San Diego State University

About: San Diego State University is a education organization based out in San Diego, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 12418 authors who have published 27950 publications receiving 1192375 citations. The organization is also known as: SDSU & San Diego State College.

Characteristics of Adopters and Non-Adopters of Home Computers

Abstract: SUMMARY AND IMPLICATIONS This study investigated the profile of the adopter of a technological innovation, the home computer. The study used a simple trait + behavior model, whereas Rogers' diffusion model (Rogers 1962; Rogers and Shoemaker 1968) is a contingency model: trait + communication + behavior. While it is useful to examine the interaction be- tween traits and innovative characteristics, our approach only tests part of Rogers' model. To some extent, the adop- ter profile is similar to that of the adopter of many other types of innovations: middle-aged, higher income, more education, opinion leader, information seeker, and so on. On the other hand, the profile also suggests that the adopter is a "logical introvert." This finding is not unexpected, given consideration of the complex, technological nature of the innovation. We suggest that the nature of the adopter of an innovation is partially a function of the characteristics of the innovation itself-viz., the complexity of the home computer, the familiarity required to be cognizant of its relative advantage, and the need for some other type of computer-oriented experiences before it can be perceived as compatible. We have used the concept of consumer creativity in an attempt to explain the differences between the adopter pro- file we found and that found in studies of symbolic inno- vations. Hirschman (1980b) presents a model showing the hypothesized relationship of consumer creativity to adop- tive i~novativeness; using Welsh's (1975) traits of origence and intellectence, we hypothesized that home computer adopters are more likely to exhibit characteristics typical of the low origenceihigh intellectence individual (introverted, rational, quantitatively oriented, unsocial). Our results pro- vide general support that adopters of home computers have a profile similar to that individual: they are homebodies who are interested neither in the arts nor in innovations that would enhance their ability to communicate. The hypoth- esis that the low origenceihigh intellectence individual is likely to be an early adopter of a technological innovation was tested in an indirect manner, by comparing the adopter profile to that found by Welsh (1975). Future research should direct measures of the dimensions in order to relate them to early adoption of technological pr~ducts.~ More-over, there is a clear need for research investigating the role that the two creativity dimensions play in the adoption of different types of innovations. Past consumption experiences play an integral part in Hirschman's (1980a, 1980b) conceptualization of consumer

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: an overview.

Abstract: When fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) was initially described, diagnosis was based upon physical parameters including facial anomalies and growth retardation, with evidence of developmental delay or mental deficiency. Forty years of research has shown that FAS lies towards the extreme end of what are now termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The most profound effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are on the developing brain and the cognitive and behavioral effects that ensue. Alcohol exposure affects brain development via numerous pathways at all stages from neurogenesis to myelination. For example, the same processes that give rise to the facial characteristics of FAS also cause abnormal brain development. Behaviors as diverse as executive functioning to motor control are affected. This special issue of Neuropsychology Review addresses these changes in brain and behavior highlighting the relationship between the two. A diagnostic goal is to recognize FAS as a disorder of brain rather than one of physical characteristics.

New onset and persistent symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder self reported after deployment and combat exposures: prospective population based US military cohort study

Abstract: Objective To describe new onset and persistence of self reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in a large population based military cohort, many of whom were deployed in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Design Prospective cohort analysis. Setting and participants Survey enrolment data from the millennium cohort (July 2001 to June 2003) obtained before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Follow-up (June 2004 to February 2006) data on health outcomes collected from 50 184 participants. Main outcome measures Self reported post-traumatic stress disorder as measured by the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist—civilian version using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria. Results More than 40% of the cohort were deployed between 2001 and 2006; between baseline and follow-up, 24% deployed for the first time in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. New incidence rates of 10-13 cases of post-traumatic stress disorder per 1000 person years occurred in the millennium cohort. New onset self reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms or diagnosis were identified in 7.6-8.7% of deployers who reported combat exposures, 1.4-2.1% of deployers who did not report combat exposures, and 2.3-3.0% of non-deployers. Among those with self reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder at baseline, deployment did not affect persistence of symptoms. Conclusions After adjustment for baseline characteristics, these prospective data indicate a threefold increase in new onset self reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms or diagnosis among deployed military personnel who reported combat exposures. The findings define the importance of post-traumatic stress disorder in this population and emphasise that specific combat exposures, rather than deployment itself, significantly affect the onset of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after deployment.

The childhood trauma questionnaire in a community sample: psychometric properties and normative data.

Abstract: Interpretation of research on the prevalence and sequelae of childhood trauma has been hindered by the use of assessment instruments with unknown psychometric properties. Thus, we examined the psychometric properties of a new childhood trauma measure, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The CTQ has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in clinical samples; limited information exists on its psychometric properties in community samples. Therefore, we explored the factor structure and reliability of the CTQ in a community sample and calculated normative data. Consistent with previous literature, a 5-factor model best described the CTQ, with a hierarchical model also providing excellent fit. Additionally, the CTQ demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Overall, our findings suggest that the CTQ is appropriate for use in a community sample.