Compared fertility expectations of young non-Mormon females living in Utah (2.4 children) with those of young Mormon females in Utah (4.4 children). Findings suggest that residence in a high fertility area per se does not affect fertility and that Mormon/non-Mormon fertility differences are likely to persist into the foreseeable future. (BH)

Hypothesized that a too early first birth has negative psychological consequences for the mother through a lowered sense of personal efficacy. Results indicated that having a first birth before age 19 reduces personal efficacy, regardless of original differences in personal efficacy, age, education, or parental socioeconomic status. (Author/RC)

Uses national survey data to examine the extent to which group differentials in early nonmarital childbearing are a function of normative differences in fertility intentions. Results indicate that birth intentions do vary by race and ethnicity, poverty status, and family structure. (RJM)

Evidence from this and other research indicates that improvement in economic status in those societies in which the ideal is the large and complex family, and without other changes in the culture, is likely to result in families approaching the ideal. (Author)

Examined the self-esteem of middleborns compared with firstborns and lastborns. Studied the number, spacing, and sex of siblings of the middleborn. Data were obtained from a national sample of over 2,200 adolescent males. Results suggested that middleborns have a significantly lower self-esteem than firstborns and lastborns. (Author)

Examined Mexican-American and White children's perceptions of roles (of siblings and parents) and alliances (between parents and siblings) within their families. Tested whether assignment to roles and alliances was based on birth order and/or sex. Found birth-order and sex differences when treating Mexican-American and White samples separately.…