Examines the effects of variables associated with the onset of a depressive episode on a group of 942 psychoactive drug-using young adults. Finds that controls were free of depressive symptoms but that methaqualone users were more prone to a depressed mood, lower self-esteem, and negative life events than nonusers. (FMW)

A study of 11 courses in 2 institutions (n=999 students) indicates that courses and teaching in which students have adopted deeper strategies for learning also have higher student ratings, supporting, in general, the validity of student ratings. (Author/MSE)

Examined relationship between developmental tasks and academic achievement among first-term college freshmen (n=83) enrolled in program for students at risk. Results support limited relationship between growth on developmental tasks of young adulthood and academic performance of university freshmen. Sex differences also were found on predictors of…

Structural equation models merge multiple regression, path analysis, and factor analysis techniques into a single data analytic framework. Measurement models are developed to define latent variables, and structural equations are then established among the latent variables. Explains the development of these models. (KS)

Develops a causal model that explains over 40% of the variance in matriculation mathematics achievement of mature internal and external students at the University of Papua New Guinea. Background variables seem more important in the learning of mathematics compared to mediating variables for external students than for internal students. (MDH)

Examines the relationship of interpersonal homophily and self-esteem with the development of parasocial interaction. Finds that "attitude" homophily was the strongest predictor of parasocial interaction for all three groups of television performers. Shows how an integration of interpersonal and mass communication theories contributes to…

This study, involving 49 adults with Down syndrome living with their families, explored the relationship of diet, exercise, disability status, and social integration to Body Mass Index (BMI), an indicator of excess weight and health status. BMI was found to be related to friendship, access to recreation, and social opportunities. (Author/CR)

Examined relationship between anxiety and memory in 160 high- and low-trait-anxious sixth through eighth graders. Found that anxiety predicted memory bias toward negative relative to neutral information during conceptual but not perceptual tasks. Anxiety predicted memory bias toward positive relative to neutral information on procedural tasks and…

Four studies examined reading disabilities in elementary school children from the perspective of componential skills of reading. A principal-components analysis of the performance of 139 children on reading-related tasks yielded two factors: decoding and comprehension. Factor analyses indicated that orthographic skills and processing speed could…

Probable ages of normalization were calculated for 24 children with speech delay, using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Formulas are provided that permit calculation of the likelihood that individual children will normalize by a given age. Analysis revealed two different paths to normalization with children following one of the paths likely to retain…

Reports on a 1995-1996 national survey of master's in social-work (MSW) programs, focusing on nonacademic admissions criteria and procedures used to assess candidates. The report assesses the commonalities found in the responses and sample materials used, describes challenges in using nonacademic criteria, and presents a model for defining and…

Identifies issues relevant to nontransfer college seniors who disenroll before graduating. Analysis suggests that nonretention of seniors was best predicted by dissatisfaction with academic guidance, access to school-related information, and quality of education, as well as by feelings of institutional alienation. Discusses implications for future…

A study investigated self-efficacy beliefs, sources of efficacy information, person input variables, and outcome expectations in relationship to the career interests of 96 adolescents with learning disabilities. Self-efficacy beliefs were found to be a substantial predictor of career interests and to consistently mediate the relationship of other…

A study involving 42 mothers of Greek children with deafness found mothers of younger children, of boys, and those reporting greater stress, had longer and more frequent involvement with their children. Mothers with greater stress were more likely to rate the affective tone of their involvement as more chorelike. (Author/CR)

Examines the relationship of a set of career variables, family cohesion, and demographic variables with the acculturation level of a sample of 176 Mexican-American community college students. Results reveal that only the demographic variables related significantly to acculturation. Socioeconomic status appeared to account for most of the variance…