A model of roll call voting by House members on the Family and Medial Leave Act (FMLA) of 1990 was tested. Found that support for the FMLA was tied to a range of dispositional and contextual demand variables: conservatism, presidential support, etc. The model accurately predicted 90% of the votes. (RJM)

The family is the oldest and most important human institution. Basic elements of human relationships, connectedness to kin, and enjoyment of human company enhance the meaning of play and recreation within families. Families must have opportunities to increase their use of play and recreation and improve their quality of life. (SM)

This literature review addresses determinants of low behavior control in parenting adolescents at risk. The Barber and Belsky models are used to discuss parent developmental history, parent maturity, parent mental health, socioeconomic status, sources of stress (parent involvement, marital conflict, and job satisfaction), and child…

A questionnaire was completed by 67 gifted females and follow-up interviews were conducted with 25 of these women to explore their education, family life and influences, personal and professional achievements, and effects of marriage and children. Barriers to their talent development included their marriages and personal lives. (SW)

Examined adult children's housework as reported by both parents and adult children in intergenerational households. Adult children reported doing substantial amounts of weekly housework, with parents reporting lower amounts, particularly for sons and for younger adult children. Adult children did more housework in one-parent than in two-parent…

Investigates the relationship between commitment and dependency in marriage, using a national probability sample of 2,331 individuals. Results indicate that income, occupational, and labor dependency increase commitment to marriage. However, the felt obligation to, or imagined commitment of, the spouse is the strongest influence on individual…

Analysis of focus group discussions, involving 21 family members (having young children with disabilities) and 19 professionals, identified issues associated with families' use of time in the area of needed supports and time as a constraint. Implications are discussed in relation to developing early intervention programs. (DB)

A residential school for deaf and hard-of-hearing students developed family living units for some students. Program features include student diversity as a selection factor, a teaching-parent couple in each unit, food acquired from the school kitchen but prepared and eaten in the unit, and close communication between teachers and teaching parents.…

Survey of middle school children examined their perceptions of their parents' actions toward one another. Fathers' ratings correlated to the reciprocated love between parents. Mother ratings only varied with the love they exhibited toward their husband and not vice versa. Self-concepts varied among sexes and were correlated to parental loving.…

This survey of parents of 29 girls with Rett syndrome found that subjects reported more stress, lower marital satisfaction, and certain adaptations in family functioning compared to norms. However, most parents scored in the normal range. Scores were not related to socioeconomic status or characteristics of the affected child. (DB)

Reviews three books: "The Schoolhome: Rethinking Schools for Changing Families," by Jane Martin; "Godly Play," by Jerome Berryman; and "Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth," by Margulis and Schwartz. (TJQ)

Presents a collection of elementary level activities to teach students about Thomas Jefferson. The activities have students walk around in Jefferson's shoes, learning about his home and family life, reading habits, journal writing, letter writing, political writing, architectural experience, political activities, and accomplishments. (SM)

Older Korean immigrants (n=137) completed Dean's Alienation Scale (DAS) to examine relationship of alienation to place of residence, gender, age, years of education, time in United States, and living arrangements. Found significant relationships between DAS subscales and place of residence, age, time in United States, and whether living with or…

A survey investigated the lifelong productivity of 30 women research associates who worked on a longitudinal study of gifted children. Most of the women appear to have had satisfying personal lives in addition to productive professional careers. Personal responsibilities appear to have affected levels of productivity more than societal…

Discusses the need for careful consideration of family and cultural factors in transition planning. Issues explored include degree of independence for the adolescent desired by the family, rules of acceptance, needs for information, changes in family routines, and family and child life experiences. (Author/CR)