Evaluating paired categorical data when the pairing is lost

We encountered a problem in which a study's experimental design called for the use of paired data, but the pairing between subjects had been lost during the data collection procedure. Thus we were presented with a data set consisting of pre and post responses but with no way of determining the dependencies between our observed pre and post values. The aim of the study was to assess whether an intervention called Self-Revelatory Performance had an impact on participant's perceptions of Alzheimer's disease. The participant's responses were measured on an Affect grid before the intervention and on a separate grid after. To address the underlying question in light of the lost pairing we utilized a modified bootstrap approach to create a null hypothesized distribution for our test statistic, which was the distance between the two Affect Grids' Centers of Mass. Using this approach we were able to reject our null hypothesis and conclude that there was evidence the intervention influenced perceptions about the disease.     

Morality policy processes in advanced industrial democracies

In recent years, several countries have experienced widespread, intense debates about morality issues such as the death penalty, abortion, ART/stem cell research, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia. Assuming the distinctiveness of morality policies from other policy fields, this article analyses three alternative institutional models for explaining variations in the amount of conflict over these morality issues across 24 Western democracies. Is either the US-developed “policy type” model or the European-developed “two worlds” of morality politics, based on religious and secular party systems, applicable more broadly? Are there regional patterns (Europe and non-Europe) to any institutional findings? How does each model contribute to our understanding of morality policy comparatively across Western democracies? We find broader cross-national support for the policy type model, with the two worlds model largely restricted to Europe. The US has more morality policy conflict because of its unusual combination of a political party targeting religiously oriented voters within an institutional framework of multiple venues. The US and other non-European countries have similar patterns of institutional deliberation through decentralization, and the US also has similarities in multiple venues with religious party systems in Europe. Secular European party systems with centralized institutions have the fewest venues for morality policy debate.     

Women's perceptions of the effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy on skin

Although women frequently associate skin issues with menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), little work has been done to investigate a possible relationship. A questionnaire was given to women attending a specialist menopause clinic; 87 women responded. Skin problems generally were common, with over 64% of respondents reporting past problems. Around half felt that the menopause had resulted in skin changes; dry skin was the predominant complaint at this stage. However, use of HRT in the short term did not result in any conclusive trends in skin condition in the majority of users.     

Effects of Rural and Urban Population Dynamics and National Development on Deforestation in Less‐Developed Countries, 1990–2000*

While prior research and theorization establish connections between population growth and environmental degradation, there is a relative paucity of research on what particular aspects of population dynamics are most closely associated with specific types of degradation. Considering all less‐developed countries for which data are available, using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression we generate quantitative, cross‐national models for rates of deforestation in the last decade of the twentieth century. The opposite effects of rural and urban population dynamics are of particular concern. While both influence deforestation rates, the effects of rural population change tend to be more profound and more robust. We discuss these findings in light of theoretical work about circular migration and rural encroachment. In addition, we examine the impact of economic development on deforestation while controlling for political and social welfare variables. Findings suggest a trend toward rapidly increasing rates of deforestation in the least‐developed countries. We conclude with a discussion of how rural–urban population dynamics, in combination with other aspects of national development, affect the natural environment, particularly in light of an increasingly interconnected world economy.     

Postabortion Depressive Reactions in College Women

Abstract

Depression as a postabortion phenomenon is explored in relation to women at a major university. Characteristics of depressive reactions are presented in light of the merging of adolescent and adult symptomatology. Research on the psychological sequelae of abortion is reviewed, with the focus on both short-term and long-term effects. Finally, some reflections are made on the experiences of women seen in a college health service, suggesting the continued importance of assessing the woman's capacity for mastery in a crisis situation, her ability to assimilate loss, and to regain a sense of personal autonomy. There is evidence to suggest the usefulness of ongoing therapy in the postabortion period for some women.     

STATUS ATTAINMENT IN AMERICA: THE ROLES OF LOCUS OF CONTROL AND SELF-ESTEEM IN EDUCATIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL OUTCOMES

A wide range of theoretical and empirical treatments link parental background to educational and occupational outcomes for children . Comparatively few studies have examined these effects in concert with the related social psychological dynamics of self - esteem and locus of control . Our multivariate examination of 1,927 respondents shows that net of traditionally employed regressors such as parental education and occupation , self-esteem and locus of control materially affect respondents' educational and occupational attainments . The article concludes with a discussion of the importance of self-esteem and locus of control as social psychological facilitants to status attainment and identifies directions for future research .     

Women's acceptance of the diaphragm: The role of relationship factors

The vaginal diaphragm is a candidate for a female‐controlled method that could reduce risk of HIV/STI acquisition. We examined the association between relationship and partner factors and three measures of diaphragm acceptability: current use, consistency of use, and satisfaction with use. We conducted a telephone survey with 448 female members of a managed care organization, aged 18–49, who currently used contraception (including 140 diaphragm users, 187 pill users, and 121 male condom users). Use of a specific contraceptive was significantly associated with relationship length, condom‐use negotiation self‐efficacy, importance of covert use, perceived motivation of partner to prevent HIV/STIs, and perceived satisfaction of partner with current method. In addition, among diaphragm users, communication about HIV/STIs and perceived partner motivation to use a diaphragm were related to consistent use. These results suggest that acceptability of contraceptive methods among women is influenced by their perceptions of their male partner and relationship factors.     

Women and technology: A review of training initiatives

Abstract

This paper considers the entry of women into technological areas of work, their subsequent career progression and return to work after a career break. It considers the development of those training programmes and related initiatives which have attempted to encourage girls and young women to enter non-traditional areas of work, and others which help women return to work after a career break. It emphasizes that such training needs to address the psychological and social issues which arise, as well as provide for new technical knowledge and skills. In doing so it reviews some of the courses which are currently available and comments on their apparent success. In its concluding problems it refers to the on-going problem of funding such training and of providing a supportive database.