Family functioning and the social adaptation of hearing-impaired youths

This study examined the associations between important aspects of family functioning and the adjustment of hearing-impaired youths. Participants were 75 hearing-impaired youths and their hearing parents. The dependent variables were mothers' and fathers' ratings of child behavior problems and social competence. Independent variables included parental symptomatology, parental ratings of family stress, and family members' perceptions of family cohesion and family adaptability. Demographic characteristics and the youth's degree of hearing loss and mode of communication were used as control variables. Results from multiple regression analyses showed that parental ratings of the youths' behavior problems were linked with parental symptomatology, and that maternal ratings of the youths' behavior problems were associated with low family adaptability. Parental ratings of the youths' social competence were predicted by family stress. Overall, key aspects of family functioning accounted for considerably more variance than did the control variables. The methodological and conceptual implications of the findings are discussed.     

The Equity-Control Model as a Predictor of Vandalism Among College Students1

The equity-control model of vandalism (Baron & Fisher, 1984; Fisher & Baron, 1982) is used to conceptualize vandalism among college students. The model predicts that vandalism is most likely where there are low perceived equity (perceived lack of fairness in one's social or environmental arrangements) and low to moderate perceived control (perceived inability to effectively modify outcomes and arrangements). To test the model, university students were given questionnaires which measured perceived equity and control as these factors relate to the university and to dormitory living. Using multiple regression analysis, the interaction of equity and control was predictive of vandalism: Subjects with low perceived equity and control were most likely to report they engaged in vandalistic acts.     

Prayer as a model of communication

The paper deals with the principles of good communication between persons, taking the traditional forms of prayer—confession, petition, praise, thanksgiving, and contemplation—as models. It is divided into two sections: The first presents the principles of poor communication and sets these within a theological context, followed by the principles of good communication; the second section suggests two practical applications of this material: (1) marriage counseling by Christian pastors, and (2) a short, Christian education course.Sylvia Fleming Crocker has a Ph.D. in philosophy and an M.A. in comparative religion. She is a Gestalt therapist in private practice in Laramie, Wyoming.     

Differential effects of localized lesions of n. accumbens on morphine- and amphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity in the C57BL/6J mouse.

Mice of the C57BL/6J strain became hyperactive to increasing doses of morphine sulfate. This response was similar to locomotor hyperactivity induced by amphetamine. Lesions and chemical blockade of posterior n. accumbens abolished amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and reduced but did not abolish the morphine response. These experiments demonstrate that the response to the two drugs is mediated by overlapping but noncongruent neural systems.     

Marital Adjustment of Army Spouses One Year After Operation Desert Storm1

One year after Operation Desert Storm, marital adjustment was studied among 773 Army spouses married to soldiers who had been deployed. Interviews with some spouses and soldiers, conducted during site visits to a sample of installations, led to the identification of 19 marital adjustment events. Questions regarding these events were included in a mailed questionnaire that was sent to a sample of Army spouses. A factor analysis of the 19 events produced five factors: (a) Distance, (b) Closeness, (c) Role sharing, (d) Independent Spouse, (e) Dependent Spouse/Withdrawn Soldier. Predictors of factor scores were examined through multiple regression analysis. Predictors of factor scores included stress, prior marital problems, social support, and emotional well-being. Most spouses adjusted well to the deployment. Adjustment patterns are discussed in light of previous literature on war separation and attachment theory.     

Gender differences in causal attributions by college students of performance on course examinations

Gender differences in causal attributions and emotions for imagined success and failure on examinations were investigated. Males made stronger ability attributions for success than females, whereas females emphasized the importance of studying and paying attention. Males more than females attributed failure to a lack of studying and low interest, but females were more likely than males to blame an F on a lack of ability. Females experienced stronger emotions than did males; they felt happier than males did after success but felt more like a failure than did males after imagining receiving an F on an examination. Some of the gender differences in causal attributions, especially for ability attributions, depended on the gender-type of the subject matter of the examinations. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

Embodied Religious Thought: Gender Categories in Mesoamerica

Soon Huemac found out [that] his daughter was sick.He then asked the women who were taking care of her‘What did she do? [. . .] How did this heat enter my daughter?’And the women who took care of her answered,‘It’s the Tohuenyo, he who’s selling chili:he has put fire in her, he’s made her restless. That’s how it began, that’s how it is that she fell sick’.-Códice MatritenseBody perceptions are embedded both in gender and culture. Mesoamerican sources are particularly revealing of that relationship. Concepts like equilibrium and fluidity are fundamental to grasp perception-constructions of bodies in ancient Mexico. A review of primary sources for the history of ancient Mexico manifests a conception of corporality that could be denominated ‘embodied thought’. Equilibrium, fluidity and gender define the way the body is conceptualized.     

The relationship variable in behavioral consultation

Behavioral consultation has traditionally been conceptualized as a scientific-technological exchange process where the primary goal is the transfer of information. Perceived reluctance of school personnel to use behavioral techniques has been seen as a special problem of educational settings. However, current understanding of this reluctance has emerged from the treatment adherence literature which stresses the complexity of adherence in clinical settings. One important issue which has emerged is the critical importance of the consultation relationship. While behavioral consultation has utilized an expert model focused on client behavior and problem solving, the efficacy of a more collaborative consultation style has been recommended. Behavioral consultants need to attend to factors such as communication strategies that facilitate shared responsibility as well as to understand consultees' explanations for their problems and their treatment expectations. Such skills need to be incorporated directly into the education of behavioral consultants along with behavioral technology if the behavioral model is to be disseminated widely into educational practice.