Education
Authors: Welch Wayne W. , Anderson Ronald E.
Published: May 2005

A performance assessment of word processing competencies was implemented as part of the International Evaluation of Achievement (IEA) of computer education. A national sample of eighth and eleventh grade students was given a series of word processing tasks and analyses of their performance was examined to determine the useability, reliability, and validity of the process.

The assessment met generally acceptable standards for scale reliability and persuasive evidence of validity was obtained, for example, success was related to opportunity to learn word processing and eleventh grade students outperformed eighth grade students. Other findings were that girls outperformed boys on the performance assessment and no relationships were found between scores on the measure and level of parent education or availability of computers in the home.