Analyzes the effects of the following factors on low birth weight of 103,072 Black and White infants in Chicago: (1) median family income; (2) maternal age; (3) education; and (4) marital status. Concludes that family income shows racial disparity and that traditional risk factors do not completely explain racial differences in neonatal outcome.…

A person-situation interactionist theory to explain Australian student decisions to pursue higher education is advanced and a model is tested using data from Victoria and Queensland. Results of statistical analyses are generally consistent with expectations. Certain interactive effects of variables in the model are examined. (Author/MSE)

According to an Oregon longitudinal study, the single best predictor of adolescent criminal behavior is a long-established pattern of early school antisocial behavior. The most promising intervention programs feature a strong family component and direct intervention procedures simultaneously applied to the student's school behavior. A sidebar…

Tested stress-problem-solving and stress-social support models in etiology of depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicide ideation for Asian international students (n=101). Hypothesized problem-solving skills and social support as mediators between life stress and depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicide ideation. Results supported…

A survey of teachers and mothers of kindergartners in Seoul, Korea, revealed that mothers had most knowledge, among six areas of knowledge, about modification of child behavior; and perceived a need for knowledge about creative development, observation techniques, social development, and safety. Mothers' perceived needs were predicted by their…

A study found good problem-solving skills, reading at or above grade level, ability to get along with peers and adults, likeability, sense of humor, and having an adult mentor at school were associated with the positive educational progress of 652 boys (ages 13 to 17) with severe aggression and emotional disturbance. (Author/CR)

Tested the spatial ability of 423 sixth-grade students in international schools around the world, using the Institute for Academic Advancement of Youth's Spatial Test Battery (STB). Results showed the STB's ability to predict the future academic success of sixth graders, regardless of their familiarity with English. (MLH)

It is more important than ever for colleges and universities to manage the resources they have and guard against unnecessary loss. Student bad debt is one loss that can be resolved. A study identified certain predictors of student bad debt, including academic indicators and student characteristics, and offers suggestions to institutions for…

Examines parent-teen communication about sexual topics in mother-teen (n=666) and father-teen (n=510) pairs. Results show that, aside from gender of parents and teens, demographic variables were insignificant; relationship and attitudinal variables were linked to sexual discussions in both mother-teen and father-teen dyads. (Author/MKA)

Examines the use of alcohol by adolescents (N=535) in Dade County Public Schools during 1992. Significant factors that increase the probability of alcohol use are friends who drink, awareness of risks associated with alcohol use, and ease in obtaining alcohol. Family-related variables, smoking, religion, gender, race, academic performance, and…

Explores academic performance of Caucasian and African-American college freshmen (N=2,600) in a Southeastern public research university. Four cognitive and 30 psychosocial and demographic variables were used to predict the students' GPA and retention. Findings reveal cognitive and psychosocial variables for predicting student success. (Author/MKA)

A survey of 291 parents of children with Down syndrome found that parents of younger children, children in early intervention and general education, and mothers with higher education were more satisfied with their children's current programs. Parents of children in general education were least likely to want a program change. (Author/CR)

A study of occupational stress and personal-strain levels among new and experienced male and female college faculty found no differences in stress or strain between male and female faculty or between new and experienced faculty. Role overload and avoidant coping were significant predictors of strain, with hardiness and responsibility for…

This investigation at California State University, Chico seeks to identify those variables that prove indicative of the demand for monographs by subject. Analyzes interrelationships among circulation, expenditure, and enrollment by subject and develops a model for allocating subject funding based on circulation statistics. (Author/LRW)

Configural analyses of teacher- , peer- , and self-assessments of students' interpersonal competence were evaluated with 948 students (including 107 students with mild disabilities) in 59 elementary classrooms. The study found 54% of boys and 64% of girls with mild disabilities were in configurations suggesting adjustment problems or poor outcomes…