Is “Walkability” A Useful Concept for Gerontology?

The study tested two hypotheses: that in a walkable neighborhood, residents will exercise more, eat healthier, and suffer from less obesity and that relation between environment and health outcomes will be stronger for the elderly. Health was measured by physical activity, the number of portions of fruits and vegetables eaten daily, and body mass index. Walkability was measured by three distinct environmental factors—distress, amenities, and residential. The three health outcomes were related to the three environmental factors. Age was not a significant predictor of health outcomes. Although the environment does contribute to health outcomes, the ways that contribution is expressed and its relation to age is complex.     

Mobile MyPlate: A Pilot Study Using Text Messaging to Provide Nutrition Education and Promote Better Dietary Choices in College Students

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of repetitive nutrition-related text messages on college students’ nutrition knowledge and fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants: One hundred fifty undergraduate (18–24 years old) non–health major students with a texting mobile phone. Methods: The intervention group received biweekly text messages of the MyPlate icon and the United States Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines (DGs) for 7 weeks. The control group received the same information in a mailed brochure. A pre and post online survey assessed the students’ knowledge and behavior. Results: The intervention resulted in greater MyPlate food group recognition (p <.05) compared with control and a trend toward improved knowledge of the DGs. In the intervention group, fruit consumption was elevated (p <.05) and a trend toward elevated vegetable consumption was determined. No gender differences in intervention effectiveness exist. Conclusion: Texting repeated messages appears to be an acceptable and effective way to increase nutrition knowledge and promote positive diet-related behaviors in college students.     

Parental Conflict During Divorce as an Indicator of Adjustment and Future Relationships: A Retrospective Sibling Study

We assessed parental conflict during divorce and divorce stories, quality of relationship among siblings during divorce, and attitudes about romantic relationships later in life. Thirty-two undergraduate female participants (18–23 years old) whose parents divorced during the 7 to 13 year old age range completed the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire and an adapted version of the Adult Divorce and Sibling Relationship Interview. Older sibling participants endorsed higher levels of dominance toward younger siblings, more caretaking behavior, and higher levels of parental conflict than younger siblings. Analyses revealed overt conflict exposure related to less confidence in relationship sustainability as young adults. Content analysis demonstrated relationship formation problems and trust in partners.     

Positive and Negative Interactions Observed Between Siblings: Moderating Effects for Children Exposed to Parents' Conflict

This study investigated links between interparental conflict appraisals (specifically threat and self‐blame), sibling relationship quality (positive and negative dimensions), and anxiety in sibling pairs comprised of an adolescent and a younger sibling close in age. Sibling relationship quality was measured through behavioral observation. Links between self‐blame and anxiety were moderated by sibling relationship quality. In older siblings, positive behavior with a sibling was associated with an attenuated relation between self‐blame and anxiety. A paradoxical moderating effect was found for negative interactions; for both younger and older siblings, a relation between self‐blame and anxiety was weakened in the presence of sibling negativity. Results offered support for theorized benefits of sibling relationship quality in helping early adolescents adjust to conflict between parents.     

Perceptions of Abusive Parenting Behaviors: A Preliminary Exploration Into the Underrecognition of Mother–Daughter Sexual Abuse

ABSTRACT

The current study examined the influence of the sex of the parent and the sex of the child on perceptions of sexually abusive behaviors. Vignettes illustrating different forms of sexual abuse were rated by 124 participants, with the different parent–child pairs (mother–daughter, mother–son, father–daughter, father–son) substituted into the vignettes being the only difference between groups. Two-way between subjects ANOVAs revealed that sexually abusive behaviors by mothers were perceived as less damaging to child victims (F (1, 120 = 7.56, p < .01) than the same sexually abusive behaviors committed by fathers. In addition, sexually abusive behaviors by mothers toward daughters were perceived as the least abusive (F (1, 120 = 16.30, p < .001) and the least criminal (F (1, 120 = 4.44, p < .05) as compared to the other three groups. Results suggest that perceptions of sexual abuse may be influenced by perceptions of sex and gender.     

A Case Study Approach to Reducing the Risks of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

ABSTRACT

The risk of child sexual exploitation is a growing concern, both within community and child care settings. Within community services working with vulnerable young people, the risks of exploitation are pervasive and present a constant management problem for professionals. This makes the need for focused educational interventions within such settings all the more vital. This case study aims to describe the assessment, formulation, intervention, and outcomes of a young female considered to be at risk of sexual exploitation. It was hypothesised that, after completion of a psychoeducational group designed to enhance knowledge and skills around child sexual exploitation, positive outcomes would be seen in psychometric assessment, risk-taking behavior, and risk awareness. Results demonstrated no clinically significant change for measures of impulsivity, resourcefulness, or self-reported difficulties. A significant increase was seen for self-reported self-esteem, and all outcomes revealed a positive direction of change. Observational accounts of behavioral and attitudinal change produced more positive results, revealing an increase in prosocial behaviors and a reduction in risk-taking behaviors. Outcomes are discussed in relation to the individual’s history and the residential care environment. Implications for future research and practice are outlined, and the study limitations are considered.     

REPRODUCING NATION,REDESIGNING POSITIONING: RUSSIAN AND pALESTINIAN STUDENTS INTERPRET UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE

This paper discusses the reproduction of hegemony and social hierarchy through education. It brings together two case studies of marginal groups at a university—Russian Jewish immigrants and Palestinian Israeli women—who make sense of their position in social hierarchies and power relations through constant interpretative work on the various dimensions of university knowledge. The article reveals how marginal actors’ interpretations of knowledge simultaneously are guided by students’ positioning vis-à-vis the dominant collective and also articulate and redesign positioning. The two groups redesign their marginalities vis-à-vis the Israeli-Jewish collective by transforming knowledge to identity. In so doing, these groups reproduce national borders of Israeli social hierarchy, while working to change the meaning of these borders for their group's positioning.     

LGBTQ+ Youths’ Community Engagement and Resource Seeking Online versus Offline

Abstract

LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) youth are at increased risk for negative outcomes. Yet little is known about their engagement with communities and resources that may ameliorate risk, particularly online. Oriented by a uses and gratifications approach, this secondary analysis (n?=?4,009) of LGBTQ+ youth (aged 14–29) compares online versus offline experiences. Respondents were significantly more likely to participate in LGBTQ+ communities online. Youth were also more active, and felt safer and more supported, when participating in online LGBTQ?+?communities. Additionally, respondents sought online information, support, and resources at higher rates than offline. Increased attention toward online programming and resource development is warranted.