Event frequency,excitement and desire to gamble,among pathological gamblers

In this study we compared gambling behaviour of 15 pathological gamblers (PG) and 15 non-problem gamblers (NPG) on two conditions of a commercially available slot machine. One condition used a commercially available two-second event frequency (games per minute), while the other condition used an experimental three-second event frequency. The payback percentage (wins relative to losses) and reward frequency (wins over number of games played) varied randomly across conditions. The results showed that PG had significantly higher measures than NPG on time spent gambling, excitement level and desire to play again in the two-second condition. In the three-second condition there were no differences in excitement level and desire to play again. The number of PG playing the maximum time (60 minutes) was reduced in the three-second version, and reward frequency contributed to reduction in time spent gambling. The results may have implications for understanding behavioural mechanisms of pathological gambling among slot machine players.     

Puberty and the Evolution of Developmental Science

In recent decades, theoretical and methodological advances have operated synergistically to advance understanding of puberty and prompt increasingly comprehensive models that engage with the temporal, psychosocial, and biological dimensions of this maturational milepost. This integrative overview discusses these theoretical and methodological advances and their implications for research and intervention to promote human development in the context of changing maturational schedules and massive ongoing social transformations.     

Lithuania's children's policy in the period of transition

The article investigates the welfare regime of the free Lithuanian Republic from the perspective of children's policy. The main principles of the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – child protection, child provision and child participation – serve as indicators for the level of child orientation. The article analyses legal and institutional issues related to the implementation of the Convention in Lithuania in the first decade of Independence 1990–2001. Furthermore, it compares Lithuanian policy with the three welfare regimes identified by Esping-Andersen. Our results indicate that Lithuanian policy shows a low level of child orientation and that the Lithuanian welfare regime does not correspond to any of the welfare regimes in Esping-Andersen's typology. Lithuania still shows traits from the former Soviet regime. The new liberal extreme market orientation is not modified by social support institutions, and is combined with conservative ideologies on women and family.     

Health Disparities and Arab-American Elders: Does Intergenerational Support Buffer the Inequality–Health Link?

This study examines whether social relations with a child influences health disparities among Arab-American elders living in the Detroit metropolitan area (Michigan). Data were drawn from 101 Arab-Americans aged 56 and above. Findings indicate that having less education links to lower self-ratings of health, more chronic illness, and less functional health. Those with lower levels of education who report an excellent relationship with their child have fewer functional limitations than those reporting less than excellent relationships. Elders with less education who perceive emotional support available from their child have fewer chronic illnesses than similar elders without such support. Findings suggest that among Arab-Americans with lower education levels, intergenerational relations seem to confer a potentially significant benefit.     

Reports of Conferences, Institutes, and Seminars

This quarter's column features reports from the New England Library Association Annual Conference; the Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference; the Potomac Technical Processing Librarians Annual Meeting; the Charleston Conference; the Brick and Click Libraries Symposium; a NISO Webinar entitled “The Case of the Disappearing Journal: Solving the Title Transfer and Online Display Mystery;” and the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting.     

Childhood Victimization,Cognitive Schemas,and Unwanted Consensual Sex Among College Students

Objective: Unwanted consensual sex (UCS)—freely consenting to sex that is neither wanted nor desired—is largely excluded from campus programming and the literature on sexual behavior. The present study expands on previous research to examine the relation between childhood victimization experiences and UCS.

Methods: Data were gathered using an online survey of college students.

Results: In the past year, 43% percent of 587 college students who engaged in sexual activity also engaged in UCS at least once. Childhood victimization was modestly related to frequency of UCS. The relation between childhood victimization and UCS was mediated by disconnection/rejection schemas (e.g., beliefs that one’s needs will not be met by others).

Conclusions: Results suggest that altering cognitive schemas through evidence-based psychotherapy may interrupt the relation between childhood victimization and engagement in UCS.