Size of Family of Orientation and Family Size Preference: A Replication

Abstract

Past studies have found a modest, positive association between size of family of orientation and preferred family size and fertility behavior in the family of procreation. While there is some consistency in the findings, contradictions are also noted. The present study replicates earlier studies dealing with preferred family size, and seeks to resolve some of the contradictions by utilizing multiple classification analysis to determine the simultaneous impact of parental family size, religion, happiness, lifestyle stability, and birth order on family size preference.     

Social Control and Delinquent Behavior: An Examination of the Elements of the Social Bond

This research examines the overall and relative effects of the elements of Hirschi's Social Bonding Theory on four separate measures of deviance using data drawn from a sample of 3065 adolescents. The magnitude and direction of the observed relationships moderately support the theory for all four deviant behavior scales; the elements of the bond are more predictive of the less serious forms of deviance than they are of the more serious forms. The element of commitment is more strongly related to deviant behavior than either the element of belief or attachment. A comparison of the theory for males and females demonstrates that the overall model consistently explains more variation in the dependent variables for females than it does for males. The commitment and belief variables are more strongly related to deviant behavior for females than for males while attachment is more important for males. These findings are discussed in relation to the overall viability of social bonding theory.     

Couples treatment issues for recovering male compulsive gamblers and their partners

Until recently, the couple relationship has been relatively neglected in both clinical reports and systematic research in the compulsive gambling literature. This article suggests the need for family and intergenerational assessment as well as early interventions within the couple system. The following treatment issues are discussed: multiple addictions; finances; control and power; anger; sexuality; and emotional intimacy. Overcoming deficits in intimacy is viewed as central to couples recovery.     

Gambling and other risk behaviors on university campuses

To examine the prevalence of problem gambling and its relationship to other risk-taking behaviors, the authors surveyed 1,350 undergraduates at the 4 campuses of Connecticut State University (CSU) during fall 2000. On the basis of a modified version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen, a widely used screening instrument, they found that 18% of the men and 4% of the women reported that gambling had led to at least 3 negative life consequences (eg, felt guilty, gambled more than intended), commonly defined as problem gambling. Students identified as problem gamblers, compared with other students, were significantly more likely to be heavy drinkers, report negative consequences of alcohol consumption, and be regular tobacco and marijuana users. Problem gambling was related to binge eating and greater use of weight-control efforts. University athletes were also found to have significantly greater problem gambling rates than nonathletes. The majority of students gambled but experienced few of the negative consequences reported by problem gamblers.