Adolescent victimization and problem drinking

This study explores the connection between violent victimization in adolescence and subsequent problem drinking. Using national data we estimate the effects of adolescent victimization on a 3-category problem drinking measure (Abstainers, Moderate, and Binge Drinkers). We also examine the differences in the social and personal consequences of drinking across victims and non-victims. These consequences include harm to friendships, health, outlook on life, marriage, work, studies, and financial position. Victims of adolescent violence are more likely to engage in subsequent binge drinking and experience negative drinking consequences, particularly negative financial consequences. The findings are consistent with the adolescent development literature, which has highlighted the importance of violent victimization in the transition to adult roles and responsibilities. Additional research, particularly longitudinal data on violent victimization and substance abuse on a nationally representative sample of young people and adults is needed to further explore the connection between violent victimization and subsequent problem drinking.     

Reducing integrins improves the quality of fly life

Integrins are cell surface receptors that mediate adhesion to the extracellular matrix. In this Perspective, we focus on the recent finding that a decrease in the levels of integrins yields fruit flies that retain youthful mobility as they age and display an increased mean life span. We discuss how the reduction of integrin activity might lead to the observed changes.     

Japanese and American Identities: Values and Their Transmission in the Family

In this paper, we are studying social identities within a cross-national framework as they are reflected in values regarding social institutions. We compare value items to infer similarities and differences between Japan and the US, but more importantly we analyze value configurations, using factor analysis, as an expression of underlying cultural expectations. We also argue that the way values are transmitted further defines the distinctive cultural basis of social identities. Using a unique data set, The Generations Survey , we propose to contribute theoretically and methodologically to understanding the role of culture in postmodern societies. Our research, based on identical national surveys collected in 1995, provides a systematic way to compare values in two countries. The research builds on and specifies existing ethnographic case studies and in-depth interviews around a variety of themes that shape social identities such as the link between family and work expectations, the role of ethical values in business, the importance of national identification, and the meaning of community involvement. The paper concludes by suggesting that despite homogenizing trends and surface similarities, cultural distinctiveness persists in the ways values cluster and is transmitted in the family, shaping the social identities of Japanese and US respondents.     

当代中国的音乐及社会差序——京剧票友会与摇滚乐队“派对”比较研究

本文主要探讨当代中国的两种音乐活动形式——京剧票友会以及摇滚乐队派对。这两种音乐形式虽然在风格上截然不同,但是两种社团在结构上却存在着一定的相似性。这两种活动形式基本上都具有我们所称之为＂为位＂（positioning）的行为,参与者由此在音乐活动中找到他们各自的位置。而且,两种活动形式都涉及到＂外来者的融入＂（outsider integration）,即允许陌生人的参与并在活动中找到他们的位置。     

一位法国人类学家在中国的田野实践——法国人类学家庄雪婵专访

庄雪婵副教授在访谈中谈到了其作为一名法国人类学家在中国进行田野实践的过程。在研究过程中,她深受法国人类学结构主义重要代表人物路易。杜蒙的影响,她运用杜蒙的“个人主义”理论对中国社会中的“个人”与“整体”关系进行了深入分析,她提出,在中国,虽然现代的音乐活动(如摇滚乐队)和传统的音乐活动(如“京剧票友”)在风格上截然不同,但是它们在结构上却存在着一定的相似性。另外,她也根据自己的跨文化研究经验,指出一个人类学家在田野中必须保持自己独立的思想、理性的思维,并做到不以自己的文化来衡量“他者”的文化。同时,她也对现代化进程中传统文化的急速消逝表现出了一个人类学家的忧虑,她呼吁人类学家应该尽快到乡村把这些濒临消逝的传统文化记录下来。     

Effects of neuroticism,extraversion, circadian type and age on reported driver stress

Studies have examined effects of various personality variables, including extraversion and neuroticism, as well as age, on driver stress. However, the effect of the morningness-eveningness dimension (circadian type) on reported driver stress among commuters has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the influence of circadian type as well as extraversion, neuroticism and age on driver stress. Participants were 101 Australian university administrative staff who completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, and also morning and evening driving diaries as a state measure of driver stress each weekday for one week. Two standard multiple regressions assessed whether neuroticism, extraversion, circadian type and age predicted reported driver stress for morning and evening drives. Neuroticism, circadian type, and age predicted reported driver stress in the mornings but age mainly predicted driver stress in the evenings. A repeated measures ANOVA isolated differences between circadian types for weekday mornings and evenings. Reported driver stress differed for day of week and time of day according to circadian type. The three-way interaction suggested that driver stress is influenced by circadian type and that factors influence driver stress differentially between mornings and evenings. Circadian type appears to influence when driver stress affects individuals.     

The perception of occupational stress and its relation to research and teaching among academic staff

Abstract

A sample of full-time teaching staff from a former polytechnic participated in a study to examine the relationships between their perception of occupational stress and their involvement in research. Information was obtained from 60% of staff approached. The mean scores on the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI) for job satisfaction and stress-related measures of mental health and physical health did not differ significantly from data obtained in previous studies on university academic personnel. Scores on these variables were not significantly related to research activity. The degree of satisfaction and degree of stress emanating from participation in research, in teaching and in administration were separately assessed in structured interviews.     

Orphanhood and Completion of Compulsory School Education Among Young People in South Africa: Findings From a National Representative Survey

We examined the association of orphanhood and completion of compulsory school education among young people in South Africa. In South Africa, school attendance is compulsory through grade 9, which should be completed before age 16. However, family and social factors such as orphanhood and poverty can hinder educational attainment. Participants were 10,452 16–24‐year‐olds who completed a South African national representative household survey. Overall, 23% had not completed compulsory school levels. In univariate analyses, school completion was lower among those who had experienced orphanhood during school‐age years, males, and those who reported household poverty. In multivariate analyses controlling for household poverty, females who had experienced maternal or paternal orphanhood were less likely to have completed school; orphanhood was not independently associated with males' school completion. Findings highlight the need for evidence‐informed policies to address the education and social welfare needs of orphans and vulnerable youth, particularly females, in South Africa.