This study investigated the factor structure of the 10 subtests of the Career Maturity Inventory (CMI). Although two principal factors emerged, the CMI Competence and Attitude subtests did not load distinctly on the two separate factors. Results also tended to indicate that the discriminant validity of the CMI may be minimal. (PN)

Studied rates of family breakdown in families of New Zealand children (N=1,002) from birth to five years. By five years nearly one child in eight had experienced a family breakdown. Rates were related to family formation and social factors. Risk factors were modeled using the proportional hazards model. (JAC)

A total of 113 children were seen at one and six years of age in order to examine the relationship between the quality of the early attachment relationship and later psychopathology. Results from the Achenbach and Edelbrock Child Behavior Profile (a measure of psychopathology at six years) indicated different outcomes for male and female children.…

Examines the literature regarding the increase in teenage parenthood and its consequences for the teenagers, their education, and society. Concludes that teenage mothers have high rates of welfare dependence, and suggests that moves toward prevention or job training will not succeed until the economic situation of women is improved. (LLL)

Examined predictors of service usage in a study of 5,700 nonmetropolitan elderly. Results revealed only slightly higher service utilization for urban versus rural residents. Marital status, income, and age were related to service use for both groups. Among the rural aged, lack of transportation was related to service usage. (Author/JAC)

Investigates whether first-grade students' performance on an 18-word spelling test administered in the first month of school is a good predictor of reading achievement at the end of first grade. A total of 75 students from four classrooms were tested three times during the school year. (RH)

Used family life cycle as the basis for assessing public reaction to alternative energy-conservation measures in a sample of 367 adults. Results showed most respondents preferred some sort of energy conservation policy. Young marrieds were most concerned with conservation; middle-aged adults were least willing to adopt energy conservation…

A comparison of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences Examination (BPSE) results with student performance evaluations in core clerkships, institutional and community externships, didactic and clinical courses, and related basic science coursework revealed the BPSE does not predict student performance during clinical instruction. (MSE)

Summarizes research on social determinants (e.g., parental, peer, school, and religious influences) and personal determinants (e.g., self-esteem, rebelliousness, impulse-control, and interpersonal trust) of adolescent use and abuse of alcohol and marijuana. Provides a summary of generalizations to assist practitioners in the process of designing…

Analyzes applicants (N=94) to the Franciscan Order between 1978 and 1982 regarding the accuracy of test scores in predicting successful job performance, perseverance, and emotional adjustment. Results supported the application of psychometric evaluation and multiple regression procedures to a personnel decision-making process within the context of…

Compared 80 professional women with very atypical to very traditional careers. Subjects in atypical careers scored higher on cognitive measures, psychological masculinity, and, in law, achievement motivation. Childhood experiences of women in atypical careers included: more masculine play patterns and less coercion by parents to fit a feminine…

Explored the relationship between 2,411 foster children's families and the number of homes they experienced while in foster care. Findings suggested that the majority of the foster children came from families which were "troubled," i.e., the families were not intact and had economic problems. (JAC)

Tested the usefulness of Lewis's and Spanier's theory of marital quality and marital stability for the prediction of divorce adjustment, in a study of 216 recently divorced persons. The quality of the marriage, external pressure to remain married, and level of alternative attractions were all useful predictors. (JAC)

Examined social and psychological factors related to suicide, using a sample of primitive societies from the Human Relations Area Files. Results showed suicide prevalence was high where the society is stable agricultural, expects either very restrained or very open emotional expression, and emphasizes individual pride and shame. (JAC)

Explores the utility of Bandura's self-efficacy theory for studying older adults' behavioral competencies in college. Expectations of personal efficacy are viewed as mediating mechanisms for predicting the initiation and persistence of educationally relevant behaviors. Theoretical issues related to the assessment of self-efficacy and performance…