Challenging the generational transmission of tobacco smoking: a novel harm reduction approach in vulnerable families

Anti‐smoking measures have been effective in reducing smoking in the general population but have been less effective with people in lower economic quintiles. The effects of parental smoking on children are adverse, long reaching and increase the likelihood of smoking in adulthood. Thus, persistent tobacco smoking is often a feature in generational patterns of poverty and marginalization. In this project, the researcher, a social worker, developed a hypothesis about how links between poverty, smoking and its impact on children at risk could be challenged. A literature review was conducted to explore the hypothesis and the findings were used to develop a strategy to work with impoverished, marginalized parents of children considered at risk by the Child Protection system. The strategy was applied as an exploratory study using qualitative methods to garner insights into factors that changed smoking behaviour at home. Quantitative methods were used to measure change. The study indicated that the strategy is promising, with all parents either ceasing or significantly reducing daily smoking. The number of children exposed to tobacco smoke at home was reduced from 36 to 5. The promising results of this study may enhance the range of solution behaviours for parents and social workers seeking to improve the health and well‐being of vulnerable children.     

The validity of the occupational stress indicator

This paper investigates the validity of four subscales of the Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI). Data derived from a sample of British managers are used to generate a multitrait-multimethod matrix. The results obtained suggest that three of the four OSI sales (job satisfaction, mental health, type A behaviour) show acceptable validity. The fourth scale (locus of control) needs further development. Further analysis, using multiple regression procedures, was conducted to explore the validity of the theoretical ideas underlying the OSI. The results reveal that both sources of pressure at work and type A behaviour are linked to mental health and job satisfaction.     

HRM Practices and Employee Commitment: Possibilities, Pitfalls and Paradoxes

Much recent writing on Human Resources Management (HRM) has emphasized the desirability of a committed workforce and the central role of HRM practices in establishing and maintaining such commitment. Little empirical evidence for such effects has been presented however, and the conceptualization of employee commitment has often been confused, failing to recognize its multi–dimensional nature. Researchers have sought to identify the antecedents of commitment, concentrating on personal/demographic, task, role and supervisory style variables taken from job satisfaction research. With regard to organizational and career commitment, it may be more fruitful to examine the impact of HRM policies and practices. Several studies undertaken by the authors demonstrating the impact on employee commitment of such HRM practices as selection, assessment, induction and training are reviewed, indicating the possibilities for research and practice in this area. Such studies also reveal some pitfalls in the over–simple, uncritical models of commitment often presented, and some paradoxical findings from the authors' own work are used to present a more adequate perspective on the commitment process.     

Direct observation of computer workplace risk factors of college students

Recently, researchers have reported high musculoskeletal symptom prevalence at several US colleges. Since ergonomic interventions have been shown to prevent and reduce disability, it is important to identify the risk factors for developing symptoms among college students. A nested case-control study was completed to determine computer-related ergonomic risks associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. A trained observer completed ergonomic assessments on 52 randomly selected cases and controls. More than 75 percent (cases and controls combined) of the population was exposed to nine potential postural strains including: arms not along side during keying or mousing; lower back not supported; not having chair accessories; computer monitor not adjustable; mouse being too high or low; hand/wrist/forearm in contact with the desk edge; lack of wrist support; and keyboard not being adjustable. Cases and controls were equally likely to have substantially elevated risks but because the sample was small and lacked power, no risks were statistically significant. Since many known risk factors were prevalent in cases and controls, more research is required to evaluate and prevent injury in this population.     

Gwyn Campbell,Suzanne Miers and Joseph C. Miller (eds), Women and Slavery. Vol.I: Africa,the Indian Ocean World and the Medieval North Atlantic

Paul Veyne (ed.), A History of Private Life from Pagan Rome to Byzantium, vol. 1 of Philippe Aries and Georges Duby (eds), A History of Private Life (1987), ix + 670 (Cambridge, Mass, and London, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, £24.95).