Argues that behavioral differentiation of the sexes is minimal when children are observed or tested individually. Sex differences emerge primarily in social situations resulting in social styles that place females at a disadvantage in interactions with males. The role of the nuclear family in the development of these styles is discussed. (FMW)

Investigated influence of family variables on sexual attitudes and knowledge of 65 college students. Subjects rated parents highest in terms of influence on sexual opinions, beliefs, and attitudes, but rated parents lower than friends, schools, and books as information sources. Sexual knowledge was not related to family variables examined.…

Lauds former Secretary of Education William Bennett's 1988 report, "American Education: Making It Work," as a significant contribution-- especially regarding curriculum development recommendations. Criticizes Bennett for blaming teachers' unions for school reform shortcomings. Since failure in the home greatly influences declining…

Describes a study of the educational attainment of two-year college students' parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends; and the relationship between demographic variables and educational attainment. Reports that 80 percent of the students' parents and grandparents did not have college degrees, compared to 27 percent of their siblings and 45…

Discusses six variables associated with child maltreatment and their implications for prevention and treatment. Variables include: (1) social isolation; (2) image of self; (3) unrealistic expectations of children; (4) history of maltreatment; (5) role-reversal; and (6) multiple problems and stressors. (RJC)

Explored effects of marital conflict, family coalition type, and student gender on psychological separation and college adjustment among 554 college students whose parents were married and living together. Students from maritally-distressed families reported significantly lower conflictual independence from both parents and significantly lower…

Examination of data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY) to find effects of family commitment in education on student achievement in seventh-grade science found that around 22% of the variance in student science achievement could be explained by the selected significant LSAY variables. (Author/MKR)

Argues that data on siblings provide a way to account for the impact of unmeasured, omitted variables on relationships of interest because families form a sort of natural experiment, with similar experiences and common genetic heritage. Proposes a latent-variable structural equation approach to the problem, which provides estimates of both within-…

Three interviews each with 10 female secondary family/consumer education teachers elicited themes suggesting that the family plays a role in development of the meanings people hold about the nature of work and choice and persistence in integrated work roles. Families appear to nurture employability skills/values, job-specific skills/values, and…

Observed drawing by toddlers and preschoolers using primary and standard markers, pencils, and crayons to determine the influence of implement diameter on children's drawing products, performances, and preferences. The relationship between drawing and early home manipulative experience was also investigated. Confirmed findings of previous studies…

Pedigree analysis of 12 young adults (9 of whom had learning disabilities) indicated that learning disability (LD) was strongly familial but that the type of disability (reading or math) was not directly inherited. Autoimmune disorders were significantly correlated with LD. In seven of the LD families, adults failed to overcome earlier reading and…

Attachment theory provides useful conceptual framework for understanding familial antecedents and long-term consequences of sexual abuse. Themes associated with insecure parent-child attachment (rejection, role reversal/parentification, and fear/unresolved trauma) are frequently found in dynamics of families characterized by sexual abuse, and…

Finds that the rate of reproduction of parents' political outlook in their adolescent children does not vary significantly in Israel among four types of family communication patterns but that family communication patterns relate to political participation and political ideologies, with the pluralist family most likely to induce political…

Summarizes findings from the "National Study Regarding At-Risk Students." Discusses the role of Catholic religious educators and pastoral ministers working in rural areas. Suggests that they seek individual ministry opportunities, target the individual rather than the group, see religious education through the lens of the family, and develop…

A sample of 363 secondary agriculture teachers indicated that (1) financial rewards were a negative aspect of the profession; (2) teaching fulfillment was the highest positive factor in job satisfaction; (3) being a parent was the highest negative factor; and (4) those satisfied with their positions perceived themselves as effective teachers. (SK)