Douglas Hooper

Wives' mental health and children's behaviour problems in contrasting residential areas

Abstract A survey of health in new residential areas reveals comparatively good health among wives in a commuter area. In contrast a redeveloped central urban area produces a high level of neurosis among wives living in houses and behaviour problems among children in high-rise flats. Social factors which the families themselves associate with these results are discussed.

Menopause, ageing and family

Abstract The menopause is one of a series of psychosocial transition points involving role change for the middle-aged woman. Data from 106 women is presented in an attempt to explore the possible relationships between this individual and primarily physiological event and, on the one hand, other individual processes such as physical health, age and sex identity and, on the other hand, family processes such as the onset of post-parenthood and grandparenthood and aspects of the marital relationship in middle-age. The menopause did appear to be related to subjective health and sex identity but not to age identity. In terms of reported menopausal experience, postparenthood, particularly where a daughter was being relinquished, appeared to be more stressful than grandparent.

Adjustment to moving: a follow-up study of the mental health of young families in new housing.

Abstract Research on the effect of moving house on mental health has not produced a clear picture. The first stage of a research project involving young families moving into a variety of new residential areas in Bristol found a high rate of reporting of neurotic symptoms and wide variation among areas; a follow-up interview 18 months later found that adults who had reported symptoms were more likely to have moved away. Symptoms among those who remained (especially council tenants) had decreased. The most marked differences in the reporting rate between areas had also diminished, though some new high-reporting groups were appearing. There is evidence that an “adjustment effect” has been identified.

BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE FOR PRECLINICAL STUDENTS

Abstract Experience with the first year of an eighty-eight-hour course in behavioural science for second-year medical students is described. The course consisted of forty lectures and practical work (which included demonstrations, discussions, films, and a field project). The students reported favourably on the course, but regretted the lack of tutorials and many found the reading-list unsatisfactory.