Determinants of Participation in Multi-Family Recycling Programs1

The determinants of recycling in multi-family residences were investigated by administering a 50-item questionnaire to 230 residents of buildings where recycling collection systems had been installed. The level of tenant participation, defined by a composite index of self-reported usage, was positively associated with income, education, recycling motivation, and cleanliness of the recycling system. It was negatively associated with the number of different types of collection containers. At the aggregate level, participation varied considerably between the complexes. These differences were largely accounted for in terms of three system support variables, specified in terms of the “user friendliness” of the recycling system, its spatial location within the complex, and the degree to which the manager supported the program. Multiple regression analysis indicated that user friendliness and manager commitment together accounted for 85.3% of the variance in the aggregate participation index. These results suggested several experimental interventions designed to increase participation in multi-family recycling programs.     

Embarrassing age spots or just plain ugly? Physical attractiveness stereotyping as an instrument of sexism on american television commercials

Frequencies of attractiveness-based messages were examined on 4,294 network television commercials. As expected, attractiveness statements appeared to be associated more with food and drink and personal care ads, and with female performers and with male voice-overs. Implications of an association of women and attractiveness on television are explored.An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, March 1983.     

Recent Suicidal Ideation Among Patients in an Inner City Emergency Department

The rates and associated features of suicidal ideation among 5,641 patients seeking routine, nonsuicide related care in an inner‐city emergency department were examined. Approximately 8% of patients seeking routine care in the emergency department reported some form of suicidal ideation within the past 2 weeks. Suicidal ideation was common in individuals who were single with poorer mental health, had higher depression, and had received some drug or alcohol treatment in the past 3 months or had used cocaine or marijuana in the past 30 days. Improved screening procedures could help to identify routine care patients who are at risk for suicide.     

Observations on Long-Term Group Therapy with Suicidal and Depressed Persons

ABSTRACT: A long-term, open-ended group for depressed and suicidal individuals who had made suicide attempts is described. Two hundred persons participated in the sample groups over a 46-month period, with only 10 suicide attempts and 1 suicide occurring in this high risk group during the period of the study. Our observations corroborated some findings and differed with others reported of experiences with groups of individuals who have manifested suicidal behavior. The paper includes recommendations for starting groups of suicidal persons and emphasizes that this method of therapy appears to be an effective mode of suicide prevention.