bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training “Turned On” Health Teachers
Authors: Poliakoff Marion S.
Published: May 2005

This article describes a new approach to making teachers comfortable in their classroom discussions with students about drugs, alcohol and smoking. Selected plays were performed for an audience of teachers and students who then talked about the issues that emerged through drama. Talking about personal attitudes, values, and convictions about drug use and abuse in a neutral setting opened the way for new understanding and helped bridge the traditional teacher student gap.
The Effect of Interface on the Structure of Interaction in Computer-Mediated Small-Group Discussion
Authors: Ahern Terence C.
Published: May 2005

In the traditional classroom, talk is usually considered noise that must be controlled, but there is mounting evidence that talk is vital to learning and education. Implementing a change from the traditional classroom to one that values talk is not a simple matter. Computer technology may provide a solution. However, our understanding of how computer-mediated communication systems affect patterns of interaction is severely limited. Research into the nature of interaction demonstrates that interaction does not normally consist of a succession of disconnected remarks but is a collaborative effort. Consequently, it is important for participants to be able to identify not only for whom a message was intended but also the position of that message in an ongoing sequence of messages. A major disadvantage of current CMC design is that it can be structurally difficult to relate previous messages. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a redesigned user interface on the structure of interaction between group members in a small-group discussion. It was found that a graphic-based interface significantly reduced isolate messages as well as increasing sustained multichannel interaction.
Personality Change in Adulthood: Loci of Change and the Role of Interpersonal Process
Authors: Magai Carol
Published: May 2005

This study examined personality change in two domains—dispositional tendencies (emotion traits) and characteristic adaptations (views of self) over eight years in a sample of older adults ( M = 63.4). Stability coefficients for anxiety, depression, interest, anger, anger-in, anger-out, and aggression ranged from .47 to .75; only anger-out showed significant change over the eight years. On the other hand, respondents reported moderate changes in perspectives, goals, personality, feelings, and ways of relating and the ratings of outside informants were significantly correlated with self-reports of change for all but goals. Personality change was associated with positive and negative interpersonal life events of an intimate nature such as marriage, divorce, and death of loved ones that took place over the past eight years, and was not associated with other high and low points in lives involving careers, changes in residence, and more distant social relationships.
Investigating Health and Subjective Well-Being: Substantive Challenges
Authors: Lawton M. Powell
Published: May 2005

Both the nature of health and the nature of subjective well-being are multifaceted and are in great need of precise differentiable dimensions. The articles in this special issue perform two much-needed tasks. First, they have utilized effectively the knowledge now at hand from the work of many investigators. Second, they have pointed us in the direction in which we ought to be heading. The author sees a long series of new productive hypotheses regarding the relationships between health and subjective well-being become possible as the conceptual and measurement issues surrounding each of the two separate constructs become resolved.
The Five Per Cent Fallacy
Authors: Lesnoff-Caravaglia Gari
Published: May 2005

Using the Kastenbaum and Candy study of locations where persons aged sixty-five plus died over the period of one year in a large metropolitan city as a model, this study examined the place of death for persons aged sixty-five plus in a middle-size city [1]. In both studies particular attention was paid to nursing homes and extended care facilities to determine whether or not the commonly accepted figure of 5 per cent accurately reflects the number of persons actually living in such facilities. The premise was that if persons died in such a facility, then they had in fact lived there. This study demonstrates, as had the Kastenbaum and Candy study, that the actual percentage of persons dying in these institutions far exceeds the commonly held 5 per cent.
Six-Month Follow-up Results of a Preventive Alcohol Education Intervention
Authors: Duryea Elias , Mohr Patricia , Newman Ian M. , Martin Gary L. , Egwaoje Emmanuel
Published: May 2005

An alcohol education program was designed to increase the knowledge of alcohol's effects upon performance, increase ability of students to refute pro-drinking and driving arguments, and decrease likelihood of complying with pressure to participate in alcohol-related situations. Films, slides, discussion and role playing activities were included in the program administered to 155 ninth grade students in Nebraska. The objectives were measured through written tests administered in a pre, post and six-month follow-up sequence.

An ANOVA performed on the posttests indicated that the experimental group scored significantly more favorably on knowledge, refuting arguments, compliance and riding with drinking drivers. A repeated measures ANOVA using the scores of students who received pre, post, and follow-up tests ( N=83) showed that the knowledge, refutation and compliance scores of the experimental group continued to be significantly more favorable six months later.
Perception of “Appropriate” Age for Retirement among Young Adults, Middle-Aged Adults, and Elderly People
Authors: Joulain Michèle , Mullet Etienne , Lecomte Christèle , Prèavost Rebecca
Published: May 2005

The “appropriate” age for retirement as it is perceived by young adults, middle-aged adults, and elderly people has been studied. No respondents were surprised or had trouble expressing an opinion about the minimum and maximum “appropriate” ages for retirement. Representations of the “appropriate” retirement age vary primarily as a function of the perceived physical constraints involved in the occupation, and also depend on the age of the person being questioned; the younger the respondent, and lower the perceived “appropriate” minimum age. There was no tendency among the young adults to prolong the work life of older individuals. Nor was there a tendency to associate aging with the loss of intellectual capacities likely to lead to early retirement.
Dialogues with Three Religious Renunciates and Reflections on Wisdom and Maturity
Authors: Thomas L. Eugene
Published: May 2005

In-depth interviews and participation observation were conducted with Hindu religious renunciates living in Varanasi and Pondicherry, India. The respondents selected were designated by their acquaintances as being spiritually mature. Analysis of excerpts from three representative interviews indicate that these men rate as highly mature by Western developmental models, but Western correlates of life satisfaction were not found to hold for these men. The implications for Western aging are considered, particularly the importance of contemplation and acceptance of death.
Evaluation of What Parents Know about Their Children's Drug use and How They Perceive the Most Common Family Risk Factors
Authors: Hermida José-Ramón Fernández , Villa Roberto Secades , Seco Guillermo Vallejo , Pérez José-Manuel Errasti
Published: May 2005

Research on family risk factors for addictive behaviors in young people has not paid a great deal of attention to parents' knowledge of their children's addictive behaviors and of the family risk factors that affect such behaviors. The aim of this work is to compare knowledge about these two aspects in two groups of parents that differ regarding their children's declared drug use. The research was carried out with a sample of 309 schoolchildren and their families, divided into two groups: one of 154 families with children defined as non-Drug Users and another of 155 families with children defined as Drug Users. The results show that parents with children who consume drugs tend to strongly underestimate their children's use. Moreover, they overestimate the control they exercise over them and appear to be more familiarized with the use of drugs, if we compare them with parents of non-Drug Users. It is suggested that these results may be relevant for the planning of strategies that increase motivation in families with drug-risk children to participate in prevention programs.
An Evaluation of a Therapist-Administered Bibliotherapy and Spouse Smoking Habits on Smoking Behavior
Authors: Seibel Barbara L.
Published: May 2005

This study attempted to evaluate a readily available comprehensive bibliotherapy smoking cessation program and the impact of smoking and nonsmoking behavior of a spouse on the individual to stop smoking. It provided a valuable source of client evaluation and stimulation for future investigation. The results suggest that motivation is an important variable in smoking cessation. Further, there is a need to develop a continuum of care to include: directed health education, self-administered treatment, therapist-administered group treatment, therapist-administered individual treatment, and detoxification coupled with continuing group support. Habit formation or resistance to change, and motivation may be primary factors in determining placement on this continuum. Finally, professional responsibility is important: What levels of success should a consumer and/or professional expect of a broadly available treatment program? What are the risks of failure?
Spatial Abilities and the Effects of Computer Animation on Short-Term and Long-Term Comprehension
Authors: Hays Timothy A.
Published: May 2005

This study examined the effects on understanding of differing levels of visual presentations and spatial abilities with concepts involving time and motion. Subjects were presented with one of three levels of graphic presentations (no graphics, static graphics, animated graphics) which were crossed with two levels of spatial abilities (high, low). The purpose was to determine if the presentation viewed by the subjects affected levels of understanding. Results supported several predictions. As predicted, low-spatial-ability subjects receiving presentations with animation made significantly greater gains than low-spatial-ability subjects not receiving animation. On short-term comprehension, results showed that spatial ability was a statistically significant factor and on long-term understanding the type of presentation had a statistically significant effect on the subject's performance.
Renewing Governance
Authors: Loos Gregory P.
Published: May 2005

Globalization's profound influence on social and political institutions need not be negative. Critics of globalization have often referred to the “Impossible Trinity” because decision-making must 1. respect national sovereignty, 2. develop and implement firm regulation, and 3. allow capital markets to be as free as possible. To many, such goals are mutually exclusive because history conditions us to view policy-making and governance in traditional molds. Thus, transnational governance merely appears impossible because current forms of governance were not designed to provide it. The world needs new tools for governing, and its citizens must seize the opportunity to help develop them. The rise of a global society requires a greater level of generality and inclusion than is found in most policy bodies today. Politicians need to re-examine key assumptions about government. States must develop ways to discharge their regulatory responsibilities across borders and collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions, multilateral bodies, and business. Concepts such as multilateralism and tripartism show great promise. Governments must engage civil society in the spirit of shared responsibility and democratic decision-making. Such changes will result in a renewal of the state's purpose and better use of international resources and expertise in governance.
Impact of Learning Communities on Retention at a Metropolitan University
Authors: Baker Stephanie , Pomerantz Norleen
Published: May 2005

The authors of this study investigated if participation in Learning Community (LC) programs had an impact on the academic success and satisfaction of freshmen who attend a primarily commuter metropolitan university. The LC model used in this study clustered three courses together without thematic linkage or integration. A variety of methodologies were used to assess program impact, including matching learning community students to a control group on the basis of demographic information, academic information, major, and course-taking patterns. Some of the significant differences between the LC and non-LC students were that students who enrolled in LCs had higher grade point averages, earned more hours, were more satisfied with their college experiences, and were less likely to be placed on academic probation. This research demonstrates that LC programs which simply cluster courses can make significant differences in the lives of students who attend commuter campuses.
An Ethical Code for AOD Faculty: A Proposed Set of Guidelines
Authors: Taleff Michael J. , Neal April
Published: May 2005

Ethical codes of conduct are accepted requirements for membership in state and national organizations that grant credentials to those who are employed as alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselors, prevention specialists, and clinical supervisors. It seems appropriate to explore the possibility of an ethical code directly linked to addiction faculty which will outline their unique educational responsibilities and standards. The authors suggest development and adoption of such an ethical code for college-level addiction studies faculty and this proposal is offered as a move toward that possibility.
Gender-Differences in Computer Experience and its Influence on Computer Attitudes
Authors: Shashaani Lily
Published: May 2005

This study of 902 boys and 828 girls in secondary school shows that gender-differences in computer experience has a direct relationship to computer attitudes. The data analysis supports the hypothesis that male students have more computer experience than female students. This experience is measured by the number of computer classes attended, the amount of computer usage, and having access to a home computer. Boys showed more positive attitudes toward computers than girls. The number of classes students attended, and the amount of computer usage was positively related to computer interest, computer confidence (for boys), and perceived computer utility. Home computer ownership was not related to computer attitudes. The association between computer attitudes and computer experience was stronger for males than females.
Creative Aging
Authors: Ager Charlene Lee , White Louise Wendt , Mayberry Wanda L. , Crist Patricia A. , Conrad Mary Elizabeth
Published: May 2005

The terms ‘creative’ and ‘aging’ are antithetical according to dictionary usage-‘create’ being explicitly described as an active process and ‘aging’ implicitly defined as a passive reactive one. This paper first briefly explores some divergent attitudes toward aging-negative as well as positive. A neurophysiological framework is then presented to support the belief that aging is an active and creative process. Physical, psychological and sociological aspects are explored in the context of neurophysiological data as it relates to the subject of aging. Finally, three factors which emerge from the discussion as essential to assuring a creative aging process are identified and examined.
Tobacco Advertising in Gender-Oriented Popular Magazines
Authors: Krupka Lawrence R. , Vener Arthur M. , Richmond Gail
Published: May 2005

The number and content of tobacco advertisements were examined in seventy-four gender-oriented popular magazines published during the summer of 1988. More ads were present in women's than men's magazines, and the messages contained in these ads were differentially stressed as a function of the magazine's primary readership. The type of Surgeon General's warning appearing in an ad often was not directed toward the typical concerns of the readership of the magazine in which the ad appeared. This survey, and a follow-up three months later, indicated that the Surgeon General's report on nicotine addiction, published in the Spring of 1988, had no apparent effect on the number of ads placed. Advertising revenues received by publishers from conglomerates which control the manufacture of food as well as tobacco products may be partially responsible for this finding. It was concluded that effective drug education programs should encourage skepticism when tobacco advertisements are examined.
Knowledge and Acceptance of Drug Education among Selected Nigerian Adults in Ibadan (Oyo State)
Authors: Omishakin M. Ademola
Published: May 2005

Three hundred questionnaires distributed to parents in Ibadan indicate that drug education is a very topical issue (205 parents took part with 68.3 percent responding). Some participants (39%) had been exposed or are aware of this subject, but only 41 percent of the parents want it introduced in schools; 39 percent are against its introduction and 14.1 percent want it introduced—with reservations. 55.6 percent of the respondents think it is in the child's interest to be exposed to drug education while 25.4 percent think it is not. A number of respondents (38.1%) think parents should take primary responsibility for drug education. Parental negligence and inadequacy in providing necessary information for their children is a major contribution to the ever increasing drug abuse problems among youths in Nigeria.
Assessment of Mental Health and Social Problems during Multiple Friendly Visits: The Development and Evaluation of a Friendly Visiting Program for the Isolated Elderly
Authors: Mulligan Mary Anne , Bennett Ruth
Published: May 2005

The Friendly Visitor Program was designed to reduce social isolation. Visits were made by a pair of trained visitors to twenty-three isolated, elderly New York City residents. Pre- and post-testing visits to experimental and control Ss collected data on measures of isolation, adjustment, cognitive impairment and mental state. The major procedure was an hour long structured visit every two weeks for six months and a six month follow-up. For the experimental group only apartment upkeep and mental state improved and isolation diminished at the time of follow-up, indicating friendly visiting probably was therapeutic.
Aging in a Bakongo Culture
Authors: Missinne Leo E.
Published: May 2005

The Bakongo tribe resides in Lower Zaire, the southern part of Congo-Brazzaville and the northern part of Angola. The term mbuta (plural is bambuta) means “old” or “older than oneself.” It is a term of respect. The aging intervene in all the important life situations: marriage, witchcraft, magic, native palavers, etc. They have the authority and represent the tribe. The mbuta is an ideal that everyone likes to realize. Although the youth subscribe to modern western ideas, they still unconsciously fear the authority and the power of the aging.
Counselors' Levels of Self-Actualization and Prognoses for their Clients: Further Support for the POI
Authors: Payne Thomas J.
Published: May 2005

The utility of Personal Orientation Inventory as a screening device for drug abuse counselors was explored. Counselors and their clients were administered the POI, after which the clients were rated on a prognostic indicator by their counselors. On the basis of their POI profiles, counselors were split into two groups: high vs. low actualizing. Within each group, clients' POI scores were then correlated with their counselors' prognostic rating. Results indicated that two POI scales (I; Sa) were significantly related to counselors' prognoses in the high-actualizing condition, while no significant correlations were noted in the low-actualizing condition.
Ethnicity, Aging and Mental Health
Authors: Gelfand Donald E.
Published: May 2005

The relationship between ethnicity and mental health deserves more consideration than it usually receives if we are to understand how values translate into behavior. This question could be explored productively with a variety of subgroups, but in this paper the emphasis will be on the aged. What is the relationship between ethnicity and the mental health problems of the elderly in American society? This paper offers some suggestions and reviews some data that might encourage further efforts in this area.
Precaution, Environmental Science, and Preventive Public Policy
Authors: Tickner Joel A.
Published: May 2005

The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production has sought to engage scientists, policy-makers, advocates, and students in a broad public discussion about whether the tools and methods of environmental science and its integration in policy are adequate to address complex, highly uncertain environmental and health risks. It did so in an International Summit on Science and the Precautionary Principle and a recent collection of analyses stemming from the summit. Here, the author summarizes some summit recommendations to overcome barriers and build momentum for a vision for science and policy that better reflects uncertainty and complexity in natural systems. Appended is a summit statement on the subject.
Career Set: A Resource through Transitions and Crises
Authors: Spence Donald L. , Lonner Thomas D.
Published: May 2005

Following Foote the life histories of twenty-seven white, middle-aged, middle class, American mothers were analyzed for career-like components [4]. Motherhood dominates the lives of these women but is only one of several careers which ebb and flow throughout their lives. Treating careers as developmental subdivisions in the life course, we understand how women can progress through life transitions and crises. Properties of careers, such as the emergent symbols of success, the clockwork which sets the time limits for career objectives, and the bargaining which these women undertake to work out career conflicts, all contribute to the understanding of how career is placed beside career to create each woman's career set. The career set acts as a social and personal resource, providing consistent and continuous meaning throughout major periods of time even in the face of major career stress or loss.
The Psychology Underlying Successful Retention Practices
Authors: Bean John , Eaton Shevawn Bogdan
Published: May 2005

This article describes the psychological processes that lead to academic and social integration based on a retention model proposed by the authors (Bean & Eaton, 2000). It also describes how successful retention programs such as learning communities, freshman interest groups, tutoring, and orientation rely on psychological processes. Four psychological theories form the basis for our recommendations: attitude-behavior theory which provides the overall structure of the theoretical model, and coping behavioral (approach-avoidance) theory, self-efficacy theory, and attribution (locus of control) theory that lead to academic and social integration.
An Examination of Personality and Demographic Factors on Attitudes toward Old People
Authors: Thorson James A. , Perkins Mark L.
Published: May 2005

A group of 212 undergraduate and graduate students completed Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People scale (OP) and the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS). Persons scoring higher in the trait of aggression demonstrated significantly more negative attitudes toward the aged. Females, older students, and graduate students all tended to be more positive in their attitudes toward older people. Students majoring in business subjects tended to be more negative toward the elderly, while social work students had the most positive attitudes toward older people.
The Influence of Computer Communication Skills on Participation in a Computer Conferencing Course
Authors: Ross John A.
Published: May 2005

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) courses are attracting students with weak computer communication skills. This study examined what happened to these students when they enrolled in a CMC course that required high levels of peer interaction. It was anticipated that students with weaker skills would miss important instructional events, have lower levels of task-relevant contributions, have less influence on group products, and engage in less demanding learning activities. But lack of technical skill had a marginal effect on participation, much less than prior knowledge of course content. The generalizability of this good news is limited by several contextual factors that supported participation of students with weak communication skills: student maturity, provision of a CMC coach, the ethos emerging from the structure and content of the course, and the low skill threshold required for participation.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Variables Related to Cigarette Smoking in Late Adolescence
Authors: Pederson L. L. , Lefcoe N. M.
Published: May 2005

Prevalence of smoking increases with increasing age during adolescence and, even though some studies report lower levels of smoking in this age group than in the past, it remains a significant problem. The purpose of this study was to compare correlates of smoking in a cohort of 4,641 young people ages sixteen to twenty-one with correlates of smoking in the same group when they were in grades 4 to 6. Questions were included measuring sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status of parents, teachers and peers, fitness and athletic participation, attitudes and knowledge. Stepwise multivariate statistical models were developed that accounted for half of the variance in smoking status. In contrast to the earlier follow-ups, attitude toward smoking has become a more important determinant than it was before, particularly among females. This finding suggests that smoking cessation and prevention programs for this age group should more closely resemble those for adults than those effective at younger ages, where modeling and dealing with peer pressure are stressed.
Women of a Middle Generation and Parent Care
Authors: Dautzenberg Maaike G. H. , Diederiks Jos P. M. , Philipsen Hans , Stevens Fred C. J.
Published: May 2005

This article addresses women who are caring for both parents and children, the so called sandwich generation or women-in-the-middle. Gerontological studies on this topic reflect controversies on the concept as well as on the size of the phenomenon. Our study attempts to demonstrate empirically to what extent middle-aged women respond to the care demands of both the generation ahead as well as the generation behind them. A population-based sample among women aged forty to fifty-four in the Netherlands ( N = 933) is utilized. The study indicates the prevalence of women-in-the-middle and presents analyses of their socio-demographic characteristics as well as of patterns of parent care. Further, the potential for a cross-cultural comparison between the Netherlands and other countries is discussed regarding parent care as a normative experience and the chances of middle-aged women getting “caught” between care demands from two generations.
A Comparison of Sex Role and Related Personality Traits in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Women
Authors: Erdwins Carol J. , Tyer Zita E. , Mellinger Jeanne C.
Published: May 2005

Self-descriptions on sex role characteristics and related personality traits including achievement and affiliation were compared in four age groups of women: eighteen to twenty-two, twenty-nine to thirty-nine, forty to fifty-five, and sixty to seventy-five year-olds. In general, the two younger groups emerged as least like the traditional feminine sex role stereotype. In comparison to the older women, they were more willing to ascribe masculine sex role characteristics to themselves and rated themselves as less responsible, self-controlled, and affiliative. Conversely, the women over sixty and homemakers in their forties and fifties adhered most strongly to the conventional feminine traits. These differences are explained in terms of the recent changes in societal attitudes toward sex roles. There is also some evidence that significant life roles are related to self-descriptions on these personality dimensions.
A Multimedia Authoring Tool for Language Instruction
Authors: Nakhimovsky Alexander
Published: May 2005

We describe a multimedia-based Russian-language course at Colgate and a multimedia authoring system that makes the creation of such courses technically feasible for language instructors. The system uses high-level visual tools to integrate the various media components of the educational unit and to establish links between them. Although designed with language instruction in mind, the system can be used for creating educational materials in any domain, as long as they consist of video/animation clips (or other linear sequences), accompanying texts, glossaries, and hypertext/hypermedia commentaries.
Booby Traps in Drugs Educations
Authors: Swanson Jon Colby
Published: May 2005

Conditional thinking helps us avoid some pitfalls in drug abuse education programs. Some of the more common reactions and overreactions within drug education programs are discussed.
The Development of the Sense of Coherence: A Retrospective Study of Early Life Experiences in the Family
Authors: Sagy Shifra , Antonovsky Helen
Published: May 2005

This is an exploratory study of the relationship between three sociodemographic variables, four types of life experiences, and the development of the Sense of Coherence (SOC). The study was carried out using semi-structured life-history interviews of eighty-nine retirees whose SOC scores had been obtained in a previous study. The central research question was what kind of experiences within the family context during childhood are related to the development of the SOC. The interviews were scored on ten pre-coded variables derived from four types of life experiences which were hypothesized to shape the SOC: consistency, load balance, participation in shaping outcome, and emotional closeness. In addition, three sociodemographic variables, which were hypothesized to influence the family context by setting limits and offering opportunity for the kinds of interactions which might occur within the family, were measured: family education level, socioeconomic status, and gender. Results of the statistical analysis indicate that the most relevant childhood experience related to the adult SOC was participation in shaping outcomes. Both family education level and gender were related to SOC, directly and indirectly. Findings are discussed in terms of the salutogenic model and the historical and social context in which the interviewees grew up.
Social Relations across the Life Span: In Search of Unified Models
Authors: Levitt Mary J.
Published: May 2005

The authors in this collection have addressed topics of great relevance to the study of social relations across the life span, including the application of family systems models, the development of friendship relations, and the consequences of sibling conflict. Issues considered in this discussion are 1) the value of conceptualizing social development as a life-long process, 2) theoretical and methodological implications of a life course perspective on social relations, and 3) how the collaborative efforts represented in these articles contribute to achieving unified models of life span social development. The collaborators are lauded for their progress toward formulating valid and useful models of family and friendship relations across the life span. The social convoy model is suggested as a broader framework for organizing life span developmental research on diverse relationships.
A Cognitive Developmental Model of Rigidity in Senescence
Authors: Lapsley Daniel K. , Enright Robert D.
Published: May 2005

The rigidity construct is reinterpreted in terms of the cognitive developmental approach. A review of previous theory and research has revealed both cognitive and developmental themes, with an emphasis on the structural and operational properties of rigidity. Weaknesses of previous approaches to rigidity are noted, and implications and predictions from the proposed model are discussed.
Biographical Reconstruction of WWII Experience: An Exploration of German Remembrance
Authors: Lohmann Robin , Heuft Gereon
Published: May 2005

First results of the Eldermensch-Study ( N = 50) indicate that German National Socialism and the historical events associated with World War II play a central role in the oral histories of older Germans. Six distinct patterns of late life cognitive appraisal of war-time experience: survival challenge (further divided into “active” and “passive” survivorship), passive benefit, opportunism, value verification, and acceptance despite hardship are presented and discussed as structural themes in the life story. These categories not only represent interindividual differences in the appraisal of war-time experience, but often reflect contrasting patterns of personal response to the social and political circumstances of this era of German history. In addition to cohort and gender differences, divergence in locus of control orientation as well as the role of social bonding and instrumental social support are discussed. Differences revealed in the biographical interviews are further reflected in the results of standardized questionnaires.
Conceptual Analysis of Validation Therapy
Authors: Babins Leonard
Published: May 2005

The present article examines the conceptual aspects of Validation Therapy. Validation Therapy is a humanistic approach used to give disoriented old-old people, eighty years and older, an opportunity to resolve their life's unfinished conflicts by encouraging them to express their feelings. This approach emphasizes the relationship between the old-old person and the caregiver by focusing on empathy, acceptance, and acknowledgment. Four stages of disorientation, ranging from mild to severe, are described on the basis of emotional and physical characteristics. The theoretical assumptions and underlying principals of Validation Therapy are discussed. Finally, research studies are outlined to evaluate the effectiveness of Validation Therapy. It is concluded that although Validation Therapy is a well-formulated, alternative approach to helping disoriented individuals, further research is needed to determine its validity.
Social Contact Patterns and Satisfaction with Retirement of Women in Dual-Career/Earner Families
Authors: Reeves Joy B. , Darville Ray L.
Published: May 2005

The authors conducted an empirical study in 1990 of 611 mature women in dual-career/earner families who are retired from a work position in the field of education. We test twelve hypotheses that relate frequency of contact, kind of social contact and perceived gap between desired and frequency of actual social contact to satisfaction with women's timing of retirement and leisure. Nine of the twelve hypotheses were confirmed. Women who have more frequent and a greater variety of social contact are more satisfied with the timing of their retirement and their leisure than those who have less contact. The wider the gap between desired and actual frequency contact with specific groups the less satisfied will women be with their leisure experience, their amount of leisure time, and their timing of retirement.
The Vulnerability of Elderly Consumers
Authors: Mc Ghee Jerrie L.
Published: May 2005

Research interest in the vulnerability of the elderly to consumer fraud has increased in recent years. Consumer surveys and studies of complaint data permit the examination of hypothesized indicators of vulnerability for samples of older and younger consumers. A review of the research shows that patterns of consumption, situational characteristics, education and product knowledge, awareness of deception, psychological losses, social isolation, and psychosocial transitions influence the elderly's vulnerability and ability to cope with consumer abuse. Higher educational attainment and a greater skepticism toward business practices should improve the coping ability of future cohorts of elderly, yet the potential for fraud will remain for many transactions vitally important to their well-being. Implications of the research findings for intervention strategies are presented.
A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Smoking Behaviors of College Students: 1963–1987
Authors: Gray Nancy L. , Donatelle Rebecca L.
Published: May 2005

A questionnaire relating to smoking behavior was developed and administered to 3,786 college students who were attending introductory personal health classes at selected colleges in the state of Oregon during the 1963–64 school year. Analysis of the data was not completed until 1987 (twenty-three years later) at which time the data cards were discovered in storage. During the 1986–87 school year a modified questionnaire was developed and administered to 863 college students attending introductory personal health classes at three of the same four universities that were utilized in the 1963–64 study. The study addressed the smoking behavior of an often neglected population of older adolescents and younger adults over a time period of twenty-three years. Stepwise logistic regression equations were used to determine the set of variables that best accounted for smoking status in 1963–64 and 1986–87. Results indicated that the variables that increased the probability of an individual smoking in 1963–64 did not increase the probability of an individual smoking in 1986–87. The characteristics and behaviors of family members have significantly less influence on the smoking behavior of adolescents and young adults today when compared to adolescents and young adults in 1963–64.
Analysis of a Global Online Debate and the Development of an Interaction Analysis Model for Examining Social Construction of Knowledge in Computer Conferencing
Authors: Gunawardena Charlotte N. , Lowe Constance A. , Anderson Terry
Published: May 2005

This study attempts to find appropriate interaction analysis/content analysis techniques that assist in examining the negotiation of meaning and co-construction of knowledge in collaborative learning environments facilitated by computer conferencing. The authors review strengths and shortcomings of existing interaction analysis techniques and propose a new model based on grounded theory building for analyzing the quality of CMC interactions and learning experiences. This new Interaction Analysis Model for Examining Social Construction of Knowledge in Computer Conferencing was developed after proposing a new definition of “interaction” for the CMC context and after analyzing interactions that occurred in a Global Online Debate. The application of the new model for analysis of collaborative construction of knowledge in the online debate and in a subsequent computer conference are discussed and future research suggested.
Time Estimation and Aging: A Comparison between Young and Elderly Adults
Authors: Carrasco M. C. , Bernal M. C. , Redolat R.
Published: May 2005

Studies about effects of aging on the estimation of short temporal intervals are not conclusive. The aim of the present research was to evaluate age-related differences in the reproduction of a short interval (10 s) using a computerized method. The sample comprised thirteen young adults ( M = 26.15 years) and twelve elderly adults ( M = 79.1 years). Three parameters of time estimation were measured: estimated time, absolute error, and standard deviation. Results showed that time estimates performed by elderly participants were shorter than those of younger ones, although there were no significant differences between the two age groups in the percentage of absolute errors or standard deviations. These findings could be explained by changes in the rate of the internal clock or to an interaction between more general changes in cognitive processes.
Sources of Drug Information among Adults
Authors: Atkyns Robert L. , McEwen William J. , Hanneman Gerhard J.
Published: May 2005

A telephone survey of 206 adults was conducted to test hypotheses concerning past information seeking, source preference, and media consumption. Subjects who had obtained information from “expert” institutional sources were predicted to have greater drug knowledge and interpersonal communication experience. Higher print consumers were predicted to have greater knowledge, increased favorability toward marijuana decriminalization and exhibit a less punitive orientation toward drug users. Support was found with regard to drug knowledge and interpersonal communication. Partial support was found with regard to other hypotheses.
An Observational Study of Intergenerational Activities and Behavior Change in Dementing Elders at Adult Day Care Centers
Authors: Newman Sally , Ward Christopher
Published: May 2005

This study investigated whether dementing adult day care clients demonstrate consistent positive behaviors (i.e., eye contact, smiling, attentiveness, etc.) during structured, weekly activities with young children that these adults do not demonstrate during similar activities when the young children are not present. The study built on a preliminary informal study conducted in conjunction with an intergenerational adult day care project. Participants for the study were twenty-one adult day care clients who have behavioral characteristics of Alzheimer's or related disorders. The study involved five consective weeks of planned, structured music activities prepared by a musical therapist as part of the regular intergenerational activities of the adult day care center. The same activities were repeated twice in the same day at each site, once with children present and once without them present. Two fixed videotape cameras recorded client behaviors in three-minute segments. Scoring was completed by trained, “blind” scorers. The scorers tallied positive behaviors by individuals for randomly selected ten-second segments of the taped intervals. Sessions with and without children were compared using non-parametric tests. Categories of behaviors were compared and specific observed behavioral changes were reported.
A Cybernetic Approach to Early Education
Authors: Steg Doreen Ray , Lazar Irving , Boyce Carolyn
Published: May 2005

Studies investigated the long term achievement of Get-Set children, Philadelphia Head Start, who participated in SCILS, the Self-Controlled Interactive Learning Systems program at the Drexel Early Childhood Center, and who were later enrolled in eighteen Philadelphia public and parochial schools.

The original purpose for the program was to find ways of creating an environment to enhance learning, creativity, and exploration. It was assumed that if the above occurred it would be reflected in standardized testing regardless of subject matter. Its premise is that learning involves both the acquisition of skills, training, and the formation of new concepts, going beyond the “given,” education. The proper use of instructional technology is to enable the learner—the child—to acquire skills which can be utilized in new concept formation. The teacher's role then shifts from concentration on training to involvement in education. However, if instructional technology is to be effective in helping students acquire mastery it should incorporate: 1) choice, 2) control by the student, 3) instantaneous dynamic feedback to the student which allows for self-control, self-organization, self-regulation, and self-correction, and 4) enhancement of adapting behavior.

Fifty-seven Head Start children who were enrolled in the Drexel Early Childhood Center for an average of 2.54 years were the subject of these studies. Fifty-three of the subjects were followed through the sixth grade, fourteen through the ninth and a small group (all those who could be found) were followed into the tenth and eleventh grades. SCILS children are at or above grade level in reading and reading comprehension with thirty hours of instructional time. Outcomes compared with other Early Intervention Programs, in the United States, since the 1960s, show that with SCILS the Head Start children's achievement reaches the level of average middle-class children.
Patterns of Prescription Drug Use: The Role of Promotion
Authors: Stetler C. Joseph
Published: May 2005

Promotional efforts directed to the health professions by pharmaceutical manufacturers, and their alleged association with excessive prescribing and drug abuse are the subject of this paper. The paper contends that claims to the effect that legitimate drug prescribing patterns and promotional efforts merely mirror—or even may cause—drug abuse are not factually supported.

Assertions to the effect that physicians rely primarily on advertising in making prescribing decisions are not borne out by studies of the various factors which bear upon those decisions, the paper points out. It describes the extent of prescription drug promotion, and utilization and notes that physician prescribing of psychoactive drugs has lagged behind overall prescription growth trends, in contrast to the accelerating misuse and abuse of this class of medications in the community at large.
Gender and Social Facilitation Effects on Computer Competence and Attitudes toward Computers
Authors: Corston Rod , Colman Andrew M.
Published: May 2005

Subjects (36 male, 36 female), aged from fifteen to fifty-two years, performed a computer-based tracking task under one of six audience conditions in an experiment designed to investigate the effects of gender and social facilitation on performance. In addition to the computer task, each subject completed a fifteen-item questionnaire designed to identify levels of computer usage, computer-related anxiety, confidence and competence when using computers, and attitudes toward computers and computer users. Males performed significantly better than females, and a significant social facilitation effect was found. A significant Gender × Audience interaction was found, with females performing very much better in the presence of a female audience than alone or with a male audience. The implications for educational policy and practice are briefly discussed.
The Changing Image of Prescription Drug Advertisements
Authors: Saporito Raymond , Goldberg Raymond
Published: May 2005

This article examines the use of sex appeal in three pairs of prescription drug advertisements. The paired advertisements span a period of approximately ten years. From this preliminary investigation, it is apparent that sexually-oriented advertisements, which is indicative of advertising in general, sometimes is used with advertising directed toward physicians. Prescription drug advertisements for life-threatening conditions are technical and devoid of sexual themes. For non life-threatening conditions, sexual themes are more frequently used.
Modernization and Status Change among Aged Men and Women
Authors: Clark Roger
Published: May 2005

This study investigates the differences between the relationship between elderly occupational status and modernization for men and women. Consonant with previous findings [1], it finds that economic development is associated with relative losses of elderly men in professional and technical occupations. Augmenting those findings, however, it finds an even stronger association between development and such losses for women. In accounting for the differences, several explanations are advanced and tested, using data from fifty-one nations.