bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction in the Research Interview and Drug-Related Disclosures among Respondents
Authors: Myers Vincent
Published: May 2005

Interviewers and respondents made judgments about interaction in interviews during a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of drug-related sentiments and cognitions, as well as of patterns of drug use. These data have been analyzed to address two major issues: (1) To what extent did interviewers achieve positive interaction during the interviews, and (2) Are the sentiments, cognitions, and drug use reported by respondents in interviews marked by positive interaction different from reports among respondents in interviews not marked by positive interaction? The data reveal that pronounced variability in interviewer-respondent judgments occurred in unanticipated ways which are related to gender, role, and race/ethnicity of the survey participants. The data reveal, too, that interviews marked by positive interaction, in contrast to interviews with conflicting or negative interaction yielded different respondent cognitions, and somewhat different reports of illicit substance ingestion, but that drug attitudes do not vary by interaction. The conclusion is drawn that the unconventional survey techniques which were developed by the author especially for this study are viable and appropriate.
Engagement with an Old Theory
Authors: Cumming Elaine
Published: May 2005

The co-author of Disengagement Theory restates the central propositions, suggests new studies that might test its usefulness, and examines some of the controversy that has been generated over the years either by the theory itself or the context in which it was set forth. The four key propositions focus upon decreasing life space with advancing age, the individual's own anticipation and participation in this process, a change in style of interaction, and the momentum of the disengagement process once it has begun. Although some useful research has been done, the theory remains poorly operationalized and largely untested. A measure of life space variety is proposed, and attention also directed to neuro-physiological findings. Several misunderstandings and misapplications of Disengagement Theory are discussed, including the erroneous idea that disengaged people necessarily are either higher or lower in morale than others, and the unenlightening controversy over “activity versus disengagement.”
The Social Distribution of Primary Social Isolation among the Aged: A Subcultural Approach
Authors: Rutzen S. Robert
Published: May 2005

This is a report of research on subcultural variation in primary social isolation in a representative sample of older persons in an urban area. The research classifies the respondents by subcultural status and examines the rates of primary social isolation. Most persons (85%) can be classified in sixteen of forty hypothetical subcultures, but only seven subcultures contain enough respondents to be numerically important. Two subcultures are identified with above average rates of primary social isolation and three with below average rates of primary social isolation. Sociologically, it makes sense to look at primary social isolation as a group phenomenon.
On the Ethics of Selective Omission and/or Inclusion of Relevant Information in School Drug Education Programs
Authors: Fors Stuart W.
Published: May 2005

Tradition, community pressures and personal biases can contribute to a drug education program that may be more indoctrination than education. There are some basic ethical issues that need to be clarified with regard to drug education curriculum development.

Ethical justifications for and against the inclusion of all relevant information in drug education programs are discussed. The author concludes that personal autonomy and human dignity should be the preeminent values adhered to when drug education curricula are planned and presented.
Disability and Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly: The Effects of Instrumental Support and its Subjective Appraisal
Authors: Wallsten Sharon M. , Tweed Dan L. , Blazer Dan G. , George Linda K.
Published: May 2005

This article explores the buffering effect of social support on depressive symptoms in a community sample of elderly with varying levels of disability. Baseline interviews were conducted in respondents' homes. Results show that higher levels of disability are associated with higher levels of depression. Instrumental support and subjective appraisal of the network are associated with depressive symptoms, but instrumental support has a weak positive correlation, while subjective appraisals show a negative relationship. Social support mitigates the depressive effect of disability only when the network's efforts are appraised positively. However, no such relationship is shown for Instrumental support. One's perception of the network's helpfulness appears to be more potent than the actual help provided by friends and family.
A Longitudinal Study of Characteristics and Predictors of Perceived Instrumental and Emotional Support among the Old-Old in Israel
Authors: Walter-Ginzburg Adrian , Blumstein Tzvia , Chetrit Angela , Gindin Jacob , Modan Baruch
Published: May 2005

The structure and function of social networks and the perceived instrumental and emotional support associated with these networks were studied longitudinally among a random sample of 687 Jewish Israelis aged seventy-five to ninety-four, stratified by five-year age groups, place of birth (Europe-America, Asia-Africa, or Israel), and gender, interviewed in 1989–92 and 1993–94. Perceived instrumental support at follow-up was predicted by baseline measures of proximity of at least one child and by four or more weekly contacts with intimate friends or family, whereas perceived emotional support was more broadly based and was predicted by more frequent contacts with children, neighborliness, and having more intimate friends. Changes occurring during the follow-up interval, such as entering long-term care or losing a confidant, were associated with a decrease in perceived emotional support but not with a loss of instrumental support. Emotional support was less replaceable over time than was instrumental support.
Students' Off-Line and On-Line Experiences
Authors: Davis Elizabeth A. , Linn Marcia C. , Clancy Michael J.
Published: May 2005

We investigate novice programmers' use of parentheses and quotes in LISP by examining the activities of students working in both off-line and on-line settings. In keeping with our previous work, we identify three major groups of students working off-line: rule refiners, rule users, and rule seekers. These students differ in the level to which they have refined the “rules” they use. Three major groups of students working on-line are also identified: competent, inconsistent, and ineffective feedback users. In both settings, some students appear to use a perceptual matching strategy, whereby they implement “what looks right” to them rather than making sense of the actual meanings of parentheses and quotes. Students also use computer feedback to augment their success with LISP. In other words, they determine a correct call or definition using the computer feedback rather than careful analysis of the LISP code. Students who do not understand the meaning of parentheses and quotes can arrive at a correct answer through either efficient or inefficient use of computer feedback. Even the best students, rule refiners and competent feedback users, sometimes use perceptual matching and computer feedback to make up for their lack of integrated understanding.
Importance of the Characteristics of Gatekeepers in the Design of Effective Alcohol Education Programs
Authors: Mays Vickie M. , Beckman Linda J.
Published: May 2005

Community “gatekeepers” ( N = 53) participated in an alcohol education workshop designed to increase indentification, intervention, and referral of women with alcohol problems. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the workshop and, participated in a six-month follow-up. Results suggest that the higher the educational level and more salient the topic of alcoholism in women, as suggested by greater percent of women clients, the greater the actual gain in knowledge. Gatekeepers with no prior alcoholism training perceived themselves as having less knowledge about alcoholism before the workshop and showed greater pains in perceived knowledge as a result of the workshop than gatekeepers with prior training.
A Review of Data on the U.S. Health Sector June 2003
Authors: Hellander Ida
Published: May 2005

This report presents information on the state of the U.S. health sector in early 2003. It provides data on the insured and uninsured and their access to health care; the increasing costs of care; the role of corporations—including the hospital, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries—and corporate money in health care; and Medicare HMOs. The author provides updates on health care policy and proposals at the state (including single-payer bills) and federal levels; the Bush proposals on Medicare and Medicaid; and the health care reform proposals put forward by the Democratic presidential candidates.
Vocational Exploration of Drug Dependent Clients
Authors: Melancon Donald , Pankey Clyde
Published: May 2005

The Kankakee Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Center had observed for about four years the vocational aspiration of clients who were on the methadone maintenance program. Specifically, their vocational behavior was somewhat unstable and involved poor vocational self-concepts and unstable work histories. Therefore, the Center in 1978 employed a Mental Health Consultant to work with the counselors to assess the vocational interest of clients and to intervene and significantly impact those individuals whose work histories were still erratic. As a result of the Center's efforts, it was concluded (after comparing 15 months of baseline data) that the clients were making some progress in attempting to seek and maintain jobs as well as evaluating their relationship to the present job position. The number of clients changing jobs and seeking new employment, however, did not change.
The Lecture Classroom Environment and its Effects on Change in Computer Anxiety of Students Taking Computer Proficiency Classes
Authors: Schuh Kathy Lynn
Published: May 2005

This study looked at characteristics of the classroom environment and their relationship to reduction of computer anxiety in students taking college computer proficiency courses. The College and University Lecture Classroom Environment Inventory was developed for this study as a means to assess the classroom environment. Pre- and posttest data were utilized to assess computer anxiety levels as well as gather additional information about the classroom environment and provide demographic data for comparison with computer anxiety. Weak correlations were found between students' change in computer anxiety and students' perceptions of the classroom environment. Significant differences were found in changes of computer anxiety among students who indicated that they had sought or received assistance from the instructor and those who indicated that the instructor had said or done something during the semester to alleviate their fears and apprehension about working on a computer.
What Do Regions Want?: A Case Study of University-Community Relations
Authors: Levenstein Charles , DeLaurier Gregory F. , Silka Linda , Dunn Mary Lee
Published: May 2005

We hear more and more about the necessity of “sustainable regional development” as an alternative to and defense against globalization. While we certainly agree with this notion, we ask what might prevent it from becoming yet another “top-down” development scheme with good intentions but dubious results. We would argue that no road to development is sustainable if it is not deeply democratic and reliant on an informed, concerned public; the expressed needs of the public must be an essential aspect of regional development. Our focus here is on the university, the main supplier of the experts and technologies utilized by the undemocratic processes of globalization, but it might also be a partner in a democratic process of regional sustainable development. To do this, however, experts in academia must resist the temptation to assume they know what is best and work in concert with community forces to define and create sustainable development. To put it simply, if experts and planners in the university want to know what a region wants and needs, they have to ask. What follows is a report on the experience of one university's attempt to do just that.
Resistance to Isolation among Elderly Widows
Authors: Arling Greg
Published: May 2005

The widow's ability to resist isolation in old age-to either maintain the involvement of earlier years or develop new social networks-may be conditioned by a number of different factors. Drawing upon a survey of 409 widows, age sixty-five and older, from the Piedmont region of South Carolina, this study concludes that good health and the availability of economic resources are the primary factors which facilitate involvement with family, neighbors and friends, and participation in a number and variety of daily activities. In addition, those widows who were more educated participated in more activities; those living in small towns and rural areas were more involved with family and friends; and white widows saw more of their children, while black respondents were more active and knew more of their neighbors. Finally, the availability and degree of contact with children was unrelated to other activities, while friendship and neighboring was positively associated with taking walks, shopping, and attendance at religious services and other organizational meetings.
Middle Age: Some Early Returns — A Commentary
Authors: Nydegger Corinne N.
Published: May 2005

Four papers, differing in research design and using both longitudinal and cross-sectional data, came to a number of convergent conclusions: there was little evidence for a midlife crisis; stability was most prominent during the forty- to fifty-year decade; sex differences were striking, this period being most stressful for women; stable personality characteristics show interactions with role-stage expectations. Caveats as to generalizability of conclusions and lack of cohort comparison were stated. Certain theoretical issues were discussed related to the meaning of “middle age,” developmental dynamics, and sources of stability and change.
Attitude to Aging among Different Groups in Nigeria
Authors: Baiyewu Olusegun , Bella Andrew F. , Adeyemi Joseph D. , Ikuesan Benson A. , Bamgboye E. Afolabi , Jegede R. Olukayode
Published: May 2005

Attitude to aging and the aged was surveyed in three groups of Nigerians, 1) caregivers living at home with the elderly, 2) various categories of hospital workers, and 3) the general public. Based on scores of an eleven-item questionnaire the best attitude was in caregivers, and the poorest in hospital workers. Years of education had an overall negative effect on attitudinal measurement. An inference from this study is that the elderly are still valued, but caregivers could be under some stress and would appreciate assistance. It is important for developing countries like Nigeria to begin to think seriously of what types of public assistance the elderly and their families would need.
An Outreach Program in Drug Education: Teaching a Rational Approach to Drug Use
Authors: Sorensen James L. , Joffe Stephen J.
Published: May 2005

Drug use is a topic of increasing interest, and many drug education programs have appeared in schools. However, school-based programs tend to be didactic, moralistic presentations that do not reach the youth who most need drug information. Aimed at encouraging rational decision making about drug use, a peer oriented drug education program was conducted in a community youth project. In a candid atmosphere, youth and leaders shared feelings and knowledge about drugs. Youth made decisions about program direction, format and curriculum. In comparison with 4 program dropouts, 6 participants exhibited more positive attitudes toward the drug group (p < .002), its leaders (p < .01) and themselves (p < .03). Although participants had experimented with drugs less than dropouts (p < .001), they knew significantly more than dropouts on 1 of 6 measures of drug knowledge (p < .05) and tended to know more on 2 others (p < .10). Peer oriented community-based drug education programs provide a viable format for reaching youth with information and encouraging them to make decisions about drug use based on rational factors.
Midlife Marriage: Sex Differences in Evaluation and Perspectives
Authors: Thurnher Majda
Published: May 2005

Perceptions of marital relations are examined in a white middle and lower-middle class sample representing three life stages: newly weds, middle-aged parents facing the empty nest, and persons about to retire. Descriptions of spouses are analyzed in terms of positive/negative evaluations and the respective importance given to role and interpersonal components of the marital relationship. Middle-aged respondents were shown to place greater emphasis on role performance than did the remaining groups, and middle-aged women gave the least positive evaluations of marriage. Midlife marital satisfaction is examined in relationship to affect toward children, socioeconomic status, value orientations, and life satisfaction.
The Burden of Emissions Restrictions
Authors: Lahiri Supriya , Babiker Mustafa , Eckaus Richard S.
Published: May 2005

Models with time horizons of 100 years are customarily used to predict anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Historical evidence indicates that over this time span the current consumption patterns in developing countries are likely to change and converge to the present patterns in developed countries. This study deals with modeling this type of convergence in consumption patterns within the MIT Emission Prediction and Policy Analysis Model (EPPA) framework. We find that the differences in the model with static consumption-function coefficients from that in the model with dynamic coefficients have significant implications for the costs of emissions restrictions in developing countries, even though the regional emissions profiles are virtually the same. Our results suggest that the costs of emissions restrictions in developing countries would be higher if the changes in consumption patterns are taken account of than if they are ignored in the simulation model.
Qualities of Older Women's Friendships: Stable or Volatile?
Authors: Roberto Karen A.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to identify changes and stability in the qualities older women attribute to their close friendships. Seventy-four older women responded to eleven structured statements describing qualities of their relationships with ninety-one close friends. Change was found for seven of the eleven qualities examined. Differences in the women's responses were observed according to which close friend they were discussing and changes in the women's marital, work, and health status. The findings provide insight into the character of women's close friendships in later life.
The Emergence of Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Grady Katherine , Gersick Kelin E. , Snow David L. , Kessen Marion
Published: May 2005

This longitudinal study examines patterns of emerging substance use among sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in two New England towns. The results show substantial levels of experimentation and use extending down to the sixth grade and variations in use level depending on the students' community, sex, race, and parents' marital status. This study also examines rates at which students were offered various substances and, by comparing use and offer rates, charts rejection/acceptance rates for the gateway substances across the three grades. The findings suggest the notion of critical periods for substance use initiation and underscore the importance of understanding these early use patterns as the first step in the design and implementation of primary prevention programs.
Worry and Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Orientation among Buddhist (Thai) and Christian (Canadian) Elderly Persons
Authors: Tapanya Sombat , Nicki Richard , Jarusawad Ousa
Published: May 2005

An investigation of the relationship between Allport's concept of religious orientation and worry was conducted with samples ( N = 104) of elderly Buddhist Thais and Christian Canadians. Participants ranged in age between sixty-five and ninety years old (mean = 71). A multiple regression analysis revealed that overall for both Buddhists and Christians an intrinsic orientation toward religion was associated with lesser worry. Furthermore, an extrinsic orientation among Buddhists, in contrast to Christians, was found to be linked to greater worry. These results were discussed in the context of the practice and beliefs of Buddhism and Christianity.
Congruence of Health and Treatment Perceptions among Older Patients and Providers of Primary Care
Authors: Rakowski William , Hickey Tom , Dengiz Alan N.
Published: May 2005

High utilization of primary health care services by older adults, and factors which promote discrepancies between personal and professional health judgments, create a need for effective communication between providers and patients. The present study was designed to extend existing reports on the congruence of health ratings among older adult patients and their primary care physicians and nurses. Congruence ranged from 29 to 69 percent across fourteen health and treatment questions ( N = 108 patient/provider pairs). Patients appeared to be more favorable on most questions, and questions with a present orientation exhibited greater congruence than those with a future orientation. Few variables predicted congruence. Providers' ratings were associated with congruence more strongly than were patients' ratings. Further research should examine the uniformity of content and structure in patient/provider communication both across providers, and with their individual patients.
Continuity and Change Revisited
Authors: Seltzer Mildred M.
Published: May 2005

This concluding article summarizes key points about continuity and change in gerontology as described in the four previous articles. Synthesis and discussion is focused on five major areas in which gerontological continuity and change are evidenced: 1) transformation of basic themes over time; 2) gerontology's identity crisis; 3) the social ideology of gerontology; 4) evolution and refinement of gerontological ideas and methods; and 5) temporal frameworks. The author raises questions about unsolved issues and suggests the eventual need to examine the roles of individuals in shaping the field of study called gerontology.
Aging and Encoding in Memory: False Alarms and Decision Criteria in a Word-Pair Recognition Task
Authors: Isingrini Michel , Fontaine Roger , Taconnat Laurence , Duportal Agnes
Published: May 2005

Employing a false alarm recognition procedure with learning of highly associated word pairs, an experiment was conducted to examine the hypothesis of an age-related deficit in the distinctiveness of encoding. The evolution of the false alarm rate and of the C decision criteria was observed across three age groups, young adults, older adults, and older-older adults. The results show 1) no age differences on C decision criteria, indicating that the increase in FA with age is not related to a subject compensation strategy but is probably due to a failure in memory strength, and 2) that older respondents produced significantly more false alarms to distractors related to target items than the young respondents did but that they did not differ in their false alarm rate for unrelated distractors. This finding is interpreted as supporting the hypothesis of a failure with age to encode target items in a sufficiently elaborate or distinctive fashion. For the older-older respondents the data showed an increase in all false alarms indexes, suggesting that the encoding deficit gets worse in late adulthood.
Adult Age Differences in Knowledge of Retrieval Processes
Authors: Anooshian Linda J. , Mammarella Susan L. , Hertel Paula T.
Published: May 2005

We assessed knowledge of retrieval processes in young (25–35 years) and old adults (70–85 years). Both feeling-of-knowing judgments and retrieval monitoring were examined with a set of questions about recent news events. For answers that participants initially failed to recall, they rated their feeling-of-knowing as well as made predictions regarding the likelihood of recalling the answer with the aid of a specified type of retrieval cue (retrieval monitoring). Accuracy was evaluated in the context of later recall or recognition performance. We found age group differences in the accuracy of retrieval monitoring, free recall, and recall aided by phonological cues. Using a separate inventory, we found no evidence for age group differences in participants' knowledge of general retrieval principles.
No Time to Look Back: Approaching the Finish Line of Life's Course
Authors: O'Brien Sandra J. , Conger Patricia R.
Published: May 2005

Gerontologists have labelled individuals who do not follow the normal aging pattern of reduced physical activity and declining health as “successfully aging” adults. Competitive and sport-involved elder persons represent a kind of elderly elite who may exhibit special psychological characteristics that help to explain their active approach to late life. As part of a larger study on the physical fitness and body composition of participants at seniors' games, a qualitative exploration of personal life philosophy was undertaken in order to initiate understanding about the cognitive make-up of competitive older men and women. Content analysis of open-ended survey questions about life in review and future goals permitted insight into life orientation differences between men and women. The responses provided evidence that sport and physical recreation may be an important type of coping strategy for some elderly adults who find life meaning and a sense of achievement in challenging themselves physically. Beyond a general optimism in life orientation, uncertainties about the nature of the future left many with a sense of urgency combined with specific short-term goal setting.
Aging and the Aged in Aesopic Fables
Authors: Wortley John
Published: May 2005

Little attempt has been made to re-assess the attitudes to aging and old age of the ancient-medieval Greek-speaking world on the basis of the literary remains (which are common to both) since Richardson (1933). There are however some collections (proverbs, sayings, “purple passages” from literature and so forth) which include material revealing attitudes which are in fact quite different from those of today and which can even be surprising. One such collection, the large number of fables which more or less conform to the genre associated with Aesop, is here analyzed to isolate the texts which have to do with aging and the attitudes they reveal. Of the surprisingly few fables which touch upon the matter, most are distinctly complimentary. In most instances the elderly are seen to increase, rather diminish, in certain powers other than physical strength. Fables are found which characterize them as being astute, intelligent, crafty, loyal and, above all, capable of giving sound advice and good leadership when the situation requires it of them. The celebrated Fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, although it was not specifically interpreted in this way in ancient times, best sums up the general attitude: that dogged persistence (the characteristic of the elderly) will ultimately prove superior to all the erratic bursts of youthful speed anytime. Hence Cicero: “Old age is more spirited than youth, and stronger!”
An Outcome Evaluation of Refusal Skills Program as a Drug Abuse Prevention Strategy
Authors: Kim Sehwan , McLeod Jonnie H. , Shantzis Carl
Published: May 2005

In recent years successful strategies developed in the antismoking campaign became the basis for widely publicized and federally endorsed antidrug “Just Say No” programs. Similarly, many refusal skills programs have been introduced as a new strategy in adolescent drug abuse prevention. However, none of these programs have been evaluated. While employing a typical refusal skills program entitled “WHOA! A Great Way To Say NO,” the effectiveness of the program was examined. Through this outcome evaluation, it has been learned that the program was not able to impact on the “high-risk” attitudinal syndromes that are closely related to student drug involvement. Unexpectedly, a significantly larger proportion of students in the program felt it was more difficult to say “No” at the time of the posttest than during the time of the pretest. This seems to suggest that the program participants became more attentive to the issues surrounding saying “No” or, perhaps, were more sensitized to the whole issue involving saying “No,” thereby making it more difficult for them to say “No” during the posttest period.
Characteristics of Drug Use among Mexican-American Students
Authors: Guinn Robert
Published: May 2005

The author conducted a study of drug use among 254 Mexican-American high school students. Drug use was investigated in relationship to socioeconomic status, attitudes toward drugs, school related variables, and demographic factors. An eighty-eight item survey instrument with a multiple choice format was used to gather the data. The results indicate that the Mexican-American drug user differed significantly from the group normal from which he was drawn with regard to the aspects investigated.
A Disengaged Look at Disengagement Theory
Authors: Gordon Judith Bograd
Published: May 2005

This paper suggests that Disengagement Theory can be used as a theory of the middle-range, but not as a general theory about normal aging. This proposition is supported by an examination of key concepts, postulates and methods used to formulate the theory. By use of phenemological notions, we can see the concept of disengagement forces us to pay attention to the subjective meanings of aging people. It is necessary to disengage from the core statements of the theory and engage in a search for new methods to study the lived experiences of human beings in order to further our understandings of the processes of growing old.
The Onus of “Developmental Tasks” and other Reactions to Duvall's Family Development in its Fourth Edition
Authors: Troll Lillian E.
Published: May 2005

The new edition of Duvall's Family Development is reviewed from the viewpoint of a gerontologist looking for insight into family development in the second half of life. Problems arising from a too literal application of the “developmental task” schema and some of the problems inherent in attempts to conceptualize development of the family as a whole apart from that of an individual family member are discussed. Other issues alluded to are nuclear vs. extended family theories and “rightness” or “wrongness” of particular developmental sequences or behaviors.
Drug Education: Reasons and Failures
Authors: Smith Cameron V.
Published: May 2005

This paper contains 50 “reasons” which various individuals or groups have used to explain increasing drug abuse by youth. The reasons, listed generally from simple to complex, are grouped into 10 categories: criminal elements, minorities, youth, adults, homes, schools, churches, corporate system, political system and society. The implication is clear that the interplay of reasons for increasing drug abuse in our society is extremely complicated and that educational or remedial programs built upon simplistic cause-models will be relatively ineffective. Contributions that cognitive education can make to eliminating the problem of drug abuse are limited and may be counterproductive. The species-adaptive curiosity and gambling instinct (attraction to try for possible short term gain in the face of possible long term damage) will not be educated from mankind and evaluation of drug abuse education programs based upon eliminating drug abuse is unrealistic. In spite of this, the conclusion is developed that thorough, honest drug education is necessary.
Manifest and Latent Components in Methadone Maintenance: The Methadone Maintenance Game
Authors: King Charles H.
Published: May 2005

Community agencies may be analyzed along a continuum from major responsibility in community protection to major responsibility in individual client self-actualization. Many agencies however fall in the middle of this continuum, having blurred purposes. Manifestly they exist for the amelioration of human needs while also serving simultaneous community functions. This paper discusses various difficulties which arise when the staff of a methadone maintenance clinic must come to grips with the manifest and latent issues in service delivery. A solution is suggested which involves severing the tie between methadone and the behaviors which are reinforced by its use.
The Impact of Stressful Life Events and Social Support on Drinking among Older Adults: A General Population Survey
Authors: Jennison Karen M.
Published: May 2005

This article is an analysis of stressful life events, the buffering hypothesis, and alcohol use in a national sample of 1,418 respondents 60 years of age and over. The results indicate that older adults who experience stressful losses are significantly more likely to drink excessively than those who have not experienced such losses or who have experienced them to a lesser extent. Increased drinking among older adults may therefore be a reaction to life circumstances in which alcohol represents an attempt to cope with traumatic loss, personal as well as within the kinship network. Supportive resources of spouse, family, friends, and church appear to have a stress-buffering effects that reduces the excessive-drinking response to life crisis. Data suggest, however, that older persons are vulnerable to the magnitude of losses experienced as they grow older and lose more of their family, friends, and peers. These stressors appear to seriously impact their drinking behavior and are not effectively buffered. Respondents report that drinking may increase during periods of prolonged exposure to emotionally depleting life change and loss, when supportive needs may exceed the capacities of personal and social support resources.
Psychopathology as an Antecedent to, and as a “Consequence” of, Substance Use, in Adolescence
Authors: Friedman Alfred S. , Utada Arlene T. , Glickman Nita W. , Morrissey Margaret R.
Published: May 2005

In this longitudinal study of 232 student-subjects in two public high schools, it was found, by a cross-lagged correlation method, that earlier psychopathology predicted to a statistically significant degree to substance use seventeen months later, and that earlier substance use also predicted to a statistically significant degree to later psychopathology. Thus it appears likely that there is an additive or cumulative interaction effect in which having psychiatric symptoms (psychopathology) contributes to the tendency to use drugs, and using drugs adds to the tendency to have psychiatric symptoms. Among the nine types of psychic symptoms measured, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, hostility, paranoid ideation and depression were found to be somewhat more predictive of later increase in substance use than the other types of psychic symptoms; and phobic anxiety was not predictive at all.
Measurement of Morale in the Elderly
Authors: Pierce Robert C. , Clark M. Margaret
Published: May 2005

Four-hundred-thirty-five elderly subjects were asked 45 questions which were thought germane to morale. Responses were cluster analyzed, and eight clusters were identified. Three clusters: Depression/Satisfaction, Equanimity, and Will to Live, fell within the domain of morale; three seemed to be more pertinent to attitudes than morale: Positive Age, Negative Age, and Social Alienation; and two represent areas which are correlated with, but conceptually distinct from, morale: Physical Health and Social Accessibility. Analyses of simple sum cluster scores on the three morale dimensions indicate that mental hospital inpatients, ex-patients, and community residents differ significantly, with community residents showing more satisfaction with their lives, more equanimity in their day to day transactions, and greater will to live.
Which Way Drug Education?
Authors: Wepner Stephen F.
Published: May 2005

Given the increasingly permissive nationwide attitude toward abuse of marijuana and other soft drugs, in what direction should school-based education/prevention programs move?

After reviewing the history of such programs, the author offers a plan to decrease the incidence of adolescent drug abuse by utilizing an array of non-educational resources including youth oriented media. Achieving this goal will permit educational programs to shift their energies and resources back to primary prevention and away from intervention and treatment.
Comparing Patterns of Stress in Daily Experiences of Elderly Caregivers and Noncaregivers
Authors: Wallsten Sharon M.
Published: May 2005

A daily experience survey instrument was used to distinguish patterns of stress in a group of elderly individuals providing home care to a spouse or parent with Alzheimer's disease and a comparison group of elderly non-caregivers. It was found that life circumstances influenced stress perception in daily life. Caregivers and noncaregivers differed in the types of experiences they endorsed as routines, uplifts, challenges, and hassles, and in the impact ratings associated with them in consistent and interpretable ways.
Activities, Family Relationships and Feelings about Aging in a Multicultural Elderly Sample
Authors: Harris Mary B. , Begay Cynthia , Page Polly
Published: May 2005

This study looked at ethnic and gender differences in activities, family relationships, and feelings about aging in 128 American Indian, Anglo, and Hispanic adults over sixty. Reading, visiting, and watching television were the most popular activities for all subjects, with a number of sex and ethnic differences appearing. Most subjects reported improved relationships with their families on various dimensions after turning sixty. A number of advantages and disadvantages of aging were mentioned. Few ethnic or gender differences were found on these latter variables.
Addressing Group Dynamics in a Brief Motivational Intervention for College Student Drinkers
Authors: Faris Alexander S. , Brown Janice M.
Published: May 2005

Previous research indicates that brief motivational interventions for college student drinkers may be less effective in group settings than individual settings. Social psychological theories about counterproductive group dynamics may partially explain this finding. The present study examined potential problems with group motivational interventions by comparing outcomes from a standard group motivational intervention (SGMI; n = 25), an enhanced group motivational intervention (EGMI; n = 27) designed to suppress counterproductive processes, and a no intervention control ( n = 23). SGMI and EGMI participants reported disruptive group dynamics as evidenced by low elaboration likelihood, production blocking, and social loafing, though the level of disturbance was significantly lower for EGMI individuals ( p = .001). Despite counteracting group dynamics in the EGMI condition, participants in the two interventions were statistically similar in post-intervention problem recognition and future drinking intentions. The results raise concerns over implementing individually-based interventions in group settings without making necessary adjustments.
Effects of Bereavement/Loss and Pre-Event Status on Subsequent Physical Health in Older Adults
Authors: Murrell Stanley A. , Himmelfarb Samuel , Phifer James F.
Published: May 2005

Males and females aged fifty-five and older were interviewed before and after three types of bereavement/loss: attachment bereavement (child, spouse, parent), nonattachment bereavement (sibling, grandchild, close friend), and other losses (nonbereavements). Five measures of health were used. Before pre-event health was accounted for on self-report measures of health status and medical conditions, pre-event measures of environmental factors and impact measures of bereavement/loss events had significant but modest effects on post-event health. However, after pre-event health was taken into account, the effects of bereavement and other losses were pale in comparison. Bereavement/loss events were not related to subsequent deaths, health events, or the use of medical services. Environmental factors were modestly predictive of nonattachment bereavements and other losses. An unexpected finding was that other losses had stronger effects on health than bereavements. Trend analysis over eighteen months showed a modest decline in health status immediately after a loss event, followed by an improvement in health. In general, this older adult sample handled bereavements and other losses with minimal morbidity and mortality.
Myths versus Data on American Indian Drug Abuse
Authors: Streit Fred , Nicolich Mark J.
Published: May 2005

A drug and alcohol use prevalence study was conducted among Montana Indians by Montana Indians. The results raise questions about culture transmission as a drug prevention strategy. Also, there is evidence of a high proportion of youth with deceased fathers. Implications for further prevention needs are presented.
The Effects of Health, Environmental, and Socio-Psychological Variables on Fear of Crime and its Consequences among Urban Black Elderly Individuals
Authors: Bazargan Mohsen
Published: May 2005

Despite extensive research on fear of crime among elder members of the population, little attention has been paid to the fear of crime among Black urban elderly individuals. Using a sample of 372 low income urban Black persons aged sixty-two and over the causes and consequences of such fear were investigated. Fear of crime reduces subjective well-being of these older adults and limits their mobility. Age, gender, education, marital status, loneliness, self-reported health status, previous victimization experience, media exposure, trust of neighbors, length of residence, and type of housing were tested to identify significant predictors of fear of crime. Some of these variables had a diverse impact on fear of crime at home versus outside of the home. For example, while gender was the strongest predictor of fear of crime outside the home, it was not significantly associated with fear inside the home. Surprisingly, self-reported health status was not related to fear of crime among this sample of urban Black elderly individuals.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of the N.Y. State Drug Curriculum Guide with Respect to Drug Attitudes
Authors: O'Rourke Thomas W. , Barr Sanford L.
Published: May 2005

The major purpose of this investigation was to assess the effectiveness of the revised edition of the New York State Curriculum Guide with respect to the affective domain dealing with the drug topic. Drug attitude test score comparisons were made between high school students who received the Curriculum Guide program and comparable students receiving a traditional program. Results of the attitude scores between the two groups evidenced a significantly higher score for the experimental group. However, closer analysis revealed that the program seemed to be effective for males but not females.
The Impact of Clustering First Year Seminars with English Composition Courses on New Students' Retention Rates
Authors: Crissman Jennifer L.
Published: May 2005

Research has shown that two effective programs that positively impact upon new students' retention are first year seminars and clustering two or more academic courses together. This article discusses the results of one institution's approach to increasing student retention. The study analyzed the impact of clustering a first year seminar with an English composition course on new students' retention rates at a small, independent college in the northeast. The study, using multivariate regression models, showed no statistical difference in retention rates between students taking a clustered first year seminar and students taking a nonclustered first year seminar. This article discusses reasons that may account for the inconsistency with the literature, and closes with implications of the study and future research ideas.
The Influence of Self-Ascribed Handicapped Status on the Positive and Negative Affect of the Elderly
Authors: Stutsman Helene R. , Okun Morris A. , Stock William A.
Published: May 2005

Recently, Stock and Okun found that self-ascribed handicapped elders, relative to self-ascribed nonhandicapped elders, had significantly lower mean scores on six measures of subjective well-being [1]. Using the same data base, in the present study, we examined whether self-ascribed handicapped status accounted for variance in positive and negative affect, net of intra- and interpersonal resources, and social status. On the bivariate level, self-ascribed handicapped status was related significantly to positive and negative affect. However, it did not account for more than 2 percent of the variance in either. As anticipated, self-ascribed handicapped status was not a significant predictor of positive and negative affect when social status and intra- and interpersonal resources were statistically controlled. Contrary to expectations, social status was a unique predictor of positive and negative affect.
Reminiscentia: Cherished Objects as Memorabilia in Late-Life Reminiscence
Authors: Sherman Edmund
Published: May 2005

This survey was designed to study cherished objects and other memorabilia as “reminiscentia,” (i.e., as inducers of reminiscence). One hundred persons were surveyed by questionnaire and interview to determine the kinds of memorabilia and cherished objects they would identify and how these were related to reminiscence and current mood as measured by the Affect-Balance Scale. Most of the identified cherished objects were cherished for reasons other than their value as reminiscentia, but when they were cherished primarily for this reason, they seemed to serve as reconstructive symbols in the lives of those older persons. A significant positive relationship was found between memorabilia and mood, and the total lack of a cherished object was associated with significantly lower mood scores. Some significant associations were also found among objects, reminiscence, and mood variables by age and gender.
Computer Anxiety: Definition, Measurement, and Correlates
Authors: Cambre Marjorie A. , Cook Desmond L.
Published: May 2005

This review examines the definition, measurement and correlates of computer anxiety as provided in available research to date. A selected review of the general anxiety construct and its measurement provides a framework for considering computer anxiety. Test anxiety and math anxiety are discussed briefly as specific anxiety manifestations with potential similarities, particularly as they relate to the educational context. Five studies are identified and discussed for their contributions to an understanding of the definition, measurement practices, and correlates of computer anxiety. It is clear from this preliminary review that more work must be done to determine if computer anxiety is a valid psychological construct and, if it is, how it should be defined, measured, and correlated with other known variables.
A Three Year Follow-up Study of 43 Heroin Addicts in a Suburban Community
Authors: Richardson Henry , Brooks Jeffrey , Cohen Mark , Kern Joseph
Published: May 2005

Heroin detoxification has been used as a primary tool for the treatment of heroin addicts for almost as long as heroin addiction has been recognized as a problem. However, there is minimal evidence to justify the continued use of this treatment modality. This paper reports on a three year follow-up study of forty-three heroin addicts who received detoxification services with a startling success rate of only 2%. The authors also provide some insight into the reasons why heroin detoxification has not proven to be a successful means of treatment.