Arlene Metha

A Pilot Study on the Regrets and Priorities of Women

In this pilot study, we surveyed 178 women about their major regrets and priorities in life. Chi-square analyses were used to compare the womens responses based on their ages, marital and family statuses, occupations, and levels of life satisfaction. Findings indicated that the most frequently cited regrets related to missed educational opportunities and a perceived lack of self-assertiveness. Women in less prestigious occupations regretted missed educational opportunities most often. Family was the most often cited priority, especially among homemakers and women with large families. Friendships were more important to single and divorced women than to married women. The women who were least satisfied with their lives more often regretted missed educational opportunities and not having taken more risks than did the most satisfied women.

A theoretical model of adolescent suicide risk

A theoretical model of adolescent suicidal behavior was examined separately for 192 male and 329 female (N = 521) students of a suburban junior high school in the southwest. The model consisted of five constructs: the predictor variables of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and substance use and the criterion variable, suicide risk. A theoretical model consisting of five research hypotheses was proposed based on the suicide literature and was examined by path analysis using a structural equations statistical package, SAS PROC CALIS (Version 6.10). Results revealed that all relationships were in the predicted direction. The final model reasonably accounted for the data in spite of some gender differences. Males progressed from depression to substance use and then to suicide risk, while females progressed directly from depression to suicide risk. Depression was a stronger predictor of low self-esteem for females than for males. While hopelessness was a viable predictor of substance use for both males and females, it was not a viable predictor of suicide risk.

Suicide Ideation, Depression, and Stressful Life Events among Gifted Adolescents.

Differences in life-change events, life stress, depression, and suicide ideation were investigated in a mixed-ethnic sample of gifted (n = 34) and nongifted (n = 38) urban junior high school students. Results indicated that gifted students reported experiencing significantly fewer life-change events. The perceived stressfulness of the life-change events, levels of depression, and suicide ideation were similar among gifted and nongifted participants. Suicide ideation among the entire sample was significantly and positively correlated both with level of depression and with levels of past and recent stress. Recent stress and use of drugs or alcohol significantly predicted suicide ideation. Implications for counseling and for future research are discussed.

A SENIOR PEER COUNSELING PROGRAM: EVALUATION OF TRAINING AND BENEFITS TO COUNSELORS

A study was conducted to evaluate the training component of a senior peer counseling program and its benefits to peer counselors. The intended focus of the program was on seniors experiencing depression, suicidal feelings, and other emotional crises. Seventeen out of 20 applicants were selected by a screening committee of social workers and mental health professionals. Of the 17 counselors selected for training, 3 males and 10 females, average age 65 years, completed the 72‐hr program. The program was assessed by external evaluators using quantitative and qualitative methods. Counselors assessed with mild levels of depression at pretest scored in the normal range at posttest and reported a lower number of depressive symptoms. The ratings ascribed to the training components were consistently positive. The qualitative component included individual interviews to assess counselors’ perceptions of the training program, the groups, their clients, and their roles as counselors. A content analysis revealed the do...

Manifest values of eminent psychologists: A content analysis of their obituaries

Obituaries published in theAmerican Psychologist (from January 1979 to December 1990,N=161) were content analyzed to create a modal demographic profile of the deceased and a ranking of the most frequently occurring value themes. Virtually all of the eminent psychologists were highly productive academicians and researchers. Typically, they were also actively involved in other professional arenas (e.g., administration, service). The majority were male (87%), white (99%), and born in the United States (86%). Ninety-seven percent had obtained Ph.D.’s, most frequently from Columbia University (16%), Harvard (11%), and Chicago (6%). Median age at death was 76. The most frequently occurring value themes written about the deceased were that they were independent-minded (67%), a good friend (61%), hard-working (53%), a good teacher/mentor (51%), and a beloved family member (35%). The implications of these data are discussed.

Economic Correlates of Suicide in the United States (1929–1992): A Time Series Analysis

A time series analysis of the relationship between suicide rates for several demographic groups and economic variables (unemployment, Gross National Product, and Consumer Price Index) in the United States for the period 1929 to 1992 was examined. When unemployment precedes suicide by one year, a modest relationship between unemployment and suicide was found for Whites and both males and females. The association was strongest for males. There was also an association between unemployment and suicide for the age group 45–64 years. There were no relationships found between suicide and the Gross National Product nor suicide and the Consumer Price Index.

What Schools Can Do To Combat Student-to-Student Sexual Harassment

Student-to-student sexual harassment takes place every day in almost every school in the United States. It is a serious problem for the schools, not only because of its devastating impact on victims or the potential liability of the district or its employees but because of the consequences if it is not confronted.