Commentary: Overgeneralization Effects in Perceiving Nonverbal Behavior: Evolutionary and Ecological Origins

The three papers in this special issue provide novel applications of an evolutionary approach to nonverbal behavior. While each analysis of reactions to nonverbal cues has merit, it also is valuable to place these separate phenomena within a broader framework than can encompass them all. The ecological approach to social perception provides such a framework. It conceptualizes all of the reactions as overgeneralizations of responses that are adaptive in their original context, and it suggests proximal mechanisms that can predict ecological variations in these reactions.     

A RECONSIDERATION OF THE FAMILY-OF-ORIGIN SCALE

Recent studies published in this journal have debated the merits of the Family-of-Origin Scale (Hovestadt, Piercy, Anderson, Cochran, & Fine, 1985), a measure designed to tap the psychological health of one's family of origin. The present study is an investigation of the psychometric properties and overall utility of this measure. Although we agree with much of the recent criticism of the FOS, we suggest that with changes, primarily in interpretation, the instrument remains useful. Taking this measure as an example, we discuss problems inherent in the use of individual self-report data as indicators of family systems constructs.     

Using tribal/State Title IV-E agreements to help American Indian tribes access foster care and adoption funding

Funding under Title IV-E has historically not been available to American Indian communities, therefore, tribes have had to develop agreements with states to access these funds for child care services. This study analyzes Title IV-E intergovernmental provisions to help tribes and states strengthen Title IV-E agreements. A nationwide content analysis of existing Title IV-E documents, phone interviews, and focus groups revealed that Title IV-E tribal/state agreements vary widely, with most tribes not receiving full access to state services. These agreements focus on foster care maintenance payments and services. This article includes recommendations to help facilitate tribal access to Title IV-E funding for foster care and adoption services.     

Policy and research issues for small assisted living facilities

Dramatic growth in Assisted Living (AL) has resulted in increasing research and policy interest. This analysis compares smaller and larger AL facilities in four states to determine whether extant measures of four key concepts, used to distinguish the AL sector, give advantage to larger facilities. Quantitative comparisons predominantly show differences favorable to larger facilities; qualitative information raises the prospect that current measures overlook beneficial aspects of smaller facilities. If small facilities are included under the AL banner. both policy provisions and quality assessment must be carefully crafted to avoid placing small homes in funding and oversight jeopardy as AL develops.