The slippery slope of constructivism

While constructivism as both a philosophy and a clinical practice is being embraced by many individual and family practitioners, it remains controversial. This paper examines the difficulties one encounters in trying to balance the client's “relative truths” with those around them, including that of the therapist. Through the use of clinical vignettes, the authors demonstrate the difficulties inherent in dealing with ambiguities in the clinical situation, balancing the client's perspective, with that of a predominant culture or biological “fact,” and considering the issue of the client's “veracity.” Particular attention is paid to the difficulties involved in work with trauma survivors, whose own recollections of events may be ambiguous. Finally, the authors discuss the implications that constructivism holds for research and social action and advocacy. In sum, the authors recognize significant promise in the constructivist perspective, but caution clinicians to consider the inherent difficulties in a theory that relies on the relativity of truth.     

Strategies for Implementing a Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Abstract

This report examines the rationale for creating a tobacco-free campus to utilize in passing antitobacco policies, and recommendations for overcoming barriers. As with any type of advocacy effort, a variety of impediments exist, including lack of administrative and staff support, absence of student involvement, and sparse resources. A variety of potential remedies and advocacy opportunities are explored and delineated.     

Metabolic Syndrome,Obesity, and Related Risk Factors Among College Men and Women

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome (MbS) and its criteria, and nutrient intakes of college-age men and women via a large-scale screening. Participants and Methods: From August 2005 to July 2008, 2,722 subjects were recruited for the ongoing, cross-sectional Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative project. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary data were collected. Results: Approximately one-half of men and more than one-quarter of women were overweight or obese. MbS was identified in 9.9% of men and 3.0% of women; 77% of men and 54% of women had at least 1 MbS criterion. Intakes of saturated fat, magnesium, and fiber, as well as body mass index and reported physical activity levels were related to MbS. Conclusions: Because of high rates of overweight/obesity and MbS, college-age adults are at risk for developing chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease     

An Analysis of Labor Transfer Fluctuation in China: An Empirical Study Based on A RBC Model

A RBC model is built to study labor transfer fluctuation in China. Then an empirical study of labor transfer between 1978 and 2009 is conducted mainly to explore the impacts of technology shocks on the labor transfer in China. The study has several main findings. Firstly China’s labor transfer has obvious cyclical fluctuation, and it is pro-cyclical with output. Secondly with the improved RBC model, the variance of China’s cyclical fluctuation can be mainly explained by technology shocks, and especially over half of fluctuation of labor transfer can be explained by it. Thirdly technology shocks have a positive effect on outputs, consumptions, investments and labor transfer, but it has a negative effect on the employment.     

Social Context of Smoking Hookah Among College Students: Scale Development and Validation

Abstract

Objective: To develop an instrument that measures the social context of hookah use among college students. Participants: A pool of 50 potential items, based on 44 in-depth interviews with regular college hookah smokers, was administered to a sample of 274 hookah users between October and December 2011. Methods: Participants were approached in hookah bars and asked to complete the survey. Results: A principle components analysis revealed 3 reliable factors: social facilitation, family/cultural influence, and alternative to smoking cigarettes and drinking. These were examined across different categories of hookah use: Weekly hookah users were more likely to smoke in a context of social facilitation than the other 2 groups. Similar effects were observed for family/cultural influence. Asians were more likely to smoke in a context of family and cultural influence than non-Asians. Conclusions: This scale has potential for identifying situation-specific contexts of hookah use that may help in designing effective interventions for college students.