bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Photo-Posters for Health Education on Perceived Teething Problems in Nigeria
Authors: Bankole O. O. , Denloye O. O. , Aderinokun G. A. , Phn C. O. Badejo R.N.
Published: May 2005

The development of photo-posters to educate the Nigerian community on the perceived problems of teething was prompted by research findings which revealed that misconceptions about teething were widespread within the populace and in particular among some health professionals. Studies have shown that 58% of ethnic Yoruba rural dwellers in Nigeria attributed ailments to the teething process, while 70% of market women in Enugu State perceived diarrhea in their children was due to teething. In a recent survey, 61.4% of nurses believed diarrhea should accompany the teething process. Furthermore 82.1%, 35.8%, and 27.9% of them implicated fever, weight loss, and boils respectively as signs of teething. Photo-posters adopt the use of visual representation of a problem and the goal of using photo-posters is to begin to create an understanding in the minds of people that babies can be healthy in spite of their erupting teeth. It is believed that using pictures of real babies who are seen to be healthy when their teeth first emerge should go a long way to reducing some of the misconceived ideas. In its development, the participatory approach was adopted involving selected members of the target population, thus making it a culturally appropriate tool. This article describes the rationale behind the choice of the photo-posters and the process of developing them.
Detection of Dementia and Depression Cases with the Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation Interview Schedule
Authors: Golden Robert R. , Teresi Jeanne A. , Gurland Barry J.
Published: May 2005

The objective of this research was to develop two indicator-scales for detection of dementia and detection of depression for individuals aged sixty-five or over who are living in the community. Data were collected in two large surveys in London and New York City using a semistructured interview technique, the Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation. Each of the two indicator-scales were developed so as to meet criteria regarding content and construct validity and internal consistency reliability such as is required in geriatric epidemiological research. The advantage of simultaneously using both indicator-scales in the detection of dementia and depression cases and in the differential diagnosis of dementia and depression is demonstrated.
Relation of Existential and Religious Variables to the Death Depression Scale-Revised
Authors: Harville Michael , Stokes Shelley J. , Templer Donald I. , Rienzi Beth
Published: May 2005

This study examined the relationship of existential variables as measured by the Life Attitude Profile-Revised (LAP-R), religious variables, and demographic variables to the Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R). Participants were 500 English-speaking adults from undergraduate and graduate college classes, various work settings, church groups, and community organizations. The DDS-R total score, and at least one of the DDS-R factor scores, were significantly related to all eight of the LAP-R subscales and all but one of the five religious variables examined. Of particular significance are the LAP-R Purpose scale, LAP-R Death Acceptance scale, LAP-R Existential Vacuum scale, and the “strength of certainty regarding life after death” item. Among the demographic variables, being older, having more education, and living with a significant other were associated with lower DDS-R scores. Asian ethnicity and Catholic religion stood out as related to higher DDS-R scores.
Changes in Attitudes towards Drug Educators as a Function of Communicator Sex and Role
Authors: Cotten-Huston Annie L. , Baum Carlene Stober
Published: May 2005

The current study assessed changes in attitudes towards drug educators following a session on drug abuse. Independent variables were role of communicator (ex-addict/specialist), sex of communicator, and sex of subject. A Semantic Differential Scale measuring evaluation, potency, activity, and understandability was completed by subjects before and after exposure. Significant interactions between role and sex of communicator indicated that: 1. male ex-addicts produced more positive changes in evaluation than female ex-addicts, while female specialists produced more positive changes in evaluation than male specialists; and 2. female specialists produced more positive changes in ratings of potency than male specialists. Results were discussed in terms of the sex-stereotyping and implications for drug abuse education.
Post-Treatment Outcome for Youthful Navy Drug Abusers
Authors: Kolb Douglas , Gunderson E. K. Eric
Published: May 2005

Selection for retention on active duty and discharge disposition were studied for two groups of young Navy men treated in a drug rehabilitation center during the years 1971–1975. Selection for retention on active duty was related to prior achievement in the service, the expression of emotionally stable and socially responsible attitudes and higher odds-for-effectiveness scores for successful completion of naval service. Men who subsequently received favorable discharges from the service had achieved higher pay grade, had begun drug use at later ages, had not injected drugs and had friends who did not use drugs “harder” than marijuana. The study concluded that carefully selected drug users can modify their behavior and, with therapeutic intervention, complete their obligated service satisfactorily.
Preventing Rickets in Locally Appropriate Ways: A Case Report from North China
Authors: Strand Mark A. , Peng Guanxi , Zhang Peiying , Lee Gene
Published: May 2005

A rickets prevention program was carried out in Shanxi Province, China using locally appropriate methods. At the end of two and one-half years, the prevalence of rickets was 18% lower in program townships (56%) than in a control township that had no rickets prevention program (74%). Maternal awareness of how to prevent rickets was higher in program townships (43%) than in the control township (28%). However, the actual effect of maternal awareness on the prevention of rickets was negligible. In conclusion, this rickets prevention program was effective at reducing the prevalence of rickets. It appears the program was effective because of the presence of concerned program workers regularly visiting mothers and their infants, and using locally appropriate methods, but neither the vitamin supplements used nor the kind of rickets prevention education provided the mothers was shown to be positively correlated.
Age, Education, and Sex Effects on Adult Moral Reasoning
Authors: White Charles B.
Published: May 2005

The role of age and education in adult moral reasoning was examined utilizing Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental stage theory of moral development and the most recent Standard Scoring System for assessing moral judgments. Individual interviews utilizing standard Kohlberg moral dilemmas were conducted with 195 adults ranging in age from nineteen to eighty-two years and in years of education from three to twenty-five years. Results indicated no overall significant effect for age of reasoner, no significant effect for sex, and a significant effect for education ( p < .01).

However, the effect of age was significant in the group with eighteen or more years of education, but not in the group with less than eighteen years of education.
Educational Policy and the Drug Problem—A Redistributive Politics Issue
Authors: Caliguri Joseph P.
Published: May 2005

Pluralistic differs from redistributive policymaking in terms of narrow interests or groups, low level conflict decisions, covert modes of communication, and technical recommendations free from value choices. The impact of pluralistic policymaking centers primarily on control or deterrence strategies. The drug problem does not exist in isolation. It exists as a cluster of problems affecting broad interests or groups. The issues are re distributive in the sense that everything relates to everything else. It seems apparent that a cluster of policies and programs need development as well as genuine citizen participation in the formulation of these policies and programs.
Multigenerational Households in a Contemporary Perspective
Authors: Béland François ,   Groupe De Recherche Interdisciplinaire En Santé
Published: May 2005

The multigenerational household is often considered a remnant of the past linked with a rural mode of life. Contemporary data from the United States and Canada show that the elderly are living with one of their children in far greater numbers than the stereotypes would allow. Given these data, multigenerational households should be explained in contemporary terms in reference to the normative and structural factors that determine the life cycle of the contemporary family. Using Canadian Census data on the elderly of the Province of Quebec, it is shown here that the frequency of multigenerational households does not vary with the rural or urban location of the elderly. Rather, age and sex of the elderly and homeownership by their children are among the factors that explain family living arrangements. It is concluded that multigenerational households can be realistically considered as a resource available to frail elderly.
The Social and Demographic Correlates of Adolescent Drug use Patterns
Authors: Fors Stuart W. , Rojek Dean G.
Published: May 2005

A seven-part survey instrument was administered to middle and high school students (grades six through twelve; N = 2767) in three school districts in the state of Georgia. Basic demographic and experiential data related to drug taking, factor analysis, and multiple regression techniques revealed groups of problem behaviors (Jessor, et al.'s theory) and social-psychological factors which are related to those behaviors. In general, the data indicate all drug users are not alike (i.e., it is erroneous to group all beer drinkers and/or marijuana users with all cocaine or heroin users) and that a variety of social-psychological variables (e.g., friends' use patterns, grade point average) are significantly correlated with level of drug use or abuse. Recommendations include careful needs (problem) assessment for drug education planning, and school or community policy making. Additionally, parents, school personnel and community agencies are encouraged to work together in order to facilitate attainment of common goals.
Perceiving Wisdom: Do Age and Gender Play a Part?
Authors: Hira Francis J. , Faulkender Patricia J.
Published: May 2005

The wisdom perceived to be possessed by videotaped individuals of varying ages was evaluated using the Smith and Baltes definition of wisdom [1]. The Life-Planning Tasks (work-family dilemmas) and corresponding think-aloud protocols (responses) developed by Smith and Baltes were transformed into videotape stimuli to assess the presence of wisdom. Using an instrument derived from the Smith and Baltes description of wisdom, undergraduate respondents evaluated the wisdom they perceived to be contained in videotaped responses to Life-Planning Tasks. The age of the Life-Planning Task respondent was manipulated as either older or younger. A significant interaction between the age and gender of the videotape respondents and an interpretation of its effect on the perception of wisdom is discussed. Correlational results reveal a positive relationship between the lay person's definition of wisdom and that which was derived from Smith and Baltes.
Aging in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Lewis Myrna
Published: May 2005

The Chinese approach to old age is a blend of 4,000 years of recorded culture; a predominately agricultural past and present, and a thirty year old socialist government. Valuable insights are gained regarding aging in China through the description of Chinese elderly life in context with China's past and present. Pertinent questions are asked concerning the role of the elderly in China's future. Although lacking the references and methodology usually accompanying articles published in this journal, this paper is based on discussions with a number of Chinese living in the United States and Hong Kong, American experts on China, brief discussions with members of the Chinese Liaison Office (now the Chinese Embassy), an interview with Dr. Ma Hai-teh (George Hatem), a personal visit to China in the summer of 1978, and a review of literature on China, It offers an opportunity to become acquainted with the conditions of the elderly in another social and political system.
Locus of Control of Participants in a Drug Education Program: An Evaluation
Authors: Stansell Vance , Carella Stephen D. , Letchworth George A.
Published: May 2005

An evaluation study was done to assess changes in perceived locus of control of adults who work in the drug abuse field and participated in a drug abuse training program.

Two separate programs were examined with differing results. These outcomes are discussed with regard to composition of the groups and scores on the dependent measure.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Social Support in Later Life: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Bergeman C. S. , Neiderhiser J. M. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Plomin Robert
Published: May 2005

The present study assessed the etiology of individual differences in social support over a six-year period. The availability of friend support, family support, and the perceived adequacy of the social support network was assessed three times using identical and same-gender fraternal twins reared together and reared apart from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. Results are based on the pairwise responses at the three occasions of measurement (labeled Q1, Q2, and Q3): 462 pairs at Q1 (assessed October 1984), 474 pairs at Q2 (October 1987), and 431 pairs at Q3 (October 1990). The longitudinal phenotypic correlations (ranging from .49 to .77) indicate that social support is a moderately stable characteristic. Qualitative genetic model-fitting analyses resulted in significant heritability estimates for the social support measures at all three measurement occasions. Results also indicate considerable stability in genetic effects across measurement occasions, with genetic correlations ranging from .65 to .97. Nonshared environmental influences were substantial contributors to social support, but were less stable across the measurement occasions, with correlations ranging from .07 to .52.
The Orchestration of Disengagement
Authors: Cath Stanley H.
Published: May 2005

In the clamor of many institutional and special interest “orchestras,” it is possible to lose sight of their common object of concern-human welfare and dignity. In the sphere of scientific endeavor, this problem can show itself as a mistaken attempt to separate theory from technique and practice. Disclaimers that Disengagement Theory is “only a theory,” not a policy statement, are regarded here as inaccurate and naive when the effects of the theory are examined. Other areas of criticism pertain to activity-passivity dynamics, the appreciation of coping behavior in later life, and, in general, the inadequate representation within Disengagement Theory of the full spectrum of experience, behavior, and dynamics, both personal and social, in the lives of elderly people.
Mellowing with Age: Factors Influencing the Nonwhite Suicide Rate
Authors: Seiden Richard H.
Published: May 2005

The age patterning of white and nonwhite suicide rates reveals a marked and consistent divergence: white suicide rates increase with age; however, nonwhite suicide rates peak in youthful years and decline during middle and older ages.

Six explanatory hypotheses are proposed to account for the divergence: 1) differential life expectancy; 2) deviant burnout; 3) screening out of the violence-prone; 4) role and status of the elderly; 5) traditional values; and 6) age-specific motives.

Discussion and analysis of the proposed hypotheses indicate that they do operate in the direction of reducing the suicide rates of elderly nonwhites, thereby contributing to the observed age discrepancy in white and nonwhite suicide rates.
Estimating the Time Required to Produce Computer-Based Instructional Lessons: Descriptive Analyses of the Production Data of Novice Instructional Developers
Authors: Cates Ward Mitchell
Published: May 2005

This article reports descriptive analyses of production data gathered from novice instructional designers and novice authors who used a commercial authoring system to produce a five-lesson unit on educational leadership models. Reported data include production ratios for various types of lessons and distribution of development times among the various development activities. Analyses of the data suggest ways to use these production data as bases for estimating both the length of lessons to be created and the number of hours of total production time that will be required to create computer-based instructional lessons.
A Theoretical Model for a Socially Oriented Drug Treatment Policy
Authors: Faupel Charles E.
Published: May 2005

Current treatment policy is rooted primarily in either medical or psychological paradigms. These paradigms fail to recognize the social nature of drug addiction. Lacking in the literature is a sufficient theoretical or conceptual framework for a socially based treatment orientation. The present article provides a sociologically grounded framework, positing three analytically distinct social processes: 1) dissociation from the addict lifestyle and subculture, which involves the mechanisms of sacrifice, renunciation and investment; 2) association with the treatment program and its goals, which involves mechanisms of communion, mortification and transcendence; and 3) a reintegration process whereby the addict is mainstreamed into conventional society.
Reliability of Self-Report Measures of Drug Use in Prevention Research: Evaluation of the Project Smart Questionnaire via the Test-Retest Reliability Matrix
Authors: Graham John W. , Flay Brian R. , Johnson C. Anderson , Hansen William B. , Grossman Linda , Sobel Judith L.
Published: May 2005

The present article describes an evaluation of a self-report questionnaire administered to whole classrooms of 7th graders. Using the test-retest reliability matrix (based on concepts of Cronbach [1] and Campbell and Fiske [2]), eight of nine drug-use indices appeared to have acceptable to good reliability. The three measures included in the test-retest reliability matrix provide stronger evidence for good reliability than could any single measure.
The Psychology of E-Learning: A Field of Study
Authors: Yan Zheng , Hao Heping , Hobbs L. Jon , Wen Ning
Published: May 2005

In this article, we present our views of the psychology of E-learning as a field of study that is important, interdisciplinary, emerging, and promising. We first define E-learning as the third learning system in the history of human learning, specify two major E-learning practices in education and corporations, and indicate the importance of psychological studies of E-learning. We then point out the interdisciplinary nature of the psychology of learning and summarize the existing literature of the psychology of E-learning in cognitive, social, developmental, and school and counseling psychology. We comment on major accomplishments and limitations of the special issue, and conclude with a brief discussion of possible future research directions.
Drug-Related Sentiments among Minority Youth
Authors: Myers Vincent
Published: May 2005

Interviews with a nationwide sample of young and low-income black, chicano, and Caribbean men and women, as well as their nonminority counterparts, reveal that the large majority disapprove of illicit drug phenomena. Of the racial or ethnic groups queried, Caribbean youth are most likely, and white youth are least likely to disapprove. And, although women and older youth are more likely to disapprove than men and younger youth, sentiments do not vary by formal educational attainment or urban/rural backgrounds. Within each group, white men and women are in greatest attitudinal discord, and black men and women are in greatest attitudinal accord. Although one-half of the youth report having had illicit drug experiences, two-thirds of these currently disapprove of illicit drugs and illicit drug users. Even so, youth who have used illicit substances are less likely to disapprove of drug phenomena than those who have abstained or confined their use to licit substances. Despite these findings, interviews with adults who staffed the programs in which the youth were involved, perceived the sentiments to be different than they were reported to us. Accordingly, the conclusion is drawn that young people with the attributes of our respondents may bring a set of drug-related sentiments, cognitions, and behavior to programs which are different than many professionals in the social interventions might expect.
Traditional and Emerging Policy Issues for Staff Development with Particular Implications in Drug Education
Authors: Caliguri Joseph P.
Published: May 2005

This paper provides an overview of policy issues regarding staff development programs and incentives in order to increase motivation and productivity in educational programs.
Life Satisfaction across Four Stages of Adult Life
Authors: Medley Morris L.
Published: May 2005

This investigation examines, via multivariate analysis, the effect of financial situation, health, standard of living and family life upon the life satisfaction of adult men and women. The stages of adulthood examined here include: Early Adulthood (ages 22–34), Early Middle Age (ages 35–44), Late Middle Age (ages 45–64), and Late Adulthood (ages 65 and older). The data used in this analysis were collected from a national probability sample (N=2164), but the present study includes only persons twenty-two years or older with a response for each item under investigation (N=1786). Life satisfaction was relatively high for both men and women at each stage across the lifespan. It was noted, however, that for men life satisfaction is related to age stage in a monotonic increasing fashion. On the other hand, life satisfaction scores remained relatively constant across the age stages for women. Family life and standard of living were found to be significant determinants of life satisfaction, for both sexes at each stage of adulthood.
Significance of Functional Age for Interdisciplinary and Longitudinal Research in Aging
Authors: Bell Benjamin
Published: May 2005

This paper introduces a series of papers on various areas of functional age: biochemical, auditory, anthropometric, psychological and social. These measures were developed in the V.A. Normative Aging Study to assist in the interdisciplinary analysis of aging and change in aging patterns over time. A functional age is taken as the estimated age calculated from a regression equation where the x values are predictors of chronological age.
Conservatism, Innovation and Old Age
Authors: Marris Peter
Published: May 2005

The onset of old age can be understood as a sequence of losses—of relationships, physical abilities, functions—which must be grieved. It represents a kind of psychosocial transition, whose generic characteristic is a breakdown in the structure of meaning by which we interpret events and which forces us to re-interpret that structure before we can assimilate the events that have provoked the breakdown. The better we understand such transitions as retirement, and loss of health, the more likely we can find ways to create the social and psychological conditions in which to work through the grief. The attitudes of American society towards old age tend to make these transitions harder than they need be.
Smoking, Drugging and Drinking in Top Rated TV Series
Authors: Greenberg Bradley S.
Published: May 2005

An analysis of the top ten prime time fictional series from the 1979–80 television season indicates a near complete absence of smoking and illicit drug incidents. By contrast, the offering and consumption of alcoholic beverages is markedly larger than found in prior studies which did not separate out top-rated programs from lesser viewed shows. The incidence of alcohol consumption for the top ten shows at the end of the season ranged from 3 to 16.5 incidents per program hour. A parallel analysis of the two top-rated soap operas for the season yielded a lower drinking rate and a similar absence of smoking and drug incidents.
Peer-Led and Adult-Led Programs—Student Perceptions
Authors: Erhard Rachel
Published: May 2005

This research examines whether peer-led prevention programs are preferable to adult-led programs. Participants were 2,447 students in 94 classes, from 31 schools running drug prevention programs. The schools were divided into two groups according to the model they used in their program: fifteen schools used peer-led model, while sixteen used the adult-led model. A 46-item questionnaire was constructed in order to examine the students' perception of the programs. The results show that all the input measures (content, atmosphere, openness, discipline, facilitators' competence) and the outcome measures (satisfaction, knowledge, avoidance, curiosity, personal relationship) were perceived as more positive in the peer-led model. The differences were small, but significant. While the findings suggest that the peer-led model has a somewhat greater potential for primary prevention, the differences found do not enable us to state with certainty that this model is preferable for primary prevention purposes.
Youthful and Older Biases as Special Cases of a Self-Age Optimization Bias
Authors: Staats Sara
Published: May 2005

Two concepts of subjective age are measured for two cohorts (college students and older persons with an age range of 50 to 91 years). Functional age (Kastenbaum et al., 1972 Ages-of-Me Scale [1]) shows the typical youthful bias for the older cohort. An older bias is shown for the Best/Ideal Age by the older cohort in comparison to the younger cohort. Taken together, the youthful bias, being like someone of younger chronological age, and the bias of selecting a relatively older age as best represents a “Self Age Optimization Bias.” A sub-set of Best Age items dealing with work and career are identified for gender and cohort comparisons.
Longitudinal Perspectives on Drug Use: Analyses from the New York Longitudinal Study
Authors: Vicary Judith R. , Lerner Jacqueline V.
Published: May 2005

The present study looked at the relationship between various early childhood and adolescent emotional and adjustment characteristics and later tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use for the 133 subjects (sixty-six males, sixty-seven females) of the New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS). Results indicated that characteristics such as high amounts of dissatisfaction and undercompliance at ages one through six were related to high amounts of tobacco use at ages ten through thirteen. Problems with coping and discipline at age five were associated with high levels of alcohol use in young adulthood, and marijuana use at ages thirteen through sixteen. During adolescence, problems with emotional expressiveness, self evaluation, school and social functioning, and implementation of goals were related to high levels of tobacco and marijuana use from age sixteen into adulthood, and alcohol use from age nineteen on. Results are discussed in relation to their implications for longitudinal research and prevention strategies.
The use and Nonuse of Drugs among High School Students in a Small Rural Community
Authors: Globetti Gerald , Brigance Roy S.
Published: May 2005

This study reports on the use of drugs among a sample of high school students in a small rural community. The users were primarily males who were somewhat estranged from such significant primary groups as the home, the church, and the community. Several differences between black and white students were noted. More black males than white males used drugs; the converse was the case among females. Family variables had less influence on use among blacks; religion had more of an effect.
Widowhood, Social Participation and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Pihlblad C. T. , Adams David L.
Published: May 2005

The study is an analysis of the relation between widowhood, social participation and life satisfaction as measured by the Havighurst Life Satisfaction Scale-Form A. The study compared the level of participation and LSIA scores of married and widowed males and females residing in sixty-one small towns of Missouri in 1966. Females were found to be more activity oriented than males, whether with children, relatives, friends or in formal organizations. There were no changes in activity patterns after widowhood among females. Males show a linear decline in most types of participation with length of widowhood. Association with friends appears to be more closely associated with LSIA score than is association with children and relatives. Participation in formal groups, primarily the church, correlated more closely with LSIA scores than does either participation with family or friends. Widowhood produces a more drastic change in life style and in satisfaction of small town elderly males than it does for females.
Pet Ownership by Elderly People: Two New Issues
Authors: Smith David W. E. , Seibert Christine S. , Jackson F. Wilson , Snell Jennifer
Published: May 2005

Two new issues of pet ownership were considered in a mail questionnaire and an interview survey of a large number of elderly people age sixty and over. First, evidence was obtained that pets are an important determinant of housing choice. Second, many elderly pet owners have made no arrangements for the pet if they predecease it or become unable to care for it. Problems related to these issues are discussed.
Decreasing Smoking Behavior through Subliminal Stimulation Treatments
Authors: Glover Elbert D.
Published: May 2005

The general purpose of the study was to determine whether subliminal perception could be used as a means for altering cigarette smoking behavior. The study contained a total population sample of seventy-two female subjects. The experimental situation consisted of three different films, shown at three different sessions, with subliminal stimulation for the treatment group. The control group viewed the three films without the subliminal stimulation. The entire association between smoking and quitting smoking was presented subliminally. After an analysis of the data collected, a comparison of the differences between the control and experimental groups revealed that there was no significant difference in regard to base cigarette count between groups after the treatment had been administered. Thus smoking behavior was not altered through subliminal perception as carried out in this study. There was evidence that smoking behavior was altered but it was an unpredicted change, as some of the subjects decreased their smoking patterns.
Life Satisfaction in the Black Elderly: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Rao V. Nandini , Rao V. V. Prakasa
Published: May 2005

The major purpose of the study was to determine whether the Life Satisfaction Index-A was unidimensional or multidimensional and to examine the different dimensions of the scale to either validate or reject the factors on elderly blacks. The data for the study were collected from a sample of 240 black elderly in Jackson, Mississippi in Spring 197 8. The LSIA developed by Neugarten et al., was tested for revalidation and reliability by the use of item analysis, biserial correlation, discrimination values, and factor analysis. The study failed to support the existence of five dimensions that were supposed to form the life satisfaction scale as high intercorrelations were found among “mood tone,” “zest,” “self-concept,” “resolution,” and “congruence.” The cluster of items derived from factor analysis was not similar to clusters obtained by other writers. The data, however, revealed that the scale was highly reliable in measuring life satisfaction among black elderly.
Elder Abuse by Adult Children: An Applied Ecological Framework for Understanding Contextual Risk Factors and the Intergenerational Character of Quality of Life
Authors: Schiamberg Lawrence B. , Gans Daphna
Published: May 2005

Elder abuse in family settings has increased in recent years for a variety of reasons, including the increasing proportion of older adults in the total population, the related increase in chronic disabling diseases, and the increasing involvement of families in caregiving relationships with elders. Future trends indicate not only continued growth of the older population but suggest, as well, an increased demand for family caregiving which may, in turn, be accompanied by increasing rates of elder abuse. It is important to consider issues associated with such caregiving and elder abuse in families from an ecological perspective as a basis both for framing conceptually relevant and effective prevention strategies as well as for understanding the specific character of the broader issue of the intergenerational nature of the quality of life in an aging society. Using an applied ecological model, the article focuses on the contextual risk factors of elder abuse. Specifically, five levels of environment—microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem—will be utilized to organize and interpret existing research on the risk factors asociated with elder abuse (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1986, 1997). The configuration of the risk factors provides a useful framework for understanding the intergenerational character of the quality of life for older adults, for developing recommendations for empirically-based action research, and for the development of community-based prevention and intervention strategies. The application of a contextual perspective to the development of intervention and prevention programs will be addressed, the latter in relation to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Strain among Caregivers: Comparing the Experiences of African American and Hispanic Caregivers of Alzheimer's Relatives
Authors: Cox Carole , Monk Abraham
Published: May 2005

This study of the experiences of seventy-six Black and eighty-six Hispanic caregivers of Alzheimer's relatives sought to determine the factors characterizing the caregiving process and its outcomes, particularly personal and role strain, in each group. The findings reveal that Hispanics are more vulnerable to each type of strain and this may be partially attributed to their caring for more impaired relatives, their younger ages, and comparative lack of expressive supportive relationships. The mediating role played by culture and informal supports in the caregiving process is highlighted by the results as well as the need for the development of sensitive and appropriate interventions and supports.
Significant Elements in the Relationship of Long-Married Couples
Authors: Roberts William L.
Published: May 2005

A descriptive study of factors in the lifestyle of fifty couples married an average of 55.5 years and an average age of seventy-nine years provided data for this report. The non-random sample was heterogeneous using traditional socio-economic indicators. Life-Satisfaction (LSI-Z), Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment scores, and perception of health were all high. More than half the sample were now or had been sexually active within the past five years. Independence, commitment, companionship and qualities of caring were significant elements in these long-lasting marriages.
Differentiation of Psychoactive Drug Users and Non-Users and Prediction of their Using Intention
Authors: Tzeng Oliver C. S. , Skafidas Thomas
Published: May 2005

Thirteen Semantic Differential bipolar variables representing various socio-cultural correlates and personality factors of psychoactive drug users as well as non-users were measured from a group of 80 college students and 20 adults of both sexes. Fourty-four drug users within the last six months differed significantly from non-users in their intention of taking psychoactive drugs if provided. No sex differences in intention within either the user or non-user group were found. Significant differences between user and non-user groups covered three broad areas: (1) experiences of personal development, (2) knowledge and attitudes toward drug use of individuals and their peers, and (3) opinions and persuasions of established conventional institutions in politics, church, and social standards. The order of importance of the different variables in predicting the intention of psychoactive drug use (or not use) was also found not the same for both users and non-users of the two sexes.
Full-Timing: A Housing Alternative for Older People
Authors: Hartwigsen Gail , Null Roberta
Published: May 2005

Full-timing, living year-round in a recreational vehicle, is discussed as a viable housing alternative for older people. Data were obtained from surveys distributed to 100 members of a nationally-based camping organization. Fifty-five percent of the respondents had lived in their motorhomes, fifth-wheels, or travel trailers for at least two years. Most had sold their conventional homes, planning to full-time indefinitely. Low-cost and adventurous, full-timing is discussed as a lifestyle especially suited for older people in the context of today's mobile society.
Preventing Alcohol Abuse: An Examination of the “Downward Spiral” Game and Educational Videos
Authors: Czuchry Michael , Sia Tiffiny L. , Dansereau Donald F.
Published: May 2005

Downward Spiral is a board game developed by the authors to illustrate the dangers of continued substance abuse. Previous work has found that college students and probationers find the game interesting, enjoyable, useful, and realistic [1]. In the current study, college students either played Downward Spiral, watched educational videos on substance abuse, or completed a set of questionnaires unrelated to alcohol and drug abuse. Those students who either played the game or watched the videos rated both as beneficial. However, students who watched videos had somewhat higher levels of consumer satisfaction. Students who played the game rated it as smoother, and they felt more positive following the session than students who watched videos. Both videos and the game increased students' intentions to limit alcohol consumption compared to students who served as controls. Individuals in the game group also indicated significantly greater intentions to change their alcohol behavior than those in the other groups.
A Model for Analyzing the Aging of Local Populations: Illinois Counties between 1950 and 1970
Authors: Van Es J. C. , Bowling Michael
Published: May 2005

The article develops a model which explains the aging of local populations, expressed in terms of percent of the population over sixty-five years, in terms of the net movement of the young and the elderly, as well as socio-economic characteristics of the local population. The model is illustrated for data from Illinois counties for the period 1950–1960 and 1960–1970. The model represents the data for the 1960's more accurately than the data for the 1950's.
Age Differences in Computer Anxiety: The Role of Computer Experience, Gender and Education
Authors: Dyck Jennifer L. , Smither Janan Al-Awar
Published: May 2005

Research in the area of computer anxiety has traditionally concentrated on the younger adult. In this study older adults (55 years and over) were compared to younger adults (30 years and under) on levels of computer anxiety and computer experience. Subjects completed a demographic and computer experience questionnaire, a computer anxiety scale, and a computer attitude scale. Findings indicated that older adults were less computer anxious (as measured by both scales), had more positive attitudes toward computers, and had more liking for computers than younger adults. Older adults also had less computer experience than younger adults. In contrast, however, older subjects indicated less computer confidence than younger subjects. Additionally, for both younger and older adults, higher levels of computer experience were associated with lower levels of computer anxiety, and a more positive attitude toward computers. No gender differences were found for computer anxiety or computer attitudes when computer experience was controlled.
An Effective Model for Rapid Skills Acquisition through a Simulation-Based Integrated Learning Environment
Authors: Boyd Aimee M. , Jackson Melinda L.
Published: May 2005

This article discusses the effectiveness of a theoretical–based integrated learning environment (ILE) for training non-traditional learners to perform the skills required to be successful in entry-level jobs. The ILE places instruction in a real–world, workplace context with realistic settings, characters, and storylines. The multimedia interface actively engages learners. Instructional techniques include project-based and problem-based learning, “just-in-time” remediation, scaffolding, mentoring, and individualized instruction. The assessment is transparent in that it is embedded in computer-assisted tasks. This ensures consistent monitoring of learner progress and skill mastery without interrupting the learner. This study evaluates the training performance of 206 learners (86% completion rate), and tracks learners' employment or continuing education rate during a 90-day follow-up period. Results indicate that 67% of learners gained employment or continued their education, and 15% received raises or changed jobs for higher salaries. The average wage increase was $1.06 per hour. The success of the ILE validates the application of multimedia-based simulation to education.
The Inner Self of the Japanese Elderly: A Defense against Negative Stereotypes of Aging
Authors: Levy Becca R.
Published: May 2005

Japanese scholars have reported that the Japanese people tend to maintain highly developed outer and inner selves. This study examines how these selves impact on aging. We hypothesized that the Japanese elderly would express more negative attitudes toward old people in general but more positive self-concepts than elders in China and the United States. The results supported this predicted pattern. They suggest an unusual dynamic of aging and self-identity in Japan that can shed light on the role of the self in accepting or rejecting societal stereotypes about aging.
Predicting the Academic Success of Adults from Diverse Populations
Authors: Cubeta John F. , Travers Nan L. , Sheckley Barry G.
Published: May 2005

This study assessed the predictive validity of the Risk and Promise Profile©1 with a diverse sample of 542 two-year and four-year older college students at six educational institutions. The profile is a seventy-eight-item, self-report, paper and pencil questionnaire that can be used to outline a profile of personal and social influences that are related to persistence. Hierarchical multiple regression and ANOVA indicate that the profile explains significant portions of the variance associated with academic success. The results also suggest that different measures are related to the success of Caucasian students and African-American students. Further, the study suggests that race per se should not be used to identify students “at risk.” Instead, combinations of personal and social measures are more appropriate predictors of academic performance.
The Effects of a Life Review Program on Disorientation, Social Interaction and Self-Esteem of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Tabourne Carla E. S.
Published: May 2005

This study examined the effects on veteran and novice participants of a life review program designed for nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or severe cognitive disfunction. Using a pre-post test experimental design, veterans, novices and the control group were tested for changes in disorientation, social interaction, and self-esteem. The results confirm the findings of an earlier study [1] that there is an impact of the Life Review Program on level of disorientation, social interaction and life review. There is some evidence to suggest that the improvements may be somehow stored in memory and triggered when the program is repeated.
Industrialization Spawns the Elder Craftsmen Shop
Authors: Schreter Carol A.
Published: May 2005

Research on the Wilmington Senior Center Elder Craftsmen Shop provides the background for this sociological examination of the role of the elder craftsmen shop in our society. The shop is put into historical context by discussing the development of pension plans and the evolution in the means of producing goods. It is argued that, as a social utility, the nonprofit elder craftsmen shop provides a uniquely flexible work situation. It allows for the expression of the work ethic in the framework of retirement.
Alcohol Use and Self-Esteem of Adolescents
Authors: Mitic Wayne R.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of self-esteem among a group of adolescents and its relationship to their drinking behavior. A total of 411 students, ranging from age twelve to eighteen completed questionnaires on drinking behavior, a problem drinking scale and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. The results revealed that regular users possessed significantly higher mean scores in overall self-esteem as compared to all other drinking categories. Potential problem drinkers obtained significantly lower scores in academic self-esteem when compared to all other drinking categories. Mean scores in peer self-esteem were significantly higher in regular and potential problem drinkers as compared to abstainers and occasional drinkers. These observations suggested that educators should consider self-esteem building activities when devising and incorporating alcohol education programs directed at the teenage population.
Random and Not So Random Thoughts on Becoming and Being a Statistic: Professional and Personal Musings
Authors: Seltzer Mildred M.
Published: May 2005

This article contains personal and professional musings on becoming and being an old woman. Becoming and being an old woman (I had no choice) and being a “gerontologist” (I had a choice), results in experiencing at least two realities, that of subject and that of researcher (an interesting word in itself). We daily face the leap across the chasm between science and personal experiences; between swimming in the subject pool and being a life guard or researcher into the life of guarded subjects. How permeable are the boundaries between subject and objectivity? Do gerontological data inform our experiences of becoming old? Are they providing us with norms for aging? Dear Virginia, there are age and sex norms and Enforcers enforce them. And, dear Virginia, there is more to life than research.