Showing papers in "Journal of Social Issues in 1979"
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of cancer on the patient's interpersonal relationships and the ultimate impact of these relationships on patient's emotional adjustment to the disease was explored. But, the authors focused on the effect on the patients' interpersonal relationships.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the effect of cancer on the patient's interpersonal relationships, and the ultimate impact of these relationships on the patient's emotional adjustment to the disease. In a detailed theoretical analysis, both the patient's reaction to the illness and others' responses toward the patient are explored. Concerning the patient, the following issues are discussed: (1) fears and uncertainties that develop as one attempts to cope with the diagnosis; (2) the consequent need for clarification and support; and (3) the barriers to receiving validation and support from others. Others' reactions to the patient are hypothesized to be a function of a conflict between (1) their feelings about the illness, which are predominantly negative; and (2) their beliefs about appropriate behaviors to display when interacting with cancer patients (optimism and cheerfulness). This conflict results in behavioral responses that are unintentionally damaging to the patient, including physical avoidance, avoidance of open discussion of the illness, and discrepancies among behaviors. The impact of others' behavior on the patient and the patient's subsequent attempts to solve their interpersonal problems are discussed. The paper concludes with implications for intervention and research.
515 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the psychological structure of the family after divorce is seen as mediating the impact of divorce upon children, and the negative effects of divorce were greatly mitigated when positive relationships with both parents were maintained.
Abstract: In this study, the psychological structure of the family after divorce is seen as mediating the impact of divorce upon children. Divorce affects primary bonds with parents, presents challenges to conceptions of social reality, and creates stress which interferes with normal development. The effects of divorce upon child behavior (peer relations, stress, aggression, work effectiveness at school) were examined through two contrasting research strategies: 1) a comparison of the behavior of children in divorced and intact families, and 2) analysis of the association between family processes and child outcomes in intact and divorced families. Family processes examined were: (a) the affective relationships between the father and mother, (b) the affective relationships between the child and each parent separately, and (c) for divorced families, the amount of contact between child and non-custodial parent. For divorced and intact groups combined, the relationships among family members appeared to be more potent influences on child behavior than was marital status. The negative effects of divorce were greatly mitigated when positive relationships with both parents were maintained. The child's relationship with the non-custodial parent (father) was as important as the continuing relationship with the mother. Implications for research and for public policy are discussed.
462 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a longitudinal study of the effects of divorce on play and social interaction in children was presented. But, the results of the study were limited to the first year following divorce and the effects were more intense and enduring for boys.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of a longitudinal study of the effects of divorce on play and social interaction in children. Forty-eight middle class white preschool children from divorced families and a matched group of forty-eight non divorced families were studied at 2 months, 1 year and 2 years after divorce. In the first year following divorce disruptions were found in both play and social relations for boys and girls from divorced families. The adverse effects had largely disappeared for girls by two years after divorce; however, the effects were more intense and enduring for boys. The play patterns of children from divorced families, in comparison to those of children in non divorced families, were less socially and cognitively mature when measured shortly after divorce. Limitations and rigidity in fantasy play were particularly notable. In the year following divorce both boys and girls showed high rates of dependent helpseeking behavior and acting out, non-compliant behavior. This again was more enduring in boys than girls. Even when the behavior of boys from divorced families had improved they were viewed and responded to more negatively by peers and teachers than were children from non divorced families or girls from divorced families.
285 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a theory of the structure and functioning of single parent households is proposed based on interviews with single parents, and with adolescent children living in single parents' households, where the assumption is that the two-parent household maintains a hierarchy, an echelon structure that the one parent household can forgo, allowing the single parent who works full time to share managerial responsibility for the household with the children.
Abstract: On the basis of interviews with single parents, and with adolescent children living with single parents, a theory of the structure and functioning of single-parent households is proposed. The premise of this theory is that the two-parent household maintains a hierarchy—an echelon structure—that the one-parent household can forgo. The absence of hierarchy permits the single parent who works full time to share managerial responsibility for the household with the children. The consequences for the children may be a fostering of an early maturity.
283 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of father custody on children's social development were studied by comparing children whose fathers have been awarded custody, children whose mothers have been granted custody, and children from intact families.
Abstract: The effects of father custody on children's social development are being studied by comparing children whose fathers have been awarded custody, children whose mothers have been awarded custody, and children from intact families. Half of the subjects are boys, and half are girls aged 6–11 years. Families are matched on SES, family size, and sibling status. The data presented here were based primarily on videotaped observations of parent-child interaction in 60 families. The most intriguing findings to date suggest that children living with the opposite sex parent (father custody girls and mother custody boys) are less well adjusted than children living with the same sex parent. However, in both father custody and mother custody families, authoritative parenting by the custodial parent was positively linked with the child's competent social behavior. Also, in both sets of divorced families, contact with additional adult caretakers was associated with positive social behaviors shown by the child.
254 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of these patterns suggests that some "good patients" may actually be in a state of anxious or depressed helplessness, whereas "bad patients" are exhibiting anger and reactance against the perceived arbitrary removal of freedoms.
Abstract: Hospitals are commonly regarded as unpleasant places to be. The reason is that, as a total institution, the hospital creates a depersonalizing environment that forces the patient to relinquish control over his or her daily existence. It is suggested that patients cope with depersonalizing loss of control by assuming “good patient” behavior or “bad patient” behavior. Predictions are offered as to who will show which behavior pattern under which circumstances. However, a review of these patterns suggests that some “good patients” may actually be in a state of anxious or depressed helplessness, whereas “bad patients” are exhibiting anger and reactance against the perceived arbitrary removal of freedoms. An analysis of the behavioral, cognitive, affective and physiological correlates of these patterns, as well as the behaviors they elicit in staff, suggests that both the “good patient” and the “bad patient” sustain health risks. It is argued that a more informed and participative role for the hospital patient can eliminate or offset many of these risks and actually improve the level of physical and psychological health in the hospital setting.
247 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship between experiencing a parental divorce or separation prior to age 16 and a variety of measures of adult adjustment and psychological functioning using data from two national cross-sectional surveys conducted nearly 20 years apart.
Abstract: Relationships between experiencing a parental divorce or separation prior to age 16 and a variety of measures of adult adjustment and psychological functioning are examined using data from two national cross-sectional surveys conducted nearly 20 years apart. Although few differences between adults from parentally-divorced and intact family backgrounds persist when controls for contemporary life circumstances and other social background factors were included, two modest trends are still evident. First, although associations between psychological distress and early experience with parental divorce have weakened somewhat over the past two decades, coming from a non-intact family of origin still has some significance for adult psychological well-being. Second, men and women from non-intact families of origin display different patterns of adjustment to and valuation of the major life roles of spouse and parent. Nevertheless, because such relationships are not very powerful, it is concluded that contrary to much of the literature and popular thought, these early experiences have, at most, a modest effect on adult adjustment.
200 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the roots of family violence lie in the organization of the family and in the implicit cultural norms tolerating or approving violence as a means for social control.
Abstract: The paper reviews current knowledge on violence between family members in the United States, including how and why family violence became a topic of interest after years of being masked by a public and professional perceptual blackout. It presents data from a nationally representative sample of 2,143 American families that measured the extent of child abuse, wife abuse, husband abuse, and violence between siblings. The paper then reports differences in child abuse rates according to factors such as the age and sex of the child, family income, occupation, stress, unemployment, social isolation, and previous exposure or experience with violence. It is suggested that the roots of family violence lie in the organization of the family and in the implicit cultural norms tolerating or approving violence as a means for social control.
174 citations
TL;DR: Viewing compliance as a property of the transaction between expert and client, it is appropriate to see the responsibility for establishing compliance as shared between Expert and client.
Abstract: The failure of patients to follow recommendations made to them by health experts usually represents a hazard to the patient's health, a waste of health resources, and a source of frustration to the health expert. Many studies of such failure lead to the conclusion that every patient should be considered as potentially “non-compliant.” The most promising site for intervention is in the expert-patient interaction. Viewing compliance as a property of the transaction between expert and client, it is appropriate to see the responsibility for establishing compliance as shared between expert and client. From this viewpoint, several models of the expert-client relationship are reviewed. Three areas of responsibility can be assigned to experts—exploring the individual patient's situation fully; anticipating the patient's difficulties in following recommendations; and communicating information in a way that will maximize its effectiveness. Recognition of these responsibilities will have numerous consequences for those who teach health professionals and for psychologists engaged in the study of communication processes.
170 citations
TL;DR: Evidence reviewed here suggests that a physician's ability to establish rapport with patients is at least partially dependent upon his or her communication skills, especially the ability to decode and encode nonverbal messages of affect.
Abstract: The interpersonal relationship between physician and patient involves a highly charged affective component. As a result, patients' satisfaction with medical care, their compliance with treatment regimens, and the outcome of treatment tend to be substantially related to their physicians' ability to satisfy their socio-emotional needs in the health care encounter. This critical aspect of health care is termed “rapport.” While it is not yet clear exactly how rapport with patients can be achieved, evidence reviewed here suggests that a physician's ability to establish rapport with patients is at least partially dependent upon his or her communication skills, especially the ability to decode and encode nonverbal messages of affect. Implications for teaching physicians the elements of empathic communication are discussed.
164 citations
TL;DR: The rise in the number of children with divorced parents has been associated with many other demographic changes, such as the increasing proportion of children under 18 who are of school age, who live with a stepparent, who spend some time in a one-parent family, whose divorced parent has a college education, and who live in an unmarried couple.
Abstract: The rise in the number of children with divorced parents has been associated with many other demographic changes. Among the changes discussed are the increasing proportion of children under 18 who are of school age; who live with a stepparent; who spend some time in a one-parent family; whose divorced parent has a college education; and who live with an unmarried couple. A projected one-third of the children 18 years of age in 1990 will have lived with a divorced parent. It is assumed that the rate of divorce will increase more slowly in the next decade than in the last decade.
TL;DR: Major aspects of nonverbal communication that are of direct relevance to health care have been studied scientifically but have not yet been systematically utilized and promising areas of application are reviewed.
Abstract: Proper health care necessitates face-to-face interaction between health providers and their patients. This direct contact is important for two sets of reasons: the provider must assess the special quality and intensity of the patient's symptoms, emotions and pain; and the provider must create positive expectations, provide emotional support, and enlist the patient's cooperation with treatment. Regarding medical diagnosis, patients are often unable or unwilling to describe precisely and completely what is wrong with them. Regarding medical treatment, a number of factors make kind words and verbal prognoses from practitioners insufficient to communicate the expectations essential to “placebo” effects and the sense of commitment known to be therapeutic to a distraught patient. Effective nonverbal communication—through touch, facial expression, voice tone, etc.—is essential for successful patient-practitioner interaction. Major aspects of nonverbal communication that are of direct relevance to health care have been studied scientifically but have not yet been systematically utilized. Promising areas of application are reviewed in this paper.
TL;DR: Perinatal assessment and simple intervention with families at high risk for abnormal parenting practices significantly improves the infants' chances for escaping serious hospitalized physical injury.
Abstract: A high-risk population was successfully identified by the use of perinatal screening procedures. These children encountered significantly different parenting practices than the low-risk "control" group. There were also significant differences between "High-Risk" and "Low-Risk" families on issues concerning social adjustment and mother/infant attachment. Five children in a "High-Risk Nonintervene" group required hospitalization for serious injuries thought to be secondary to abnormal parenting practices. There were no such hospitalizations in either a High Risk Intervene group or a Low Risk group. Labordelivery observations, and postpartum interviews and observations provided the most accurate predictive information; prenatal interviews and questionnaires did not add significantly. Perinatal assessment and simple intervention with families at high risk for abnormal parenting practices significantly improves the infants' chances for escaping serious hospitalized physical injury. Language: en
TL;DR: A conceptual framework is presented that provides a rationale for a number of relationship-building techniques and offers evidence that referent power is effective in promoting adherence to treatment and more healthful behavior, and in influencing critical outcome measures such as weight loss.
Abstract: This paper examines dominant sources of social power and influence that affect the degree to which patients adhere to recommended regimens for prevention or treatment and their rate of recovery. Referent power of health-care practitioners, as contrasted with their expert, coercive, reward and legitimate power, is expected to be most effective when internalization of medical recommendations by the patients is essential. The paper explores specific ways that a health-care professional can gain referent power, using weight control treatment as an example. It presents a conceptual framework that provides a rationale for a number of relationship-building techniques and offers evidence that referent power is effective in promoting adherence to treatment and more healthful behavior, and in influencing critical outcome measures such as weight loss. Analysis of the relative efficacy of various methods of building and using referent power and the possible limiting conditions on its effectiveness are also discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, after the final decree, 560 divorced parents, fathers as well as mothers, were asked to assess the impact of the divorce on their children, and the majority of each group felt that their children had been negatively affected by the divorce.
Abstract: Two years after the final decree, 560 divorced parents, fathers as well as mothers, were asked to assess the impact of the divorce on their children. Their responses to this question—as well as to other questions—seemed to divide into a “his” and “hers” perspective. Other variables having to do with the parents and their children, the marriage, the divorce and the changes necessitated by the divorce were analyzed in relation to these parental assessments. Factors associated with fathers' responses differed from those associated with mothers‘, but the majority of each group felt that their children had been negatively affected by the divorce.
TL;DR: A national sample of 1736 respondents and a Nevada State probability sample of 296 respondents were surveyed during the summer of 1975 to determine the extent of gambling activity in the United States, to estimate the amount of government revenue that could result from various changes in the gambling laws, and to predict the social consequences of these changes as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A national probability sample of 1736 respondents and a Nevada State probability sample of 296 respondents were surveyed during the summer of 1975 to determine the extent of gambling activity in the United States, to estimate the amount of government revenue that could result from various changes in the gambling laws, and to predict the social consequences of these changes. While there were large variations among regions and demographic groups, a majority of all adult Americans gamble. Wagers on commercial games amounted to $22.4 billion in 1974 of which $17 billion was wagered legally and approximately $5 billion illegally.
TL;DR: The literature on adolescent abuse suggests that it may differ from child abuse, but issues raised in the literature focus on severity, provoking behavior by the adolescents, and community norms for discipline as crucial issues are examined.
Abstract: The literature on adolescent abuse suggests that it may differ from child abuse. Issues raised in the literature focus on severity, provoking behavior by the adolescents, and community norms for discipline as crucial issues. There are several models of the dynamics of adolescent abuse in the literature. These issues and theoretical models are examined by reviewing twenty-five cases of adolescent abuse from a public welfare office in a large midwestern city. Implications of the findings for reporting injuries and planning interventions are discussed. Language: en
TL;DR: A social-psychological framework is suggested which views abortion as a stress experience which will be a function of the nature and meaning of the pregnancy to the individual woman, her defensive and coping style, and the social environment surrounding the abortion experience.
Abstract: More than most medical procedures, abortion is embedded in a social context that has implications for psychological reactions of patients. Following a brief history of legislation and research on abortion, correlates of post-abortion reponses are reviewed. A social-psychological framework is suggested which views abortion as a stress experience. Responses to the experience will be a function of the nature and meaning of the pregnancy to the individual woman, her defensive and coping style, and the social environment surrounding the abortion experience. Psychological effects of the procedure on the partner and on health professionals who perform abortions are also considered.
TL;DR: In this paper, a report of a study of marriage and divorce as processes through which emotional attachments are established and resolved is presented, where the concepts of family systems theory and therapy are used to describe the ways in which emotional attachment in general, and child focus in particular, operate in families undergoing separation or divorce.
Abstract: This paper is a report of a study of marriage and divorce as processes through which emotional attachments are established and resolved. The concepts of family systems theory and therapy are used to describe the ways in which emotional attachments in general, and child focus in particular, operate in families undergoing separation or divorce. The report begins with a general description of family systems theory, including an examination of the patterns of management of emotional attachment in families and the relationship of these patterns to the ways children experience their parents' separation, divorce, and custody arrangements. Then the management of emotional attachment in families which may have either a mild or severe degree of child focus is compared and contrasted. The final section considers family therapy in relation to these issues.
TL;DR: The consequences of child abuse for the emotional health and development of the child have been largely disregarded in theory, in practice, and in research as discussed by the authors, which has important policy and practice implications for intervention and treatment.
Abstract: The consequences of child abuse for the emotional health and development of the child have been largely disregarded in theory, in practice, and in research. The few studies which have investigated this aspect of the child abuse problem report detrimental psychological consequences. These research findings combined with more general psychological theory and research on personality development provide a basis for predicting the psychological consequences of abuse for children. Documentation of deficits in the emotional development of abused children has important policy and practice implications for intervention and treatment.
TL;DR: The authors argues that the state run lotteries have failed to fulfill the promises of their proponents, either in raising revenue or in fighting organized crime, and that they constitute a regressive and inefficient form of taxation.
Abstract: Lotteries have played an important role in American finance through much of this Nation's history. This paper begins with an account of the abuses that led to the prohibition of the privately run lottery during the nineteenth century. It then goes on to analyze the promise and performance of the state run lotteries that have been created during the last decade. The paper argues that the lotteries have failed to fulfill the promises of their proponents, either in raising revenue or in fighting organized crime, and that they constitute a regressive and inefficient form of taxation. It also argues that the promotion of gambling serves to tarnish the image of state government.
TL;DR: A review of the literature pertaining to the causes of child maltreatment can be found in this paper, which discusses 68 articles from various disciplines and organizes them into four predominant theories; psychodynamic, social learning, social psychological, and sociological.
Abstract: This article reviews the literature pertaining to the causes of child maltreatment. The review discusses 68 articles from various disciplines and organizes them into four predominant theories; psychodynamic, social learning, social psychological, and sociological. Research evidence supporting each of the theories is described and critiqued. Language: en
TL;DR: Analysis of the authors' society's death system indicates that “comfort care” has started to take its place along with the more dominant death system functions of curing and killing, and particular attention is given to the emergence of the hospice movement.
Abstract: Until recently the health care professions gave little systematic attention to psychosocial needs of the dying person and his or her family. There seemed to be no place for death in the prevention and cure-oriented outlook of our health care systems. This situation is now undergoing rapid change. Analysis of our society's death system indicates that “comfort care” has started to take its place along with the more dominant death system functions of curing and killing. Particular attention is given to the emergence of the hospice movement. Improved care of the terminally ill person may not be enough, however, to meet rising expectations for a higher quality of life, in general, and in the dying situation in particular. It is suggested that our society will not be content with a terminal phase of life in which physical distress is well controlled and individual dignity maintained. Rather, we seem to be questing for a form of dying that is “healthier” than ordinary life and that actualizes values whose attainment had previously been frustrated. Pleasurable dying and glorious death may be major “consumer demands” in the future.
TL;DR: This paper reported the results from a national survey of gambling behavior, social problems, and attitudes toward the legalization of gambling, finding that non-bettors perceived more negative consequences and fewer positive consequences associated with the legalizing of gambling than did bettors.
Abstract: This paper reports the results from a national survey of gambling behavior, social problems, and attitudes toward the legalization of gambling Non-bettors perceived more negative consequences and fewer positive consequences associated with the legalization of gambling than did bettors One negative consequence perceived by a majority of both groups was an increase in political corruption The level of gambling activity was positively associated with several social problems such as divorce, absenteeism, and frequency of alcohol consumption Respondents who were classified as probable compulsive gamblers reported more family problems
TL;DR: Sources of stress on the family are reviewed, and especially infants are considered as specific sources of stress within the family system, and the mass media are presented as an important untapped resource for prevention efforts.
Abstract: Child abuse is one example of violence in the family. This paper reviews sources of stress on the family, and especially considers infants as specific sources of stress within the family system. The problems of unrealistic expectations, use of physical punishment for child training and discipline, and the escalation from punishment to abuse are explored. Abuse cases are currently managed through mandatory reporting, official investigation, and disposition by authoritative bodies. This system of management appears both inadequate and inappropriate. Effective prevention programs are needed. This paper reviews current prevention efforts using three criteria of assessment. The mass media are presented as an important untapped resource for prevention efforts. Attractive media programs can address parents' feelings as well as provide information and advice. Language: en
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline some of the service needs of children of divorce, examine existing systems for the delivery of services, and assesses the extent to which the systems are meeting those needs.
Abstract: The high incidence of divorce, coupled with its profound consequences, suggest that the psychological needs of the children involved, the degree to which these needs are being met, and the measures that might be taken to better meet them must be explored. This paper outlines some of the service needs of children of divorce, examines existing systems for the delivery of services, and assesses the extent to which the systems are meeting those needs. It concludes that existing services are essentially inadequate and describes the major characteristics of a model program designed to deal appropriately with the specific needs of children of divorce. Research to develop and evaluate services and programs is urged.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the revenue potential of legal gambling as a revenue source and found that the maximum revenue potential depends on consumer responsiveness to the price of a given game and high take-out rates encourage gamblers to participate in illegal substitutes.
Abstract: Legalized gambling as a revenue source is evaluated on the basis of data derived from a nationwide survey. The major findings include: (1) gambling is essentially a consumer commodity which people purchase because they enjoy it, rather than because they expect to make money; (2) maximum revenue potential depends on consumer responsiveness to the price of a given game; (3) high take-out rates encourage gamblers to participate in illegal substitutes; (4) state receipts from gambling, regardless of the details of the way they are collected, are economically identical to any other form of excise tax; (5) although gambling outlays tend to increase with income, the amount of increase is disproportionate to the amount of income, and therefore gambling tends to be a highly regressive form of taxation; and (6) the maximum revenue which states could expect to collect as the result of legalizing gambling is about a 4 percent addition to total receipts from other sources of revenue.
TL;DR: The authors examines some of the factors that altered the economics and control of policy and numbers gambling, bookmaking, and casino gambling from 1900 to 1950, including the emergence of black ghettoes after World War I and the consequent rise of blacks to controlling positions in numbers and policy banks.
Abstract: The author examines some of the factors that altered the economics and control of policy and numbers gambling, bookmaking, and casino gambling from 1900 to 1950. The factors include the emergence of black ghettoes after World War I and the consequent rise of blacks to controlling positions in numbers and policy banks; the changing ownership and activities of the national race and sports information service; the increasing use of the telephone for making sports bets; and the sudden wealth of bootleggers in the 1920's along with their growing involvement in gambling enterprises. The author concludes that these factors exercised a diverse and interrelated influence on the history of American gambling.