bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meaning in Life in Three Samples of Elderly Persons with High Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Takkinen Sanna , Ruoppila Isto
Published: May 2005

The study examined the relationships between meaning in life and cognitive functioning in three elderly samples. The participants in Sample I were 78 persons aged 82–87, in Sample II 182 persons aged 83–92, and in Sample III 299 persons aged 65—69. The samples took part in interviews and cognitive tests in 1996–1997. Several interview questions together with the Sense of Coherence questionnaire were used to study the degree and content of meaning in life. Cognitive functioning was measured by Digit Span, Digit Symbol, and Word Fluency in Sample I and Mini-D in Samples II and III. Each sample was divided into the group of persons with high cognitive functioning (including those whose results in cognitive tests fell in the top third of their age cohort) and the comparison group (including the rest of the sample). The analysis showed no difference between the groups in the degree of meaning in life in any of the three samples. The content of meaning in life differed in the two groups: human relationships were reported as a reason for meaning in life and a source of strength in life more often by the persons with high cognitive functioning than by the comparison group. Moreover, those with high cognitive functioning reported that they had taken up a new activity (especially one involving social interests) that gave a sense of meaning in life after retirement more often than the comparison group. Death had positive meaning for the majority of the participants and the groups did not differ in meaning of death. The interactions between the various measures of meaning in life showed that having a sense of coherence and zest for life were factors related to the sense of meaningfulness in life. Meaning of death was not related to other measures.
What Does it Take? Successful Alaska Native Students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Authors: Reyes Maria Elena
Published: May 2005

This is a descriptive, qualitative study of successful, Alaska Native students at the upper-division and graduate levels at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Two focus groups were held during spring of 1999, at the university that explored factors contributing to students' academic success and factors acting as barriers to students' academic success. Because more Alaska Native females than Alaska Native males attend and graduate from the university, the groups interviewed were divided along gender lines. Identified as contributing to students' academic success were persistence and hard work; financial support from Native Corporations, family support (both emotional and financial); employment; and the availability of developmental classes on campus (described as important in assisting them to develop academic skills they felt they lacked). Identified as barriers to academic success at the higher education level included poor academic preparation, especially at the high school level, difficulty in financing their college education, inadequate childcare, lack of affordable housing, and a difficulty in speaking up in class (a possible cultural difference that students in this study learned to mediate). Students offered practical advice to other potential Alaska Native students and provided suggestions to university administrators. Gender differences were found in students' responses in reporting perceived or real discrimination or bias at the university. All students reported experiences with discrimination or bias against Alaska Natives in and out of the university setting. Liberal use of students' comments were used throughout this study.
The Life Review: An Unrecognized Bonanza
Authors: Butler Robert N.
Published: May 2005

Historically, doctors have not entertained a broad enough view of the total human life cycle. While much attention has been focused on infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood as times of growth and change, we have all but ignored the later years and the often marvelous characteristics of “the survivors.” The use of standardized methods for evaluating the mental and physical status of old people has deprived both practitioners and patients of the richness of life-long experiences. By taking the time to attentively listen to their patients' reflections of the past, physicians can help advance our growing understanding of human aging and expand the repertoire of mechanisms that are useful in clinical practice.
Racial Differences in the Household Composition of Elders by Age, Gender, and Area of Residence
Authors: Coward Raymond T. , Lee Gary R. , Netzer Julie K. , Cutler Stephen J. , Danigelis Nicholas L.
Published: May 2005

Using census data and an innovative technique for describing the composition of households from the perspective of elders, this research provides a more detailed description of race differences in living arrangements of older persons than has previously existed. In addition, cross tabulations of race with other factors known to influence household composition (gender, age, and area of residence) are examined. While white women are more likely than black women to live alone, the reverse is true among men. Whites are more likely than blacks to live in married-couple-only households, and blacks are more likely than whites to live in multigenerational households, although these differences decrease with advancing age. Blacks are also more likely than whites to live with collateral kin or nonkin only, although these categories comprise small proportions of the population. Implications of these differences for caregiving and quality of life among older persons are discussed.
Effectiveness of Student Assistance Programs in Nebraska Schools
Authors: Scott David M. , Surface Jeanne L. , Friedli David , Barlow Thomas W.
Published: May 2005

Background:

This study investigated whether Nebraska schools with Student Assistance Programs (SAP) are associated with reduced adolescent alcohol use and a higher level of academic achievement than students from schools without a SAP.

Methods:

In 1992, the Toward a Drug Free Nebraska (TDFN) survey was administered to 3,454 students in grades seven to twelve at eighty-three Nebraska schools. A second survey, the TDFN “team activity report” collected from each school's team, the presence of a SAP ( n = 34 schools) or absence of a SAP ( n = 49 schools). Student responses for alcohol use and academic achievements were linked with the presence of a SAP through use of a school identification number on both surveys.

Results:

Students from schools with a SAP reported a lower use of alcohol in the last thirty days, compared with students from schools without a SAP program ( p = 0.05), and they also reported a significant difference in academic achievement ( p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

While this study used post hoc analysis of data, the results suggest lower alcohol use and higher academic achievement among students from SAP schools. Given SAPs' popularity, these trends suggest that further research should be conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of student assistance programs.
Audience Awareness in Technology-Mediated Environments
Authors: Gallini Joan K. , Helman Neal
Published: May 2005

Fifth graders interacted with their teacher, local, and distant peers over a telecommunications network. Activities included developing and exchanging questions, responses to questions, and descriptive compositions with their audiences. The investigation focused on how the information exchanges impacted students' development of audience awareness in written discourse. The fifth graders were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups where they were instructed to construct an informative composition that would be read by 1) their teacher, 2) a self-selected classmate, or 3) their distant peers. Analytic and holistic scoring procedures were applied to determine differences in the performance of students' writing performances for the different audiences. Compositions directed to the distant audiences consisted of more elaborations, better organization and cohesion, and overall, a higher interest level. Those prepared for the local peers received the relatively lowest ratings. Results are discussed in the context of the literature base relevant to the importance of audience considerations in discourse.
A Challenging Experience in Canoeing and Camping as a Tool in Approaching the Drug Problem
Authors: Ventura Marlene R. , Dundon Mike
Published: May 2005

Six young men and three counselors completed a 7–day canoeing and camping trip on a 100 mile course in Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park. This experimental program conducted by YMCA of Western New York was patterned after the Outward Bound program. An attitudinal test administered to the counselees before and after the trip revealed no significant changes in self-esteem although some anecdotal notes are reported. Speculation is made that the measurement of changes in self-esteem may not lend itself to pre- and post-testing with standardized tests in the brief interval and that a “sleeper effect” may exist.
Relation between Fluid Intelligence and Frontal Lobe Functioning in Older Adults
Authors: Isingrini Michel , Vazou Florence
Published: May 2005

This study reports the relations among normal aging, intelligence, and frontal lobe functioning. Intelligence tasks and frontal lobe functioning tasks were administered to 107 adults from two age groups (25 to 46 years and 70 to 99 years). Intelligence measures were assessed with two crystallized tests (WAIS Vocabulary and Information subtests), one fluid intelligence test (Cattell's Matrices), and one mixed, crystallized and fluid test (WAIS Similarities subtest). Frontal functioning was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and two tests of verbal fluency. Significant age differences in favor of the young were found on the two intelligence tests with a fluid component and on all measures of frontal lobe functioning. Correlational analyses examining the relationship of intelligence measures to frontal variables indicated that these last measures were significantly correlated with only fluid intelligence tests in the elderly group. The implications for the relations among aging, fluid intelligence, and frontal lobe functioning are discussed.
Life Satisfaction and Occupational Retirement: Beyond the Impact Year
Authors: Bell Bill D.
Published: May 2005

This article examines three theoretical perspectives relative to the prediction of life satisfaction following retirement. Hypotheses derived from crisis, continuity, and consistency theories were systematically examined with regard to the pre- and post-retirement satisfaction scores of 114 male respondents (mean age 69 years). The data confirm one of four crisis hypotheses. Specifically, individuals underwent a decline in satisfaction with retirement. Similarly, only one of three continuity hypotheses was partially confirmed. A positive association obtained between satisfaction and orientational change in the voluntary association area. Contrary to the theory, however, respondents underwent a significant decline in satisfaction. Finally, only one of the consistency hypotheses was substantiated. In general, expectational disconfirmations relative to retirement did not result in lowered satisfaction.
Modifying Attitudes towards Drugs in Seventh Grade Students
Authors: Amendolara Filomena R.
Published: May 2005

The study examined the relationship between attitudes towards drugs and factors such as IQ, sex, father's occupation, and six areas of adjustment. 190 seventh graders responded to three tests administered before and after a drug prevention education program. The results show that the E group gains were better than chance but that the gains were related more closely to information items than to their attitudes. The correlation between drug attitudes and IQ, father's occupation and six adjustment areas were negligible. There were sex differences in favor of the male E group.
The Veterans Administration Longitudinal Study of Oral Health and Disease
Authors: Kapur Krishan K. , Glass Robert L. , Loftus Edward R. , Alman John E. , Feller Ralph P.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the distribution, determinants, changes and inter-relationships observed in oral health, oral disease and oral function from findings of periodic examinations performed at regular intervals in a population of male veterans in good health at the outset.
A DWI Educational Program
Authors: Eddy John
Published: May 2005

This article provides a description and some of the results of an educational program called “Driving While Intoxicated Du-Page” or “DWI Du-Page” that the author was involved in as one of the consultants for several years. The basic information presented here covers the period from September 1, 1973 through September 30, 1974 and it comes from the DuPage County Law Enforcement Commission Program of Illinois. The results of the DWI Project demonstrates a County-Municipal-State cooperation for a common public safety goal that was funded as Project No. AL4-7022-027 by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois County of DuPage.
The Impact of Cognitively Impaired Patients and Shift on Nursing Assistant Stress
Authors: Novak Mark , Chappell Neena L.
Published: May 2005

This study compared the stress experienced by nursing assistants (NAs) under four work conditions: high or low proportion of cognitively impaired patients and day or other shift. Five standard measures of caregiver stress served as the dependent variables in this study: burden, reaction to patient behaviors, workload, and two measures of burnout. A 2 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance found an interaction effect of type and shift on the stress measures. Univariate tests found that Burden and Depersonalization accounted for this effect. A further multivariate analysis of simple main effects found significant differences for each independent variable within each level of the other independent variable. Univariate analyses found that NAs who care for cognitively impaired patients on the day shift show significantly higher scores on specific stress measures. The article concludes with a discussion of how institutions can respond to the stresses faced by NAs who care for cognitively impaired patients.
Life Changes, Coping Resources, and Health among the Elderly
Authors: Simons Ronald L. , West Gale E.
Published: May 2005

In the last several years, a host of studies have shown a relationship between life change and deterioration in health status. This relationship, however, appears to be modest, and investigators have recently become interested in the coping resources, or buffers, that enable some individuals to encounter significant life change with little or no apparent negative changes in their health. Using samples consisting largely of young and middle-aged persons, studies have shown that the presence of a confidant, social network involvement, marital status, feelings of esteem and confidence, occupational status, and income can act as buffers against the potentially stressful effects of life change. The present study examines the extent to which these factors serve as coping resources for a sample of elderly individuals. With the exception of income, the results suggest that not only do these variables fail to serve as buffers against life change for the aged, but some of them appear to function as coping inhibitors, operating to exacerbate the deleterious consequences of life change.
The Equity Threat of Promising Innovations: Pioneering Internet-Connected Schools
Authors: Becker Henry Jay , Ravitz Jason L.
Published: May 2005

This article examines the distribution of student Internet use across 152 schools in the National School Network (NSN), schools that were among the first to provide high-speed direct Internet access simultaneously for many locally networked computers. Apart from identifying the socio-demographic character of these schools, the article shows the extent to which Internet use varies by school socio-demographics, and, within school, by prior achievement levels of students. Although membership in the NSN disproportionately includes schools in high-SES communities, it was found that, among NSN schools, social class is not related to extent of use. On the other hand, within schools, Internet use favors high-ability classes, particularly in demographically heterogeneous schools.
The Age Old Question of Old Age: Was it Really so Much Better Back When?
Authors: Hendricks Jon , Hendricks C. Davis
Published: May 2005

The belief that the elderly in pre-industrial societies fared considerably better than the elderly in modern mass societies has received nearly universal acceptance. Utilizing literary, historical and archaeological reports from early Greece to the present, the present paper offers data which challenges popular conceptions. Close examination of evidence dealing with societal evaluation, family and kin support reveals prejudicial stereotypes as pervasive as those associated with modern urban industrialized societies. While a gradual transition of the basis of authority and esteem is noted from nomadic and agrarian to industrial societies, there is substantial correspondence in the dominant cultural imagery of old age, life expectancy notwithstanding.
Service Ace? Which Academic Services and Resources Truly Benefit Student Athletes
Authors: Hollis Leah P.
Published: May 2005

As all students are guaranteed equal opportunity in education by the Fourteenth Amendment of the constitution and interpretations from the 1954 Supreme Court Decision, Brown versus the Board of Education, disadvantaged students need support to have the capacity to take advantage of the equal opportunity. In this study, student athletes are considered a disadvantaged population due to the constant conflicts between athletic and academic commitments. Consequently, collegiate institutions have a responsibility to provide educational equal opportunity for their student-athletes. The major objective of the study is to determine the relationship between student-athlete graduation rates and a set of variables (services, administrative support, staff, budget, and space) which exist at NCAA Division-I programs, which are members of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletes (N4A). After a multiple regression test was run on the variables, with the student-athlete graduation rate as the dependent variable, the researcher found an inverse relationship between services offered by institutions in the study and the student-athlete graduation rate. This finding leads the researcher to examine the student-athletes' academic preparation. Those student athletes with higher high school grade point averages posted higher college graduation rates. The data showed that summer school before the beginning of the freshmen year of college is statistically significant and has a positive impact on student-athlete graduation rates.
A Case-Comparison Analysis of Elder Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Godkin Michael A. , Wolf Rosalie S. , Pillemer Karl A.
Published: May 2005

This study examines factors which contribute to elderly abuse and neglect by caregivers in a domestic setting. Methodological and conceptual variations and problems in previous studies have led to considerable confusion as to the determinants of this important social problem. A more rigorous research design was used in this study than has been previously employed. Fifty-nine abused elders from a model project site for the study of elderly abuse were compared with forty-nine non-abused clients from a home care program in the same agency. Using a research instrument designed by the authors, data related to the following aspects of the lives of the elders and their caregivers were collected: psychological status, stressful life events, social networks, mutual dependency, and the nature of their relationships. The study indicates that members of abusive families are more likely to have emotional problems which contribute to interpersonal difficulties. Abused elders are not more dependent on caregivers for many of their daily needs. However, the abused elderly and their caregivers have become increasingly interdependent prior to the onset of abuse because of the loss of other family members, increased social isolation, and the increased financial dependency of the perpetrator on the elderly person.
The Impact of Housing Relocation on the Elderly: An Alternative Methodological Approach
Authors: Bell Bill D.
Published: May 2005

This article examines the impact of housing relocation on the patterns of interaction and life satisfaction of a sample of older, married adults living in an urban area of central Arkansas. Interviews were conducted with 115 individuals residing in congregate housing and with a matched sample of 105 persons living in independent residential units. Respondents in the two settings fail to demonstrate significant differences in frequencies of social interaction. Patterns of interaction in five specific areas also reveal no appreciable variation. In addition, the time-related effects of congregate dwelling are suggestive but not confirming of negative changes in both interaction and satisfaction. On the other hand, regardless of residential duration, health, sex, or age, independent residents exhibit higher life satisfaction. The data suggest the congregate setting to possess insufficient resources to offset the objective and subjective decrements of old age.
Determinants of Perceived Family Support and Conflict: Life-Course Variations among the Physically Disabled
Authors: Turner Heather A.
Published: May 2005

This study assesses variations in the levels and determinants of family support and family conflict in three age groups of non-institutionalized physically disabled individuals (18–49; 50–64; 65+). Analyses are based on a representative sample of 730 physically disabled adults from ten countries of southwestern Ontario, Canada. Results indicate life-course related differences in the levels of both family support and family conflict, with the oldest group perceiving the greatest support and the least conflict from family members. While level of disability was not significantly related to perceived family support, findings indicate that individuals with greater functional limitations experience less frequent negative or conflictive interactions with family. A number of additional socio-demographic and psycho-social factors were also associated with perceived family support and conflict. However, the determinants of support and conflict were not equivalent and varied considerably by age group. In general, the results of this study support the notion that support and conflict represent independent dimensions of experience. Moreover, the factors that influence family support and conflict appear to change across the life course.
A Critique of Values: Clarification in Drug Education
Authors: Chng Chwee Lye
Published: May 2005

Values clarification is today widely used in drug education programs in the United States. The premise is that decisions pertaining to whether to use drugs or to abstain are a direct function of a confused value system. The purpose of values clarification is to assist individuals both to structure and operationalize a value system which is personally satisfying and socially acceptable. In an attempt to raise questions regarding its efficacy to influence drug use, criticisms will be offered on the following areas: the role of content in valuing, the position of “ethical relativism,” the danger of indoctrination, and the social pressure to conform.
Effect of Communicator Background on Credibility
Authors: Panzica Norman
Published: May 2005

To help assess the effect of a communicator's perceived background on his credibility, 266 Grade 7 and 8 students were asked to rate a speaker on drug abuse. Half the students were led to believe that the speaker had himself used psychotropic drugs regularly. The others were told he had used no such drugs. E, who was the speaker, was rated on knowledge of subject, ability to communicate, and understanding of young people. Differences in mean ratings given by the two groups did not show statistical significance. The absence of difference was attributed to the apparent disinclination of students to use drugs, and to their perception of E as an experienced case worker.
Between Worlds: A Relocation Dilemma for the Appalachian Elderly
Authors: Rowles Graham D.
Published: May 2005

An historically based spatial separation of old people from their children has generated a critical relocation dilemma for the present generation of Appalachian elderly — reconciling the physical, social, and emotional support of a familiar environment with the desire to be close to family. This article, based on a four-year participant observation study of a panel of elderly persons in a rural northern Appalachian community, explores the tension between factors that reinforce inertia and those that encourage relocation to the homes of children living outside Appalachia. The article traces and illustrates a normative trajectory involving several phases — departure of children, accommodation, seasonal migration, crisis, relocation, holding on, and severance — that characterize the decision process whereby, over a period of years, the dilemma is gradually resolved.
Pre-University Students' Attitudes toward Computers: An International Perspective
Authors: Yaghi Hussein M.
Published: May 2005

This study investigates the attitudes of school students toward computers using the Bath County Computer Attitudes Scale and a sample of 644 students in Lebanon. The properties of the scale were explored in relation to a cultural environment that was not investigated before. The reliability and factor analysis of the scale were reported and compared with the findings of other studies that were conducted in other countries using the same scale. In addition, factorial analysis of variance procedure was conducted to investigate the effect of gender and home ownership of computers on students' attitudes. Differences in the means of students' attitudes who used computers differently or received different computer training were compared.
Learner Control = Decision Making + Information: A Model and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goforth Dave
Published: May 2005

Research into the effectiveness of learner control in tutorial computer assisted instruction has produced equivocal results. In order to analyze these results, learner control is defined within a general model of decisions and information in instructional systems. When the research is categorized according to this model, the effectiveness of learner control is confirmed and a preliminary conclusion concerning the importance of information is reached. A case is made for an instructional design focus in learner control research based on model building rather than hypothesis testing.
Fashionable Pride: An Ageless Concern
Authors: Keating Gail C.
Published: May 2005

Because of the large number of young men who had either been killed in the Civil War, left the region seeking a new beginning in the West, or moved to more prosperous metropolitan centers on the East coast, rural life in 19th century New England was primarily matriarchal or female-centered. As evidenced in the works of the “local color” writers—Harriet Beecher Stowe, Rose Terry Cooke, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, Sarah Orne Jewett, and Mary E. Wilkins Freeman—the women who remained were, for the most part, poor, elderly, and impoverished, living in a land where, for them, scarcity was the norm. They were what has come to be known as the “rural poor.” Nonetheless, even though most of the pleasures in life were beyond their reach, these New England women took great pride in what little they had and put great stock in a particular dress, bonnet, or tea service that enabled them to maintain a sense of dignity and decorum in the face of great adversity. Continuing to dress well, serving an elegant tea, wearing the proper bonnet, allowed them to live their lives with their heads held high and to carry on as the strong, indomitable women they were.
Dreams and Dementia: A Laboratory Exploration of Dream Recall and Dream Content in Chronic Brain Syndrome Patients
Authors: Kramer Milton , Roth Thomas , Trinder John
Published: May 2005

Seventeen (seven mild and ten severe) chronic brain syndrome patients were tested in the sleep laboratory for dream recall and content. The mildly organic patients had 57 per cent recall while the severely organic patients had 35 per cent recall. We also studied four aged severely organic patients. These patients showed a recall rate of 8 per cent.

The difference between the recall rates in mildly and severely organic middle-aged patients was not statistically significant. The difference between the recall rates of the aged severely organic patients and either or both of the middle-aged groups was statistically significant (p < .001).

In addition, we found dream content differences between the mildy and severely organic middle-aged groups and between the combined group and normal young men.
The Oedipus Cycle: Developmental Mythology, Greek Tragedy, and the Sociology of Knowledge
Authors: Datan Nancy
Published: May 2005

The Oedipus complex of Freud is based on the inevitability of the tragic fate of a man who fled his home to escape the prophecy of parricide. Thus, he fulfilled it by killing a stranger who proved to be his father. As Freud does, this consideration of the tragedy of Oedipus takes as its point of departure the inevitability of the confrontation between father and son. Where Freud looks to the son, however, I look to the father, who set the tragedy in motion by attempting to murder his infant son. Themes ignored in developmental theory but axiomatic in gerontology are considered in this study of the elder Oedipus. The study begins by noting that Oedipus ascended the throne of Thebes not by parricide but by answering the riddle of the Sphynx and affirming the continuity of the life cycle which his father denied. In the second tragedy of the Oedipus Cycle of Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus, this affirmation is maintained. As Oedipus the elder accepts the infirmities of old age and the support of his daughter Antigone, Oedipus the king proves powerful up to the very end of his life when he gives his blessing not to the sons who had exiled him from Thebes, but to King Theseus who shelters him in his old age. Thus, the Oedipus cycle, in contrast to the “Oedipus complex,” represents not the unconscious passions of the small boy, but rather the awareness of the life cycle in the larger context of the succession of the generations and their mutual interdependence. These themes are illuminated by a fuller consideration of the tragedy of Oedipus.
Research Based Nursing Home Design: An Approach for Planning Environments for the Aging
Authors: Ostrander Edward R.
Published: May 2005

Experts agree that there is limited empirical information available dealing with the impact of the physical and social environment on the behavior of institutionalized aged people. A procedure for pursuing this issue called environmental analysis is developing. Environmental analysis draws on a variety of social science research techniques to form an environmental assessment battery for understanding the relationship of environment and behavior. User-sensitive environmental design requires environmental analysis as a starting point. In contrast to inspection or evaluation, environmental analysis has a problem solving orientation rather than a judgmental one. The generalizations produced through environmental analysis can provide guidance for boards and administrators when planning a new facility, prior to major rennovation and as a basis for reviewing current operations.
Promoting Better Choices: Effects of Strategy Training on Achievement and Choice Behavior in Learner-Controlled CBI
Authors: Relan Anju
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of learning strategy training interventions and the incorporation of learner control on achievement, learning efficiency, and instructional choice, while subjects learned from a computer-based science tutorial. One hundred and seven sixth-graders were randomly divided into six cells, within a 3 × 2 factorial experimental design consisting of two treatment factors: Learner Control ( Complete and Limited), and Strategy Training ( Comprehensive, Partial, and No Training). An ANCOVA performed on the immediate posttest revealed an interaction between Strategy Training and Learner Control, favoring the Limited Learner Control, trained groups. However, the small positive achievement effects were not sustained over the delayed posttest. Total amount of review was not affected by treatments, but an interaction was found between Strategy Training (Partial vs. Comprehensive), and Learner Control on amount of review during practice. These findings are discussed within the framework of learning strategy training research and principles for instructional designs incorporating learner control.
Provision of On-Site Services in Retirement Housing
Authors: Sherman Susan R.
Published: May 2005

The present paper addresses the question of on-site supportive services in retirement housing facilities for the well-elderly. Six hundred residents were interviewed, 100 at each of six widely varied sites in California: retirement hotel, urban high-rise apartments, life-care home, and three retirement villages. Data were also collected on 600 matched controls in age-integrated housing. Questions were asked pertaining to caring for health needs, desire for counseling services, and expected support in crises. Results showed for the most part a good match between personal needs and environmental provisions. However, at one site considerable insecurity was expressed with regard to medical provisions and support in crises, and a desire was expressed for counseling services. There was no evidence of an erosion of independence at the sites where services are provided.
Health, Socioeconomic Status and Self-Perception in the Elderly: An Application of the Interpersonal Checklist
Authors: Angleitner Alois
Published: May 2005

One-hundred and thirty-four men and women in the Bonn Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) sample from sixty-two to eighty-one years of age were tested and re-tested a year later using the Interpersonal Checklist (ICL) to study the effects of health, sex, socioeconomic status and time of self perception. Preliminary item analysis justified the use of the ICL for older people. A multiple analysis of variance for repeated measures with the factors SEX, SES, and TIME yielded two interactions for “rebellious-distrustful (FG by sex × health) and “self effacing-masochistic” (HI by time × health) and three main-effects for “agressive-sadistic” (DE by sex), “self-effacing-masochistic” (HI by SES) and “docile-dependent” (IK by time).
On Being Introduced to Marijuana: Expectations, Effects, and Experiences of Past and Current Users
Authors: Fisher Gary , Steckler Allan
Published: May 2005

For a sample of 530 marijuana users, categorized according to five use patterns (trial, past, occasional, regular, and daily users), data were analyzed relative to six variables pertaining to being introduced to marijuana. The general findings were 1) Age: the more frequent the use of marijuana, the younger the S when he started use; 2) the great majority of Ss were introduced to marijuana by close friends or girl/boy friends and extremely few by persons relatively unknown to them; 3) by far the most common reason given by all groups for trying marijuana was “curiosity.” Very few Ss tried it out of fear of being rejected by ones' friends or to release inhibitions; 4) Ss were not drawn to try the drug out of some expectation that it was going to have some specific and sought after effect—the most common expectation was “no particular expectation,” 5) the more usual reaction to a first marijuana experience is that of mild effects and generally enjoying the experience; 6) the greater the interest expressed in continuing use of marijuana after the first experience, the greater the eventual frequency of use of the drug.
Effects of a Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) on Students' Self-Concept, Self-Regulatory Behavior, and Critical Thinking Ability
Authors: Ryser Gail R. , Beeler James E. , McKenzie Carol M.
Published: May 2005

Differences in eighth graders' self-concept, self-regulatory behavior, and critical thinking ability between two groups—one group using a software package called CSILE (Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environment) in a constructivist learning environment and one control group—were investigated. Data were gathered over a one-year period using a quasi-experimental pre-posttest nonequivalent control group design. Results indicated that the CSILE group had a higher level of self-regard, improved ability to regulate their behavior and an increased ability to make credible judgments about someone else's assertions than did the control group ( p < 0.05). The findings are consistent with Scardamalia's assertion that CSILE emphasizes critical thinking skills [1]. Additionally, students in the CSILE group were in a student-directed learning environment which improved their self-concept and may have transferred to their ability to manage their behavior.
Locus of Control, Depression, and Anxiety in Young and Old Adults: A Comparison Study
Authors: Molinari Victor , Niederehe George
Published: May 2005

Levenson's Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance scales were administered to 305 college undergraduates and 117 community-living elderly. On the basis of their highest standard score, sixty young and sixty elderly participants were then classified into High Internal, High Powerful Others, and High Chance categories. The young sample was administered the Zung Depression Scale and the debilitating anxiety scale of the Alpert-Haber Achievement Anxiety Test, while the elderly were given the Beck Depression Inventory, the Depression and Anxiety Scales of the Profile of Mood States, and rated on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Contrary to previous results, the elderly sample was more external (on the Chance dimension) than the young. As predicted, there was a significant relationship linking a pattern of high internality and low belief in powerful others with low depression in the elderly, but not in the young. Applicability of these findings to placement and intervention strategies is discussed.
Patterns of Exploration and Learning with Hypermedia
Authors: Schroeder Eileen E. , Grabowski Barbara L.
Published: May 2005

Spatial navigational techniques have been proposed to assist hypermedia users in discerning the structure of the content, facilitating both the organization and integration of new information. In this study, novice hypermedia users tended to use a fairly passive strategy for selecting their movement through the system, based more on screen position rather than deliberate conceptual choices, whether they had a graphical browser for navigation or just hotwords in the text. Most made a deliberate effort to view all screens but often felt confused. Suggestions for improving navigational aids based on path data analysis, survey data, and user interviews are given.
Rural versus Urban Differences in Health Dependence among the Elderly Population
Authors: Krout John A.
Published: May 2005

This article examines data on rural versus urban differences in health dependency for a random sample of 600 western New York elderly people residing in a range of community settings from farm areas to a metropolitan central city. Data were collected via personal interviews, and health dependency was operationalized as an index composed of nine criterion measures. The nonmetropolitan elderly population is found to be less health dependent as are elderly persons who are younger, white, married, and have higher incomes. However, the rural/urban variable is not a significant predictor of health dependency when included in a multiple-regression analysis. These findings do not support the rural elderly health disadvantage argument and serve to illustrate some of the shortcomings of existing research on this topic.
Problem Solving by Novice Macintosh Users: The Effects of Animated, Self-Paced Written, and No Instruction
Authors: Dyck Jennifer L.
Published: May 2005

The effect of type and amount of instruction on the problem solving behavior of novice Macintosh users were examined. Forty-eight naive users participated in one of four conditions; no instruction, self-paced written instruction on either basic mouse skills, or on basic mouse and file manipulation skills, or animated instruction on basic mouse and file manipulation skills. Subjects then completed mouse tasks, file manipulation tasks, and transfer tasks. Results indicated that the Macintosh is not a “walk-up-and-use” computer as the no instruction condition was slower and less successful at completing the tasks than all other conditions. The mouse skills condition completed more tasks, and were somewhat faster at completing the file manipulation and transfer tasks than the no instruction condition. Comparison of the animated condition and the equivalent written condition indicated no advantage for animation, and both conditions showed high levels of transfer. Analysis of individual tasks showed some evidence of the problem solving heuristic of label-following for the no instruction and mouse skills conditions.
Family Therapy with Adolescent Drug Abusers: A Review
Authors: Baither Richard C.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this paper is to present a brief review of literature concerning the current status of family therapy in the treatment of drug abusing adolescents. The method of approach was to survey and summarize findings and statements found in the literature. The paper includes six topical areas: Why Treat the Family, Family Life of the Abuser, Approaches to Treatment, The Treatment Process, Treatment Goals, and The Treatment Program. A brief concluding statement is included expressing the need for a systematic approach to therapy.
Drug Abuse Prevention Funding Resulting from the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981
Authors: Bukoski William J.
Published: May 2005

In 1981, administration and planning of drug abuse prevention and treatment programs shifted from federal to state authorities through the enactment of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Block Grant. This article reviews the funding status of drug prevention under this programmatic change relevant to prevention service programs and prevention research.
Characteristics of Alcohol Consumption, Correlates of Alcohol Misuse among Korean American Adolescents
Authors: Nakashima John , Wong Mamie M.
Published: May 2005

There is scant research on alcohol and other drug use among Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the United States. In particular, there are no studies on alcohol consumption patterns among Korean American adolescents. This study provides new information on alcohol use for a population that has not been extensively studied. Descriptive analyses reveal that alcohol misuse does occur among Korean American adolescents. Results from logistic regression indicate that alcohol misuse among Korean American adolescents is influenced by the social variables found to affect use among other ethnic groups. For Whites, psychological variables (depression, self-esteem), perceived prejudice, and feeling safe where one lives explained variance beyond social influences. These findings support the contention that there are similarities in the social milieu of alcohol use among all adolescents in the United States. However, our data indicate that psychological forces provide additional influences on White alcohol misuse. Implications of our findings are discussed.
Pre-Institutionalization Factors as Predictors of Adjustment to a Long-Term Care Facility
Authors: Sherwood Sylvia , Glassman Joyce , Sherwood Clarence , Morris John N.
Published: May 2005

In a larger study of applicants to a long-term care facility (HEW/BHSR—formerly NCHSRD—supported Research Grant HS00470), a discriminant function was developed to distinguish between persons clinically judged as suited to residency in a long-term care facility from those judged less suited. Studying only those who were eventually institutionalized, this instrument was used to classify applicants. Based on pre- and post-measures derived from interview data, it was found that the “suited” group experienced an increase in life satisfaction, while the “less suited” group either stayed the same or decreased in life satisfaction.
The Speech-In-Noise Test: A New Approach to the Assessment of Communication Capability of Elderly Persons
Authors: Davignon Donald D. , Leshowitz Barry H.
Published: May 2005

The present investigation measured how well elderly persons hear in everyday auditory communication situations. It was felt that traditional clinical measures of auditory performance have not been shown to be valid predictors of communication function for an elderly population. Participants ranged in age from fifty-five to seventy-two years. In addition to several standard audiometric tests, a new speech test incorporating sentence material was administered in both quiet and noise. As a measure of general communication performance, a hearing questionnaire was developed. The findings indicated that the results of the new Speech-In-Noise (SIN) test were better predictors of hearing communication performance than any of the traditional audiometric measures by a wide margin (.73 versus .62). Statistical analysis further indicated that the SIN test could replace all of the standard audiometric tests in the evaluation of hearing of elderly listeners. Because the SIN test is so brief, given in five to seven minutes, and so easily administered, this test is ideal for mass screening of hearing among the elderly.
What Mothers Know about Their Adolescents' Alcohol/Drug Use and Problems, and How Mothers React to Finding out about it
Authors: Friedman Alfred S. , Glickman Nita W. , Morrissey Margaret R.
Published: May 2005

Data was collected from 189 adolescent clients, ages thirteen to twenty-one, and separately from their mothers, in a structured interview format, at time of application for outpatient drug treatment. Based on the assumption that the adolescents know more about their own substance use than their mothers, and do not exaggerate their substance use in their reporting, the results indicate that the mothers' information is not very complete or accurate. The adolescents reported significantly more use of alcohol, but significantly less problem with alcohol use, a finding consistent with the usual assumption that heavy alcohol users deny their problem. In regard to the reports on the mothers' reactions upon finding out about the substance use, the best degree of agreement was on whether the adolescent was punished, and the least degree of agreement was on whether the mother expressed concern about the harmful effects of drugs on the adolescent's life.
Living Conditions and Everyday Needs of the Elderly with Particular Reference to Social Isolation
Authors: Bennett Ruth
Published: May 2005

This paper is concerned with social isolation, its consequences, and the programs which may possibly combat it. We, as well as others, have located extremely isolated aged persons who reside in the community. In the past, our findings indicated that social isolation has a negative impact on the aged: it desocializes them, hampers social adjustment, and seems to reduce attitudinal independence. Isolation in the aged does not seem to be correlated with age, sex, mental status or education. It is not synonymous with mental disorder though it may result in some behavior patterns associated with mental disorder, specifically poor social adjustment and cognitive functioning. If not compensated for in time, the effects of isolation may lead to serious and, possibly, irreversible cognitive and other impairments. However, unlike senile mental disorders, the effects of isolation may be reversible through resocialization programs, such as friendly visiting, which are currently being developed for systematic evaluation.