Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Parenting: An Effect of Gender

The definition of family in Australia has been continuously changing over the past four decades. The 21^st century has brought with it various images of family, with an increase of awareness to same-sex families; however, the acceptance of such family structures does not appear to be widespread and is often determined by sex. Substantive literature demonstrates differences between men and women in attitudes toward same-sex parenting, with theory suggesting that gender role norms may explain this. Despite large efforts to determine sex differences in attitudes toward same-sex parenting, little research, and even less in Australia, has been done to investigate whether there are differences in reasons behind negative attitudes toward same-sex parenting between men and women. To further this understanding, an Australian sample (N= 790) ranging in age from 18-78 completed a survey regrading attitudes toward same-sex parenting, in addition to relevant demographic information. Participants reported more positive attitudes about parenting by lesbians as compared to parenting by gay men. Reasons behind attitudes toward same-sex parenting also differed between males and females. Results suggested that the impact of socially prescribed gender norms may affect prejudice toward same-sex families. Despite an increase in tolerance for sexual minorities recently, policies that continue to discriminate against same-sex parenting rights demonstrates the importance of continuing to identify potential influences of same-sex family prejudice to reduce the potentially negative impacts associated with the prejudice.     

Parents,services and system: an exploration of power dynamics in future planning among parent carers for people with disability

Interactions between services and families have significant implications for families planning for the future needs of a family member who has a disability. However, little research interrogates the implications of these relationships for parent carers’ agency in this planning. This qualitative study explored parents’ experiences with public and not-for-profit services during planning. Findings revealed varied and fluid power dynamics, with attempts by carers to shift to more productive power relations, which carried risks and costs. In a context characterised by systemic constraints, these shifts create an iterative planning process, and highlight the need to support parents to use power productively.     

Childhood sexual abuse severity reconsidered: a factor structure of CSA characteristics

To address the lack of empirically grounded measures of childhood sexual abuse severity, a survey of self-report items was developed following a thorough review of the childhood sexual abuse literature. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data collected from a convenience sample of college students that included 275 females and males with a history of childhood sexual abuse. The solution produced seven factors interpreted as the following: (a) less intrusive forms of childhood sexual abuse (e.g., sexual invitations, kissing), (b) more intrusive forms of childhood sexual abuse (e.g., oral sex, intercourse), (c) humiliation/fear, (d) childhood sexual abuse involving photography, (e) familiarity with the perpetrator, (f) physical force/rape, and (g) active digital penetration. Correlations among these factors further suggested the existence of two relatively independent second-order factors, one based on the levels of physical intrusiveness and the other composed of the psychological/emotional factors. While arguably the most common measurement of severity, physical intrusiveness had little association with critical factors such as humiliation, fear, and association with the perpetrator. Consequently, physical intrusiveness appears to be an inadequate stand-alone measure of childhood sexual abuse severity. These results are proposed to lay the groundwork for an improved, more comprehensive measure of childhood sexual abuse severity.     

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Individual Criteria in College Students

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is present in young adults and because coronary heart disease (CHD) is likely, screening to determine MetS prevalence and its criteria is critical. Objective: To determine MetS prevalence and most prevalent criteria in a sample of first-year college students. Participants: First-year college students between 18 and 24 years of age (n = 189). Methods: Metabolic syndrome was defined using the updated 2001 National Cholesterol Education Programs Adult Treatment Panel III. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were obtained. Lipid and glucose concentrations were determined. Results: Overall prevalence of MetS was 3.7%. Prevalence of 1 or 2 MetS criteria was 28.0% and 7.4%, respectively. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (20.1%) and elevated triacylglycerol (17.5%) concentrations were the most prevalent criteria. Conclusions: Young adults have and are at risk of developing MetS. Identification of MetS early in life is critical and screening young adults will aid in targeted intervention development to decrease CHD risk.     

A content analysis of sexual health and substance use information presented on study abroad websites: Findings and recommendations

Abstract

Objective: Despite study abroad students frequently engaging in risky behaviors, there is a dearth of research exploring prevention efforts taken by study abroad programs. The goal of this project was to examine information presented on study abroad program websites regarding sexual assault, alcohol use, drug use, and risky sexual behavior. Participants: A total of 753 universities in the US were selected from the Carnegie Classification of Institutes database. Method: Coders evaluated the website of each institution’s study abroad program for the presence of information about the four factors of interest. Results: Sixty-seven percent of the websites provided no information on any of these risk behaviors. Chi-square analyses revealed institutional demographic differences in the presentation of prevention information. We also identified three emerging themes about avenues for modifying website content. Conclusion: Study abroad programs can provide more detail and action oriented information on their websites for students.     

Coparenting in Intact and Divorced Families: Its Impact on Young Adult Adjustment

ABSTRACT

This study examined the potential mediating roles of coparenting and parenting practices on the relationship between marital status and young adult adjustment in intact and divorced or separated families. Participants were 340 undergraduate students from intact and divorced or separated families who completed questionnaires that tapped a range of adjustment factors (mental health, fear of intimacy, work ethic, self-esteem, delinquency) along with coparenting and parenting practices. Data were analyzed via structural equation modeling. Results suggest that coparenting and parenting practices, including parental hostility, parental cooperation, mothering, and fathering, are important partial mediators of the relationship between marital status and young adult adjustment. Intervention and legal implications are discussed.     

Why do I dread looking old?: A test of social identity theory,terror management theory,and the double standard of aging

ABSTRACT

Outward appearance is one of the means by which age is determined, and fear of looking old may stem from fears about social identity and death. This study explored how social identity theory and terror management theory may help to explain the dread of looking old. University students from the United States, England, and Australia (N = 1,042) completed a questionnaire regarding their attitudes about aging and older adults. Results indicated that sex, age, beliefs about personal aging, and death anxiety explained 30.4% of the variance for participants’ dread of looking old. Theoretical hypotheses were supported by our findings.     

(Mis)Perceptions Around Intimate Partner Violence in the Music Video and Lyrics for “Love the Way You Lie”

This paper utilizes content analysis to deconstruct depictions of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the music video and lyrics for Eminem's hit single featuring Rihanna, “Love the Way You Lie,” using a composite of six common myth-based beliefs around IPV. Findings indicate that the myths espoused within the music video and lyrics directly and indirectly blame the victim and minimize IPV. There is a need to critically analyze depictions of IPV in the media, as consumers may refer to these representations in order to place their own experiences into context.