Testing mediating variables in a school-based nutrition intervention program.

This study identified mediators of a school-based nutrition intervention for 4th graders and their parents. Nine variables were tested for satisfying 4 conclusions necessary to establish mediation of intervention effects on changes in fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) in 4th graders (N = 1,676). FVC was measured in children by the use of 24-hr dietary recalls. Mediators were assessed by the use of questionnaires completed by children and parents. All 4 conclusions were met for positive outcome expectancies. Knowledge, self-efficacy, and parent consumption satisfied the first 3 conclusions for mediation but the mediating effects were not statistically significant (Conclusion 4). Future mediational analyses and the creation of a national database of mediators are crucial for increasing strength and efficiency of school-based nutrition programs.     

Mediation of a middle school skin cancer prevention program.

This study tested potential mediators of a school-based skin cancer prevention intervention for middle school children (6th-8th grades; N = 1,788). Ten variables were tested on 4 criteria to establish mediation, including (a) intervention related to outcome, (b) intervention related to mediators, (c) mediators related to outcome, and (d) mediated effect statistically significant. Sun-safe behaviors (e.g., sunscreen use) and potential mediators were measured with a self-report questionnaire. All criteria were met for Barriers--Sunscreen, Perceived Self-Efficacy, and Knowledge when the mediators were tested separately. In multiple mediator analyses, barriers to sunscreen use and self-efficacy satisfied Criteria 1-3 but were not statistically significant (Criterion 4). Barriers to sunscreen use, perceived self-efficacy for sun-safe behavior, and knowledge may serve as mediators.     

Adult Attachment,Dependence, Self‐Criticism,and Depressive Symptoms: A Test of a Mediational Model

ABSTRACT Attachment anxiety is expected to be positively associated with dependence and self‐criticism. However, attachment avoidance is expected to be negatively associated with dependence but positively associated with self‐criticism. Both dependence and self‐criticism are expected to be related to depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed from 424 undergraduate participants at a large Midwestern university, using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the relation between attachment anxiety and depressive symptoms was fully mediated by dependence and self‐criticism, whereas the relation between attachment avoidance and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by dependence and self‐criticism. Moreover, through a multiple‐group comparison analysis, the results indicated that men with high levels of attachment avoidance are more likely than women to be self‐critical.     

Survey return rates for multiple-authored versus single-authored covering letters

Differences in response rates to a three-wave mail survey were assessed when the covering letters were signed by three versus one researcher. 375 surveys including covering letters signed by three researchers and 375 surveys including covering letters signed by one researcher were sent. A follow-up mailing was used to increase the response rate. 199 surveys were returned (53.5%) in which the covering letter had three researchers, and 218 when the covering letter had one researcher (58.7%), not a significantly different distribution.     

Uneven Profiles: Language Minority Learners' Word Reading, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension Skills

English reading comprehension skill development was examined in a group of 87 native Spanish-speakers developing English literacy skills, followed from fourth through fifth grade. Specifically, the effects of Spanish (L1) and English (L2) oral language and word reading skills on reading comprehension were investigated. The participants showed average word reading skills and below average comprehension skills, influenced by low oral language skills. Structural equation modeling confirmed that L2 oral language skills had a large, significant effect on L2 reading comprehension, whereas students' word-level reading skills, whether in L1 or L2, were not significantly related to English reading comprehension in three of four models fitted. The results converge with findings from studies with monolinguals demonstrating the influence of oral language on reading comprehension outcomes, and extend these findings by showing that, for language minority learners, L2 oral language exerts a stronger influence than word reading in models of L2 reading.     

Shaken and Stirred: A Content Analysis of Women’s Portrayals in James Bond Films

A quantitative content analysis of 20 James Bond films assessed portrayals of 195 female characters. Key findings include a trend of more sexual activity and greater harm to females over time, but few significant across-time differences in demographic characteristics of Bond women. Sexual activity is predicted by race, attractiveness, size of role, and aggressive behaviors. Being a target of weapons is predicted by size of role, sexual activity, and weapon use, while being harmed is predicted principally by role. End-of-film mortality is predicted by sexual activity, ethical status (good vs. bad), and attempting to kill Bond. This identification of a link between sexuality and violent behavior is noted as a contribution to the media and sex roles literatures.     

Recent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a large-scale survey of the U.S. Air Force: prevalences and demographic risk factors

One-year prevalences of self-reported noteworthy suicidal ideation and nonfatal suicide attempts were assessed in a large sample of U.S. Air Force active duty members (N = 52,780). Participants completed the 2006 Community Assessment, which was conducted online. Over 3% of male and 5.5% of female participants reported having experienced noteworthy suicidal ideation during the previous year, and 8.7% of those with ideation reported a recent suicide attempt. Demographic factors predicting significantly increased risk for suicidal ideation included female gender, low rank, and non-Christian religious affiliation; unmarried men were also at increased risk. Groups that were at increased risk for nonfatal suicide attempts included low-ranking men and Hispanic women. Implications for prevention efforts are discussed.