Social support is a significant component of mental health; yet, it has not been examined extensively among black Americans. This paper is a critical review of the research literature on informal social support. The review identifies how social support is conceptualized and defined, the importance of social support for mental health, and the…

Argues that socioeconomic status (SES) plays an important role in the lives of adolescents as reflected in adolescent literature. Examines three areas affected by SES: self-esteem, how literature affects characterization and the degree to which adolescents identify with a literary figure, and how literature functions as a learning device. (RJM)

Critically examines three propositions of Harris' group socialization theory (1995, 1998) related to parents' long-term effects on children's psychological characteristics, peer groups' influences, and the nature of dyadic relationships. Maintains that available evidence is more consistent with a model of multiple socialization agents. Proposes a…

Maintains that context effects and genetic effects are among the confounding factors that make it impossible to reject the null hypothesis of zero long-term parenting effects on child outcomes. Asserts that group socialization theory attributes outside-the-home socialization to identification with a peer group and assimilation of group norms, but…

The Amish society has retained the essence of rural life and can tell us how this preservation is possible. Originally associated with the Swiss Anabaptists, Amish are often confused with Mennonites because of the early association with Menno Simons. Because the Amish do not make the "prideful" claim of salvation, they are…

Gives a theoretical perspective of the multidimensional nature of Black-race/White-race consciousness. American perceptions of race are expressed in White race centeredness. Blacks face the dilemma of adhering to two sets of values: a positive valuation of their race and a necessity of passing in White society. (PS)

The article asks the following questions about self-identity: (1) how do people derive a unitary sense of self out of membership in many social categories; (2) do people respond differently when the social as opposed to the personal aspects of their identity are evoked; and (3) how do people respond to collective injustice? (PS)

Presents data collected in the late 1980s about a shift in the locus of the self among college students from a self anchored in institutionalized roles and statuses to one lodged in affect, preferences, and styles of behavior. Compares findings with those produced in the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s. (JS)

Examines research and theory relative to the process of moral judgment development within the family environment. Analyzes the family's unique contribution to the development of moral judgment, the role of modeling by family members, and the ideal familial environment. Implications for moral education are addressed. (KO)

Simulated data are used to assess the appropriateness of using separate calibration and between-fit approaches to detecting item bias in the Rasch rating scale model. Results indicate that Type I error rates for the null distribution hold even when there are different ability levels for reference and focal groups. (SLD)

Develops a measure of male identity based on Wade's theory of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence. The Reference Group Identity Dependence Scale (RGIDS) assesses feelings of psychological relatedness to other males. Undergraduate males (N=344) completed the RGIDS. Discusses findings in terms of implications for the theory and future research…

In-depth interviews with Mexican-American and Euro-American bilingual teaching candidates examined differences in reference group orientation, affiliative identity, and rationale for becoming a bilingual teacher. Mexican Americans had a strong Mexican affiliative identity and seemed personally compelled to maintain the language and culture.…

Two-hundred-and-seventy-eight undergraduates at a large southeastern university completed a confidential anonymous forty-item questionnaire designed to assess student reactions to course expectations and the degree to which they engage in behaviors typically associated with positive academic outcomes. Women were significantly more likely to be in…

This study examined the effect of reference group norms on individual attitudes when these norms were transmitted to the individual via the results of an opinion poll. In particular, the study was concerned with the strength of a prior attitude toward an issue and the degree that a reference group could influence attitudes. It was hypothesized…

Describes a study of the relationship between social identity and readiness for social relations in Israeli Jewish and Arab students and in U.S. Black and White students. Both the Israeli Arabs and the U.S. Blacks tend to emphasize their race or nationality more than their civic allegiance. (SED)