Validating Benefit and Cost Estimates: The Case of Airbag Regulation

Preregulation estimates of benefits and costs are rarely validated after regulations are implemented. This article performs such a validation for the mandatory automobile airbag requirement. We found that the original 1984 model used to estimate benefits became invalid when 1997 values were input into that 1984 model. However, using a published 1997 cost-effectiveness model, we demonstrate, by replacing the model inputs with the values from 1984, that the 1997 cost-effectiveness ratios, based on real-world crash data and tear-down cost data, are less attractive than what would have been originally anticipated. The three most important errors in the 1984 input values are identified: the overestimation of airbag effectiveness, the overestimation of baseline fatality/injury rates, and the underestimation of manual safety belt use. This case study, which suggests that airbags are a reasonable investment in safety, shows that the regulatory analysis tools do not always produce findings that are biased against health, safety, and environmental regulation. Future validation studies of health, safety, and environmental regulation should focus on validation of benefit and risk estimates, areas where we found significant error, as well as on cost estimates.     

Follow-up of male pathological gamblers after treatment: The relationship of intellectual variables to relapse

Male pathological gamblers entering a comprehensive treatment program were followed-up for twelve months after treatment completion. Twelve month follow-up was obtained for 45 of the 66 patients entering treatment. Total abstinence was reported by 55% (n=25) of the patients located for twelve month follow-up. A relationship was found between abstinence at six month follow-up and selected subscales of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, performance scale. The implications of these findings for sub-typing gamblers are discussed.     

The importance of coping skill enhancement in the treatment of the pathological gambler

The importance of coping skill enhancement in the treatment of pathological gamblers is discussed. It is particularly critical to assess and enhance the coping skills of relapse prone gamblers who are marked by unusual degrees of impulsivity, high levels of negative affect and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A study of 1129 substance abusers, including 140 with serious gambling problems is reported. All were assessed to determine their repertoire of coping skills. The patients with serious gambling problems utilized significantly more avoidant and impulsive coping styles.     

KAIGAI-SHIJO Socialization in Toronto

Abstract  This article is based on a study of kaigai-shijo (children of Japanese temporary overseas residents) in Toronto, Canada. Although the theme of kikoku-shijo (returnee children) has been studied in considerable detail by Japanese (and a few American) scholars, the phase that precedes the return to Japan, that is, the children's experience while overseas has been relatively neglected. The article argues that kaigai-shijo are not only a subject worth studying in their own right, but that understanding their experience is crucial in order to fully appreciate the phenomenon of kikoku-shijo . The researcher conducted a study of kaigai-shijo in Toronto, focusing on their patterns of socialization. While taking into account findings from the few previous studies on kaigai-shijo , this study used concepts from the North American literature on socialization and ethnic groups studies. kaigai-shijo socialization was thus conceptualized as the combination of two processes: the adoption of host cultural patterns, and the retention of Japanese cultural patterns. Three main variations in kaigai-shijo socialization were found: 1) 'Host culture oriented', 2) Japanese culture-oriented, and 3) 'dual'. Some of the most relevant factors in explaining these variations were the age of the child (at the time of departure from Japan and at the time of the research), the parents' strategy of adaptation, and the length of stay in the host country (actual and remaining).     

Negative impact of sexual abuse on adult male gender: Issues and strategies of intervention

Although male sexual abuse has co-existed with female sexual abuse, the professional literature has paid minimal attention to the impact of sexual abuse of male children to their adult adaptation. This paper concentrates on the negative impact of sexual abuse on the adult male's gender identity. Examples of eight male clients' responses to sexual abuse in their adult life and the therapeutic framework utilized to work with them are discussed in the paper.This paper was originally presented at the ICAPP conference, 1993.He teaches advanced clinical practice, Human Behavior and AIDS ELECTIVE. He maintains a private practice specializing in Gay men, persons with HIV virus.