bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Hypertext Navigation through Cluster Analysis
Authors: Lawless Kimberly A. , Kulikowich Jonna M.
Published: May 2005

Hypertext documents are unlike traditional text for not only do they represent a computer-based medium, but also readers can process the hypertext in a nonlinear, random access fashion. The ability to navigate through hypertext sometimes presents individuals with difficulty perhaps because these readers do not possess adequate domain knowledge or interest in the topics encountered. This study was designed to inspect the navigational profiles of participants as they process a hypertext document. Using cluster analysis, three performance profiles emerged: 1) knowledge seekers, 2) feature explorers, and, 3) apathetic hypertext users. Analyses demonstrated that domain knowledge seems to differentiate among the cluster groups. Results indicated that students who are interested in computers and hypertext but who do not possess relevant amounts of domain knowledge aligned with the text material experienced difficulty when trying to comprehend hypertext. Implications for learning, assessment, and teaching are discussed.
Community Participation of the Elderly Chicano: A Model
Authors: Daley John Michael , Applewhite Steven R. , Jorquez James
Published: May 2005

The elderly Chicano comprise a population that is distinct in historical background, socialization patterns, coping mechanisms, and patterns of participation in community affairs. These distinctive characteristics have often been overlooked by community planners who know little about elderly Chicanos and assume that all their needs can be met by their families. Several strategies are proposed for the development of participatory processes and systems that take into account the reality of daily life in the barrio. Statistical data should be enriched by qualitative information for decision-making purposes: the calm rationality of one set of people discussing the problems of others should be balanced by the fire of people describing their own experiences.
Disseminating Science-Based Prevention: Lessons Learned from Csap's Capts
Authors: Hogan Julie A. , Baca Ileana , Daley Charlotte , Garcia Tania , Jaker Jerry , Lowther Mike , Klitzner Michael
Published: May 2005

A wide variety of prevention approaches that reduce substance use and associated problems have been developed and tested. But successes have been limited in promoting the use of these scientific advances by the policy makers, practitioners, and concerned citizens. The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's six regional Centers for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CSAP's CAPTs) are a major mechanism by which CSAP brings research to practice. This article synthesizes the issues that the CAPTs have faced, the solutions they have developed, and conclusions concerning the work that still needs to be done to increase the application of science-based approaches to prevention. These discussions highlight the particular importance of addressing issues related to the larger systems in which prevention programs and strategies operate.
Changes in Creativity with Age: Data, Explanations, and Further Predictions
Authors: Abra Jock
Published: May 2005

Changes in creativity with age, it is argued, seem very probable. A variety of personal qualities usually found in creative people are examined. While conclusive evidence is sometimes lacking, it seems likely that most of these would change with age so as to affect creative productivity, usually adversely. Moreover, many theories of creativity representing a variety of intellectual traditions are discussed, and most of these predict aging decrements of some sort. However, it is also suggested that the creativity decline may vary, being more pronounced a) when the attribute of originality is predominant, b) in the sciences, as opposed to the arts and humanities, c) when certain motives, notably self-expression and sublimation of sexuality, are operative, and d) for male as compared to female creators. Finally, creativity may simply change rather than decline with age, with differing stylistic and thematic concerns gaining priority.
Drug Use among Disaffected High School Youth
Authors: Stein Kenneth B. , Soskin William F. , Korchin Sheldon J.
Published: May 2005

Drug use among disaffected students was studied in three different high schools—public urban, public suburban and private residential. The disaffected youths were volunteer participants in Project Community, a growth program for the more “turned off” adolescents. Results showed disaffected urbans and suburbans were greater drug users than their respective matched controls. No differences were found between groups in the residential school. The results also disclosed greater drug use in suburban and private residential schools than in the urban setting. These results were discussed.
Comparison of Self and Health Professionals' Ratings of the Health of Community-Based Elderly
Authors: Wilson Cindy C. , Netting F. Ellen
Published: May 2005

Perceptions of 269 community-based elderly persons and eighty health-care professionals were compared for opinions related to the health-care needs of the elderly, and major barriers faced by the elderly to the utilization of health services. The data indicate a high degree of incongruence between the perceptions of the elderly and those of the professionals. Health professionals were not good predictors of the health status of the elderly, and they did not accurately predict the barriers faced by the elderly seeking health care. Congruence of responses was found only related to the cost of health services. Reasons for these differences were explored, and recommendations for future program planning were made.
Addiction to Zenachlor—Drug Issues from A to Z
Authors: Pomazal Richard J.
Published: May 2005

As most professionals involved in drug education would agree, drug taking is an extremely complex phenomenon involving numerous disciplines. We live in a profound chemical culture and it is obvious that drug abuse is pervasive in our society. Moreover, drugs are very controversial and mean different things to different people. To further complicate matters, drug-related research is often inconclusive and frequently contradictory. It is thus not surprising that almost everyone in the field has his or her own set of beliefs about the phenomenon of drug abuse. These beliefs are usually firmly held and often highly biased. This article contains a listing and brief discussion of numerous interrelated psychosocial issues which appear to be necessary for a thorough drug education program. While admittedly biased, these topics appear to be among the main ones currently identified in the field. The issues addressed may provide fresh insights or stimulate fruitful discussion. Some may cause annoyance and be disputed—such is the nature of controversial topics.
Difficult Temperament and Drug Use: Analyses from the New York Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lerner Jacqueline V. , Vicary Judith R.
Published: May 2005

This study examined the role of the Thomas and Chess conceptualization of “difficult” temperament or behavioral style and tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use in the 133 subjects of the New York Longitudinal Study. Results indicate that the possession of difficult temperamental characteristics (slow adaptability, withdrawal responses, negative mood, high intensity of reactions, and biological irregularity) at age five and in early adulthood are associated with tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use in young adulthood. Further results indicate that the continued use of marijuana throughout adolescence and alcohol and tobacco use from ages thirteen through sixteen were related to the subjects' difficult temperament characteristics in young adulthood.
Gender Roles and Memory Loss in Old Age: An Exploration of Linkages
Authors: Markson Elizabeth W.
Published: May 2005

A framework relating gender roles, role loss, and memory is presented. For the now-old woman, her identity has usually been defined by her roles within the family; other personal touchstones have been less legitimate. In old age, when key family roles dwindle, many women who have relied on their families as sources of identity are placed in an anomic situation, especially women with limited resources. When few meaningful social roles exist in the present, memory becomes increasingly important as a link to develop and maintain the self. It is proposed that, without meaningful present roles to frame one's past experience, memory is likely to be characterized by a high frequency of nonintegrated, relatively meaningless relationships, in turn leading to a narrowing of horizons and inability to take the role of the other. Episodic memories may decay since present events have no interest and generic memory becomes impaired. A case study approach is used to examine the relationship between self-preoccupation, group affiliation, object relations, and memory loss among three older working-class women. Their speech patterns, specifically pronoun use, were analyzed and support the postulate that a high frequency of self-references indicates memory loss and paucity of present experience.
Understanding the Intentions of Pregnant Nullipara to Not Smoke Cigarettes after Childbirth
Authors: Godin Gaston , Lepage Linda
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study was to identify factors that may influence a nullipara's decision not to smoke cigarettes following childbirth. A sample of sixty-three nullipara were asked to complete a questionnaire investigating the variables identified in the theories of Fishbein and Ajzen, Triandis, and Bandura. The regression of intentions on all variables yielded an R2 of 0.80 ( p < 0.0001). Three variables contributed equally in explaining this variance: perceived self-efficacy, smoking habits during pregnancy, and attitude. MANOVA analyses also indicated significant differences between the cognitive profiles of high (HI) and low (LI) in tenders. Relative to LI, HI believed that not smoking cigarettes after delivery would have positive outcomes for both the baby and themselves and they valued these outcomes more strongly. The results demonstrate the importance of designing health promotion programs which improve not only a pregnant woman's knowledge of the benefits for the baby and herself of not smoking cigarettes after delivery, but also personal self-efficacy concerning not-smoking.
The Incidence of Anabolic Steroid Use among Competitive Bodybuilders
Authors: Tricker Ray , O'Neill Michael R. , Cook David
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of anabolic steroid use among competitive male and female bodybuilders in Kansas and Missouri. A profile was established for users and non-users of anabolic steroids. The results of this study indicated that more than half of the male bodybuilders (54%) were using steroids on a regular basis compared to 10 percent of the female competitors. The types of steroid used were investigated and revealed that on average, four different types of anabolic steroid were used during the year, with individual use ranging from one to fifteen different types; including Dianabol, Deca Durabolin, Anavar, Testosterone, Androl 50, Winstrol, Primobolan, Equipoise, Finaject, Parabolin, HCG, Primacetate, Enanthate, Halotestin, and Maxibolin, in order of the most to least frequently used. The female bodybuilders reported that they had used an average of two different steroids including Deca Durabolin, Anavar, Testosterone, Dianabol, Equipoise, and Winstrol. The principal reason bodybuilders used steroids was related to their perception that these drugs were an important factor in winning competitions. Another important motivating factor for use was consistent with reports that significant gains in strength could be achieved by including anabolic steroids as part of the training regimen in spite of the reported adverse side-effects.
Adjustment to Loss of Job at Retirement
Authors: Atchley Robert C.
Published: May 2005

This paper presents an approach to adjustment to the loss of job at retirement which attempts to integrate earlier approaches by focusing on the impact of retirement on the individual's hierarchy of personal goals. If the job is high in that hierarchy and yet unachieved, then the individual can be expected to seek another job or a job substitute. If this is unsuccessful, then the hierarchy of personal goals must be reorganized. If the individual is broadly engaged, the hierarchy can be consolidated. If he or she is narrowly engaged, then alternate roles must be sought. If the search is successful, a new hierarchy emerges. If not, the individual must withdraw. If the job is not high in the hierarchy to begin with, then no serious change in personal goals accompanies retirement.
Predictors of Retirement Satisfaction: A Path Model
Authors: Kremer Yael
Published: May 2005

Adjustment to retirement among 310 former industrial and service workers in Israel was examined by path analysis. The data indicated that respondents had come to terms with loss of work following retirement, and were enjoying their more relaxed lifestyle. The dominant variables in the path model were retirees' evaluations of and satisfaction with specific aspects of retirement: giving up work, activities with family and friends, rest and tranquility, and free time. Situational, biographical, and behavioral variables, except for educational level and subjective state of health, had a negligible effect on overall satisfaction with retirement.
The Hub of a Wheel: A Neighborhood Support Network
Authors: Rosel Natalie
Published: May 2005

In a neighborhood where elderly residents have known each other for years, a closely-knit network of mutual assistance and support has developed among a few of the oldest residents. The network and its functions are described in detail, and two features are discussed as being unusual. First, the “old old” people help each other on a daily basis, and second, the routine nature of the assistance is taken for granted by all concerned, except for the author, who observed the evolution of this network over a period of several years. The network's theoretical implications for social integration and its practical implications for the maintenance of independent living are summarized.
Service Consciousness and Service Knowledge among Older Americans
Authors: Kushman John E. , Freeman Beth K.
Published: May 2005

This article explores statistical relationships between socioeconomic characteristics of elderly persons in a large region of California and their consciousness and knowledge of services available to them. Regression and probit estimation are used to analyze survey data. Service knowledge is a prerequisite to utilization or informal referrals and general consciousness of services increases the probability that older persons will search for services to meet their needs. Education, age, sex, rurality, and minority status are found to be associated with service consciousness and knowledge, although a number of other characteristics have significant associations for at most a few services.
Age, Sex, and Contact with Elderly Adults as Predictors of Knowledge about Psychological Aging
Authors: Peterson Candida C. , Hall Lesley C. , Peterson James L.
Published: May 2005

Using an instrument developed in the United States to assess students' knowledge of mental health in old age, the present study tested 179 Australian undergraduates who varied in age, sex, and the frequency of their contact with aged people at home, at work, and in the neighborhood. As predicted, women scored higher than men and scores rose with age and with contact when age was partialed out. Unexpectedly, Australian students averaged two more items correct than the American students for whom the test was developed. Implications for teaching are considered.
Life Expectancy of Kibbutz Members
Authors: Leviatan Uri , Cohen Jiska , Jaffe-Katz Amanda
Published: May 2005

Data are presented demonstrating that the life expectancy (LE) of kibbutz members—both men and women—is higher than that of the overall Jewish population in Israel. Closer inspection of the death rates at various ages reveals that, from age thirty, those of kibbutz women are lower than those of the Jewish population. Although those of kibbutz men are actually higher until age forty-nine, nevertheless the LE of kibbutz members (based on death rates) surpasses that of Jews in Israel. These data add to and support other research findings illustrating the more positive mental health and well-being found among kibbutz members than among other comparative populations. Similarly, the factors contributing to kibbutz members' life expectancy evolve from this quality of life, especially as this quality of life affects old age.
The Investigation of the Degree of Difficulty in the Learning Materials by the Recursive Method
Authors: Hwang Wu-Yuin , Wu Shing-Ling
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this article is to identify the difficulty of learning materials in the network by using learner's portfolio in the asynchronous learning system. Asynchronous learning takes the advantage of information technology that records the learning portfolio of the learner. The data of the learning portfolio reflects the characteristics of the learning materials and the user. To explore useful information from the huge learning data warehouse and to build up a material characteristic model, the researchers use data mining technique. Several experiments were conducted, based on the built material characteristic model, to estimates the value of the difficulty of learning materials by a recursive method. In order to obtain an accurate difficulty value of the material, the researchers continuously conducted the experiments several times. After the data of each experiment was collected and integrated with the previous ones, the difficulty of the material was revised in the recursive way. Therefore, the degree of difficulty of learning material was dynamically adjusted according to the real learning data. It becomes more accurate and more objective.
Prevention and Treatment of Smoking in School Age Children
Authors: Spitzzeri Alfred , Jason Leonard A.
Published: May 2005

Considerable erosion of gains have often been found during follow-up periods for behavioral treatment programs directed towards adult smokers. Focusing more attention on preventing smoking among youngsters currently not smoking or reducing smoking among those just beginning the habit might produce more favorable results. The present study used role playing, an economical and easy to administer technique with children. Two ninth grade treatment classes engaged in seven weekly role playing sketches, depicting everyday encounters with smoking. A fifteen minute discussion followed each role play. At program end, rates of smoking decreased for E children and increased for Cs. Gains in the E group were maintained at a three-month follow-up period.
From Phenoxyacetic Acids to Cellular Telephones: Is There Historical Evidence for the Precautionary Principle in Cancer Prevention?
Authors: Hardell Lennart
Published: May 2005

In the late 1970s, the author and his colleagues published the first scientific evidence of an association between exposure to phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols and certain malignant tumors; the study subjects were also exposed to contaminating dioxins such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD). The results have been corroborated in other studies. Over the years, industry and its allied experts have attacked these studies, but in 1997 IARC classified TCDD as a human carcinogen, Group I. The author and colleagues found an increased risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) for subjects exposed to these chemicals or to some persistent organic pollutants; the increasing incidence in Sweden leveled off in about 1990. The author postulated that the regulation of or ban on these chemicals in Sweden in the 1970s contributed to the now decreasing incidence of NHL. Recent findings of an association between cellular telephones and brain tumors have provoked much unfounded criticism from industry and from the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority. Thus the precautionary principle is prohibited and early warnings of a cancer risk ignored. The experience of cancer risks from certain chlorinated phenols may serve as a model of how the precautionary principle could be used to take early warnings seriously. Unfortunately, the lessons of history seem to go unheeded, as exemplified by the case of cellular telephones.
Roles for Aged Individuals in Post-Industrial Societies
Authors: Cox Harold G.
Published: May 2005

Cowgill and Holmes in their book, Aging and Modernization predicted an inverse relationship between industrialization and status accorded older persons. They argued that the more industrialized a country becomes the lower the status accorded older persons. A more careful examination of historical and anthropological work suggests that if we look at the status of the old over the course of history and make projections into the future an S curve is a more realistic pattern. The pattern projected would be one in which the old were accorded a low status in early nomadic tribes, a high status in settled agricultural communities, a low status in industrialized society and ultimately will receive a somewhat higher status in the post-industrial period.
Does Public and Private Religiosity Have a Moderating Effect on Depression? a Bi-Racial Study of Elders in the American South
Authors: Husaini Baqar A. , Blasi Anthony J. , Miller Oscar
Published: May 2005

Religious activities are shown to correlate with rates of psychological depression symptoms in a sample of 995 African American and white elderly residents of Nashville. The data, collected in face-to-face interviews, included indicators of both public and private religiosity. Levels of religiosity and perceived social support were higher among the African-American respondents than among others, and among female respondents. Separate regression analyses of the racial groupings, which appeared to have distinctive religious subcultures, generally show that perceptions of social support mediate the relationship between levels of religiosity and symptoms of depression.
Process Variables of the Life Review: Counseling Implications
Authors: Webster Jeff D. , Young Richard A.
Published: May 2005

The concept of the life review as a developmental process is examined with three main objectives. First, the life review is placed within a developmental framework as a dynamic rather than static occurrence in which the individual is an active agent. Secondly, in order to clarify the possible process variables of the life review, three interactive stages are identified and elaborated. Finally, possible counseling interventions are suggested for practitioners working with elderly persons.
Age Differences in Life Events: A Multivariate Controlled Analysis
Authors: Hughes Dana C. , Blazer Dan G. , George Linda K.
Published: May 2005

Effects of age on the distribution of specific life events experienced during the past year by community-based adults were examined controlling for sex, race, education, marital status, and place of residence. The controlled analyses were done using logistic regression. Data were gathered via personal interview from 3,798 respondents ages eighteen years and over who participated in the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA), community survey from North Carolina. Respondents were placed in one of four age groups. The percentage of respondents reporting each of the nineteen events examined ranged from 0.5 percent for death of spouse to 19.1 percent for death of loved one. Age was an important predictor in the controlled analysis for thirteen of the seventeen life events examined. A majority of differences occurred between the youngest and oldest age groups. Age differences were not found for illness of one week or more involving activity limitation.
Nutritional Self-Care Practices of Type-2 Diabetics in Social Security Institution Medical Zones in Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Pivaral Carlos Enrique Cabrera , López María G. Vega , Pérez Guillermo González , Elba Arias Merino , Elena Aguilar Aldrete María , Figueroa Isabel Valadez
Published: May 2005

Diabetics' nutritional practices reflect the culture and human behavior of social groups; they also show how the diabetic faces health-sickness. This study's aim was to compare the nutritional practices in two geographic medical zones and to relate the value of metabolic control to age, sex, educational level, and length of the disease. The sample consisted of 404 cases chosen by systematic random sampling of 10 units of family medicine in the state of Jalisco, Mexico (five of them in metropolitan Guadalajara and five outside). Using 13 structured questions, validated, codified, and quantified according to Likert scale, nutritional practices were estimated with a range from 0–70 points. The results show that 20.54% of the diabetics have adequate nutritional practices (> 31 points). Of this figure, 80.72% are in the metropolitan zone and 19.27%, outside the metropolitan zone, showing a statistically significant difference ( p = 0.04). When relating the value of the practices with the educational level, there is a significant statistical difference shown between both medical zones ( p = 0.001). The simple regression between the value of the practices and metabolic control demonstrated that 8.2% and 1.5% of type-2 diabetics in the metropolitan zone and outside respectively account for metabolic control through high level nutritional practices.
A Longitudinal Study of Change and Sameness in Personality Development: Adolescence to Later Adulthood
Authors: Haan Norma , Day David
Published: May 2005

The life span from early adolescence to later adulthood, with assessments at four different time periods, was described by means of Q-sort items and analyzed according to processes of personality change and maintenance of sameness. Change was determined by analyses of variance with repeated measures, and sameness was indexed by intraclass rs. A replicative design was used with a total of 136 longitudinally studied participants in four different samples: male and female participants in the Oakland Growth Study and the Guidance Study. The preservation of sameness was the most frequently observed phenomena, but two different kinds of systematic change were identified: transpositions within the participants' maintenance of internal consistency across time and emergent changes for samples with marked discontinuities among individuals. The pattern of these results is consistent with the view that development during adulthood involves reorganization, and the content of the findings are compatible with Erikson's descriptions of the stage of identity formation, intimacy, generativity, and integrity.
Applying a Causal Approach to Drug Education
Authors: Myers Eddie E.
Published: May 2005

A preventive drug education program for grades K-12 has been developed which contains as its core a program of education in human behavior. Findings of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse give added impetus to programs which develop understandings and skills necessary for the resolution of a wide range of human behavioral problems.
Incorporating the Elder Caregiving Role Into the Developmental Tasks of Young Adulthood
Authors: Dellmann-Jenkins Mary , Blankemeyer Maureen , Pinkard Odessa
Published: May 2005

There is an emerging trend of young adults serving as primary caregivers to elderly relatives. However, existing studies have only addressed young adults' forecasted responses about how they might react if they were to assume the elder caregiver role. Research has yet to examine young adults in the actual caregiver role to older family members and the impact of this role on developmental tasks of early adulthood. In response, this study examines the impact of the elder caregiver role on accomplishing three major developmental tasks typical of young adulthood—differentiating from the family of origin, establishing intimate relationships, and career development. Fifty young adults providing daily care to elderly relatives were interviewed. The findings from both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that acquiring the caregiver role before age 40 has a definite impact on family life, intimate relationships, and career goals.
Power Relations and Premature Mortality in Spain's Autonomous Communities
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz Maica , Borrell Carme , Urbanos Rosa , Pasarín M. Isabel , Rico Ana , Fraile Marta , Ramos Xavier , Navarro Vicente
Published: May 2005

This trends ecological study analyzes, across 17 autonomous communities of Spain from 1989 to 1998, the relationship between mortality (total and by main causes of death) and power relations (type of government: social democratic (SDP), conservative (CDP), and others), labor market variables, welfare state variables, income inequality, absolute income, poverty, and number of civil associations. The authors conducted a descriptive analysis; a bivariate analysis (Pearson correlation coefficients) between mortality and each of the independent variables; and a multivariate analysis, adjusting multilevel linear regression models. All dimensions of the conceptual power relations model were related to premature mortality in the direction hypothesized. The cross-pooled multilevel regression models show that total premature mortality in males, male and female cerebrovascular mortality, male and female cirrhosis mortality, and male lung cancer mortality decreased somewhat more in communities where primary health care reform was implemented more quickly. Premature mortality decreased somewhat more in SDP than in CDP communities for male and female total premature mortality, cerebrovascular mortality, and cirrhosis mortality, and male lung cancer mortality. These results are in accord with earlier studies that found a relationship among health indicators and variables related to labor market, welfare state, income inequalities, civil associations, and power relations.
A School-Based Drug Abuse Prevention Program: An Evaluation
Authors: Ryan William P.
Published: May 2005

Some drug prevention programs have attempted to re-focus the goals of their efforts into the areas of increased self-regard, behavioral change, and increased group cohesiveness. Aware of the many difficulties in evaluating such an approach, it was decided to measure changes in conscious self-regard, of students, the teacher's perception of this self-regard, and classroom group cohesiveness. There was a significant increase in cohesiveness and an accompanying increase in self-regard, though not quite statistically significant.
Use of Transactional Analysis and other Tools in Understanding Drug Activities
Authors: Hale B. John , Buchan L. Gerald , Dickerson Morgan
Published: May 2005

The use of this paper is twofold.

It can be used as written as sort of a roadmap allowing the professional to explore his attitudes toward drugs and drug users and/or It may be used to aid in working with drug users and their families.
Approaches to Drug Abuse Prevention
Authors: Gordon Paula D.
Published: May 2005

This article concerns the drug abuse related definitions of the words “education” and “prevention” as they have come to be used today. The writer states that “prevention” has come to have a wide spectrum of meanings encompassing in some contexts the arenas of treatment and rehabilitation. “Education” as it is used in drug abuse related contexts is generally used in a restricted sense although this has been changing. She infers that the changing uses of these words reflects an increasingly more enlightened approach to ameliorating the problem of drug abuse.
Drug Abuse Examples and Methodological Considerations in Inexpensive Computerized Path Diagramming
Authors: Huba G. J. , Palisoc A. L.
Published: May 2005

Drug abuse theories and causal models can be succintly depicted in path diagrams. Methodological considerations in developing an automatic cheap algorithm for computerized path diagramming are presented, some plotted results are given, and a program is described which produces the plots from an input matrix of path coefficients on a standard line printer. The program accommodates unidirectional and reciprocal causation and represents “significant” causal patterns using a new, easily understood set of conventions.
Perceptions of Sociological and Psychological Age Norms by Young, Middle-Aged, and Elderly New Zealanders
Authors: Byrd Mark , Breuss Trudy
Published: May 2005

Groups of young, middle-aged, and elderly New Zealand men and women were surveyed as to their opinions concerning the correct age at which to attain various milestones in life (e.g., get married, retire, become a grandparent, or to manifest various personality traits (e.g., be ambitious, have a sense of life satisfaction, be self-concerned). In general, it was found there was considerable agreement as to when a person should attain the milestones of life. There was little agreement about the correct age at which to manifest certain personality traits. This was taken to indicate that society provides its members with a set of expectations, or age norms, about when to achieve life goals. Society does not, however, seem to provide the same standards for how one should feel when achieving these goals. The greatest amount of variability of opinion for when one should manifest these personality traits was seen in the responses of the middle-aged individuals. This was taken to indicate that middle-age is a particularly ill-defined phase of life and subject to much individual interpretation as to what personal characteristics one should use to define middle-age.
Mutual Education of Drug Addicts and Townspeople: Establishing a Residential Facility in a Nonurban Area
Authors: Sorensen Andrew A.
Published: May 2005

The development of Alpha House, a therapeutic community in Ithaca, New York, is described. The success of this program is attributed to many factors, such as: the inclusion of a variety of persons in program planning, the response to a perceived drug crisis, the commitment of established community leaders, and the reliance upon the immediate community for financial support during the program's early stages.
A New Antagonist Treatment Program for Narcotic Addicts
Authors: Brahen Leonard S.
Published: May 2005

This paper, details the overall theoretical rationale for the program and provides perspective regarding the future role such programs should occupy in efforts directed toward the rehabilitation of the drug offender.
A Project Advocating Humanistic Education: An Evaluation of its Effect on Public School Teachers
Authors: Lotecka Llynn
Published: May 2005

The philosophy and characteristics of a project for preventing drug abuse through the instituting of humanistic education is described. A partial history of its ongoing evaluation is presented. One component of the project, a seminar on preventing drug abuse conducted for classroom teachers, has been evaluated by an independent team. The results show that participating teachers gained significantly in drug knowledge. There were also significant changes in attitudes concerning drug abuse, child development, and pedagogy. Almost all participants said that they would recommend participation in the seminars to their colleagues.
Positive Consequences of Sibling Conflict in Childhood and Adulthood
Authors: Bedford Victoria Hilkevitch , Volling Brenda L. , Avioli Paula Smith
Published: May 2005

The present article was an attempt to integrate the two disparate literatures on sibling conflict in childhood and adulthood with a particular emphasis on the potential benefits of conflictual sibling relations for adult well-being and competence. The extant literature on children's sibling conflicts underscores that conflictual exchanges may actually be related to increases in children's social and emotional competence, the development of self and identity formation, sibling relationship quality, and the subsequent parenting of one's own children. We presented descriptive data bearing on similar categorical benefits from our interviews with middle-aged and older adults with respect to sibling conflict in childhood and adulthood. Based on these findings, we recommend that future research on adult social relations should seriously consider the many ways in which challenge, conflict, and adversity in social relationships may contribute to developmental outcomes, both “good” and “bad.”
The Use of Theory-Based Computer-Assisted Instruction in Correctional Centers to Enhance the Reading Skills of Reading-Disadvantaged Adults
Authors: McKane P. Frank , Greene Barbara A.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of theory-based CAI for reading with incarcerated adults reading below the ninth grade level. The participants were offenders drawn from participating correctional centers in Oklahoma who were randomly assigned to a CAI or a non-CAI instructional group. Reading assessment instruments were administered on a pre-test/post-test basis. Results showed a significant reading achievement gain for computer-assisted reading instruction when compared to traditional instruction for entry levels of 0–3.0 Grade Equivalency Level (GEL). Higher entry levels showed approximately the same gain for both groups. These findings are consistent with a cognitive components model of reading.
Education for Social Control of Drug Use
Authors: Kolbe Lloyd J.
Published: May 2005

The effectiveness of social controls in regulating use of legally proscribed drugs is curtailed by the fact that social institutions cannot legitimately enter into the dynamics of controlling use—they can only function to proscribe such use. An analysis of the potential for educational organizations to foster the development of social control techniques is outlined.
Perceived Control and Acceptance of the Decision to Enter a Nursing Home as Predictors of Adjustment
Authors: Davidson Heather A. , O'Connor Brian P.
Published: May 2005

A longitudinal study of newly admitted nursing home residents examined the effects of perceived control over the relocation decision and acceptance of the relocation in general as determinants of changes in functional health and morale. Perceived control had positive effects on health during the first month of residency but negative effects on health and morale between the second and fourth months. On the other hand, acceptance had positive effects on both health and morale between the second and fourth months. Perceived control over the relocation process appears to have short-term benefits but long-term costs, whereas acceptance appears to be a separate and important coping function.
The Definitions of the Beginning of Old Age in History
Authors: Covey Herbert C.
Published: May 2005

The beginning of old age has been addressed by many writers and scholars over the centuries. From ancient literature to contemporary times, most authorities have located the beginning of old age around age sixty, although some thought it started around age forty. High mortality rates had negligible effects on when old age was thought to begin. Gender may have had more influence, as women were consistently viewed as aging more rapidly and sooner than men. Overall, the age range thought to start old age has been fairly consistent. Nevertheless, within historical contexts varying opinions on the beginning of old age have co-existed, and distinctions between young-old and old-old have been acknowledged. Initially, external factors were viewed as affecting the beginning of old age, but as history unfolded, more emphasis was placed on the individual's relationship with society and ability to perform tasks. With the rise of formal retirement, less emphasis was placed on the individual's ability and more on chronological age. Thus, defining the beginning of old age returned to external factors, such as governmental and economic definitions, and became based on chronological age. In the future, these factors may either lead to new parameters or perhaps a questioning of whether it is even necessary to define the beginning of old age.
Transition to Retirement: Gender Differences
Authors: Hanson Kaaren , Wapner Seymour
Published: May 2005

The present investigation consisted of two studies which attempted: 1) to assess the replicability of the investigation by Wapner and Hornstein [1] and Hornstein and Wapner [2, 3] that uncovered four distinct modes of experiencing the transition to retirement, and 2) to advance that work by focusing on gender differences. The preliminary study, based on analyses of twenty-four case studies reported by Wapner and Hornstein suggested it would be profitable to study gender differences in a more systematic manner [1]. Toward this end, the major study involved construction of four appropriate instruments which were administered to ninety-four (48 women, 46 men) recent retirees. The four retirement categories (I. Transition to Old Age; II. New Beginning; III. Continuation; IV. Imposed Disruption) described in those investigations was replicated. Moreover, striking gender differences emerged. Theoretical and practical implications of the study were explored.
Can a Reminiscing Intervention Alter Depression and Self-Esteem?
Authors: Perrotta Peter , Meacham John A.
Published: May 2005

This study assessed the value of reminiscing as a therapeutic intervention for older persons. A decrease in depression and an increase in self-esteem were the hypothesized outcomes. Twenty-one community residents, mean age seventy-seven years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first group was involved in structured reminiscing for forty-five minutes during each of five weeks; the second group was a control that focused on current life events; and the third group was a no-treatment control. Analysis of changes from pretest to posttest revealed no significant differences for either depression or self-esteem. This study provides no support for claims that reminiscing can be an effective short-term therapeutic intervention.
Cherished Possessions and Adaptation of Older People to Nursing Homes
Authors: Wapner Seymour , Demick Jack , Redondo Jose Pedro
Published: May 2005

One hundred older people (75 females, 25 males), in nursing homes rated as above or below a combined criterion (based on Lieberman and Tobin's scales of physical attractiveness, affiliation fostering, and tolerance for deviancy), responded to questionnaires on cherished possessions and on adaptation to the nursing home. The main findings indicated: 1) relative to those residents without possessions, those with possessions were better adapted to the nursing home; 2) possessions served the major functions of historical continuity, comforter, and sense of belongingness; 3) relative to men, significantly more women had cherished possessions and were more likely to associate them with self-other relationships; and 4) relative to residents in nursing homes below the mean of the combined criterion, those in homes above the mean felt more in control, less helpless, more supported by staff, and were judged as more realistic in response to conflict. Interpretations regarding the role of possessions in adaptation and suggestions for institutional policies concerning possessions are discussed.
The Social Context and Resources of the Unmarried in Old Age
Authors: Keith Pat M.
Published: May 2005

A model of singleness in later life was developed to show how the social context may influence the personal and social resources of older, unmarried persons. The unmarried (especially the divorced) will be an increasing proportion of the aged population in the future, and they will require more services than will the married. Role transitions of the unmarried over the life course, finances, health, and social relationships of older singles are discussed with implications for practice and future research.
Interaction in Three Generation Families, Parents as Mediators: Toward a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Robertson Joan F.
Published: May 2005

This paper focuses on the development of a theoretical perspective within which it is possible to empirically define parental mediation in interactions between grandparents and grandchildren. Using socialization theory and studies conducted by the writer and a colleague, eight independent dimensions of parental mediation have been identified. This makes it possible to develop measurement indices for testing the postulate that parents act as mediators between the grandparent and grandchild generations in socializing both into their respective roles and thereby influencing the nature of their relationship.
The Crisis of the Los Angeles County Public Hospital System: A Harbinger for the Nation
Authors: Berliner Howard S.
Published: May 2005

The public hospital system in Los Angeles County, California, is in the midst of a major fiscal crisis that has already led to a serious reduction of capacity and could continue to worsen. Given the importance of the public system in a county where 30 percent of the population is uninsured and private hospitals provide very little uncompensated care, what happens in L.A. County is a harbinger for other cities and counties in the United States. This article highlights the issue of the extent to which local taxpayers, as opposed to state or federal taxpayers, are responsible for the continued operation of public hospitals and safety-net facilities in their communities.
Social Relationships and Health as Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Advanced Old Age: Results from a Swedish Longitudinal Study
Authors: McCamish-Svensson Cheryl , Samuelsson Gillis , Hagberg Bo , Svensson Torbjörn , Dehlin Ove
Published: May 2005

This longitudinal study examines the relationship between family and friend social support, health, and life satisfaction for a single cohort of eighty-year-old persons living in Lund, Sweden. Results indicate that participants who remained in the study are healthier and score higher on life satisfaction when compared with those who either drop-out or die prior to age eighty-three. Even though well-integrated with family and friends, the number of friends decreases significantly from eighty to eighty-three years; those who reported no close friends nearly doubled from eighty to eighty-three years. However, for those with close friends, contact with friends increases with age. In contrast to previous research, a correlational analysis indicates that neither child nor friend support is related to life satisfaction at either eighty or eighty-three years. However, health measures and satisfaction with sibling contact are related to total life satisfaction at age eighty-three only. These findings indicate the multidimensionality of both social support and life satisfaction for the old-old.
Over-The-Counter Drugs: A Challenge for Drug Education
Authors: Serrone David M.
Published: May 2005

Society today is acutely aware of drugs, and all too often, takes drugs without proper thought, knowledge, or precautions. We, as a society of pill takers, are in need of knowledge of the common everyday drugs that can be bought legally over-the-counter. Drug education should be a complete program including information on this all too frequently overused group of self medicaments. Misuse of these drugs by self medication may, in many circumstances, lead to serious consequences. Knowledge of these drugs and the development of proper respect for their use should be an effort of every drug education program.