Showing papers in "Social Indicators Research in 1987"
141 citations
TL;DR: In this article, factors representing different aspects of residents' neighborhoods were identified and examined in relation to their overall assessment of their homes and neighborhoods, and relationships among neighborhood aspects and overall housing and neighborhood assessments were examined separately for residents of conventional homes, mobile homes, and apartments.
Abstract: A highly influential but often underemphasized determinant of residential satisfaction is how residents perceive and feel about their neighborhoods In this study, factors representing different aspects of residents' neighborhoods were identified and examined in relation to their overall assessment of their homes and neighborhoods Relationships among neighborhood aspects and overall housing and neighborhood assessments were examined separately for residents of conventional homes, mobile homes, and apartments Results based on all residents indicated that evaluations of neighborhood aspects were unrelated to housing satisfaction, but were moderately related to positive sentiments and satisfaction with the neighborhood Separate analyses by housing type revealed that neighborhood perceptions of apartment residents were influential in affecting housing satisfaction For all residents, the neighborhood's attractiveness and pleasant-friendliness were the most important determinants of neighborhood acceptance and satisfaction The results also indicated that despite sharing similar determinant patterns of neighborhood acceptance with the other two housing type groups, the basis for mobile home residents' evaluations was considerably less related to the factors identified as influential The findings indicated that different neighborhood factors formed the basis for differences in overall housing and neighborhood satisfaction among residents living in the three housing types However, since the type of housing does not by itself define a neighborhood, the differences that were found need to be considered in the larger context of other components of a neighborhood like economic and community characteristics typically associated with a specific structure type
71 citations
TL;DR: The distinction between affect and cognition was studied in a sample of early breast cancer patients in this paper, and the relation between concommitants of disease and treatment and the types of affect-cognition combination were explored.
Abstract: The distinction between affect and cognition was studied in a sample of early breast cancer patients. As assumed by Mckennell (1978) the change experienced led to a level of affect that was lower than the level of cognition and an increased discrepancy between these two components of quality of life within the first year after surgery. Cognition was stable over time, whereas affect improved (p<0.05). The relation between concommitants of disease and treatment and the types of affect-cognition combination were explored.
39 citations
Journal Article•
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the form of the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction was examined through a profile analysis of subgroups of respondents and the results of discriminant analysis indicated that the four subgroups could be systematically characterized by different profiles and prediction of the subgroup in which an individual would be classified, based on the profile, was not highly reliable.
Abstract: The form of the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction was examined through a profile analysis of subgroups of respondents. Survey respondents were classified as high on job satisfaction and life satisfaction, low on job satisfaction and life satisfaction or in two intermediate categories (low on one, high on the other). Results of discriminant analysis indicated that the four subgroups could be systematically characterized by different profiles. Prediction of the subgroup in which an individual would be classified, based on the profile, was not highly reliable, however.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the link between social security development and social welfare outputs such as physical quality of life has been analyzed, based on a cross-sectional sample of 80 developing nations and a pooled sample for 1970 and 1975.
Abstract: Much research has been done assessing cross-national variation in level of social security program development, but very little analysis has been done of the link between social security development and social welfare outputs such as physical quality of life. There is much debate as to whether any independent effect remains once differences in level of development are taken into consideration. Hypotheses derived from several general theories of inequality and welfare state development are tested. The analysis is based in part on a cross-sectional sample of 80 developing nations and in part on a pooled sample for 1970 and 1975. We find strong support for hypotheses derived from industrialism theory and demographic modernization theory. In addition we find support for hypotheses derived from dependency theory and ethnic conflict theory and some effect for social security spending. Also of note is our failure to find support for hypotheses derived from democratic theory or class (working class strength) theory.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the Multiple Discrepancies Theory (MDT) to analyze the level of satisfaction of clients participating in a government residential rehabilitation program and found that satisfaction is dependent upon various subjective discrepancies and not being related to objective conditions.
Abstract: This paper uses the basics of the Multiple Discrepancies Theory to analyze the level of satisfaction of clients participating in a government residential rehabilitation program. Satisfaction is modeled as being dependent upon various subjective discrepancies and not being related to objective conditions. Objective conditions cover the effects of the program as measured through a set of variables which require no judgement on the part of the client. The results support the weakness of the relationship between satisfaction and objective indicators. The data also support the hypothesis of an erosion of subjective satisfaction over time. Expectation indicators are three times as powerful in explaining satisfaction than objective conditions. In conclusion, the paper questions the usefulness of client satisfaction measurement in evaluation research.
16 citations
TL;DR: The results of comparative surveys have demonstrated great differences of perceived life quality. Yet there is doubt whether these differences mean that people are really more satisfied in one country than in another as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The results of comparative surveys have demonstrated great differences of perceived life quality. Yet there is doubt whether these differences mean that people are really more satisfied in one country than in another. It is generally believed that the responses are distorted by actors such as language, familiarity with concepts like satisfaction, and social desirability pressures. Though often alleged. the truth of these charges has not yet been demonstrated empirically.
Ostroot & Snyder (1985) now claim to have demonstrated that about 40% of the difference in satisfaction between the French and Americans is due to 'cultural bias'. in particular to a rosier outlook of the latter. Yet their arguments labor under two defects: firstly, their use of the word 'bias' is misleading. They do not demonstrate any discrepancy between avowed satisfaction and 'true' satisfaction. Speaking of a 'cultural effect' would be more appropriate. Secondly, Ostroot & Snyder do not demonstrate that the greater satisfaction of Americans is due to a rosier outlook on their part. The data did not allow the conclusion that Americans hold a rosier view than the French, nor that such a view is responsible for their greater satisfaction
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined elements of job satisfaction and individual social background among four professional groups: doctors, engineers, lawyers and teachers, as well as their differences in level of satisfaction/disatisfaction.
Abstract: The present study deals with concepts of work satisfaction/dissatisfaction and occupational commitment among professionals. It examines elements of job satisfaction and individual social background among four professional groups: Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers and Teachers, as well as their differences in level of job satisfaction/dissatisfaction. A two-stage principal components method was applied to data from the longitudinal study ‘Professions in Australia’ to obtain global measures of job satisfaction/dissatisfaction. Although there are some differences between professional groups in terms of work satisfaction/dissatisfaction, stemming, among other things, from the different prestige ascribed to each profession, to a large extent, they face similar ‘problems’ and derive similar ‘satisfaction’ from their professional work.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the perceived adequacy of families' incomes and selected financial management practices (food budgetin debt, saving) in two Latin American countries, namely Chile and Mexico.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived adequacy of families' incomes and selected financial management practices (food budgetin debt, saving) in two Latin American countries. An interview survey was used to gather socioeconomic and demographic information from 537 families in Chile and Mexico. There were major differences between Chile and Mexico in the income adequacy responses and also major differences within countries between income levels. Implications of the findings for policy makers and curriculum planners who work in developing countries with inflationary conditions and income inadequacies are discussed.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare Elderhostelers with reference norms on indicators of behavioral style and basic function capabilities, and assess structural relationships among the indicators, concluding that behavioral style is more indicative of successful aging than functional age.
Abstract: One definition of elite status as applied to successful aging makes reference to self-actualizing behavior. Elderhostelers as a group were considered to evidence such behavior. The aims of the study were to compare Elderhostelers with reference norms on indicators of behavioral style and basic function capabilities, and to assess structural relationships among the indicators. Our primary hypothesis was that behavioral style is more indicative of successful aging than functional age; consequently, the behavioral style indicators were predicted to differentiate the Elderhostelers from reference norms more strongly than the basic function indicators. The prediction was confirmed in that greatest differentiation was obtained on four behavioral style indicators: psychological hardiness, low anxiety, cognitive ability, and habitual physical activity level. With respect to structure, the personality indicators clustered more with basic function variables than with each other.
TL;DR: Evidence of self reported morbidity from two household surveys, carried out in London and Manchester, is discussed, showing that the GHS items were more liable to interviewer effect than the NHP and the type and number of illnesses reported appeared to vary between the inner and outer London samples.
Abstract: Evidence of self reported morbidity from two household surveys, carried out in London and Manchester is discussed. These data permitted intra-urban and interurban comparisons of patterns of morbidity reporting. The morbidity reported in response to two different instruments is compared: for the items used in the British General Household Survey (GHS) Health Section, and for the Nottingham Health Profile. The results from the London survey are analysed in more detail to examine the nature of self reported morbidity in the inner and outer city. The influence of interviewer effects is analysed, showing that the GHS items were more liable to interviewer effect than the NHP. The type and number of illnesses reported in response in response to the GHS also appeared to vary between the inner and outer London samples: The NHP appeared to be less affected by interviewer effects and variation in interpretation.
TL;DR: The quality of campus life was generally perceived to be better in the professional schools than in the core arts and sciences faculties, and this methodology would easily be transferable to other campuses.
Abstract: A Q. of L. questionnaire was sent to all 1375 faculty members at SUNY Buffalo. Each was asked to judge the level of satisfaction and importance of 123 elements of campus life. The study created a complex evaluation of the University (services, offices, functions, attitudes) intended to guide future policy. The study was well received; it has guided policy and the Faculty Senate requested that it be repeated in 3 to 5 years. The quality of campus life was generally perceived to be better in the professional schools than in the core arts and sciences faculties. Librarians had especially low morale and Q. of L. Monetary and institutional barriers that frustrated faculty members in trying to fulfill their professional obligations to their own high standards were the major factors detracting from Q. of L. (lack of secretarial help, little travel money, bureaucratic red tape, etc.). This methodology would easily be transferable to other campuses. Studies conducted elsewhere would provide a basis for comparison that would enlarge our ability to assess professionally our universities and help guide their future development.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a methodological disussion of the quality of variables utilized for measuring regional economic welfare over a span of time, in a situation where an ideal data base is lacking.
Abstract: It is quite surprising that, while data on national economic growth is published almost annually in most countries, cautious data for the measurement of regional economic welfare is rarely available. The purpose of the present study is to present a methodological disussion of the quality of variables utilized for measuring regional economic welfare over a span of time, in a situation where an “ideal” data base is lacking. The conclusions of the methodological discussion serve as an essential base for the second part of the paper, which deals with the problem of the increasing or decreasing regional inequality of economic welfare in Israel.
TL;DR: An analysis of death certificates in Georgia indicates that deaths due to pregnancy related conditions are not being discovered by traditional underlying cause-of-death maternal mortality classification, and suggests that a revised definition of maternal mortality be employed to take into consideration all risk factors related to reproductive mortality.
Abstract: Frequencies and rates of maternal mortality in the United States have declined sharply since the turn of the century. During this decline, researchers have closely examined maternal mortality relative to various risk factors. However, maternal death as currently defined and coded on death certificates may not reveal the true extent of the problem of reproductive mortality. In Georgia, an analysis of death certificates of females ages 10 to 49 indicates that deaths due to pregnancy related conditions are not being discovered by traditional underlying cause-of-death maternal mortality classification. Frequencies and rates were calculated showing the difference between the traditional International Classification of Disease codes for maternal deaths (ICD 630–676) and the reproductive mortality definition used in this paper (which emphasizes the Health Field Concept classification of Lifestyle, Environment, Biology and Health Care Delivery System) (Lalonde, M., 1974 and Laframboise, H. L., 1973). The analysis suggests that a revised definition of maternal mortality be employed to take into consideration all risk factors related to reproductive mortality.
TL;DR: This paper draws on D. J. Bartholomew's recent work on the factor analysis of categoric data, especially as it pertains to the scaling of social life feelings such as self-determination, trust, satisfaction, to investigate whether latent variables are fact or fiction.
Abstract: This paper draws on D. J. Bartholomew's recent work on the factor analysis of categoric data, especially as it pertains to the scaling of social life feelings such as self-determination, trust, satisfaction. The logit-probit model and the probitprobit model were fitted to five items on trust in order to display their characteristics and to consider their utility. The Rasch model was fitted to the same data set in order to show its relation to the aforesaid Bartholomew factor models. Although recent work has put scaling by means of categoric responses on a surer statistical basis, it still leaves a variety of questions unanswered. Foremost among these is the question of whether latent variables are fact or fiction.
TL;DR: An index of leisure-time physical activity based on the values of metabolic equivalents (METs) is found to have a high degree of concurrent, construct and predictive validity when it is related to a measure of perceived health status.
Abstract: An index of leisure-time physical activity is presented for use in health promotion research. Based on the values of metabolic equivalents (METs), this index is found to have a high degree of concurrent, construct and predictive validity when it is related to a measure of perceived health status. It is useful in investigations of the impact of exercise and other types of leisure-time physical activity on health.
TL;DR: This paper examined the appropriateness of minor civil divisions (MCDs) as a small ecological unit in non-metropolitan areas to measure segregation between poor and nonpoor people and found that segregation, as measured by D, was low in both states.
Abstract: People studying rural communities typically limit their analyses to single communities or to comparatively large units, such as counties. This information is important, but it is in local subcounty areas where rural people live and work. We examine the appropriateness of minor civil divisions (MCD's) as a small ecological unit in nonmetropolitan areas to measure segregation between poor and nonpoor people. The index of dissimilarity (D) and P*-type contiguity indices are evaluated for the nonmetro portions of Mississippi and Wisconsin. MCD's are different in the two states, which affects the interpretation of the indices. We found that segregation, as measured by D, was low in both states. The low value of D in Mississippi may have resulted from how the state's MCD's were delineated. Although the P* indices are highly correlated with the poverty rate, they do provide more information than the poverty rate alone.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined several factors which jointly influence the allocation of societies to social services and proposed a new indicator to test this societal allocation, namely the creating of new social programs.
Abstract: The motives of the enormous growth of state expenditure for social services in advanced industrial societies, is one of the most puzzling questions in social policy analysis. The aim of this article is predicated upon the assumption that there are a few factors which jointly influence the allocation of societies to social services. Various factors which were found relevant to allocation in other studies are examined with regard to their ability to explain allocation for social services in Israel. Along with the traditional indicator of societal allocation, i.e. yearly fiscal expenditures for social services, another variable is suggested to test this societal allocation, namely the creating of new social programs. This new indicator will be explained and will be tested as to how the explanatory factors can predict the establishing of new programs.
TL;DR: The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, focuses on community-based and patient-based standards, which are identified and applied in the evaluation of local health department programs.
Abstract: Utilizing epidemiological methods in the planning process, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, focuses on community-based and patient-based standards. These standards are identified and applied in the evaluation of local health department programs.