Using data from two ongoing longitudinal studies and prior research, examines the effect of parental attitudes on the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in choice of school subjects and careers. Because society does not yet reward female- and male-typed occupations equally, such stereotyping is often disadvantageous to girls. (DM)

Data from several studies indicated that most children understood what they were asked to do in psychological studies. Few under the age of 12 years believed their performance would be confidential. Many children believed there would be negative consequences if they ended their participation. Parental permission added pressure on children to…

Surveyed 860 college students. Found significantly greater problem drinking indicated by students who reported having parent or grandparent diagnosed or treated for alcoholism; highest rates of problem drinking among students who reported both alcoholic parent and grandparent. Students who had experienced family discord from parental alcohol…

A theory is presented explaining some gifted students' tendency to underachieve after showing promise in younger years. It is argued that reductions from originally high levels of empowerment and support from parents may cause reduced academic effort and performance. Guidelines for avoiding this pitfall while empowering children are offered. (PB)

In a laboratory procedure, 66 infants of 12 months were given happy, fearful, and conflicting emotional signals by their mothers and fathers with reference to five unusual toy stimuli. There were marked differences among infants in their capacity for and style of coping with conflict. A variety of specific responses to conflict were observed. (RH)

The differential effects of parent-daughter identification, parent mathematics self-concept, and parent expectations on adolescent mathematics self-concept were examined with 165 high ability adolescent girls and their parents. Parent mathematics self-concept was related to parent expectations which were in turn linked to daughter mathematics…

The stability of adolescents' (N=271) career interests was examined over a three-year period using the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory. Comparisons on occupational themes and basic interest produced stable differences related to gender and parental occupation. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research and Holland's theory;…

Interviews with second-generation Chinese-American undergraduates (N=30) revealed high self-imposed and perceived parental educational and career expectations. Suggests the powerful role of culture and parental pressure in the development of the inner drive for achievement. Parental support, as well as pressure, was reported. Discusses academic…

Second graders (n=208) were followed up in fourth grade (n=160) and sixth grade (n=130), with surveys of 162 mothers and 159 fathers. Boys chose more same-sex occupations as they matured, girls the opposite. They identified more realistic aspirations as they matured, and choice of job level tended to match parents' expectations. (SK)

Analysis of longitudinal data on 658 German adolescents studied from sixth to ninth grade identified four developmental patterns of beliefs about their academic capabilities: steady high, increasing, decreasing, and steady low. Factors influencing patterns included parental involvement/interest, maternal warmth, school grade, school anxiety, and…

A study of 287 undergraduates (149 from intact homes) showed that those from intact families displayed more career decidedness and financial connectedness to parents. Students with divorced parents had higher financial press and greater independence from fathers. Partial or limited support for separation/attachment theory was found. (Contains 47…

Measures completed by 250 men convicted of drinking under the influence of alcohol were analyzed to examine the direct effects of parental problem drinking and the mediational influence of drinking motives on alcohol use. The findings extend predictive utility of specific drinking motive dimensions on alcohol use and problem outcomes from previous…

Offers a personal account of why, within a group of four Harlem families, some children achieved educational and career success while others were plagued by serious problems. Stresses the importance of good parenting and high expectations and suggests strategies for working with students at risk because of disadvantaged environments. (EV)

Adolescent girls from an urban-based clinic participated in a longitudinal study about psychosexual development and risk of STD acquisition. The girls were asked about their perceptions of loci of control (parents, internal control) as it relates to STD acquisition. Responses to locus of control correlated over time but variations were not found…

Family and consumer sciences students (n=153) displayed a high level of interest in entrepreneurship courses, were considering entrepreneurial futures, and were planning coursework to prepare for their careers. Interest in entrepreneurship was significantly more likely if their parents, especially mothers, owned businesses. (SK)