Social networks and partner stress as predictors of adherence to medication, rehabilitation attendance, and quality of life following acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether social network size and partner stress predicted medication adherence, cardiac rehabilitation attendance, and quality of life 12 months following hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). DESIGN: ACS patients (N = 193, M age = 60.6 years, SD = 11.4 years, 23% female) were recruited shortly following admission to 4 local hospitals. A prospective design was employed with follow-up data collected 12 months following hospital admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were gathered on social network size and partner stress. The main outcomes assessed at 12 months were medication adherence, cardiac rehabilitation attendance, and quality of life (Short Form 36). RESULTS: Partner stress predicted medication nonadherence, odds ratio: 2.89, (95% CI = 1.21, 6.95). ACS patients with large social networks were more likely to attend rehabilitation, odds ratio: 3.42, (95% CI = 1.42, 8.25). Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, clinical risk scores, readmission/recurrence, and negative affectivity. Both partner stress and smaller social network size were associated with poorer quality of life. CONCLUSION: Social network size and partner stress may partly exert their influence on coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality through recovery behaviors and maintenance of quality of life.     

SSRAT: The processing of rating scales for the determination of two-dimensional sociometric status

SSRAT is an MS-DOS computer program for two-dimensional sociometric status determination with rating scales. It classifies members of a population into five sociometric status groups, using 3-, 5-, 7-, or 9-point ratings in matrices of assessors and assessed. The processing of rating scales instead of nominations offers several advantages, including increased variability and reliability of the resulting scores. SSRAT is built on the null hypothesis of conditional random attribution of ratings, according to the particular probability distribution of an assessor. Output is available in the form of an ASCII SPSS data file for further statistical processing. Recent studies show that SSRAT, in comparison with nomination methods, (1) is superior in determining popular persons while it detects rejected persons as well, and (2) probably yields classifications that have a higher temporal stability.     

British semantic differential responses on world powers

Investigating stereotypes associated with world powers, 28 men and 28 women at a British university rated 24 world powers using the semantic differential. Significance tests show the relationship of the powers to concepts assumed to measure the Evaluative, Potency, and Activity factors. Three-dimensional models show the relative positioning by men and by women. Results indicate (1) general agreement between men and women; (2) superpowers close to BAD and STRONG; (3) countries associated with war and strife closer to BAD, WEAK, and PASSIVE. Comparisons were made with an American sample. The need for doing further stereotype studies over time was stressed.     

Determining the degree of inconsistency in a set of paired comparisons

Consistency in paired comparison data is defined. Two types of inconsistency which may arise are defined. Computational formulas for these types of inconsistency are derived, and examples illustrating the use of these formulas are presented.These ideas were developed while the first author was on the staff of the Research Center for Human Relations. The work was made possible by the ONR contract NONR 285(10). The authors are indebted to Jack Moshman for his helpful critical suggestions. The United States Government is authorized to reprint this article in whole or in part.