COLLEGE
AGE AND YOUNG ADULTS
Lindsey, Elizabeth W., P. David Kurtz, Sara Jarvis, Nancy R. Williams, and Larry Nackerud. 2025. “How Runaway and Homeless Youth Navigate Troubled Waters: Personal Strengths and Resources.” Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal vol. 17, pp. 115-140.
Abstract: Little attention
has been paid to how runaway or homeless adolescents are able to make
successful transitions into adulthood. This article reports on partial findings
from an exploratory study of the research question, "How do former runaway
and homeless adolescents navigate the troubled waters of leaving home, living
in high-risk environments, and engaging in dangerous behaviors, to make
successful developmental transitions into young adulthood?" This
qualitative study involved interviews with 12 former runaway or homeless youth
(aged 18-25 yrs). All youth had stayed in a youth shelter, group home, or other
alternative living arrangements as an adolescent. Data were analyzed using the
constant comparative method. Findings related to the personal strengths and
resources that enabled youth to make successful transitions: learning new
attitudes and behaviors, personal attributes, and spirituality. Recommendations
for program development and intervention with homeless or at-risk youth are
discussed. [Source: PI]
Cannister, Mark W. 1999. “Mentoring and the Spiritual Well-Being of Late Adolescents.” Adolescence vol. 34, pp. 769-779.
Abstract: The purpose of
this study was to investigate the possible impact of faculty mentoring on the
spiritual well-being of late adolescents. The sample consisted of randomly
chosen students in their first year at a Christian liberal arts college in New
England. Students in the experimental group participated in the freshman seminar
program (small classes with seminar leaders/mentors), while those in the
control group did not have the freshman seminar experience. Students in both
groups were administered a self-assessment survey in September of their
freshman year and again in May to determine if there was any change in their
spiritual well-being and to explore their perceptions of mentor-student
interactions. The findings revealed significant differences between the 2
groups. In addition, the three aspects of mentoring were positively correlated
with the 2 components of spiritual well-being.
[Source: PI]
Forthun, L., N. Bell, and C. Peek. 1999. “Religiosity, Sensation Seeking, and Alcohol/Drug Use in Denominational and Gender Contexts.” Journal of Drug Issues vol. 29, pp. 75-90.
Abstract: A study was
conducted to examine religiosity, sensation- seeking, and alcohol/drug use in
denominational and gender contexts. Data were gathered from a sample of 526
university students anonymously completed an assessment packet. The results
failed to indicate support for arousal theory predictions or for moderating
effects of denominational and gender contexts. Religiosity, sensation seeking,
denominational affiliation, and gender were found to be relatively independent
predictors of substance use, and their importance was found to vary according
to the type of substance and specific indicator of use. [Source: SS]
McKinney, John Paul and Kathleen G. McKinney. 1999. “Prayer in the Lives of Late Adolescents.” Journal of Adolescence vol. 22, pp. 279-290.
Abstract: Prayer is a
behavior that is performed by most people at least at some time, and yet social
scientists appear to have neglected this topic. 77 college students (aged 18-32
yrs) were interviewed, given the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, and
asked to keep 7-day diaries about their prayer activities, whether spontaneous
or formal. Correlational analyses revealed a relationship between identity
status and frequency of praying, as well as between identity status and
commitment to religion. A qualitative analysis of the diary data suggested that
prayer may be a revealing approach to the psychosocial lives of late
adolescents, including their central concerns, temporal orientation, and the
social bounds of their definition of self.
[Source: PI]
Okagaki, Lynn and Claudia Bevis. 1999. “Transmission of Religious Values: Relations between Parents' and Daughters' Beliefs.” The Journal of Genetic Psychology vol. 160, pp. 303-318 bibl.
Abstract: A study on the
transmission of religious beliefs was conducted among 62 white, middle-class,
undergraduate women and their parents. It was found that accuracy of daughters'
perceptions of their parents' beliefs was associated with how frequently
parents talked about their beliefs and to mother-father agreement on beliefs.
In addition, the findings revealed that daughters' perceptions of the warmth of
the parent-child relationship was associated with the agreement between
daughters' beliefs and their perceptions of parents' beliefs. Furthermore, it
was argued that the relation between parents' beliefs and daughters' beliefs
was mediated by daughters' perceptions of their parents' beliefs. [Source: SS]
Saunders, Gary Paul. 1999. “The Relationship of Spirituality to Adolescents' Responses to Loss.” Thesis, Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology.
Abstract: The relationship
of spirituality to styles of reacting to major life events was explored. A
total of 183 volunteer subjects ranging in age from 16 to 21 years old
completed the Spiritual Orientation Inventory (SOI) and indicated their manner
of reacting to major life losses as represented in achievement and affiliation
scenarios on the Responses to Loss Questionnaire (RLQ). Factor analysis was
used as a means of data reduction on the RLQ. A coefficient of correlation was
calculated for composite scores for the Spiritual Orientation Inventory and
each RLQ factor and unfactored items. Data were also analyzed by gender and the
scenario themes of achievement and affiliation. Results suggested that
adolescents who scored high in spirituality as measured by the SOI tended to be
more likely to report healthy ways of coping with crisis situations by being
proactive, hopeful, introspective, and undertaking mental, physical, and
religious activity while not engaging in self-destructive behavior. Females who
scored high in spirituality as measured by the SOI tended to report being
proactive in their coping with crisis situations, particularly in achievement
situations. Males who scored high in spirituality as measured by the SOI tended
to report coping with affiliation crises through mental activity. [Source: PI]
Winings, Kathy. 1999. “Campus Ministries and New Paradigms for Educating Religiously.” Religious Education vol. 94, p. 329.
Abstract: This article
summarizes a study of campus ministries and religious groups that asked how
faith is expressed today, if college students view faith as irrelevant, and
what programs are effective and needed. The survey encompassed public and
private universities, four major faith groups--Jewish, Catholic, evangelical,
and mainline Protestant--and each region of the United States. The article
discusses marginality and relevance as well as effectiveness of the religious
education programs, and concludes with a study of one project, the Religious
Youth Service, which appears to be effective. The RYS draws on service-learning
and interfaith dialogue and could become an effective paradigm for educating
religiously in a religiously plural world.
[Source: AS]
Zacharioudakis, Manos Antonis. 1999. “Problem Behaviors of Greek-American Adolescents: The Relationship of Ethnic Identification to Risks and Protective Factors.” Ph.d. Thesis, St. John's University (New York).
Abstract:In a
cross-sectional study of 257 Greek-American (GA) adolescents from across the US
(ages 16-19, 72% female, 93% USA born) the incidence and
psychosocial corrlates of problem behaviors (PB) (i.e. smoking, drinking,
marijuana, heavy drugs, sexual intercourse, deviant behaviors) were explored.
Jessor and Jessor's Problem Behavior Theory's (PBT) generalizability in this
population were examined. Differences in PB incidence, risks, and predictors,
explored through correlational and multiple regression analyses, across GA
ethnic identification, gender, and school status (i.e. high school-college)
were found. The findings generally supported PBT. Strong positive
intercorrelations among all PB, all (but one) positive intercorrelations among
prosocial behavior, and all negative correlations of PB with prosocial
behavior, and all negative correlations of PB with prosocial behaviors were
documented, as hypothesized. The "one latent factor of general
deviance" hypothesis found support for males, but not for females or the
total sample. Higher Greek-identified youth showed higher drinking, smoking,
and deviance, and lower marijuana/drug use and sexual experience scores,
compared to lower Greek-identified youth, but these differences were due to SES
differences and disappeared when SES factors were partialled out. Family
cohesiveness showed protective main
effects for most PB but no interaction with ethnicity effects. Family adaptability failed to show any
significant effects. Significant gender differences were found: males showed
higher marijuana, alcohol use, deviance scores, and sexual promiscuity and less
diet/laxative pill use that females (no smoking or heavier drug use gender
differences were found). Females showe higher levels of religiosity, stressful
events and psychopathology (i.e. anxiety and general symptomatology, but not
depression). College students showed higher scores for most PB (except heavy
drugs or deviance). Youth from non-intact parental marriages showed
significantly higher levels of all PB while intact family incidence showed a
positive correlation to Greek ethnic identity. In predicting the total sample's
PBindex, in decreasing order, friends' regular engagement In smoking/drinking/marjuana
use/sex, time going to bed on weekends, stressful life events, relative
parent-friend influence, non-acceptance of premarital sex by youth, intolerance
of deviance, parental approval of PB, and age, were the significant predictors.
Significant differences in predictors were found among ethnic, gender, and
college-status subgroups (e.g. a high contribution of PBT
"personality" variables only for high Greek identifiers, of family
cohesion for females, and of "perceived environment" factors--i.e.
friends models and parental
controls--for males). [Source: DA]
Clark, Jeremiah K. 1998. “Religious Education in Adolescent and Young Adult Religiosity.” Ph.d. Thesis, Brigham Young University.
Abstract: This dissertation
contains three articles which address religious education and adolescent
development. Each study was longitudinal in nature and employed an original
sample of more than 3,000 adolescents and young-adults in the United States. In
the first article, direct affects of home religious discussion and home
religious ritual on adolescent religious identity, peer religiousness, and
deviant behavior, and their indirect effects on the perceived effectiveness of
religious education are shown. The second article demonstrates that religious
education is best conceptualized multi-dimensionally and distinct from public
religiosity. Religious education attendance affected future public religiosity
and the perceived effectiveness of religious education influenced young adult
religious belief and experience. Adolescent private religiosity was a robust
influence on young-adult religiosity in general, which supported previous
theory and research. The third article discusses the interrelations of home
religious observance, public religiosity, private religiosity, peers, religious
education attendance, and the perceived effectiveness of religious education on
young adult religious plans. Adolescent private religiosity was strongly
predictive of young adult religiosity. Public religiosity emerged as an important
antecedent to religious education. Religious education attendance moderately
affected religious plans. [Source: DA]
Crawford, David Wayne. 1998. “The Relation of Religious Family Background and Ego Identity Development in Late Adolescence.” Thesis, University of Houston.
Abstract: This study was
designed to extend the literature relative to adolescent ego identity
development in family context, looking specifically at how significant
religious family background interacts with identity development. Results of
this study were based on responses to the Family Environment Scale and the
Extended Version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status. The study
sample comprised 304 highly religious adolescents from a fundamentalist
Christian college. Data analysis was accomplished in two main ways. First, the
continuous scores from the religious sample were compared to norm scores
provided by the test manuals for the OMEIS and the FES. Second, without
reference to the norm groups, scores from the OMEIS and the FES were
correlated. The groups differed significantly on both measures, and canonical
correlation facilitated identification of potential relations among family
characteristics and identity statuses. Overall results indicated that the
religious subjects were characterized by high levels of commitment and
conviction, leading very directed and purposeful lives. At times, this
commitment is balanced and genuinely individual, being preceded by personal
search and introspective consideration of alternative commitments. There was
also evidence that the religious subjects are often characterized by
unreflective commitment typical of the Foreclosure identity status. They
perceived their families as highly religious and morally directed, and tending
to be very structured, organized and controlled. Very little conflict is
experienced, such that expressiveness is also relatively low in this family
environment. The numerous significant relations that emerged from the canonical
correlations indicate that the religious structure, control and organization is
associated with identity low in emptiness and aimlessness (i.e. identity
diffusion) and high in identity direction and commitment. However, a relatively
unreflective commitment style was found in frequent association with this
family environment. Importantly, when independence contributed significantly to
family style, more advanced identity functioning was related. In general, it
appears that supported individuality and balanced religiosity are most conducive
to more advanced identity functioning while highly structure religious control
which minimizes expressiveness tends to be associated with less mature identity
development. [Source: PI]
Marsiglia, Flavio Francisco. 1998. “Barriers to Access and Succeeding in College: Perceptions of a Group of Midwestern Urban Latino Youth.” Journal of Poverty vol. 2, pp. 69-82.
Abstract: To explore Latino
youths' perceptions of their chances of entering & succeeding in college,
participant observation & survey data were gathered from 64 Hispanic youths
in a community college or a church youth group in a major midwestern city.
Respondents (Rs) had a shared perception that Latino students were not welcome
at area colleges; they identified a series of logistic, culture-specific, &
self-efficacy barriers that impeded them from fully benefiting from a college
education. Rs who had not yet experienced college life were positive about
pursuing a postsecondary education, but Rs who were already enrolled in college
held negative views of their experiences & chances of success. Rs'
recommendations for improvement ranged from language & culturally specific
information campaigns directed toward the whole Latino family to cultural
awareness training for faculty & other college personnel, whom they
identified as gatekeepers. [Source: SA]
Mieras, Emily. 1998. “A More Perfect Sympathy: College Students and Social Service, 1889-1914.” Ph.D. Thesis, The College of William and Mary.
Abstract: This dissertation examines
the rise of social service work among college students between 1889 and 1914,
arguing that such service was a new phenomenon that both defined a distinct
youth culture based on social responsibility and redefined the American middle
class. Advocates of student service believed that educated young women and men
had unique qualifications for helping others, that they could bridge the gap
between economic and social classes, that service would help develop student
character, and that reform work would enhance the practical value of a college
education. For the predominantly white middle-class students who answered the
call for social consciousness, service among immigrants and the urban poor
became a rite of passage. In their interactions with the "other
half," these young people both tested and reasserted prevailing notions of
what it meant to be young, white, educated women or men. While students
challenged traditional gender identities for themselves, they reinforced them
among the working-class and immigrant populations they encountered. Student
service work emerged from three different, interrelated venues of social
reform: Protestant Evangelical religious groups, the women's academic community
and research universities. The dissertation investigates these different
strands through case studies of three settlement houses where college students
worked: the first run by University of Pennsylvania Christian Association
members in Philadelphia; the second sponsored by women college alumnae in
Boston; and the third, in Chicago, associated with Northwestern University.
These examples demonstrate the interplay between changing conceptions of
gender, the growing connection between universities and social welfare, and the
Protestant impulses that motivated many reformers. In all these cases, those
who promoted reform were as concerned with training college women and men to be
socially conscious citizens as with reforming the immigrant, working-class
people those students encountered in the cities. Their efforts helped create an
intuitive association between youth and social responsibility that underlies
modern-day community service programs on college campuses. [Source: DA]
Poulson, Ronald L., Marion A. Eppler, Tammy N. Satterwhite, Karl L. Wuensch, and Lessie A. Bass. 1998. “Alcohol Consumption, Strength of Religious Beliefs, and Risky Sexual Behavior in College Students.” Journal of American College Health vol. 46, pp. 227-232.
Tung, John Pu Chiang. 1998. “Discipling Chinese-American Young Adults.” Thesis, Westminster Theological Seminary.
Abstract: This project
proposes and prepares a 13-week discipling curriculum to meet the perceived
needs of Chinese American young adults in the "Generation X" age
group (18-28) for meaning, security, and community. Surveys conducted with 80
Chinese young adults reveal significant differences between them and other
members of their generation in the US as they search for their own identity
between two cultures. Historical research in the Chinese churches in America and
biblical study of discipling inform the curriculum's approach to these young
Chinese Americans. [Source: RI]
De Haan, Laura G. and John Schulenberg. 1997. “The Covariation of Religion and Politics During the Transition to Young Adulthood: Challenging Global Identity Assumptions.” Journal of Adolescence vol. 20, pp. 537-552.
Abstract: Draws on survey
data from 209 students at a large midwestern university to investigate the
relationship between religious & political beliefs & their combined
influence during transition to young adulthood. Findings showed that the most
religious individuals had experienced some belief exploration before making a
commitment. Those who had not engaged in exploration & had no firm
commitment were the least religious. Faith in government proved unrelated to
identity development, but high political interest did correlate with high
identity achievement scores. No relationship between religious & political
identity was apparent, suggesting that components of ideological identity should
be considered separately. [Source: SA]
Fulton, Aubyn S. 1997. “Identity Status, Religious Orientation, and Prejudice.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 26, pp. 1-11.
Abstract: Investigated
hypothesized relationships between identity status and religious orientation
and anti-Black and anti-homosexual prejudice. 176 Christian undergraduate
students were administered measures of ego identity, religious orientation, and
prejudice. Significant mean differences and correlations were found, mostly in
the expected directions, for the relationship between identity status and
religious orientation. Expected relationships between identity status and
prejudice were not found, with the exception of the relationship between
foreclosure and both types of prejudice. These results are discussed in light
of recent theoretical developments in the identity status paradigm. [Source: PI]
Maher, Michael Joseph S. Jr. 1997. “The Dis-Integration of a Child: Gay and Lesbian Youth in Catholic Education.” Ph.d. Thesis, Saint Louis University.
Abstract: This dissertation
involved four studies: a document analysis of contemporary Catholic magisterial
teaching on the philosophy of Catholic education as it pertains to the topic of
homosexuality, a survey of incoming freshman at a Midwestern Catholic
university on their level of agreement with 16 points of Catholic teaching on
the topic of homosexuality, a study using in-depth interviews with 25 (13 male
and 12 female) gay and lesbian adults who attended Catholic high schools and
graduated in the 1980s and 1990s, a study using in-depth interviews with 12
counselors currently working in Catholic high schools. The document analysis
yielded the conclusion that Catholic education must discuss the topic of
homosexuality, must reduce homophobia in its students, parents, and teachers
through education, and must provide support services for gay and lesbian
students. The survey (N = 103) demonstrated that students graduating from
Catholic high schools generally had more positive attitudes toward
homosexuality and gay and lesbian people than those graduating from
non-Catholic high schools. Females generally had more positive attitudes than
males. Among Catholic school graduates, those graduating from coeducational
schools generally had more positive attitudes than those graduating from unisex
schools. Agreement levels in terms of the Church's responsibilities to gay and
lesbian people and the unacceptability of verbal harassment of gay and lesbian
people were disturbingly low. The study of gay and lesbian alumni of Catholic
high schools demonstrated a theme of "Dis- integration." Subjects
were dis-integrated socially, institutionally, spiritually, and in a terms of
sexual identity. This is particularly important because integration at all these
levels is a goal of Catholic education. The study of Counselors yielded the
conclusion that Catholic schools generally are not doing enough to help this
population. [Source: DA]
McLaughlin, Caitlin S., Chuansheng Chen, Ellen Greenberger, and Cornelia Biermeier. 1997. “Family, Peer, and Individual Correlates of Sexual Experience among Caucasian and Asian American Late Adolescents.” Journal of Research on Adolescence vol. 7, pp. 33-53.
Abstract: Explores ethnic
& gender differences in sexual behavior among Caucasian & Asian
American state university students in CA (total N = 350), drawing on survey
data. Consistent with previous studies, Caucasians reported having more sexual
partners than did Asian Americans, & males reported having more sexual
partners than females. Peer interactions & attitudinal & dispositional
factors were consistently related with number of sexual partners, while family
factors were not. Discriminant analysis of five variables (eg, risky behaviors,
casual sex endorsement, & religiosity) yielded two functions capable of
predicting levels of sexual experience for 61%-92% of participants. [Source: SA]
Pastorino, Ellen, Richard M. Dunham, Jeannie Kidwell, Roderick Bacho, and Susie D. Lamborn. 1997. “Domain-Specific Gender Comparisons in Identity Development among College Youth: Ideology and Relationships.” Adolescence vol. 32, pp. 559-577.
Abstract: Gender comparisons
were conducted in six social domains of identity development on 210 college
students: occupation, religion, politics, dating, sex roles, and friendship.
The identity research literature often combines domains to create more global
estimates of identity development. Such an approach may obscure differences
among the domains, each of which may have different implications for different
societal contexts, and for males and females. Analyses were made for each
domain, and for the combined ideological, interpersonal, and overall domain
scores. Several gender differences were apparent when domain-specific analyses
were examined. Males were more likely to explore and commit in politics,
whereas females were more likely to explore in sex roles and to commit in
religion and dating. In politics, fewer males were in the diffused status; in
contrast, for dating and sex roles, there were fewer females in the diffused
status. However, when combined scores were examined, there were no gender
differences in identity status. The results suggest that some gender
differences still remain in specific domains. The utility of including domain-specific
analyses is suggested when gender comparisons are examined. Regardless of
gender, more youth were diffused in political identity than in any other
domain, suggesting political apathy among today's college youth. [Source: EA]
Slicker, E. K. 1997. “University Students' Reasons for Not Drinking: Relationship to Alcohol Consumption Level.” Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education vol. 42, pp. 83-102.
Abstract: The present study
investigated the reasons university students have for not drinking on those
occasions when they choose not to drink and whether those reasons differ with
students' differing levels of alcohol consumption. Volunteer participants for
the study were students (158 males, 245 females) from a mid-South stare
university. These students anonymously answered questions about the quantity
and frequency of their alcohol consumption, and on this basis, four alcohol
consumption level groups were formed (80.4% of the sample) in addition to
abstainers (19.6% of the sample). Each student also responded to the question,
''On those occasions when you DO NOT drink (or drink very little), what is the
MAIN reason you make that decision? ''A chi- square test of independence
indicated that reason for not drinking was significantly related to alcohol consumption
level group, and separate chi-square tests for goodness-of-fit revealed
distinctly different reasons given for not drinking depending on the group's
alcohol consumption level. Light drinkers endorsed religious-moral reasons
significantly More often that the other groups, moderate drinkers chose safety
reasons, while heavy drinkers indicated expense as their main reason for not
drinking. The results of this unique study inform social and legislative
policies for alcohol abuse prevention and intervention by indicating strategies
that target the beliefs of she various alcohol consumption levels. [Source: SC]
Trenton, Thomas Norman. 1997. “Generation X and Political Correctness: Ideological and Religious Transformation among Students.” Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie vol. 22, pp. 417-436.
Abstract: Draws on 1983-1994
questionnaire data from 2,070 first-year sociology students ("Generation
X" & "Bust Generation" members) at the U of Prince Edward
Island (Charlottetown) to assess changes in students' values & attitudes.
Analyses revealed two dimensions - liberalism & puritanism - that were
negatively correlated every year; their cross-tabulation produced a four-fold
typology labeled leftism, political correctness, traditionalism, &
fundamentalism. Political correctness represented a unique blend of a
liberalism that supports disadvantaged minorities while upholding institutional
moral controls. The dominant ideology shifted from a religiously oriented
fundamentalism to a secularly oriented political correctness. Traditionalism
all but disappeared, while the secular new leftism remained constant. Political
correctness, seen as a dialectic between liberalism & puritanism, is
discussed in terms of the larger social context. [Source: SA]
Dunkin, James C. 1996. “The Perspective of Object Relations Theory for Listening to the Image of God in Young Adults.” Thesis, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Abstract: Object relations
theory focuses on "relationship" as the matrix within which the
"self" is formed. The most significant object in becoming a person is
the image (object) of God. This project seeks to examine a young adult's
process of their "image of God" formation. It offers an overview of
object relations theory; a theological reflection on language used to describe
"images of God"; an exploration of faith development in young adult
years; a discussion of benefits of object relations theory in pastoral
counseling; and a discussion on listening to young adults reflect on their on
their "image of God".
[Source: RI]
Hilliard, Donnie Ray. 1996. “Qualities of Successful Father-Child Relationships.” Ph.d. Thesis, The University of Alabama.
Abstract: The purpose of the
study was to develop an instrument (the DADS Inventory) that could be used to
examine the perceptions of college students concerning the degree of success
with which their fathers performed the role of fathering. A secondary purpose
was to identify factors related to perceptions of successful fathering. The
DADS Inventory was subjected to a factor analysis which revealed three clusters
or underlying factors: communication, commitment, and religiosity. An item
analysis indicated that each of the items in the DADS Inventory was
significantly discriminating at the.00001 level between those respondents whose
total scores fell in the top quartile and those respondents whose total scores
fell in the bottom quartile. A reliability analysis indicated Cronbach Alpha
values of.96 (communication),.94 (commitment), and.92 (religiosity). Six major
hypotheses were examined and significant relationships were found to exist
between the DADS Inventory total scores and the following variables: age of the
respondent, race of the respondent, family structure, father's income,
educational attainment of the father, depth of religious faith of the
respondent, how much the respondent likes his/her father, the degree of
closeness the respondent feels to his/her father, the degree of perceived
closeness between the respondent's father and mother, the frequency with which
the father read to the respondent when a child, the degree of friendship the
respondent experienced with the father while growing up, the frequency with
which the father played games with the respondent when he/she was a child, the
degree of permissiveness/strictness of discipline which the respondent received
from his/her father, whether the respondent received most of his/her discipline
from father or mother, the degree to which the father used withdrawal of love,
the degree to which the father used reasoning, and the degree of adolescent
wellness. These findings add to a growing body of paternal health literature
that may enable therapists to deal more effectively with father-child issues
and that may serve as a model of paternal success for future fathers. [Source: DA]
Maton, Kenneth I., Douglas M. Teti, Kathleen M. Corns, Catherine C. Vieira Baker, and Jacqueline R. Lavine. 1996. “Cultural Specificity of Support Sources, Correlates and Contexts: Three Studies of African-American and Caucasian Youth.” American Journal of Community Psychology vol. 24, pp. 551-587.
Abstract: Three experiments
examined levels and correlates of parental support (PNS), peer support (PRS),
partner support (PTS), and/or spiritual support (SPS) with additional variables
(well being, self esteem, and institutional and goal commitment) among a total
of 235 Black and 351 White adolescents and young adults in 3 contexts:
adolescent pregnancy (Exp 1), 1st yr of college (Exp 2), and adolescence and
young adulthood (ages 15-29 yrs; Exp 3). Partially consistent with a cultural
specificity perspective, in different contexts different support sources were
higher in level and/or more strongly related to adjustment for 1 ethnic group
than the other. Among pregnant adolescents, levels of SPS were higher for Black
Ss; additionally, PRS was positively related to well-being only for Black Ss,
whereas PTS was positively related to well-being only for White Ss. Among
college freshmen, PNS was more strongly related to institutional and goal
commitment for Black Ss; conversely, PRS was more strongly related to
institutional and goal commitment among White Ss. Among 15-29 yr olds, levels
of PNS and SPS were higher among Black Ss; additionally, SPS was positively
related to self-esteem for Black Ss but not for White Ss. [Source: PI]
McBride, Duane C., Patricia B. Mutch, and Dale D. Chitwood. 1996. “Religious Belief and the Initiation and Prevention of Drug Use among Youth.” Pp. 110-130 in Intervening with Drug Involved Youth, edited by Clyde B. McCoy and Lisa R. Metsch. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Abstract: (from the chapter)
examine briefly selected religious perspectives on alcohol and drug use and
chemically altered states of consciousness review selected literature on the
empirical relationship between religious values and drug use examine data on
reasons for alcohol and drug abstinence among college students in 2 colleges
operated by a proscriptive Christian denomination [examine] the theological and
philosophical underpinnings of religious views, reviewing selected empirical
literature on religiosity and drug use
religion and altered states of consciousness [altered states of
consiousness and the monotheistic religions, Judaism and alcohol and drugs,
Christianity and alcohol and drugs, Islam and alcohol and drugs] the empirical
relationship between drug use and religious values and involvement reasons for
abstinence in a conservative Christian young adult population [reasons for abstinence,
differences in ethnicity, a note on gender differences] data were . . .
presented showing that specific religious commitment may be a powerful
component of abstinence decisions among religious youth, particularly minority
youth [Source: PI]
Zhang, J. and S. H. Jin. 1996. “Determinants of Suicide Ideation: A Comparison of Chinese and American College Students.” Adolescence vol. 31, pp. 451-467.
Abstract: A LISREL model
that incorporates both social and psychological factors was used to explain Chinese
and American college students' suicide ideation. Questionnaire data were
obtained from one Chinese sample (N = 320) from four universities in Beijing
and one American sample (N = 452) from one university in the Rocky Mountain
area. As in the American sample, Chinese females score higher on the ideation
scale than Chinese males, but the overall rate is lower for the Chinese than
for the American college students. The findings in the American data support
previous Literature that family cohesion and religiosity are inversely related
to suicide ideation, while the Chinese data suggest a positive correlation
between religiosity and suicide ideation. This article offers a comparison of
different cultural environments for Chinese and American adolescent development. [Source: SC]
Beitz, Janice Marian. 1995. “Social and Educational Factors Affecting Sex Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of College Students.” Ph.d. Thesis, Temple University.
Abstract: Adolescent sexual
risk behaviors are a national health issue as Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have spread in
the American population. Social cognitive theory suggests that social and
educational factors influence these behaviors. Previous research has found
equivocal results in certain factors' relationships to and their interactive
effect on sexuality. Earlier sex behavior's effect on current cognition has not
been well examined. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic,
psychosocial, and educational variables related to sex knowledge, attitudes,
and behaviors of college students. The study addressed the following questions:
What are the individual and interactive effects of number of sources and
intensity of formal sex education, performance self-esteem, parent-adolescent
communication, and religiosity on sex variables? Does gender affect these
independent variables? How does gender and/or age of first coitus affect
selected sex variables? Measures of the independent variables and sex knowledge,
attitudes, and behaviors were administered. Subjects were 200 full-time college
students, aged 17 to 25 years old, enrolled in two large urban universities and
a community college. For the independent variables, correlation analyses
indicated that formal sex education, parent-adolescent communication, and
religiosity were significantly but very weakly related to sex attitudes. No
other intercorrelations were significant. Simple multiple regression
demonstrated that the variables taken together explained negligible variance in
sex behaviors. Gender generated differences in the independent variables.
Independent t-tests indicated that males scored significantly lower than
females in parent-adolescent communication with mother, social self-esteem, and
religiosity. For age of first coitus and gender, a one-way analysis of variance
indicated that males had significantly more liberal sex attitudes than females.
Subjects with earlier first coitus had significantly more liberal sex attitudes
and greater STDs. No interactions were significant. Age of first coitus itself
was examined. Independent t-tests demonstrated that subjects with earlier first
coitus had significantly less sex knowledge, more liberal sex attitudes, and
greater risk behaviors. Results suggested that first coitus age and gender
affected sexuality differentially. Recommendations were made for educational
and health care practice and further research.
[Source: DA]
Hoge, Dean R., Benton Johnson, and Donald A. Luidens. 1995. “Types of Denominational Switching among Protestant Young Adults.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 34, pp. 253-258.
Abstract: Telephone survey
data from 500 US young adults ages 33-42 who grew up Presbyterian reveal four
motivations of people who switched denominations: (1) interfaith marriage; (2)
moving to a different town or neighborhood; (3) dissatisfaction with one's
church; & (4) personal ties & influences. The third motivation was
often associated with a conversion or renewal of commitment. Switches for the
first two reasons tended to be within mainline Protestant denominations, while
switches for the third reason tended to pull a person outside the mainline.
Afterward, switchers became more church-inolved than nonswitchers, especially
those citing reason 3. [Source: SA]
Low, Cynthia A. and Paul J. Handal. 1995. “The Relationship between Religion and Adjustment to College.” Journal of College Student Development vol. 36, pp. 406-412.
Abstract: Investigated the
relation between religion and adjustment to college through the use of Personal
Religiosity Inventory (PRI) and the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire
(SACQ). 500 Ss (aged 16-47 yrs) from 3 different universities were asked to
complete these questionnaires. Results reveal that for young adults, sex
differences were evident on the PRI, with females scoring significantly higher
than males on some of the subscales. In the SACQ, gender and school differences
were present on the Attachment subscale and integration contributed significantly
to the prediction of academic adjustment. An overall significant relationship
existed between religion and college adjustment for college freshmen.
Regression analyses for the total sample reveal that various religion
dimensions were significant predictors of several adjustment subscales. [Source: PI]
Neal, Cynthia J. and Michael W. Mangis. 1995. “Unwanted Sexual Experiences among Christian College Women: Saying No on the Inside.” Journal of Psychology and Theology vol. 23, pp. 171-179.
Rubinstein, G. 1995. “Right-Wing Authoritarianism, Political Affiliation, Religiosity, and Their Relation to Psychological Androgyny.” Sex Roles vol. 33, pp. 569-586.
Abstract: The authoritarian
personality is characterized by a traditional attitude towards gender roles
that reflects its conservative ideology [T. W. Adorno, E. Frenkel-Brunswik, D.
J. Levinson, and R. N. Sanford (1950) The Authoritarian Personality, New York:
Norton]. The present study investigated the relationship between S. L. Bem's
[(1974) sex roles ''The Measurement of Psychological Androgyny,'' Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 42, pp. 155-162], on the one hand, and
right- wing authoritarianism [RWA; B. Altemeyer (1988) Enemies of Freedom:
Understanding Right-Wing Authoritarianism, San Francisco], political
affiliation, and religiosity level, on the other Subjects were 365 Jewish
undergraduate students (227 women and 138 men) at a number of universities; 81
were second generation Israelis, 90 were children of Ashkenazic parents, 75
were children of Sephardic parents, and 113 were children of parents from mixed
background. They completed Altemeyer's RWA scab and a shortened version of
Bem's Sex Role Inventory. Political affiliation and religiosity level
(variables strongly linked to the authoritarian personality theory) were also
measured. Among women, the RWA mean score of the cross-sex typed subjects was
significantly lower than that of the sex- typed and the undifferentiated
subjects, and most of the cross- sex typed women supported the political left
and defined themselves as secular while among men, no statistically significant
RWA, political affiliation, and religiosity differences were found between
Bem's four personality types. These results highlight gender differences in the
relationships between authoritarian personality and gender-role identification.
While it seems that cross-sex-typed women. tend to rebel against the status
quo, the question of why similar patterns do not appear among men still remains
open to speculation. [Source: SC]
Subkoviak, Michael J., Robert D. Enright, Ching Ru Wu, and Elizabeth A. Gassin. 1995. “Measuring Interpersonal Forgiveness in Late Adolescence and Middle Adulthood.” Journal of Adolescence vol. 18, pp. 641-655.
Abstract: The construct of
interpersonal forgiveness was operationalized and tested with 197
late-adolescent college students and 197 of their same-gender parents in the
Midwestern US. Ss completed the Enright Forgiveness Inventory (EFI), a
background information scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck
Depression Inventory, measures of religiosity and social desirability, and a
1-item forgiveness question. The EFI showed strong internal consistency
reliability. The EFI correlated significantly and negatively with anxiety,
particularly when a S was experiencing deep hurt in a developmentally relevant
area. Age differences also were observed. College students were less forgiving
and had more anxiety than their same-gender parents, particularly when the hurt
concerned a developmentally relevant area.
[Source: PI]
Anderson, Sharon L. Hedrick. 1994. “Intergenerational Religious Value Concordance: Mothers and Young Adults.” Ph.d. Thesis, University of Delaware.
Abstract: The acquisition of
values within the family matrix has intrigued and indeed perplexed scholars
throughout history. The empirical studies that are available present
conflicting and contradictory evidence regarding intergenerational value
transmission. This study examines the relationships between mothers' religious
values and those of their young adult offspring, whether expression of these
values can be seen in corresponding behaviors, whether there is concordance
between maternal and youth religious behaviors, and whether mothers and young
adults accurately perceive each others' religious values and behaviors. One
hundred and twenty-five mother-youth dyads from Messiah College, a Christian
liberal arts institution, and 84 mother-youth dyads from the University of
Delaware completed a five-part survey designed by the researcher. This
instrument was used in a pilot study in 1990, and reliability analyses yielded
strong scores, indicating that the instruments are highly reliable. The results
of the study indicated that the respondents' born-again status was the significant
main effect which explained the greatest amount of variance in religious value
and behavior scores. Mothers' religious value and behavior scores were
generally higher than the corresponding youths' scores. All of the mothers and
the youth who reported concordant born-again status with the mothers showed
strong correlations between their stated religious values and behaviors.
Concordant mothers tended to accurately perceive both the religious values and
behaviors of their offspring. For the discordant dyads, the youth tended to
perceive the values and behaviors of the mothers more accurately than the
mothers perceived the youths' values and behaviors. For the concordant pairs,
the young people's religious values correlated with their perceptions of their
mothers' religious values one hundred percent of the time, and the mothers'
religious values were highly correlated with the mothers' perceptions of the
youth values. The mothers' and the youths' perceptions of each others'
religious values did not correlate with their own religious values for the
discordant pairs. Implications for theory development as well as practical
implications for parents are discussed. Implications for future research are
suggested. [Source: DA]
Bliss, S. K. and C. L. Crown. 1994. “Concern for Appropriateness, Religiosity, and Gender as Predictors of Alcohol and Marijuana Use.” Social Behavior and Personality vol. 22, pp. 227-238.
Abstract: The validity of
the Concern for Appropriateness Scale (CAS) as a direct or indirect predictor
of alcohol and marijuana use in college students was investigated in this
study. Specifically, the study examined whether the CAS, by itself, predicted
self- reported alcohol and marijuana and whether it interacted with gender
and/or religiosity to predict alcohol and marijuana use. The Ss were 143
undergraduate students, and it was found that the CAS directly predicted
marijuana use and also interacted with religiosity in the prediction of
marijuana use. The results also indicated that the CAS did not directly predict
alcohol use, but the CAS interacted with gender and religiosity in the
prediction of alcohol use. The results are discussed in terms of their
implications for validity of the CAS as an index of social anxiety. [Source: SC]
Dudley, Roger L. 1994. “Faith Maturity and Social Concern in College-Age Youth: Does Christian Education Make a Difference?” Journal of Research on Christian Education: JRCE vol. 3, pp. 34-49.
Helm, Sharron. 1994. “The Relationship between Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control, Spirituality, Personal Characteristics, and Academic Success of African American Young Adults.” Ed.d. Thesis, The University of Michigan.
Abstract: Some
African-American young adults in college have overcome seemingly insurmountable
odds to become academically successful, while others are considered
academically unsuccessful as a result of dropping out of school. This study
attempted to compare the two groups to determine if internalized factors that
influence academic success could be isolated. These internalized factors
included general and social self-efficacy, locus of control, and spirituality.
Students were compared on personal and family demographics. Successful
African-American students were more likely to be single, with no children, and
raised in an intact family. Their mothers and fathers had either completed high
school or some college. The educational levels of parents of academically
unsuccessful African-American tended to be somewhat higher than the
academically successful young adults. The majority of academically successful
students were in their sophomore years and were carrying 12 credit hours per
semester. Their self-reported grade point averages ranged from 2.51 to 3.50 and
they were pursuing degrees in business, engineering, or fine and performing
arts. Findings of this study showed no relationship between general and social
self-efficacy, locus of control, spirituality and selected demographic
variables including educational level of mother and father, number of brothers
and sisters, birth order of participants, number of credit hours taken in a
semester, and course of study. When academically successful African-American
young adults were compared with academically unsuccessful African-American
young adults, a significant difference was found for general self- efficacy.
The other variables were not found to be statistically significant, although
the academically successful group appeared to be more internal, with higher
levels of social self-efficacy. Spirituality did not differ between the two
groups. Recommendations for further research were presented which included a
reference to continue research in the area of successful African-American youth
to determine patterns that could be extrapolated to younger African- Americans.
[Source: DA]
Lottes, I. L. and P. J. Kuriloff. 1994. “Sexual Socialization Differences by Gender, Greek Membership, Ethnicity, and Religious Background.” Psychology of Women Quarterly vol. 18, pp. 203-219.
Abstract: Socialization theories
have included parents and peers as important determinants of the initial sexual
standards and sexual behavior of teenagers and young adults. The purpose of the
research reported here was to examine how parental and peer sexual
socialization influences are related to gender, ethnicity, religious
background, and college membership in a fraternity or sorority. A sample that
included a majority of Caucasian university students and about 13% Asian and 7%
Black students completed questionnaires both as entering first-year students
and as seniors. Results indicated that compared to women, men continue to
experience a more permissive sexual socialization from both parents and peers.
Greek membership was associated with a more permissive socialization from peers
but not parents. Asian students reported a more restrictive socialization than
Blacks or Caucasians. Findings are discussed with respect to concerns of social
scientists regarding the influence of fraternities and differential gender
socialization. [Source: SC]
Shortz, Joianne L. and Everett L. Worthington, Jr. 1994. “Young Adults' Recall of Religiosity, Attributions, and Coping in Parental Divorce.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 33, pp. 172-179.
Abstract: Combines K. I.
Pargament's (1990) theoretical framework of religion & coping with Bernard
Spilka's, Phillip Shaver's, & Lee A. Kirkpatrick's attributional theory
(see SA 33:4/85Q0299) to extend the existing understanding of religion's role
in coping with stress. University students (N = 131) in the southeastern US who
had experienced their parents' divorce during their own adolescence were
surveyed. Findings reveal that retrospective religious causal attributions
predicted coping activities - especially religious coping - beyond measures of
religiosity. Religious causal attributions may uniquely influence how people
cope with stress. [Source: SA]
Vanderbeek, Herbert Anthony. 1994. “Religious Identity Formation and Adolescent Friendships in a Tight-Knit Social Group.” M.a. Thesis, The University of Manitoba (Canada).
Abstract: Erikson argued
that identity formation represents the central developmental task for
adolescents. Two processes, i.e., exploration (E) and commitment (C),
contribute to identity formation. The high versus low levels of exploration and
commitment determines the nature of an adolescent's identity status: (a)
Identity Achievement (high E, high C); (b) Foreclosure (low E, high C); (c)
Moratorium (high E, low C); (d) Identity Diffusion (low E, low C). The adolescent's
social environment encourages/discourages exploration and commitment. Erikson
felt that tight-knit social groups would favour Foreclosure by discouraging
exploration and by encouraging commitment. Following Erikson's theoretical
framework, the thesis examines the relationship between identity formation,
adolescent friendship patterns and religious commitment in two samples: (a)
students attending an ethnically (Dutch) and religiously (Christian Reformed)
homogeneous college characterized by tight-social networks; (b) an unselected
sample of Manitoba university students.
[Source: DA]
Zhang, Jie and Darwin L. Thomas. 1994. “Modernization Theory Revisited: A Cross-Cultural Study of Adolescent Conformity to Significant Others in Mainland China, Taiwan, and the USA.” Adolescence vol. 29, pp. 885-903.
Abstract: Tests the
viability of modernization theory's explanation of adolescent conformity
behavior across 3 different cultural settings. Analysis of questionnaire survey
data from college students in mainland China, Taiwan, & the US (total N =
1,026) does not support modernization theory. Contrary to modernization
theory's predictions, the social institution of education is less important,
but religion is highly valued in US society, while the reverse is true of the 2
Chinese societies. It is concluded that modernization theory tests with
cross-cultural data should take into consideration cultural
characteristics. [Source: SA]
Brisben, David Edward. 1993. “Adolescent Spirituality: Relationships among Adolescent Self-Esteem, Parent-Adolescent Communication, and Adolescent Spiritual Well-Being.” Ed.d. Thesis, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Abstract: Purpose. This
research investigated the relationships among the factors of self-esteem,
parent-adolescent communication, and spiritual well-being for older adolescents
in the evangelical community. Two other factors in the family environment were
identified in the research literature as important to a person's spiritual
well-being. These factors, parent's marital status and parent's religious
orientation, were also examined as to their interaction effect on the three
previously mentioned interval variables. This study, unlike previous studies,
has statistically analyzed the relationship between the level of constructive
communication perceived by the adolescent in the parent-adolescent relationship
and the sense of spiritual well-being experienced by the adolescent. Secondly,
this study has statistically examined the interaction effect of parent's marital
status and parent's religious orientation on the adolescent's spiritual
well-being. Procedure. This correlational research focused on certain
indicators of the spiritual well-being of older adolescents (16-20 years)
within the evangelical, Christian community. The sample population of the study
was made up of 202 volunteers selected from three Christian colleges and nine
evangelical churches in the southeastern United States. Data were collected by
having the subjects complete three testing instruments (the Coopersmith
Self-Esteem Inventory, the Bienvenu Parent-Adolescent Communication Inventory,
and the Paloutzian-Ellison Spiritual Well-Being Scale) and a demographic
questionnaire. The correlational method of statistical analysis utilizing the
Pearson product moment correlation was employed to measure the degree of
relationship between the variables of self-esteem, parent-adolescent
communication, and spiritual well-being. The causal-comparative method of
statistical analysis utilizing t-tests was then employed to test for
significance in relationships between the above mentioned criterion variables
and their interaction with categorical variables of parent's marital status and
parent's religious orientation. Findings. The results of the statistical
analysis indicated that there is a low, positive correlation between the
variables of parent-adolescent communication and adolescent spiritual
well-being and a moderate, positive correlation between the variables of
self-esteem and spiritual well-being for the adolescents in this study.
Moreover, the findings indicated that the parent's religious orientation is a
stronger predictor of the adolescent's spiritual well-being and the
adolescent's self-esteem than is the parent's marital status. Finally, the
findings indicated that there is a different set of predictor variables for
adolescents with divorced parents than for adolescents with intact parents and
that the variable of self-esteem is a stronger predictor of the adolescent's
sense of spiritual well-being for adolescents with divorced parents than it is
for adolescents with intact parents.
[Source: DA]
Bryan, Janice W. and Florence W. Freed. 1993. “Abortion Research: Attitudes, Sexual Behavior, and Problems in a Community College Population.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 22, pp. 1-22.
Abstract: 80 female and 70
male undergraduates (aged 18-49 yrs) completed surveys regarding their
attitudes toward abortion, their sexual behavior, and their past and current
problems. Although 70% of Ss were raised Catholic, 82% supported abortion
choice. 86% of Ss had engaged in premarital sex, 70% of Ss used contraception,
and 26% of the women had had premarital pregnancies. Compared with pro-abortion
Ss, anti-abortion Ss had more religiosity, believed that abortion was murder,
were more punitive toward the woman and medical personnel involved, were less
sexually active, and were less likely to know someone who had an abortion. Many
Ss had a history of and were currently experiencing serious problems, especially
the women. [Source: PI]
Dudley, Roger L. 1993. “Indicators of Commitment to the Church: A Longitudinal Study of Church-Affiliated Youth.” Adolescence vol. 28, pp. 21-28.
Abstract: Studied the
factors that determine which late adolescents drop out of the church and which
remain committed to it by examining 3rd- and 4th-yr questionnaires of 859 17-29
yr old Seventh-Day Adventist youth. Ss were part of a 10-yr study that
originally involved over 1,500 Ss distributed throughout the US and Canada. Commitment
was found to be related to cognitive, experiential, and activity dimensions of
religion. Ethical considerations, a perception of one's importance to the local
congregation, and peer influence also played a part in the stepwise regression
package, which accounted for half of the variance in commitment scores. [Source: PI]
Free, Marvin D. 1993. “Stages of Drug Use: A Social Control Perspective.” Youth and Society vol. 25, pp. 251-271.
Abstract: Three models
reflecting stages of substance use (alcohol use, alcohol and marihuana use,
polydrug use) were tested. Path analysis examined data from 916 undergraduates
who completed questionnaires at a church-affiliated university or a state
university. School bonds (e.g., school involvement) contributed little toward
an explanation of substance use. Religiosity and religious conservatism
accounted for some of the variance in substance use, primarily underage
drinking. Results suggest that explanations of substance use can be enhanced
through development of models employing stages of drug involvement. [Source: PI]
Guerra, Lawrence Joseph. 1993. “A Cognitive-Emotional Developmental Model for Predicting Sexual Risk-Taking Behavior among Male Adolescents.” Ph.d. Thesis, St. John'S University.
Abstract: Recent research
has revealed that adolescents continue to engage in high risk sexual behaviors
which may expose them to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes
AIDS. The purpose of this study was to test the usefulness of a
cognitive-emotional developmental model in predicting sexual risk taking
behavior in male adolescents. One hundred fifty-three male adolescent community
college students, between the ages of 18 and 22 years, anonymously completed
packets of seven pencil and paper questionnaires. The instruments, including
the "Test of Logical Thinking" (TOLT), the "Adolescent
Egocentrism-Sociocentrism Scale" (AES), the "Sensation Seeking
Scale" (SSS), the "Dyadic Sexual Regulation Scale" (DSR), the
"Sexual Opinion Survey" (SOS), and a "Demographics Survey,"
were used to assess formal operational thinking, egocentrism, sensation
seeking, locus of control, sexual guilt ("erotophobia"), age,
ethnicity, religiosity, and socioeconomic status, as potential predictor
variables. The dependent variable, sexual risk taking behavior, was assessed
with the "Sexual Behavior Questionnaire" (SBQ) developed for this
study. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that only some of
the variables were significant predictors of sexual risk taking behavior at p
$<$.05 when the dependent variable was defined according to number and type
of sexual partners, partners' other sexual history, and consistency of
abstinence and condom use, during the previous one year. Older, less religious
adolescent males prone toward sensation seeking were more likely to engage in
behaviors which put them at risk of HIV infection. In a secondary analysis, in
which number of sexual partners with other sexual history was examined as the
dependent variable, male adolescents who were less egocentric, defined in terms
of Elkind's (1967) "personal fable," who tended to be disinhibited
sensation seekers, and who had relatively weak proportional (formal
operational) reasoning ability tended to be at higher risk of HIV infection.
The results suggest that specific cognitive-developmental and
cognitive-emotional variables, in addition to demographic factors, need to be
considered when examining adolescent sexual risk taking behavior and preventive
interventions in the AIDS era. [Source:
DA]
Hoge, Dean R. and Benton Johnson. 1993. “Determinants of Church Involvement of Young Adults Who Grew up in Presbyterian Churches.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 32, p. 242.
Abstract: Studies church
involvement of young adults in Presbyterian churches. Influence of early
religious socialization; Cultural broadening during college years;
Liberalization of beliefs; Religious beliefs; Commitment of people with
conservative beliefs; Adult family experiences. [Source: AS]
Jeffries, Vincent. 1993. “Virtue and Attraction: Validation of a Measure of Love.” Journal of Social and Personal Relationships vol. 10, pp. 99-117.
Abstract: 479 undergraduates
completed measures of self-esteem and faith in people, and a separate sample of
233 undergraduates (all Ss 17-46 yrs old) completed the Relationship Rating
Form ([RRF] K. E. Davis and M. J. Todd, unpublished manuscript) and a measure
of parental support. The RRF was used to measure Ss' self-reported love for
their parents during their teenage years and Ss' perceived love of their
parents for them. Results indicate that virtue and attraction are separate
dimensions of love and that these dimensions are related to parental support.
The RRF, self-esteem, and faith in people consistently showed discriminant
validity when related to need fulfillment, religiosity, and altruism and
criterion-related validity when related to parental divorce. A preliminary
theory of love is considered, and the relationship between (1) virtue and
attraction and (2) passion is discussed.
[Source: PI]
Lo, Celia Chun Nui. 1993. “What Does Social Learning During the High School Senior Year Contribute to Collegiate Drinking Patterns?” Paper presented at American Sociological Association (ASA), 1993.
Abstract: A two-wave quasi-longitudinal
method is employed to: (1) specify the effects on collegiate drinking patterns
of social learning variables & drinking patterns as high school seniors;
& (2) examine whether differential reinforcement is a crucial variable in
collegiate drinking behavior, as described by Akers. It is demonstrated that
differential peer associations in high school, which determine students'
definitions of alcohol use & expectations of the consequences of drinking,
directly affect drinking patterns during high school, but not during college.
College students' drinking patterns are directly determined by their earlier
drinking patterns, definitions of alcohol use, & parents' reaction to their
using alcohol in high school. Supporting earlier studies, role models & religious
norms show no significant impact on high school or collegiate alcohol use, when
all other variables are controlled, & the important impact on college
drinking of the differential reinforcement variables measured for high school
is partially supported. However, that impact is not totally consistent with
social learning theory precepts; further studies are needed to improve the
conceptualization & measurement of social learning variables. [Source: SA]
Warren, Tamara M. 1993. “Ego Identity Status, Religiosity, and Moral Development of Christian and State High School and College Students.” Thesis, Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology.
Filius, Rens Jan. 1992. “Types of Adolescent Religious Conversion and Perception of Family Functioning.” Ph.d. Thesis, Rosemead School of Psychology Biola University.
Abstract: Developmental
factors influencing adolescent religious conversion are examined in this study.
Blos' theory of adolescent separation and individuation, Erikson's theory of
ego identity development, and a developmental model of family functioning are
discussed in relationship to adolescent religious conversion. Two typologies of
conversion, sudden versus gradual and inter- versus intra-faith, were used to
investigate the relationship with family functioning. It was hypothesized (a)
that adolescents who have experienced a sudden religious conversion perceive
their family as more extreme, and more frequently possess a foreclosed
religious identity status and indiscriminantly proreligious orientation; (b)
adolescents who have experienced a gradual religious conversion perceive their
family as more balanced, more frequently possess an achieved religious identity
status, and an intrinsic religious orientation; (c) adolescents who have experienced
an inter-faith conversion perceive their family as less cohesive and those who
had an intra-faith conversion will perceive their family as more cohesive; (d)
adolescents from families holding strong religious values more frequently have
an intra-faith conversion; (e) democratic family style correlates positively
with intrinsic and consensual religious orientations, and achieved identity
status. Undergraduate students from an evangelical and a state university
participated in this study (N = 173). Subjects who had experienced an
adolescent conversion were identified (n = 46). Three control groups were used:
(a) Christian students who had experienced a childhood conversion and a
religious recommitment in adolescence, (b) Christians who did not experience a
change in faith, and (c) non-Christians. Analyses of variance were used to test
the hypotheses; discriminant function analyses were used to explore additional
relationships. Only the hypotheses concerning the inter-/intra-faith conversion
typology were supported. The suddenness of conversion is less affected by
family functioning compared to a change from the faith in which an individual
has been socialized. Perception of religious emphasis in the family was the
most important variable for prediction of group membership. It was concluded
that antecedents of religious conversion are mostly religious variables.
Religious socialization in general merits greater attention in research
concerning religious conversion. [Source:
DA]
Lottes, Ilsa L. and Peter J. Kuriloff. 1992. “The Effects of Gender, Race, Religion, and Political Orientation on the Sex Role Attitudes of College Freshmen.” Adolescence vol. 27, pp. 675-688.
Abstract: 556 1st-yr
undergraduates completed a questionnaire examining the effects of gender, race
(Asian, Black, and White), religion (Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant), and
political orientation (liberal and conservative) on 4 areas of sex-role
ideology. They were (1) traditional attitudes toward female sexuality, (2)
justification of male dominance, (3) negative attitudes toward homosexuality,
and (4) attitudes toward feminism. The study assumed a social learning
perspective: that sex-role beliefs are culturally determined. Of the 4
independent variables, religion and political orientation produced significant
differences on all 4 sex-role measures. Liberals as compared to conservatives,
and Jews as compared to Protestants were less traditional in their attitudes
toward female sexuality, less accepting of male dominance and negative attitudes
toward homosexuality, and more accepting of feminist attitudes. [Source: PI]
Whyte, Wallace E. 1992. “Community and the Transmission of Faith.” Thesis, Knox College.
Abstract: This thesis is about
a qualitative and phenomenological study of eight young adults with living
faith and active participation in their faith community. It was discovered that
the friendship and intergenerational relationships within the church which they
experienced in childhood and adolescence contributed significantly to the
generation and development of their faith, second only to the impact of their
parents and family life. It was concluded that the quality of relationships
within two communities, faith and family, have as much or more significance
related to Christian education as the extent and quality of formal
instruction. [Source: RI]
Wilcock, Robert Orvel. 1992. “Adolescent Influences on Young Adult Religious Family Values.” Ph.d. Thesis, Brigham Young University.
Abstract: Using longitudinal
design this research assessed the degree to which an adequate conceptualization
and measurement of religious family values could be conducted. Questionnaire
responses from 560 young adult LDS Males, originally studies in 1981, were
analyzed revealing a cluster of values centering around family home evening,
scripture study, family prayer, and moral behavior formed one dimension of
religious family values. Three other related value dimensions were also
identified, viz. birth control, divorce, working mother. A LISREL model was
developed and tested which showed that the family, peer, and religious
influences all contributed to explaining variation in young adult religious
family values. Adolescent religiosity emerged as an important intervening
variable which also influenced whether or not the young man chose to serve a
mission for the church. Of the exogenous variables, home religious observance
was the single most important influence on young adult religious family values.
The direct effect over nine years suggests the strength of family socialization
in a specific relationship to special values. These findings have important
implications for those wanting to better understand how religious, familial,
and peer influences combine to shape the adolescent's world, which in turn
influences young adult religious family values some nine years later. [Source: DA]
Zhang, J. I. E. 1992. “Modernization, Interpersonal Power, and Conformity: A Cross-Cultural Study of Significant Others' Influence on Adolescents.” Ph.d. Thesis, Brigham Young University.
Abstract: This dissertation
was intended to test modernization theory's explanation of adolescent
conformity behavior, and to discover conformity patterns in three different
cultural settings. Questionnaire survey data were collected from college
students in mainland China, Taiwan, and the USA. ANOVA, ONEWAY ANOVA, factor
analyses, and LISREL were used to analyze the data. Modernization theory was
not well supported by the data. Analyses of the findings suggested that
modernization theory tests with cross-cultural data should take into
consideration cultural characteristics, since much of human behavior is
culturally determined. Contrary to modernization theory's predictions, the
social institution of education is less important but religion is highly valued
in American society, while the reverse was found in the two Chinese societies.
Significant findings of the project were different patterns in the three
societies of adolescent conformity to the three types of significant
others. [Source: DA]
Alam, Javed and Saeeduzzafar. 1991. “Dependence Proneness in Relation to Prolonged Deprivation.” Journal of Personality and Clinical Studies vol. 7, pp. 49-53.
Abstract: Investigated the
influence of prolonged deprivation and religious affiliation on the development
of dependence proneness. A 2 * 2 factorial design was used in which 1
personality variable (prolonged deprivation) and 1 sociological variable
(religion) varied in 2 ways. There were 4 groups of undergraduates (aged 15-28
yrs), with 50 Ss in each group: nondeprived Hindus, deprived Hindus,
nondeprived Muslims, and deprived Muslims. Ss completed a measure of dependence
proneness. Deprived and nondeprived Ss did not differ with respect to
dependence proneness. Muslims were found to be more dependent prone than
Hindus. There was no interactional effect of religion and prolonged deprivation
on the degree of dependence proneness.
[Source: PI]
Koteskey, Ronald L., Michelle D. Little, and Michele V. Matthews. 1991. “Adolescent Identity and Depression.” Journal of Psychology and Christianity vol. 10, pp. 48-53.
Abstract: Examined the
correlation between adolescence and depression among 109 college students (aged
17-27 yrs) using the Beck Depression Inventory and an identity scale.
Depression was negatively correlated with some types of identity. Ss who scored
higher on community, family, and religious identity scored lower on depression.
Cultural identity was not negatively correlated with depression. The creation
of adolescence in modern Western culture means that teenagers have lost much
control of their lives relative to work, marriage, and education. Community
inclusion of adolescents in activities could help them gain a stronger sense of
community identity. The church could include adolescents as adults to help them
gain a stronger sense of religious identity.
[Source: PI]
Nipkow, Karl E. and Friedrich Schweitzer. 1991. “Adolescents' Justifications for Faith or Doubt in God: A Study of Fulfilled and Unfulfilled Expectations.” New Directions for Child Development pp. 91-100.
Abstract: Presents data
concerning reflections and feelings about God obtained from 16-22 yr old
students. Most Ss had expectations of God and the Church that had not been
fulfilled, including God as helper, God as the key for explaining the world,
God as more than symbol, and the Church as God's witness. Results are examined
through the lenses of psychoanalytic and cognitive-developmental theories. The
issue of how adolescents talk about God and the Church is discussed. [Source: PI]
Persinger, M. A. 1991. “Preadolescent Religious Experience Enhances Temporal Lobe Signs in Normal Young Adults.” Perceptual and Motor Skills vol. 72, pp. 453-454.
Abstract: Compared responses
to a personal philosophy inventory by 174 university students who indicated
that their first religious experience had occurred before they were teenagers
and 694 students who denied such an experience. Results support the hypothesis
that earlier onset of limbic lability is associated with subjective experiences
infused with more affect and meaningfulness.
[Source: PI]
Sazer, L. and H. Kassinove. 1991. “Effects of Counselors Profanity and Subjects Religiosity on Content Acquisition of a Counseling Lecture and Behavioral Compliance.” Psychological Reports vol. 69, pp. 1059-1070.
Abstract: Effects of
counselor's profanity and subject's religiosity on acquisition of lecture
content and behavioral compliance were investigated. 40 male and 80 female undergraduate
students volunteered to attend a lecture about "coping with problems of
daily living." They were divided into low, medium, or high religiosity
groups based upon scores on Rohrbough and Jessor's Religiosity Scale. Each
subject listened to a 15-min. videotaped rational-emotive mental health
presentation which included a recommendation that they pick up a card (initial
compliance) and send for a free book (delayed compliance) expanding upon the
principles discussed in the tape. Half listened to a tape containing 16 profane
words and half watched a nonprofane tape. At the end of the tape subjects were
given a test on content. Analysis showed that profanity had a negative effect
on acquisition of content and on initial compliance. Religiosity had no effect
on any of the dependent variables. In contrast to the behavior modeled by some
senior clinical practitioners, it was concluded that counselors be wary of
using profanity in an initial session. Also, in keeping with the 1989
recommendations of Heppner and Claiborn, the importance of studying behavioral
measures in influence studies was stressed.
[Source: SC]
Schneider, Jim D. 1991. “Autonomy in Moral Judgment among Bible College Students.” M.ed. Thesis, University of Alberta (Canada).
Abstract: The overall
objective of this project was to explore the nature of autonomy in moral
judgments as it is experienced by college-aged youth raised within a
conservative evangelical environment. A qualitative research design was
employed and data collection consisted of a questionnaire and two interviews
with each of the five participants. Data were organized around five major
themes: cognitive expressions of the moral judgment process, faith expressions
of the moral judgment process, religious resources, expressions of community in
the moral judgment process, and holistic expressions of the moral judgment
process. Participants demonstrated various levels of autonomy in the moral
judgment process, reinforcing the notion of the developmental nature of
autonomy. Generally speaking, their comments were most reflective of
Petrovich's (1986) definition of autonomy as an act of willful obedience. [Source: DA]
Turiel, Elliot, Carolyn Hildebrandt, and Cecilia Wainryb. 1991. “Judging Social Issues: Difficulties, Inconsistencies, and Consistencies.” Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development vol. 56, pp. 1-103.
Abstract: High school &
college students' reasoning about the nonprototypical issues of abortion,
homosexuality, pornography, & incest was examined in 3 studies. In Study 1,
87 high school seniors & 98 college undergraduates, divided between those
who judged prototypical issues negatively or positively, were asked to evaluate
1 nonprototypical issue, 1 moral issue, & 1 personal issue. The groups differed
in judgments about the nonprototypical issues, but not the moral issues. Both
groups gave noncontingent & generalized judgments about moral issues, with
justifications of justice & rights. Ss who evaluated nonprototypical acts
negatively used varied & often inconsistent configurations of criterion
judgments. Ss who evaluated nonprototypical acts positively judged that they
should be legal & nongeneralized & gave justifications based on
personal choice. Using similar procedures, Study 2 was conducted with 58
practicing Catholics who were seniors in parochial high schools. Findings
paralleled those of Study 1, including a split among Ss in their evaluations of
the nonprototypical issues. In Study 3, the role of informational assumptions
in judgment of nonprototypical issues was examined through a set of questions
& probes pertaining either to abortion or homosexuality given to 87
undergraduate introductory psychology students. Assumptions were found to be
ambiguous & inconsistently applied. Ambiguity around assumptions is
discussed as a central component of the nonprototypicality of these issues. In
Why Are Nonprototypical Events So Difficult, and What Are the Implications for
Social-Developmental Psychology?, Herbert D. Saltzstein (Graduate School &
U Center, City U of New York, NY) lauds Turiel et al for their examination of
the judgment & reasoning applied to nonprototypical issues, & their
variations based on moral & personal issues. In light of their findings,
several questions are explored concerning the organization of moral thought in
relation to other forms of social thought. In essence, the findings do not
provide a model by which to explain individual & group differences; rather,
they suggest that they simply cannot be explained. [Source: SA]
Wheeler, Mark S. 1991. “The Relationship between Parenting Style and the Spiritual Well-Being and Religiosity of College Students.” Christian Education Journal vol. 11, pp. 51-62.
Day, Wayne Allan. 1990. “Religious Generation Gap: A Relational Study of Selected Religious Attitudes of Union University Freshmen and Their Parents.” Ed.d. Thesis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Abstract: Problem. This
study addressed the issue of the differences in religious attitudes which
existed between entering freshmen at a Tennessee Baptist college and their
parents. This study compared and contrasted selected religious attitudes of
students, mothers and fathers to see if a religious generation gap existed at a
Tennessee Baptist college. Procedures. Three separate populations were utilized
for this study. Union University freshmen (20 years of age or younger) during
the Fall semester of 1989 and the mothers of these entering freshmen and the
fathers of these students. These groups responded to Likert scale questionnaires
concerning religious attitudes. This instrument was developed using the 1963
Baptist Faith and Message statement by the author and was validated and tested
for reliability by a pilot study. The responses were statistically treated
using t-Test for correlated samples and Pearson's r for matched pairs. Findings
and conclusions. The study found both emancipation and social learning theory
at work, though neither was adequate to fully explain the interaction of family
attitudes. Parents and adolescents were different in their attitudes about
Southern Baptist doctrine. There were also 7 similarities in attitudes that
were found in the 18 attitudes measured between the groups. The current study
found that there were significant differences between parents' and adolescents'
religious attitudes. This meant that mothers and fathers were significantly
different from their adolescent and that emancipation theory was at work.
Significant negative relationships were found in adolescent and parent
attitudes regarding liberty, God, and the social order. Significant positive
relationships were found in adolescent and parent attitudes about Scripture,
leisure, and the church. This meant that when parents were paired with their
adolescent that there were some significant similarities and that social
learning theory was at work. [Source:
DA]
Fulton, Aubyn S. 1990. “Religious Orientation, Antihomosexual Sentiment, Identity Status, and Fundamentalism: In Search of Mature Religion.” Ph.d. Thesis, Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology.
Abstract: The intrinsic
($I$), extrinsic ($E$), and quest ($O$) religious orientation scales have been
empirically productive, but theoretically inconsistent. Both $I$ and $O$ have
been found to correlate positively, negatively, and not at all with various
measures of tolerance (see Fulton, 1990). $E$ has recently been shown to be
comprised of two distinct sub-scales, social ($Es$) and personal ($Ep$). In
this study the theoretical and empirical deficits of $I$, $E$, and $O$ were
reviewed in light of Allport's concept of mature religion. It was suggested
that the theoretical consistency of research in this area would be improved by
considering not just the degree of religious commitment, but its developmental
quality as well. One hundred and seventy-four conservative Christian
undergraduate students were assessed for religious orientation, and these were
correlated with three approaches to the evaluation of religious maturity:
anti-homosexual sentiment, fundamentalism, and identity status as measured by
Adams' Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOMEIS). Significant
correlations were found between $I$ and both fundamentalism and negative
morally-based attitudes towards homosexuals. Also, there were just as many foreclosed
(developmentally immature) high $I$'s as there were foreclosed low $I$s.
However, $I$ was negatively correlated with social distance from homosexuals;
when fundamentalism was controlled for the association between $I$ and negative
attitudes toward homosexuals disappeared. $Es$ was found to correlate with
measures of prejudice toward homosexuals, but was uncorrelated with
fundamentalism. The correlations of $Ep$ were exactly opposite. $O$ was found
to correlate with most measures of tolerance, and also correlated with
moratorium ("identity crisis" status). Results were interpreted as
support for the positions that: $I$ confuses both mature and immature religious
commitment; $E$ is comprised of two distinct types of immature commitment, $Es$
and $Ep$; and $O$ is best understood as a developmentally intermediate
orientation similar to an adolescent identity crisis. The assessment of the
developmental quality of religious commitment is discussed as an important step
in the proper understanding of $I$, $E$ and $O$. [Source: DA]
Gamoran, Adam. 1990. “Civil Religion in American Schools.” Sociological Analysis vol. 51, pp. 235-256.
Abstract: The central role
played by US public schools in producing & transmitting civil religion is
examined drawing on data from classroom observations, retrospective essays by
17 undergraduates, & personal experiences as a student in suburban Chicago,
Ill. Results indicate that civil religion in schools appears in daily rituals,
eg, the pledge of allegiance, holiday observances, activities such as music
& art, & the social studies curriculum. The beliefs, symbols, &
rituals of US civil religion are specified, & it is argued that the
practice of civil religion in public schools plays a dual role: while it socializes
youth to a common set of views, it also sets off subgroups whose backgrounds or
beliefs prevent them from participating fully in civil religion. [Source: SA]
Jackson, Ellen Pastorino. 1990. “The Influence of Gender, Family Cohesion and Family Adaptability on the Domains of Adolescent Identity.” Ph.d. Thesis, The Florida State University.
Abstract: The purpose of
this study was to investigate the influence of gender, family cohesion and
family adaptability on identity exploration and identity commitment in six domains:
occupation, religion, politics, friendships, dating, and sex roles. Specific
objectives included the assessment of (1) the interaction between family
functioning and gender, and their effect on identity exploration and identity
commitment, (2) the domains by which males and females define themselves, and
(3) the typical sequence in which the identity domains are resolved by late
adolescents. Subjects were 210 male and female college students. The FACES III
Inventory provided measures of perceived cohesion and adaptability of families.
The Ego-Identity Interview provided measures of identity exploration and
commitment for the six domains. The findings of this study indicated a complex
association between family functioning, gender, and identity. Females perceived
more cohesion in the family environment than males, and higher levels of family
cohesion were associated with higher levels of identity commitment. An
interaction between adaptability and gender on identity exploration also was
found. High-exploring males perceived high levels of adaptability in the family
whereas high-exploration in females was related to low and high levels of
family adaptability. Gender differences by domain also were observed. Males
were more likely to have explored in politics and females were more likely to
have explored sex role values. Males were more committed in the political
domain whereas females were more committed in the domains of religion and
dating. The results also indicated little evidence of exploration by the subjects
in pursuit of religious or political identity.
[Source: DA]
Jahan, Qamar. 1990. “Study of Communal Prejudice as Related to Adjustment.” Manas vol. 37, pp. 31-39.
Abstract: Tested the
hypothesis that maladjusted persons are more prejudiced than well-adjusted
persons. A 2 * 2 factorial design was used in which adjustment (good adjustment
or maladjustment) and religion (Hindu or Muslim) varied. 850 female
undergraduates (aged 15-20 yrs) completed the Bell Adjustment Inventory and a
prejudice scale. Adjusted Ss were less prejudiced than maladjusted Ss, and
Muslims were more prejudiced than Hindus. Hindu Ss were significantly better
adjusted than Muslims, and there was an interactional effect of adjustment and
religion on the degree of communal prejudice.
[Source: PI]
Jensen, Larry, Rea J. Newell, and Tom Holman. 1990. “Sexual Behavior, Church Attendance, and Permissive Beliefs among Unmarried Young Men and Women.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 29, pp. 113-117.
Abstract: Examined how
religion interacted with permissiveness (P) in influencing premarital sexual
behavior among 191 single male and 232 single female 17-25 yr olds. Independent
variables of church attendance, sexual permissiveness (SP), age, state, and gender
were used to study the dependent variables of sexual behavior. The only
variable with a significant main effect was SP. However, there was a
significant 2-way interaction between church attendance and P and between P and
gender. The means for permissive and nonpermissive females were similar, but
for males the nonpermissive Ss had dramatically lower intercourse frequency.
The interaction between church attendance and P resulted because nonpermissive
Ss who attended church had the lowest frequency, but permissive Ss who attended
church every week had one of the highest frequencies of sexual
intercourse. [Source: PI]
Persinger, M. A. and K. Makarec. 1990. “Exotic Beliefs May Be Substitutes for Religious Beliefs.” Perceptual and Motor Skills vol. 71, pp. 16-18.
Abstract: Examined whether
people who attended church regularly would endorse more traditional and fewer
exotic beliefs, while those who did not attend church regularly would
demonstrate the opposite effect. Personal philosophy inventories of 847
university students (aged 16-58 yrs), collected over 10 yrs, were analyzed.
Results suggest that exotic beliefs may serve as substitutes for more
traditional religious concepts. The absence of an absolute decrease in belief
scores suggests that the influence of a university education did not change
this core of beliefs. Early-onset religious experiences appear to promote or to
enhance exotic and religious beliefs.
[Source: PI]
Serow, Robert C. and Julia I. Dreyden. 1990. “Community Service among College and University Students: Individual and Institutional Relationships.” Adolescence vol. 25, pp. 553-566.
Abstract: Examined whether
1,960 college students' frequency of community service is associated with
sociodemographic background; institutional type (public, private with church
affiliation, and private with church affiliation and strong emphasis on
religion); personal value patterns; and involvement in campus activities. Two
personal variables showed significant relationships to community service in each
of the institutional categories: Spiritual/religious values were positively
associated with service, while an emphasis on professional success showed a
negative relationship. Findings offer evidence of the importance of human
values in the development of prosocial behavior. [Source: PI]
Woods, Dorris Stubbs. 1990. “Risk Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Abusers.” Ph.d. Thesis, Claremont Graduate School.
Abstract: This study
examined risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in adolescent and young
adult male substance abusers with regard to the self-reported drug- use
behavior and other factors. The subjects who participated in the study
consisted of the study group and a comparison group. The study group included
clients in treatment for substance abuse. The comparison group included
students in various educational institutions in Los Angeles County. Each of the
two groups had approximately equal numbers of black, white and Hispanic
subjects. The subjects ranged in age from 18-29 years. It was hypothesized
that: (1) the drug-abuse group would show more suicidal ideation than the
non-abuse group (comparison) as measured by Beck's Hopelessness Scale; (2)
suicidal ideation would have a positive association with problem-family
communication and negative association with open-family communications as
measured by Olson's Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS); (3) suicidal
ideation will show a significant and negative association with achieved ego identity
measure but a significant and positive association with diffused ego identity
measure as measured by Adams' Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OMEIS);
(4) there is a significant and positive association between intensity of drug
abuse and the degree of suicidal ideation; (5) more suicidal ideation will be
found in black and white youths who abuse drugs than Hispanic youths who abuse
drugs; (6) Hispanics who are Catholic will have less suicidal ideation than
black or white youth who are Protestant or of other religious affiliation; (7)
there is a positive association between social conflict and suicidal ideation.
The data were analyzed utilizing several statistical procedures: correlation
analyses, analyses of variance and factorial analyses of variance and content
analysis for non-quantified data. As stated above, the variables under
consideration for this study were the use and non- use of drugs, ethnicity,
religion, family structure, social conflict, and ego identity status. [Source: DA]
Benzel, Laura Ann. 1989. “Drug Use and Attitudes toward Drug Use among College Church Youth Group Members.” M.a. Thesis, The University of Arizona.
Abstract: A study of data
from 85 undergraduate and graduate students involved in church youth groups
revealed a significant relationship between degree of religious belief and drug
using behavior and attitudes. Highly religious subjects disapproved of drinking
alcoholic beverages and used cigarettes and alcohol less than subjects
professing lower religiosity. Protestant subjects had more negative attitudes
and less personal use of tobacco and alcohol than Catholics. Similar findings
pertaining to drug using behavior and attitudes were reported between groups
for all other substances. [Source: DA]
Bolger, Niall, Geraldine Downey, Elaine Walker, and Pam Steininger. 1989. “The Onset of Suicidal Ideation in Childhood and Adolescence.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 18, pp. 175-190.
Abstract: Suicidal behavior
among adolescents in the US has increased threefold since 1950, becoming the
third leading cause of death in this population. Here, the relationship between
suicidal ideation & suicidal behavior is explored, based on the
questionnaire responses of 364 undergraduates. A developmental approach to suicidal
ideation leads to the prediction that the impact of the demographic variables
& life experiences on suicidal thoughts will vary by developmental stage.
Findings reveal that thoughts of suicide had occurred to the majority of
respondents at some point in their lives. At all ages, females were at higher
risk for considering suicide than males, & whites than nonwhites;
non-Catholics, however, were no more likely than Catholics to consider suicide.
It is concluded that the results demonstrate the importance of examining
patterns of suicidal ideation in nonclinical samples in order to provide a
basis for targeting primary prevention efforts. [Source: SA]
Fadoir, Steven Joseph. 1989. “Adolescent Development and Substance Abuse.” Ph.d. Thesis, University of Cincinnati.
Abstract: National studies
have shown that drug use has declined or leveled off, while alcohol use has
remained stable at high rates. However, the level of substance use and abuse is
still truly alarming, whether by historical standards or in comparison with
other countries. The study of chemical use by adolescents and young adults is
important because of possible deliterious impact on their physiological,
psychological and social development. Some form of chemical use by adolescents
is considered to be normative today and sometimes seen as a "rite of
passage." Adolescent substance use has been linked with lower self-esteem;
less psychological well-being; lower academic achievement; career indecision;
less conventional beliefs; less religiosity; and more negative perception of
parental environment. Each variable has been investigated in past research and
has been associated with substance use. However, recent research has raised
questions concerning the strength and direction of these associations. Major
problems have existed in past research in the definitions of non-use, use, and
abuse. Therefore, in this study subjects were classified in relation to their
level, pattern and type of substance involvement, and chemical related negative
events. Method. Subjects: 275 undergraduate subjects and 50 treatment subjects
completed the survey questionnaire consisting of: the Mental Health Inventory
(MHI); the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; the Family Environment Scale; the
Radicalism-Conservatism Scale; the Religious Orientation and Involvement Scale;
the Career Indecision Scale; an Alcohol and Drug Use Inventory; an Alcohol and
Drug Experience Inventory; and sociodemographic information. Results. The
results found that experimental and moderate use of alcohol and marijuana is
normative within a college sample. The different levels and patterns of
substance use within the profile groups did not significantly differ in their
self-esteem, psychological functioning, and overall perceptions of family
environment. Heavier substance using subjects were less religious, less
traditional and more radical in their political beliefs, less disapproving of
chemical use, and perceived their parents as using more alcohol, and being less
disapproving of chemical use. The treatment sample used significantly higher
levels of all chemicals, and had higher negative events, more psychological
dysfunction, lower self-esteem, higher career indecision, and perceived their
parents as using higher levels of chemicals, and as being less disapproving of
chemical use. [Source: DA]
Hamilton, Scott B., Rebekah S. Lynch, Judith L. Naginey, Kimberley A. Peters, and Kevin R. Piske. 1989. “Relationships between the Life Values of U.S. College Students and Their Cognitive/Affective Responses to the Threat of Nuclear War.” Journal of Adolescence vol. 12, pp. 55-68.
Abstract: Relationships
between four separate value dimensions & the nuclear-war-related feelings,
behaviors, & opinions of a group of Colorado State U students (N = 399)
were investigated, & their value/nuclear war correlates of satisfaction
with life analyzed, based on their responses to a fall 1986 survey that
included a values questionnaire, a scale measuring general life satisfaction,
& several nuclear war measures (nuclear distress, salience, weapons
opposition, personal efficacy, information approach). The value dimensions
were: conventionally defined success (CDS); religious faith & devotion
(RFD); activist pursuit of social causes (APSC); & materialistic
orientation (MO). Although the respondents endorsed MO & CDS value
statements, RFD was the only dimension positively associated with life
satisfaction. APSC yielded the most consistent pattern of positive
relationships with the five nuclear war measures. Findings reflect the prevalence
of self-centered values among US college students, & raise the question of
whether they are sufficiently informed & motivated to participate in the
democratic process, especially regarding nuclear issues. The possible role of
educators, parents, & other influential adults in this regard is
discussed. [Source: SA]
Margolis, Gary. 1989. “Beyond Me: Fostering Images and Actions Beyond the Self.” Journal of College Student Psychotherapy vol. 4, pp. 45-53.
Abstract: Challenges the
view that college students are too self- and career-focused, to the exclusion
of social, political, and spiritual concerns. The developmental sequence of
young adults (separation, depression, intimacy, and psychological and
vocational individuation) is explored to understand the necessity for
adolescent self-absorption. Ways in which students go beyond their personal
selves in dreams, art, prayer, and feeling are discussed, and ways in which
institutions can recognize and support these activities are reviewed. Changes
in the development of the self in each year of college are outlined. [Source: PI]
Murstein, Bernard I., Michelle J. Chalpin, Kenneth V. Heard, and Stuart A. Vyse. 1989. “Sexual Behavior, Drugs, and Relationship Patterns on a College Campus over Thirteen Years.” Adolescence vol. 24, pp. 125-139.
Abstract: 737 college
students at a small liberal arts college received questionnaires regarding
their sexual philosophies, behavior, relationship with most recent partner,
self-perceived attractiveness, relationship with parents, use of drugs and
alcohol, attitudes toward marriage and abortion, and other subjects in 1974,
1979, and 1986. Results show that sexual behavior increased dramatically from
1974 to 1979 and then decreased in 1986 to approximately where it was in 1974.
It is suggested that data reflect an increase in individualism and a weakening
of the influence of religion and parental relationship on sexual behavior.
However, newly prominent diseases, including acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS), have pushed college youth toward more committed sexual
relationships, although not to abstention.
[Source: PI]
Serow, Robert C. 1989. “Community Service, Religious Commitment, and Campus Climate.” Youth and Society vol. 21, pp. 105-119.
Abstract: Current debates
over a national service policy have focused attention on voluntary action by US
youth. Analysis of questionnaire data collected from 2,100 college students in
a southeastern state reveals that participation in community service is related
to individual religious commitment & to the moral climate of the campus.
The finding that campus climate is most important among students with
relatively weak religious commitments suggests that institutions can take steps
to encourage pro bono efforts by young people. [Source: SA]
Zern, David S. 1989. “Some Connections between Increasing Religiousness and Academic Accomplishment in a College Population.” Adolescence vol. 24, pp. 141-154.
Abstract: A sample of 251
college students were asked via a 6-item questionnaire to describe their own
degree of religiousness & that of the home atmosphere in which they grew
up. Ss gave self-report measures of their total religiousness, belief in God,
& ritual observance. When these measures were related separately to their
cumulative grade point averages (GPAs), no relationship was found for either
present or past degree of religiousness. However, on each of the three measures
of religiousness, about 75% of the approximately 10% of the sample who reported
being more religious currently than in the atmosphere in which they grew up had
GPAs above the sample mean, while fewer than 50% of the rest of the sample
did. [Source: SA]
Ryan, Ione J. and Patricia C. Dunn. 1988. “Association of Race, Sex, Religion, Family Size, and Desired Number of Children on College Students' Preferred Methods of Dealing with Unplanned Pregnancy.” Family Practice Research Journal vol. 7, pp. 153-161.
Abstract: Surveyed 238 Black
and 466 White college students (43% male, 57% female) to assess their order of
preference of 5 methods for dealing with an out-of-wedlock, unplanned
pregnancy: (a) marriage, (b) abortion, (c) adoption, (d) raising the child as a
single parent, and (e) having grandparents raise the child. Results indicate
that the majority of Ss would prefer to marry, if possible. Abortion was their
second preference. Of the remaining options, raising a child as a single parent
was preferable to allowing a third party to raise the child, either through
adoption or extended family. Race, sex, religiosity, religious preference,
number of siblings, and number of desired children were significantly
associated with Ss' preferences.
[Source: PI]
De Witt, Craig Alan. 1987. “Ego Identity Status, Religious Orientation and Moral Development of Students from Christian Colleges.” Psy.d. Thesis, Biola University Rosemead School of Psychology.
Abstract: From both a social
and developmental perspective, the stages of adolescent development have received
a great deal of focus. James Marcia (1964) operationalized Erik Erikson's
(1963, 1968) stage of identity development by introducing four identity states.
As a result of Marcia's work, additional research has been conducted that in
essence looks at other developmental issues, such as religion and morality, and
how they appear to be related to the larger and more comprehensive
developmental systems. In this study, ego identity statuses for religion, as
assessed by the Dallas Identity Scale (1981), were compared to levels of
religiousity, as assessed by Fleck's (1977) Attitudes About Religion Scale, and
levels of moral development, as assessed by Rest's Defining Issues Test (1974).
The goal was to clarify and extend the literature relative to ego identity
development, especially as it relates to religious orientation and moral
reasoning. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences
found between the various identity statuses for religion when compared to the
subjects' maturation and development in terms of religious orientation and
moral reasoning. Furthermore, it was expected that there would be a high
correlation among the variables moral reasoning and religious orientation and
their predictability of a specific identity status for religion. A survey
completed by 210 Christian college students assessed the following variables:
identity status (Achieved, Moratorium, or Foreclosed), religious orientation
(Committed, Consensual, Extrinsic), and level of moral reasoning. Comparison of
the three identity statuses for religion indicated significantly different
means for the intrinsic-committed and extrinsic scales (p $<$.05). Further
comparisons show that the three identity statuses had significantly different
mean scores on moral reasoning (p $<$.05). Finally, when focus was placed on
the subjects' endorsement of extrinsic items and the level of moral reasoning,
it was possible to predict 7.3% of the variance of identity status. Results are
discussed in terms of the implications for identity status and the type of
thought processes that are the result of maturation and development. [Source: DA]
Fehring, Richard J., Patricia Flatley Brennan, and Mary L. Keller. 1987. “Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being in College Students.” Research in Nursing and Health vol. 10, pp. 391-398.
Abstract: Two separate
correlational studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between
spirituality and psychological mood states in response to life change. In the
first study a spiritual well-being index, a spiritual-maturity scale, a
life-change index, and a depression scale were administered to 95 freshman
nursing students. The spiritual well-being index was composed of two
sub-scales; a religious well-being and an existential well-being scale. In the
second study a spiritual-outlook scale and the Profile of Mood State index was
added to the above tests and administered to 75 randomly selected college
students. The results demonstrated a weak positive relationship between life
change and depression. Unlike a previous study, spiritual well-being,
existential well-being, and spiritual outlook showed strong inverse
relationships with negative moods suggesting that spiritual variables may
influence psychological well-being.
[Source: PI]
Futterman, Jack Robert. 1987. “Identity Status, Sex Role, and Gender Identity in Late Adolescent Males and Females.” Ph.d. Thesis, The University of Michigan.
Abstract: The relationships
between identity status, sex role, and gender identity were investigated in 59
male and 59 female undergraduates. Identity status was assessed by a version of
the Identity Status Interview (Marcia, 1966; Grotevant and Cooper, 1981)
containing intrapersonal content areas of occupation, religion, and politics,
and interpersonal content areas of friendship, dating, sex roles, and sexual
values. Sex role was assessed by the original and short versions of the Bem Sex
Role Inventory (Bem, 1974; 1979) and by the short version of the Personal
Attributes Questionnaire (Spence and Helmreich, 1978). Gender identity was
assessed by the Franck Drawing Completion Test (Franck and Rosen, 1949) and by
the May Measure of Gender Identity (May, 1966). The investigation of the
relationship between identity status in intrapersonal areas and instrumental
traits (Masculinity) such as independence and competitiveness indicated that
instrumental traits were associated with high identity status in the area of
occupation for both sexes and in the area of religion for females. Instrumental
traits were also associated with high identity status in the areas of dating
and sex roles for females. The investigation of the relationship between
identity status in interpersonal areas and expressive traits (Femininity) such
as kindness and sensitivity indicated that expressive traits were associated
with high identity status in the areas of dating, and sex roles for males. With
regard to sex role orientation, Androgyny, or the possession of a high level of
both instrumental and expressive characteristics, was found to be associated
with high identity status more frequently than either a Feminine or
Undifferentiated sex role. Sex-typed individuals demonstrated significantly
higher rates of Foreclosure than individuals of other sex role orientations.
Undifferentiated individuals also demonstrated higher rates of Diffusion than
Androgynous or Masculine individuals. Gender identity was related only weakly
to identity status; Feminine males, as classified by the Franck Drawing
Completion Test, demonstrated a tendency towards a higher rate of Diffusion
than Masculine males. While there were several replications of previous
research findings, the main finding of this study is the high degree to which
instrumentality was associated with high identity status for females. [Source: DA]
Hoge, Dean R., Jann L. Hoge, and Janet Wittenberg. 1987. “The Return of the Fifties: Trends in College Students' Values between 1952 and 1984.” Sociological Forum vol. 2, pp. 500-519.
Abstract: An analysis of
value trends during the 1950s-1980s using questionnaire data obtained in (1) a
1952 survey of M students (N not provided) at 11 US Colls & Us, & (2)
replication studies conducted in 1968/69, 1974, 1979, & 1984 at Dartmouth
Coll, NH (N = 360, 366, 316, & 334, respectively), & the U of Michigan
(N = 400, 348, 331, & 364, respectively). In most value domains the trends
are U-shaped, reversing from the 1950s direction in the 1960s & 1970s; by
1984, attitudes were similar to those of the 1950s or moving in that direction.
Domains examined include: traditional religion; career choice; faith in
government & the military; advocacy of social constraints on deviant social
groups; attitudes about free enterprise, government, & economics; sexual
morality; marijuana use; & personal obligations. Two attitude areas do not
show a return to 1950s values: (1) other-direction was high in 1952, then
dropped in the 1960s & did not rise; & (2) the level of politicization
rose greatly from 1952 to the 1960s, then dropped again only slightly. [Source: SA]
Perkins, H. Wesley. 1987. “Parental Religion and Alcohol Use Problems as Intergenerational Predictors of Problem Drinking among College Youth.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 26, pp. 340-357.
Abstract: Surveyed 860 16-23
yr old college students to explore intergenerational linkages between
religiosity and problem drinking. Results indicate that Ss were at greater risk
for problem drinking if they were (1) from Gentile religious traditions as
compared with Jews, (2) not strongly attached to a particular faith, or (3) the
child of an alcohol abuser. In addition to presenting "at risk"
categories for Ss, the intergenerational transmission of alcohol problems that
can occur specifically through the influence of parental religion was analyzed.
Parental religion was related to these "at risk" categories,
suggesting that characteristics of parent's faith may have multiple paths of
impact on the S's drinking experience.
[Source: PI]
Phillips, William Louis. 1987. “An Examination of Hypermasculinity and Contraceptive Use and Attitudes in Adolescent Males.” Ed.d. Thesis, Peabody College For Teachers of Vanderbilt University.
Abstract: A study done by
Exner (1985) found that college male reported contraceptive behavior could be
predicted by contraceptive attitudes and masculinity beliefs, but that
contraceptive behavior could not be predicted by a measure of sex guilt. This
study replicated Exner's findings using adolescent male subjects. Importance of
religion and a comprehensive measure of self-concept were additional independent
variables. The participants were selected from two adolescent groups: catholic
high school students and residents at a child psychiatric facility. Catholic
and psychiatric group scores were similar except on self-concept scales and
sexual history. Consistent with predictions, the findings indicated that less
effective contraception was related to negative self-concepts (viz., Moral
Ethical Self), greater hypermasculinity, and negative attitudes toward
contraception. Sex guilt, also as expected, was not significantly associated
with male contraceptive behavior. Contrary to the expectation that religion
would not be a significant independent variable, the self-report of importance
of religion was related to one measure of contraceptive behavior. Ineffective
contraceptors in this study have a self-concept profile that prior research had
shown to be characteristic of a delinquent antisocial personality. Implications
for sex education were derived from the delinquency research. Reference. Exner,
T. (1985). Hypermasculinity and male contraceptive attitudes and behavior. [Source: DA]
Studer, Marlena and Arland Thornton. 1987. “Adolescent Religiosity and Contraceptive Usage.” Journal of Marriage and the Family vol. 49, pp. 117-128.
Abstract: Studied sexual
attitudes and experience and contraceptive usage of 224 White 18-yr-olds who
were born in the Detroit, Michigan, area in 1961. A self-administered
questionnaire was used to gather data. Findings show that identification with a
religious group appears to provide the adolescent with role models and a
sanctioning system that operate to discourage sexual activity and consequently
do not offer help with contraception for adolescents who become sexually
active. Religious teenagers' lower likelihood of using medical methods of
contraception when sexually active might thus be partially attributed to a lack
of open dialog, information, and support for birth control usage from parents,
peers, and others with whom they strongly identify. [Source: PI]
Earle, John R. and Philip J. Perricone. 1986. “Premarital Sexuality: A Ten-Year Study of Attitudes and Behavior on a Small University Campus.” Journal of Sex Research vol. 22, pp. 304-310.
Abstract: An analysis of
changes in sexual attitudes & behaviors among undergraduates at a small,
private, church-related southern U between 1970 & 1981, based on
questionnaire responses from 3 samples (N = 243 in 1970, 182 in 1975, & 368
in 1981). Results indicate significant increases in rates of premarital
intercourse & in the average number of partners, & significant
decreases in the average age at first experience, for both Ms & Fs.
Attitudes toward sexual activity are more strongly related to sexual behaviors
for Fs than for Ms; however, Fs are more conservative than Ms in their
attitudes toward the kinds of relationships in which premarital coitus is
personally acceptable. Influences of religiosity, SE background,
fraternity/sorority membership, age at onset of dating, & societal
attitudes are examined. [Source: SA]
Eve, Raymond A. and Francis B. Harrold. 1986. “Creationism, Cult Archaeology, and Other Pseudoscientific Beliefs: A Study of College Students.” Youth and Society vol. 17, pp. 396-421.
Abstract: An empirical
inquiry into the prevalence & etiology of pseudoscientific beliefs
(including certain tenets of biblical literalism & sensationalistic
archaeological claims about ancient astronauts, lost tribes, sunken continents,
monsters, etc). Data were collected from approximately 400 undergraduates at a
large public U using closed-ended modified Likert-scale items. Belief levels
were found to be strikingly high for a wide variety of pseudoscientific beliefs
(20%-60% belief in each phenomenon). A factor-analytic statistical procedure
indicated that the domains of items relating to Christian fundamentalism &
those relating to "cult" science were highly internally homogeneous
but largely uncorrelated between these two domains. Fundamentalist Christian
beliefs were correlated, not surprisingly, with conservative outlooks in religion
& politics, but also with lower grades, less outside reading, more
authoritarian & dogmatic personalities, & support for the so-called
Moral Majority. The etiology of the cult science items was much less clear.
Older students were less likely to hold such beliefs, & they were weakly
related to an internal locus of control. It is concluded that pseudoscientific
beliefs have several different likely origins. Suggestions are offered for
future research & for science education.
[Source: SA]
Hauerwas, Stanley. 1986. “How Christian Universities Contribute to the Corruption of Youth: Church and University in a Confused Age.” Katallagete pp. 21-28.
Prager, Karen J. 1986. “Identity Development, Age, and College Experience in Women.” Journal of Genetic Psychology vol. 147, pp. 31-36.
Abstract: The identity
status - achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, or diffusion - of 86
undergraduate Coll Fs aged 18-23 was assessed via interviews covering
occupation, political & religious ideology, & sexual values. Overall
identity status showed a significant association with the women's ages &
Coll experience. Achievement women were older & had been in Coll longer
than women in the other statuses. Occupational & political identity status
were each significantly associated with Coll experience. No association was
found for religious or sexual identity status. The results support Erik
Erikson's notion (Identity: Youth and Crisis, New York: Norton, 1968) that
identity achievement is the most mature outcome of the identity crisis &
extended his theory to women. [Source:
SA]
Wolfson, Orna. 1986. “Adolescent Separation from Home: An Ethnic Perspective.” Ph.d. Thesis, Boston University.
Abstract: This study
examined ethnic aspects of the separation process for adolescents leaving home.
It was assumed that separation is a critical task of adolescence. The principal
hypothesis was that adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds would
experience separation differently. The differences were expected to follow the
relative dominance of centripetal and centrifugal forces, operating to pull
family members together or push them away. This hypothesis was derived from
Stierlin's transactional theory (1981), depicting the interplay between
adolescents and parents in the process of separation. I attempted to relate
this theory to studies of ethnic differences pertaining to attitudes toward
adolescence and preferred modes of family functioning in times of stress. The
subjects were 163 college students from Italian-Catholic, Irish-Catholic, and
WASP backgrounds. Five measurements were used for various aspects of culture
and separation: (a) a background information questionnaire; (b) the Thematic
Apperception Test scored for separation themes; (c) the Fundamental Interpersonal
Relation Orientation scales; (d) Moos's Family Environment Scale; (e) a
questionnaire measuring the experience of going to college. Differences between
the ethnic groups in the experience of separation were noted, partially
supporting the major hypothesis. Italian-Catholics demonstrated dominance of
centripetal forces, operating to discourage separation and resulting in a
difficult experience of separation. Italian-Catholics produced more TAT stories
with separation anxiety themes, tended to stay at their parents' homes while at
college, and if they did leave home they expected to feel homesick at college,
and started college feeling mostly sad. WASPs showed dominant centrifugal
forces, making separation an encouraged and relatively easy process. WASPs
produced fewer TAT stories with separation anxiety themes, tended to leave home
when they attended college, preferred to go to a college far from home, and
started college feeling mostly excited. Following Stierlin's description, the
Italian-Catholic families were seen as binding, while WASP families were
protrayed as expelling. Regarding Irish-Catholics, no systematic pattern was
found consistent with Stierlin's theory. The applicability of Stierlin's theory
to families with complex separation processes, like the Irish-Catholic
families, was questioned, and the need for further research in this direction
was noted. [Source: DA]
Herring, Lynda L. 1985. “The Effect of Family Adaptability and Cohesion on Psychosexual Development.” Ph.d. Thesis, Kansas State University.
Abstract: The primary
purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of college students'
perceptions of their family cohesiveness and adaptability on the development of
their sexual attitudes and values. Additionally, demographic factors were
observed for differences. Previous research dealing with adolescent sexuality
has focused on the sexual behavior of the adolescent, rather than the attitudes
which precede behavior. This study attempted to supply to some degree, a first
step toward building an integrated, multi-dimensional relationship theory of
systemic family dynamics as it relates to the psychosexual development of young
people. Responses were elicited from 820 college students at Central Missouri
State University, Warrensburg, Missouri. The questionnaire was a combination of
two recognized instruments, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES
II) and the Sexual Attitude and Value Inventory in addition to demographic
information. Major conclusions drawn from this study showed that demographic
influences had a difference upon the way college students perceived their
psychosexual development. Females scored higher on the way they viewed the
importance of birth control, in their opposition to the use of pressure and
force in sexual activity, and in recognition of the importance of the family.
Males scored higher on their attitude toward sexuality in life. Individuals who
had had intercourse appeared to have a greater understanding of their personal
sexual response and had a more positive attitude toward sexuality in life in
addition to having higher esteem. Other demographics showing significance
involved the degree of importance of religion and size of the home community.
Overall, family adaptability and cohesion had some direct positive impact on
all measured aspects of sexual attitudes and values and the majority of the
activity was directional. That is, the closer and less structured a family
became, the more positive the perceptions of sexual values and attitudes.
Family cohesion appeared to be a larger factor in positive sexual attitudes and
values than family adaptability. The implications of this study could have
substantial effect upon the quality of life through Family Life Educators,
researchers, clinicians, and others interested in a systemic perspective of
family functioning and/or sexuality.
[Source: DA]
Hunsberger, B. 1985. “Parent-University Student Agreement on Religious and Nonreligious Issues.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 24, pp. 314-320.
Killeen, Katherine Winston. 1985. “Gender Differences in Attitudes toward Contraceptive Use.” Ph.D. Thesis, Washington University.
Abstract: Failure to use
contraceptives is a critical problem among American youth because sexual
activity is common, and illegitimacy and abortion rates are high among young
women. This study investigates gender differences in attitudes toward
contraceptive use within the framework of the theory of reasoned action
(Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). Self-administered questionnaires were completed
by a nonprobability, purposive sample of 339 never-married, sexually active
college students (158 males and 181 females) between the ages of 17 and 22
years. No statistically significant or meaningful differences between male and
female respondents were found in regards to demographic and sexual background
characteristics. Regression analyses revealed that the Fishbein/Ajzen model was
not of comparable explanatory magnitude for males and females. Overall, the
model accounted for 19% of the variance in contraceptive use intentions for
males and 26% for females. Males and females were found to differ as well in
the weighting of the model's components (the normative component was more
heavily weighted for females whereas the attitudinal component was more heavily
weighted for males) and also in regards to the specific elements making up the
model's components. Six other variables believed to be related to contraceptive
use were also examined. Regression analyses revealed that for males frequency
of intercourse, level of intimacy, and the experience of one's partner becoming
pregnant were independent and significant predictors of contraceptive use
intention. For females, affiliation with a religious group rather than no
religious affiliation was an independent and significant predictor of
contraceptive use intention. When independent and significant predictors of
contraceptive use were included in an expanded model, it was able to account
for 29% of the variance among males and 32% of the variance among females. [Source: DA]
McNeel, Steven P. and Philip L. Thorsen. 1985. “A Developmental Perspective on Christian Faith and Dogmatism.” The High School Journal vol. 68, pp. 211-220.
Abstract: Identified mutual
implications in the areas of dogmatism, the nature of mature biblical faith,
and a focus on human growth and development during the late adolescent and
adult years. 65 freshman and sophomore undergraduates were administered scales
measuring dogmatism, doctrinal orthodoxy, and styles of religiosity (external,
internal, interactional). 41 Ss had previously been administered the Defining
Issues Test; most Ss completed a 119-item questionnaire to measure attitudes
toward, beliefs about, and behavior relevant to the Christian life, the Bible,
authority, decision making and seeking God's will, difficult doctrinal
questions, the Christian, and the community. Results show that dogmatism scores
were somewhat high; Ss more orthodox doctrinally tended to show more dogmatism.
Ss who viewed their Christian commitment as a quest (interactional) tended to
be more dogmatic. Dogmatism was significantly related to Ss' reliance on
external authority but not to their reliance on internal feelings or their
tendency to think in noncritical, global terms. [Source: PI]
Paik, Mary. 1985. “The Church and Young Adults.” Pp. 79-86 in Always Being Reformed, edited by John Purdy. Philadelphia: Geneva Press.
Perkins, H. Wesley. 1985. “Religious Traditions, Parents, and Peers as Determinants of Alcohol and Drug Use among College Students.” Review of Religious Research vol. 27, pp. 15-31.
Abstract: Relationships
between religiosity and drinking or drug use among college students are
examined in the context of family
backgrounds and peer relations using data from a survey of an entire
undergraduate college population (N=1514).
With a large minority of Jewish students represented, a uniquely
detailed exploration of distinctive Jewish patterns was possible. Initial findings on alcohol use conform to
patterns found among previous generations of students: least drinking and
negative consequences appeared among Jews with the most drinking and
consequences among Catholics. Jewish
students also report the fewest family problems with alcohol and the lowest
consumption levels in social
drinking by parents. Jewish restraint
is substance specific, however; when other drug use was examined, no
differences were found among religious groups.
For both alcohol consumption and other drug use, friendship environments
are the primary influences; parental attitudes play little part. A relatively strong faith commitment to a
Judeo-Christian tradition remains as a significant moderating influence on alcohol and other drug use. [Source: RI]
Valez, William. 1985. “Finishing College: The Effects of College Type.” Sociology of Education vol. 58, pp. 191-200.
Abstract: Used multivariate
analysis to determine the odds that high school seniors would earn a bachelor's
degree. Data on 3,169 students (84% White) were obtained from the National
Longitudinal Survey of the High School Class of 1972 (National Center for
Education Statistics, 1980). Ss who started in 2-yr colleges were less likely
to finish than Ss who started in 4-yr colleges. However, other variables such
as religious background (i.e., being Jewish); educational aspirations; academic
performance in college; participation in a work-study program; and living on
campus exerted substantial positive effects on finishing. Non-White Ss with low
educational aspirations were more likely to finish college than similar White
Ss, but White Ss with high aspirations were more likely to finish than
comparable non-White Ss. [Source: PI]
Woodroof, J. Timothy. 1985. “Premarital Sexual Behavior and Religious Adolescents.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion vol. 24, pp. 346-366.
Abstract: Freshmen attending
8 colleges affiliated with the churches of Christ responded to questions about
their religious behaviors, religious motivations, and premarital sexual
behaviors. It is argued that a
religious sample may be able to give us information about the relationship
between religiosity and sexuality that more general samples could not. The religious and sexual characteristics of
this conservative Christian sample are described, and are found to differ
markedly from most samples
studied in this area. In addition, a
number of relationships are tested and discussed. The well-substantiated relationship between religious and sexual
behavior is replicated, with some interesting points raised by the fact that
this sample is more religiously active than any others reported to date. The relationship between religious
orientation and premarital sexual activity is documented for the first time, and
is found to be as strong a correlate as is religious behavior. Religious orientation and behavior are so
highly related in this sample as to prove no more predictive of sexual activity
when considered together than they do when taken separately. [Source: RI]
Levine, Saul V. 1984. “Alienated Jewish Youth and Religious Seminaries: An Alternative to Cults?” Adolescence vol. 19, pp. 183-199.
Abstract: Examines the
backgrounds, personalities, and experiences of 110 male (aged 18-29 yrs) North
American and other Western Jewish youth who left their families, lifestyles,
and their "charted courses" to enter orthodox religious seminaries in
Israel, called Yeshivot. The majority of the Ss were from conservative, reform,
or progressive Jewish homes or from secular-humanistic backgrounds. Some of the
Ss reported that their parents felt that they had "strayed," were
acting self-destructively, and were "losing" valuable time during
which they could be pursuing higher education, careers, or other middle-class
activities. Other Ss reported that their parents felt that they had done no
better than joining cults, although cults were pictured as being somewhat more
alien. It is suggested that these Ss gravitated to Israel because it was
inculcated, even subtly, into their consciousness, sometimes in spite of the
efforts of their parents. It is also suggested that much more could be learned
about religious cults and their members by using a more "palatable"
or acceptable option or model. [Source:
PI]
Seyfarth, Leonard H., Knud S. Larsen, Kris Lamont, Chris Haasch, Tom Hale, and Dierk Haskin. 1984. “Attitude toward Evangelism: Scale Development and Validity.” Journal of Social Psychology vol. 123, pp. 55-61.
Abstract: In the
item-selection phase of a 2-part study, 130 18-37 yr old undergraduates
participated in the development of a Likert-type scale measuring attitude
toward evangelism. In the reliability and validity phase, 124 18-39 yr old
undergraduates participated. The final scale, consisting of 21 internally
consistent items, had high internal reliability and related highly to
fanaticism. Factor analyses were performed on the evangelism scale and S.
Putney and R. Middleton's (see PA, Vol 36:3GD85P) 6-item fanaticism scale. The
evangelism scale consisted of 2 major independent theoretical components:
"respect for the courage to stand up for one's beliefs," and
"interpersonal approach." A high evangelism score was associated with
relative youth, being of any religion (rather than none), being non-Catholic,
being Protestant, being of a high-outreach Protestant denomination, and being
active in religion. It did not discriminate on sex, class standing, or academic
major. Attitude toward evangelism appeared to be a multidimensional concept,
related to, but distinct from, fanaticism, and having specified relationships
with other variables. It is suggested that positive attitude toward evangelism
may be related to heightened adolescent role confusion. [Source: PI]
Tobacyk, Jerome, Mark J. Miller, and Glenda Jones. 1984. “Paranormal Beliefs of High School Students.” Psychological Reports vol. 55, pp. 255-261.
Abstract: 193 11th graders
were administered the Paranormal Belief Scale, which provides a total
Paranormal Belief score and scores on 7 paranormal subscales (Traditional
Religious Belief, Psi Belief, Witchcraft, Spiritualism, Superstition,
Extraordinary Life Forms, and Precognition). Ss' paranormal scale/subscale
scores were compared to those of 424 college students. Results indicate that,
in general, high school Ss were greater disbelievers in paranormal phenomena
than college Ss. High school Ss showed significantly less belief than college
Ss on the total Paranormal Scale and on the subscales Psi Belief, Extraordinary
Life Forms, and Witchcraft. The number of science courses taken by high school
Ss correlated significantly and inversely with total Paranormal Scale scores,
Traditional Religious Belief scores, and Psi Belief scores, and their
Traditional Religious Belief scores were significantly and directly associated
with GPA. High school Ss in the most accelerated academic track showed
significantly less belief on superstition than Ss in other tracks. [Source: PI]
Villeneuve, Claude Michel. 1984. “Religious Value Transmission among Seventh-Day Adventist White American Families: A Cognitive Approach to Parental Values and Relationship as Perceived by Youth.” Ed.d. Thesis, Andrews University.
Abstract: Three research
questions were examined: (1) What role does cognitive-attribution play in
religious value transmission? (2) Is there a generation gap in the religious
values of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) families? (3) What is the influence of
parental support on value transmission? The Religious Value Transmission Study
(RVTS) questionnaire was developed. The internal reliabilities of the
fundamental belief, attitude, and behavior scales was, for each scale, above
.80. A factor analysis with a rotation of factors confirmed the construct
validity of the scales. A nation-wide random selection of SDA college freshmen
and sophomores, and their parents returned 1089 questionnaires representing an
answer rate of 61 percent for the students and 65 percent for the parents.
Thus, 228 daughter-parents and 135 son-parents triads were gathered and
analyzed using correlational and group mean comparisons. The ninety null
hypotheses and subhypotheses were tested at .05 level and the statistical power
set at .90. It was found that: (1) The misattribution of belief and attitude
confirms the role of cognitive-attribution in value transmission. However the
study shows no misattribution of parents' behavior. Therefore the
cognitive-attribution theory seems to apply only to cognitively oriented
aspects of the transmission. (2) The generation gap between parents and
children as a group or cohort, although statistically significant, seems to be
less central to the problem of transmission than the gap existing between
children's beliefs or attitudes and their behavior. Therefore, the practical
conclusion is to focus on the integration of these dimensions in order for
individuals to achieve consistency. (3) The role of family interaction in
transmission needs further study using a more sophisticated paradigm with
multiple dimensions. [Source: DA]
Woodroof, James Timothy. 1984. “Religiosity and Reference Groups: Towards a Model of Adolescent Sexuality.” Ph.d. Thesis, The University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Abstract: 471 Freshmen
attending colleges affiliated with a conservative religious denomination
completed a questionnaire relating to their premarital sexual behavior. The
questionnaire was designed on the basis of a proposed model of adolescent
sexuality, and drew heavily from questionnaires published in the literature.
Not only were questions on sexual behavior asked, but information on the
adolescents' religious behaviors and orientation, and the sexual and religious
behaviors of parents and friends was also requested. The results indicated
that: (1) This sample was more religious and less sexually active than any
other college sample reported in recent literature; (2) Many variables
correlated with premarital sexual behavior in the literature were replicated in
the present research, although (because these variables were viewed not singly
but as part of matrix) the comparative importance of certain variables had to
be reassessed. What resulted was a greater respect for the influence of peer
variables, a growing understanding of the impact of religious variables, and
another confirmation of the weakness of parental variables in regard to the sexual
behavior of adolescents; (3) New relationships were explored and established in
this study. Religious orientation and peer religious behavior were correlated
with adolescents' sexual behaviors, both of which constitute new and
theoretically important findings. Finally, the model which was proposed
constitutes the most important contribution of the study, not only summarizing
many of the variables found to be most strongly related to premarital sexual
behavior by the literature, but embedding them within a matrix that allows
their comparative importance to be assessed. The greatest weakness in this
field of inquiry (as identified by many of its most prominent researchers) is
the lack of a theoretical basis that provides the student not simply with data
but with understanding. This research was as much an attempt to organize as it
was to collect data, to the end that a more comprehensive picture of this
important social issue might emerge.
[Source: DA]
Hughes, Stella P. and Richard A. Dodder. 1983. “Alcohol-Related Problems and Collegiate Drinking Patterns.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 12, pp. 65-76.
Abstract: Examined 462
university students for 6 types of collegiate problem drinking: (1) the total
problem scale, (2) acting-out types of problems, (3) physical problems, (4)
social problems, (5) loss of memory as a result of drinking, and (6) drinking
while driving or driving after having several drinks. A conceptualized
relationship among the variables of student religious commitment, parental
attitude toward drinking, neutralization of drinking behavior, drinking before
college, anticipated ethos of college life, social orientation in college, and
quantity/frequency of alcohol consumption was used. Self-administered
questionnaires were collected and analyzed by path analysis, which explained up
to 47% of the variation in certain types of problem drinking. The strongest
single predictor of problem drinking was quantity and frequency of consumption,
but precollege drinking was also important.
[Source: PI]
Davids, Leo. 1982. “Ethnic Identity, Religiosity, and Youthful Deviance: The Toronto Computer Dating Project--1979.” Adolescence vol. 17, pp. 673-684.
Abstract: Analyzed data on
298 Jewish (J) college students in the Toronto Computer Dating Project.
Findings indicate that J identity is quite independent of J religiosity: 5 of 6
Ss reported a high sense of J identity but less than 1 out of 10 reported
themselves to be highly religious. J schooling was not concentrated among Ss of
higher religiosity. Chemical/drug abuse was found to be an extremely minimal
problem. Sexual liberalism (SL) was fairly evenly distributed among Ss, but
males scored higher on SL than females. When SL was considered in conjunction
with J schooling and religiosity, it was found that more J schooling had a
slight association with more traditional moral attitudes (i.e., lower SL
scores), and that a higher religiosity was associated with lower SL scores.
These findings suggest that Ss who were more involved in religious practice and
to whom religion was a greater force in their thinking had a tendency toward
the moral side of the SL continuum, while those who were not involved in
religion were more likely to have the nontraditional attitude that favors
premarital sex. These findings confirm those of other researchers (e.g., K. L.
Cannon and R. Long, 1971). Implications for youth policy and program planning
are discussed. [Source: PI]
Ullman, Chana. 1982. “Cognitive and Emotional Antecedents of Religious Conversion.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology vol. 43, pp. 183-192.
Abstract: Evaluated the
contribution of several cognitive factors (tolerance of ambiguity,
impermeability of present belief system, and cognitive quest) and emotional
factors (perception of childhood relationship with parents, and childhood and
adolescence stress and trauma) in precipitating religious conversion. Ss were
40 religious converts (aged 20-40 yrs) from 4 religious groups (Jewish,
Catholic, Bahai, and Hare Krishna) and 30 age-matched religiously affiliated
nonconverts (Jewish and Catholic). Converts' present belief systems were judged
as more impermeable; but contrary to the cognitive hypotheses, the groups did
not differ on several measures of tolerance of ambiguity and in degree of cognitive
quest during adolescence. Emotional factors were more closely associated with
religious conversion. Converts' perceptions of their parents were markedly more
negative, and incidence of father absence was higher in the convert sample.
Converts reported more traumatic events during childhood and described their
childhood and adolescence as unhappy. In the interview with converts, personal
stress was also reported more often than cognitive quest as characterizing the
2-yr period preceding conversion and as involved in the immediate consequences
of conversion. [Source: PI]
Hershell, Marie and Ben Hershell. 1981. “Our Involvement with a Cult.” Marriage and Family Review vol. 4, pp. 131-140.
Abstract: The parents of a
19-yr-old female undergraduate discuss their daughter's involvement with the
Unification Church and her subsequent deprogramming and rehabilitation. [Source: PI]
Hoge, Dean R., Cynthia L. Luna, and David K. Miller. 1981. “Trends in College Students' Values between 1952 and 1979: A Return of the Fifties?” Sociology of Education vol. 54, pp. 263-274.
Abstract: Four identical
surveys carried out in 1952, 1968-69, 1974, and 1979 among men at Dartmouth
College and the University of Michigan depict
value
shifts in several areas. Privatism decreased from 1952 to 1968-69, then
increased again in the late 1970s. Traditional religious beliefs
were
relatively weak in the 1960s but gained in the late 1970s although church
attendance did not increase. Other-direction dropped from
1952
to the 1960s and changed little thereafter. Anxieties about deviant social
groups dropped sharply during the late 1950s and remained low.
Belief
in free enterprise ideology was strong in 1952, weak in the 1960s, and slightly
stronger again in 1979. Faith in the government and the
military
similarly fell during the 1960s but rose again in 1979. The changes in survey
findings are not traceable to changes in student selection at
the
two colleges; they represent broader value shifts among college-going youth. In
some respects there is the beginning of a return of the fifties,
but
not in areas involving personal freedoms, such as sexual behavior and
life-style. The demand for increased personal freedoms, begun in the
1960s, continues to rise. [Source: JS]
Khan, Mohammad Monawar. 1981. “Sequential Analysis of Fertility Orientations and Behavior of Teenage Mothers.” Ph.D. Thesis, The Catholic University of America.
Abstract: Purpose. Most
previous studies of teenage motherhood relied on a cross sectional comparison
between teenage and non-teenage mothers. Variations in life course development
among teenage mothers subsequent to their first birth remain largely unknown.
The decade of the 1960's to 1970's was a period of 'contraceptive Revolution'
and continued trend towards increased female labor force participation and
college education. Given the impact of this period change, the aim of the
present study is: (1) to examine the temporal trends in life course development
of teenage and non-teenage mothers regarding marital disruption and remarriage,
educational and economic attainments, and contraceptive behavior; (2) to study
subsequent fertility in relation to the effects of timing of first birth, the
role-related variables such as work and education in the temporal context; (3)
to explore factors differentiating patterns of life course development among
teenage mothers. Data and Methodology. Currently married white mothers, aged
20-40, were selected from the 1965 National Fertility Survey and the 1973
Survey of Family Growth. Considering age and period effects on marriage,
education and labor force participation, parity progression (a measure of
subsequent fertility) and childbearing intentions at second parity were
analyzed. Log-linear analysis was employed for analysis of fertility behavior
and intentions. Factors affecting patterns of subsequent life course
development were explored by examining profiles of subgroups of teenage
mothers. Results. Chances of college education were not much improved for
teenage mothers during the 1960's and 1970's. Teenage mothers were more likely
to combine a work role and childcare but with no real gains in income and they
experienced marital disruption more than non-teenage mothers. The temporal
increase in contraceptive use after the first birth did not differentiate
teenage and non-teenage mothers. Teenage mothers were more likely to be at
higher parities than non-teenage mothers at a given age despite the fact that
their fertility intentions were lower than non-teenage mothers. Parity
progressions were differentiable significantly by role-related variables not
only between teenage and non-teenage mothers but also within teenage mothers.
College educated teenage mothers were likely to limit their susequent fertility
by delaying or not having their second birth. College educated teenage mothers
tended to experience remarriage, marrying college educated husbands, have a
higher parental SES and fewer siblings. They tended to participate in the labor
force between marriage and first birth and currently more than non-college
educated teenage mothers. The former attended church more often than the
latter. Some of these differences imply that college educated teenage mothers
had relatively favorable support systems. The programs intended to assist
teenage mothers should recognize the importance of continuation of education
among teenage mothers and their support systems beyond provision of
contraceptives. [Source: DA]
Kloepper, Howard W., Wilbert M. Leonard, and Lucy J. Huang. 1981. “A Comparison of the "Only Child" and the Siblings' Perceptions of Parental Norms and Sanctions.” Adolescence vol. 16, pp. 641-655.
Abstract: Used a 77-item
questionnaire to examine the extent to which 1,474 college students from
one-child or multiple-child families perceived that they had been regulated
during their last 2 yrs of high school by their parents. Specifically studied
were the following behavioral variables: academic achievement, alcohol
consumption, cigarette smoking, dating practices, driving privileges, athletic
participation, money-saving and spending habits, movie attendance, and
religious worship attendance. Cross-sectional analyses provided only weak
support for the hypothesis that only-children would be granted more autonomy
and would be less severely sanctioned by their parents than Ss with siblings.
Findings demonstrate that regardless of family size, the majority of Ss had
been given a great deal of freedom in the substantive areas investigated and
were rarely parentally sanctioned with physical punishment and/or withdrawal of
financial support. [Source: PI]
Kureshi, Afzal and Rahat A. Khan. 1981. “Fear of Failure Motivation as Related to Certain Social Variables.” Journal of Psychological Researches vol. 25, pp. 89-93.
Abstract: Eight pictures
with marked fear of failure (FOF) cues were used to elicit themes of FOF from
128 16-24 yr olds. Ss were paired on age (16-29 yrs/20-24 yrs), sex
(male/female), religion (Muslim/Hindu), and socioeconomic status (SES;
upper/middle). Analysis showed that Muslims, older Ss, and upper SES Ss had a
greater FOF than their counterparts. There were no sex differences on FOF
scores. [Source: PI]
Mischey, Eugene J. 1981. “Faith, Identity, and Morality in Late Adolescence.” Character Potential: A Record of Research vol. 9, pp. 175-185.
Abstract: 32 18-22 yr olds
were interviewed regarding such issues as death, meaning-of-life, loyalties and
commitments, evil, symbol, guilt, and shame. Tapes of the 2-hr interviews were
rated by 2 judges for J. W. Fowler's (1977) "faithing" stage
descriptions and 7 general variables. Ss were also given an identity rating and
a score on a Kohlberg-type moral dilemmas questionnaire. Four groupings of Ss'
faith statuses were delineated that arranged themselves from youngest to oldest.
Faith stage, moral reasoning scores, and identity status were all highly
correlated. Results support a progression of identity status and faith
orientation followed by moral reasoning. Implications for religious education
are discussed. [Source: PI]
Fullerton, John T. 1980. “An Investigation of Christian Orthodoxy and Right-Wing Authoritarianism in a Collegiate Population.” Thesis, University of Manitoba.
Kemper, Theodore D. and Roslyn W. Bologh. 1980. “The Ideal Love Object: Structural and Family Sources.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 9, pp. 33-48.
Abstract: Obtained
preferences from 101 male and 126 female undergraduates about the
characteristics of their ideal love objects. Preferences were factor analyzed
separately for males and females, and both common and sex-specific factors were
obtained. The relative contributions of a set of structural and family factors
to the explanation of variance in each of the characteristics of the ideal love
object were examined. About one-third of the 58 characteristics had
significant, though not high, amounts of variance explained by the predictors.
The most important predictors were sex, religion, mother's marital happiness,
and father's education. [Source: PI]
Mahoney, E. R. 1980. “Religiosity and Sexual Behavior among Heterosexual College Students.” Journal of Sex Research vol. 16, pp. 97-113.
Abstract: The relationship
between religiosity & sexual behavior is examined on the basis of
questionnaire responses from a sample of 290 F & 151 M Coll students.
Across a wide range of sexual behaviors & dimensions of sexuality,
religiosity is found to be negatively related to sexual experience. This
relationship does not differ by gender. Additionally, religiosity among Ms is
related to the sequence in which sexual behaviors are experienced in
adolescence. Highly religious Ms have a significant tendency to reverse the
sequence of sexual behaviors by having oral sexual experience before coitus.
This reversal is discussed in terms of the outcome of an interaction between M
sexual socialization & peer pressure, which emphasize Ms' obtaining sexual
experience, & religious beliefs, which prohibit coitus outside of marriage.
This sequence reversal is thus seen as maintaining technical virginity at an
age & in an environment where sexual experience is emphasized. [Source: SA]
Maibaum, Matthew. 1980. “The New Student and Youth Movements, 1965-1972: A Perspective View on Some Social and Political Developments in American Jews as a Religio-National Group.” Ph.D. Thesis, Claremont Graduate School.
Abstract: This study traces
the growth, development and ontogenesis of student and youth groups on the
"radical" model in Jewish American society in 1965-1972. Chapter One
presents five hypotheses concerning the relationships of origin, structure, and
behavior in these groups towards which the discussion is addressed. Chapter Two
discusses the general surrounding environment of American Jewish college youth.
The primacy of college as shaper of attitude, interest, and political
socialization is stressed. The academic achievements of youth are discussed.
The cross pressures he had to resolve with adult society are analyzed: as a
radical he had to resolve relations with the Jewish adult world as a radical
and with general radical youth as "a Jew." Chapter Three gives a
political and social history of religious developments. Jewish religious groups
grew because cultural pluralism on the back model became acceptable, and also
from increased dissatisfaction by youth with the mode of worship and sparse
ideology of parents. Most attended intensively to Orthodox Jewish guidelines,
seen as more authentic, older, and more comprehensive. Chapter Four discusses
"general" cultural developments. Communal living groups developed
after 1965, owing origins to "Hippie" communes and to the autonomous
community concept on the Amish, Essene, and ancient Jewish pietist models. New
interest in Jewish science and sociology grew, an outgrowth of academic
interests of youth desiring to discover the intricacies of Jewish life and
problems. A Jewish youth press also arose producing up to fifty periodicals.
Chapter Five discusses the broad range of "political" groups. There
arose out of dissatisfaction with middle-class intrasigence, desire to infuse
Jewish identity into "radical" positions, and modelling the cultural
pluralist position in Black American society. They combined a radical leftist
political jargon, centrist lifestyle, maintenance of historic middle-class
values including law, absence of acrimony, and academic pursuits. Members
attempted an integrated cultural model of "radical" Jew both
religiously and politically focused in interest. Chapter Six discusses
developmental and relations problems. The role of religious youth in leadership
posed problems; women found their roles still unchanged in some ways; relations
with the "Hippie," "liberated" and middle-class youth had
to be rectified; diffuseness of types of interest members had had to be dealt
with, antisemitism had to be combatted; and the future place of Jewish youth
approaching adult roles within Jewish communities and organizations becoming
increasingly professionalized posed problems of access to leadership. Chapter
Seven restates the hypotheses. For the most part all were substantiated. The
relationship between individual personality, specific group environment, and
broader American and world events appeared important for further inquiry.
Finally, participant observations on how active Jewish youth indicated they
felt about religious, cultural and political dimensions of life, and their
place in it, were made. It was characterized that your developments comprised
an effort by youth to construct an identity through organizations that
legitimized, and articulated, their identity in their eyes and in the eyes of
others. [Source: DA]
Wiebe, Ken F. and J. Roland Fleck. 1980. “Personality Correlates of Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and Nonreligious Orientations.” Journal of Psychology vol. 105, pp. 181-187.
Abstract: Personality profiles
of 158 Canadian university freshmen were compared across religious orientation
and religious affiliation. The Religious Orientation Inventory and the 16 PF
were employed. It was hypothesized that the profiles of extrinsically religious
and nonreligious Ss would correlate significantly with each other and that both
would differ significantly from intrinsically religious Ss. Both hypotheses
were supported. The personality variables for which the hypotheses were
supported included superego strength, emotional sensitivity, and liberalism.
Differences were also found across religious affiliation for certain
personality variables. [Source: PI]
Raphael, Dennis. 1979. “Sequencing in Female Adolescents' Consideration of Occupational, Religious and Political Alternatives.” Adolescence vol. 14, pp. 73-80.
Abstract: In 2 studies on
how adolescent females deal with adolescent issues, it was observed that the 69
undergraduates (Study 1) and the 112 12th graders (Study 2) were not in the
same identity status (J. E. Marcia's Identity Status Interview) for the areas
of occupation, religion, and politics. It appeared that it was necessary for
female adolescents to have explored alternative courses of action in the
occupation area before they could consider possibilities in the religion area.
The exploration of alternative beliefs and plans was necessary in the religion
and occupation areas before alternatives could be explored in politics.
Reanalyses of data from the 2 studies indicated that this scaling sequence was
reliable. A suggestion of a horizontal decalage of successive applications of
cognitive structures to these areas of concern is discussed within a Piagetian
theoretical framework, as is the possibility that environmental variables
determined areas of exploration. An attempted synthesis of these 2 viewpoints
is presented. [Source: PI]
Schnitzer, Robert, Phillip Isenberg, and Stanley Rothman. 1978. “Faces in the Crowd: Portraits of Radical Youth.” Adolescent Psychiatry pp. 195-223.
Abstract: Administered a
questionnaire on personality traits to 1,195 students at 4 major American
universities, classified in 4 groups--moderates and radicals of Jewish and of
Christian backgrounds. A few Ss from each group were also interviewed at length
and were administered projective tests. As compared with liberal and
conservative students, radicals scored high on the need for power and on
"defensive projection," low on the need for affiliation and on
impulse control. Their personality structure appears to combine covert idealism
with an underlying need to exercise control over others. The authors believe
that some radicals have identified themselves with the student movement, with
Blacks, and with Third World revolutionaries because they see these groups as
powerful (i.e., tough and "macho") in contrast to a malevolent but
weak Establishment. Individual case histories from the 4 groups are presented
and analyzed in detail. [Source: PI]
Soderstrom, Doug and E. Wayne Wright. 1977. “Religious Orientation and Meaning in Life.” Journal of Clinical Psychology vol. 33, pp. 65-68.
Abstract: Tested the general
hypothesis that a mature religious commitment should aid youth in their search
for meaning in life. A questionnaire was given to 427 college freshmen and
sophomores in 6 midwestern colleges. Results indicate that intrinsically
motivated Ss, committed Ss, and true believers had significantly higher Purpose
in Life Test mean scores than did extrinsically motivated Ss, uncommitted Ss,
and unbelievers. The results also indicate that religious integration (moral
commitment paired with spiritual commitment) is indicative of meaning in life.
It is concluded that a mature religious commitment should aid youth in their
search for meaning in life. [Source:
PI]
Garrison, Charles E. 1976. “Effect of Participation in Congregational Structures on Church Attendance.” Review of Religious Research vol. 18, pp. 36-43.
Abstract: The structure of
congregations that college students attended prior to college is examined for
for effect upon church attendance rates while in college. Specifically, the division of labor in the
congregation was measured as was also
the extent to which the individual held
positions in the division of labor.
The findings reveal that the division of labor itself does not affect
attendance rate. However, holding
positions in the division of labor does have some effect on the attendance rate in college even when
rate of high school church attendance is controlled. In comparing positions held in the division of labor with
participation in church sponsored youth activities, a greater effect on church
attendance was derived from the holding of positions in the congregational
division of labor. [Source: RI]
King, Karl, Thomas J. Abernathy, Jr., Ira E. Robinson, and Jack O. Balswick. 1976. “Religiosity and Sexual Attitudes and Behavior among College Students.” Adolescence vol. 11, pp. 535-539.
Abstract: A cross-section of
students from a large southern state U (N=134 M's & 161 F's), all white,
single, & Protestant, were surveyed via questionnaire to test 2 major
hypotheses: "(1) Religiosity will vary inversely with premarital sexual
behavior; & (2) religiosity will vary inversely with permissive premarital
sexual attitudes." Goodman's Gamma is used as the probability statistic to
measure for the significance of relationships. Religiosity as measured by
religious beliefs & attitudes is not significantly related to premarital
sexual behavior, a finding which opposes most previous research which finds these
2 variables to be obviously related when religiosity is measured by church
attendance. Religiosity is "more strongly related to premarital sexual
attitudes among M's than among F's." Discrepancies between these results
& those of other research projects are discussed. [Source: SA]
Bardis, Panos D. 1975. “Abortion Attitudes among Catholic College Students.” Adolescence vol. 10, pp. 433-441.
Abstract: Explored the
abortion attitudes of 200 students (freshmen-seniors) attending a midwestern
liberal arts college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Ss' attitudes
were quantified by means of P. Bardis' (1972) Abortion Scale. A 2nd tool was a
questionnaire dealing with independent variables (e.g., sex, age, number of
siblings, birth order, marital status, and education). Findings show the
following: (a) Catholics in general tended to be more conservative than
Protestants. (b) There were no statistically significant differences between
urban and rural residents and between single and engaged Ss. On the other hand,
females, social science majors, and those having no plans for graduate studies
were significantly more conservative than males, natural science majors, and
those planning to do graduate work, respectively. (c) Abortion scores were
significantly negatively correlated with religious services attended, amount of
Catholic education, and, to a limited extent, father's occupation, but
nonsignificantly with age, number of siblings, birth order, college rank,
parental education, and mother's occupation.
[Source: PI]
Starr, Jerold M. 1975. “Religious Preference, Religiosity, and Opposition to War.” Sociological Analysis vol. 36, pp. 323-334.
Abstract: This study finds
religious preference to be significantly correlated with opposition to war
among a sample of over 900 college
freshmen. Even when controls are
applied for frequency of religious attendance, sex, father's education and
family income, those with no religious preference are most opposed to war, followed somewhat closely by Jews. Protestants and Catholics are close in their
degree of opposition to war, but rank
well below Jews and the non-religious.
Since frequency of religious attendance fails to demonstrate a predictable
linear or curvilinear relationship with
opposition to war within religious categories, it is suggested that
religiosity and opposition to war may represent statistically independent
effects of religious preference.
The findings in this study cast doubt on the linear and curvilinear hypotheses of the relationship between
religiosity and outgroup hostility and also raise the question of what Jewish
and non-religious youth may share which makes them significantly more opposed
to war than their Protestant and Catholic peers. [Source: RI]
Henze, Lura F. and John W. Hudson. 1974. “Personal and Family Characteristics of Cohabiting and Noncohabiting College Students.” Journal of Marriage and the Family vol. 36, pp. 722-727.
Abstract: The phenomenon of
cohabitation among Coll students is discussed, focusing on characteristics of
students who have cohabitated in comparison with those who have not. Data were
gathered in interviews with a random sample of 291 students (174 M & 117 F)
at Arizona State U in 1971-72. The data indicate that 29% of the M's & 18%
of the F's currently cohabit or had cohabited. Family characteristics examined
failed to differentiate between cohabitators & noncohabitators. Personal
characteristics which tended to distinguish the 2 groups were in the areas of
religion, life style, & drug use. Cohabiters, compared to noncohabiters,
were less apt to attend church, were more likely to identify with a liberal
life style, & were more apt to be drug users. There will be an impact on
traditional courtship patterns & family life, but there will be no change
in the near future on the marriage rate.
[Source: SA]
Krishnan, L. 1974. “Attitude Structure and Change: An Experimental Study.” Psychologia: An International Journal of Psychology in the Orient vol. 17, pp. 6-15.
Abstract: Measured attitudes
toward religion (taken in the broadest sense). Included were valences of
religious attitude, congruence-incongruence of attitude change, and sex
differences in relation to these 2 factors. 3 hypotheses were tested. Ss were
110 16-22 yr old undergraduates, most of whom were Hindus. A Likert-type
religious attitude scale was used. On the basis of scores obtained, Ss were
classified into 6 valence groups. Results indicate that positivist males were
significantly more likely to change than negativist males and that males and
females were equally likely to change.
[Source: PI]
Parfrey, P. S. 1974. “Factors Associated with Undergraduate Alcohol Use.” British Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine vol. 28, pp. 252-257.
Abstract: Conducted a survey
of 265 male and 179 female undergraduates to examine the extent and prevalence
of intoxicant use and the various factors associated with their use. 20% of
males and 36% of females reported that they did not drink, whereas 52% of males
and 17% of females were social drinkers or occasional drunks. Student patterns
of drinking behavior were significantly associated with sociocultural factors,
such as leisure money available, belief in a God, and frequency of attendance
at religious services. Current cigarette use, experience of marihuana, and
attitude to future marihuana use, to the opposite sex drinking, and to the
misdemeanor considered most serious also had significant associations with
alcohol-related behavior. It appears that peer group pressures, as illustrated
by the proportion of close friends drinking and sibling drinking, had a greater
influence on student drinking behavior than family-related factors such as
parental drinking and parental knowledge of drinking. The effect of ambivalent
attitudes towards alcohol use, demonstrated by the age at introduction and the
place of introduction to alcohol, may suggest that a more relaxed attitude to
alcohol should be adopted. [Source: PI]
Chambers, Juanita and Betty Dusseault. 1972. “Characteristics of College-Age Gifted.” Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association vol. 7, pp. 527-528.
Abstract: Compared 200
gifted college-age youth with average peer-age groups with regard to religion,
socioeconomic status, scholastic achievement, and personality traits. Greatest
differences were found in socioeconomic status and parental education. In
educational achievement, gifted Ss were only slightly higher. In personality
traits, using CPI scales, males were less well adjusted on 9 of the 18 scales;
females scored significantly lower on 10. Findings are discussed in relation to
(a) traditional conclusions regarding intellectual giftedness, and (b)
conclusions reached by Terman and associates.
[Source: PI]
Fredrickson, L. C. 1972. “Value Structure of College Students.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 1, pp. 155-163.
Abstract: An investigation
of value orientations & perceived value sources in 4 domains: fam, educ,
ethical situations, & religious beliefs. What was sought was (1) the nature
of student att's toward specific value situations, & (2) student perception
of the relative amount of influence of various soc agencies in shaping values.
The sample consisted of undergraduates enrolled in classes in educ'al psychol
at the U of Iowa, & freshman & senior students living in residence
halls at Coe Coll. 415 students participated in the project, 312 men & 283
women. In general, the results did not support the findings of a
"degeneration of values in a majority of Coll students" reported in
previous published res. That is, students seem to still recognize the
importance of fam, educ, & religion. In fact, the findings do support
recent res which indicates that Coll students have a high positive
identification with their fam's (ie, esp with parental values). [Source: SA]
Jacks, Irving. 1972. “Religious Affiliation and Educational, Political and Religious Values of College Freshmen and Sophomores.” Adolescence vol. 7, pp. 95-120.
Abstract: An inventory
covering educ'al, pol'al & religious values & att's was admin'ed to 337
freshmen & sophomores at the Ogontz Campus of Pennsylvania State U.
Responses of 4 subgroups--Protestant, Roman Catholic-parochial Sch, Roman
Catholic-public Sch, & Jewish--were compared. Intergroup similarities far
exceeded divergences. Coll educ was perceived as most relevent to civic &
vocational area of life, least to primary interpersonal relationships. Little
change in religious or pol'al outlook was acknowledged, although some tendency
to pol'al liberalization was suggested. Protestants resemble most closely the
total group norm. There was a noticeable diff in att's & values between the
2 Catholic subgroups, related to whether they had gone to public or parochial
secondary Sch's. Jews were most occup'ly oriented, most liberal pol'ly, most
rejecting of formal religion, but most adhering to their own religious
affiliation. [Source: SA]
Mader, Paul Douglas. 1972. “Residential Background and Religious Socialization: An Examination of College Student's Beliefs and Practices.” Paper presented at Rural Sociological Society (RSS), 1972.
Richek, Herbert G. 1972. “Personality and Mental Health Concomitants of Religiousness in Late Adolescent College Students.” Thesis, University of Texas.
Simon, William, Alan S. Berger, and John H. Gagnon. 1972. “Beyond Anxiety and Fantasy: The Coital Experiences of College Youth.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence pp. 203-222.
Abstract: Applied a
social-bookkeeping approach to document the relatively stable rates of early
and premarital coitus since the Kinsey report. Data are drawn from a 1972 study
of 14-18 yr. olds and a 1967 study of college students. When appropriate
controls for educational attainment and age are introduced, it is shown that,
compared to the change in rates at the beginning of the century, the rates
since the 1940s have increased only 1/4 as much. Coital behavior is shown to be
still strongly linked to traditional patterns of restraint and facilitation,
e.g., relationships with parents and religious attendance are shown to restrain
early coital experience (defined as coitus before 18 yr. old), while factors
linked to the courtship process facilitated this early behavior. During college
both restraining and facilitating factors were operative, but levels of coital
behavior in most cases stayed surprisingly low. Rates of frequent coitus rarely
reached 40% among female college seniors and the proportion of college female
seniors with 3 or more partners never reached 20%. It is concluded that popular
discussions of the contemporary sexual revolution are out of touch with reality
and possibly inducing anxiety among young people when they do not experience
the sexual revolution. (17 ref.)
[Source: PI]
Greenberg, Irving. 1970. “The Jewish College Youth.” Pp. 201-229 in The Jewish Family in a Changing World, edited by G. Rosenthal. New York: T. Yoseloff.
Heath, Douglas H. 1969. “Secularization and Maturity of Religious Beliefs.” Journal of Religion and Health vol. 8, pp. 335-358.
Abstract: An unexpected
finding in the course of a study of how entering freshmen of 1 college had
changed characterologically since 1948, was data suggesting "that the
secularization of religious beliefs and practices is occurring, as Cox asserts,
but that such secularization is not necessarily accompanied by an increased
maturity, as Greeley might assert." It is concluded "that because
Cox's assumptions about secular man are only partially valid psychologically,
the implication that secularization necessarily leads to maturity confuses more
than it clarifies our understanding of their relationship." Included in
the data was information derived from a measure of religiousness which was
developed from the MMPI and the Study of Values. Based on the analysis of this
sample, it is proposed that "(a) Young persons of the 60s are less
religiously orthodox but not less religiously philosophical than their
counterparts of the 50s. (b) Youths of the 60s are not more mature or better
adjusted than those of the 50s . . . . (c) The psychological significance of religious
orthodoxy in the 50s differs from that of the 60s . . . . (d) Generally,
extreme religio-philosophical interest in the 17 yr. old tends to be associated
with immaturity . . . ." [Source:
PI]
Mayo, Clyde C., Herbert B. Puryear, and Herbert G. Richek. 1969. “Mmpi Correlates of Religiousness in Late Adolescent College Students.” Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease pp. 381-385.
Abstract: Ss were 99 female
and 67 male undergraduates at a small Southwestern denominational university.
Groups were defined on the basis of sex and of church membership and
self-classification as religious and nonreligious; dependent variables were the
standard MMPI clinical scale scores, 3 validity scales and Repression, Anxiety,
and Ego Strength. In the comparisons between religious and nonreligious males,
religious males were found to be significantly less depressed, less
schizoprenic, and less psychopathic deviant that nonreligious males. Only 1
difference emerged between the female groups: nonreligious females were found
to score higher on the MMPI Ego Strength scale than the religious females. [Source: PI]
Peretti, Peter O. 1969. “Guilt in Moral Development: A Comparative Study.” Psychological Reports pp. 739-745.
Abstract: 400 17-20 yr. old undergraduates
participated in an investigation to find out: (a) those areas which college
students consider important in their moral considerations; (b) the extent to
which such students will feel guilty when considering to engage in activities
in these areas; and (c) any differences in pertinent classifications for
youngsters reared or not reared in relatively strict Christian backgrounds.
Results suggest 13 areas which tend to be important to the youth in moral
considerations, differences in guilt feelings, and differences in responses
relative to backgrounds. [Source: PI]
Cope, Robert G. 1968. “Selected Omnibus Personality Inventory Scales and Their Relationship to a College's Attrition.” Educational and Psychological Measurement vol. 28, pp. 599-603.
Abstract: SELECTED SCALES
FROM FORM D OF THE OMNIBUS PERSONALITY INVENTORY (OPI) WERE ADMINISTERED TO ALL
INCOMING COLLEGE FRESHMEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 2 YR. LATER, THE
SCORES OF 565 STUDENTS WHO HAD DROPPED OUT WERE COMPARED TO THOSE OF A RANDOMLY
SELECTED GROUP OF 730 PERSISTING STUDENTS. THE SCALES THAT DISTINGUISHED THE 2
GROUPS WERE: RELIGIOUS LIBERALISM, ESTHETICISM, AND THEORETICAL ORIENTATION.
MORE SIGNIFICANT WERE THE SEX DIFFERENCES IN SPECIFIC SCALES: THE RELIGIOUS
LIBERALISM SCALE WAS CLEARLY RELATED TO MALE DROPOUTS, THE ESTHETICISM AND
THEORETICAL ORIENTATION SCALES TO FEMALE DROPOUTS. "SOCIAL MATURITY SCALES
FOR MALES AND FEMALES WERE SIMILAR, SUGGESTING THAT STUDENTS WITH HIGHER SCORES
ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE AMONG THE STAYINS." RESULTS SUPPORT THE USE OF THE
OPI FOR THE STUDY OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG COLLEGE AGE YOUTH. [Source: PI]
Watts, William A. and David Whittaker. 1968. “Profile of a Nonconformist Youth Culture: A Study of Berkeley Non-Students.” Sociology of Education pp. 178-200.
Abstract: Compared 151
nonstudents to 56 students at Berkeley in september 1965 by questionnaire data
concerning "socio-economic backgrounds, current family relationships, and
social-political attitudes." Srole's scale of anomie, the personal
integration scale of the omnibus personality inventory, and the Thorndike
vocabulary test were also used. No major differences appeared related to
geographic origin, class background, and parental education. The outstanding
differences between the 2 groups are in general appearance and religious
affiliation. Nonstudents are alienated from society and their families,
interested in creativity and less career minded than students. Although not a
conventional political group, they support civil rights and Vietnam war
protests. 3 factors for SS dropping out of college are anomie, nonconformity,
and the philosophy of the college. It is concluded that the SS might be divided
into (1) an anomic subgroup, politically inactive, and (2) an active subgroup,
not anomic. [Source: PI]
Jacks, Irving. 1967. “Attitudes of College Freshmen and Sophomores toward Interfaith Marriage.” Adolescence vol. 2, pp. 183-209.
Abstract: PROTESTANT
STUDENTS WERE MORE BROADLY ACCEPTING OF MARRIAGE TO EITHER CATHOLICS OR JEWS
THAN WERE STUDENTS OF THE LATTER RELIGIONS. JEWISH STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY
FEMALES, WERE LEAST ACCEPTING OF INTERFAITH MARRIAGE FOR THEMSELVES. [Source: PI]
Bennett, Thomas R. 1965. “A Profile of the Young Adult.” International Journal of Religious Education vol. 42, pp. 8-9.
Watson, Charles G. 1965. “Cross-Validation of Certain Background Variables as Predictors of Academic Achievement.” Journal of Educational Research pp. 147-148.
Abstract: Ss were 84 male
upper classmen volunteers from an elementary psychology course at the State
University of Iowa. On a Personality Background Inventory, students were asked
to report the educational level of their fathers and mothers, number of
siblings, size of high school graduating class, high school extracurricular activities,
hometown population, rural vs. urban home setting, family religious preference,
and birth order. Grade-point average was used as a measure of academic
achievement. With the exception of father's educational level, none of the
predictors showed a relationship to the criterion or aptitude. [Source: PI]
Kosa, John, Leo D. Rachiele, and Cyril O. Schommer. 1962. “Marriage, Career and Religiousness among Catholic College Girls.” Marriage and Family Living vol. 24, pp. 376-380.
Loomis, Irven Lyle. 1962. “A Comparison of the Religious Views of High School, College Age, and Adult Leaders of Methodist Youth.” Ed.D. Thesis, Wayne State University.
Levinson, Boris M. 1959. “The Problems of Jewish Religious Youth.” Genetic Psychology Monographs vol. 60, pp. 309-348.
Abstract: An analysis of the
responses of 220 Yeshiva College freshmen to the Mooney Problem Check List
shows that Jewish religious youth experience the most difficulty with
adjustment problems related to social and recreational activities, health and
physical development, and adjustment to school work. It is hypothesized that
because of the traditional Jewish emphasis on verbal learning, youth of this
religious faith are exposed to extreme pressures toward academic overloading
with the inevitable curtailment of social and recreational activities. 34
refs. [Source: PI]
Gilkey, Charles W. 1949. “Religion in Our College Generations.” Christianity and Crisis pp. 147-150.
Valentine, C. W. 1943. “Adolescence and Some Problems of Youth Training.” Nature London pp. 122-124.
Abstract: Questionnaire
responses of over 200 university students and autobiographical essays point to
great variation in the ages at which characteristic adolescent traits appear.
Items discussed are: adolescent moods of intense depression, feelings of
inferiority, self-consciousness, instability of intellectual interests, and
interest in vocational problems. Delinquency among boys reaches its peak at 13
years, while among girls the peak age is appreciably later. Membership in youth
clubs and attendance at church and evening schools as such seem to exert little
causative influence in delinquency, but home discipline is a paramount
factor. [Source: PI]
Garrison, K. C. 1940. The Psychology of Adolescence. NY: Prentice-Hall.
Abstract: New material on
youth problems, religious development, and achieving independence has been
added to this revised edition which represents the 4th printing since the
original publication of the book in 1934. The book, designed as a text, is
addressed to both, adolescent college students and to those entrusted with the
care and guidance of adolescents. It is divided into (1) development of the
individual and (2) personality development. There are 16 chapters, most of
which have a summary and are followed by 5-9 thought questions and 5-11
selected references. [Source: PI]
Dudycha, G. J. 1930. “The Religious Beliefs of College Freshmen.” School and Society vol. 31, pp. 206-208.
Abstract: All freshmen entering
Ripon College in 1929-1930 were requested to indicate on a questionnaire their
belief or disbelief in each of 25 religious propositions. Twenty-five minutes
after the first questionnaire had been answered a second was submitted in which
the propositions included in the first were presented in the negative. The
correlation between the results of the two questionnaires was .93. Among the
propositions upon which the students were asked to react were such as the
following: the existence of God, heaven, hell, angels, the devil, the soul,
miracles, etc. In the average case 60% of the propositions were said to be
accepted whole-heartedly, while only 8% were disbelieved with equal conviction.
Lukewarm faith or non-committal attitudes were confessed on the average with
respect to 32% of the items. It is concluded that students tend to believe more
than they disbelieve and that their faiths are firm. Among the propositions
accepted most frequently and with most conviction were the moral truth of the
ten commandments, the existence of God, the existence of the soul, and the
divinity of Christ. Of the existence of the devil, on the other hand, 53% of
the students were skeptical. [Source:
PI]