Eileen S. Nelson

Sexual harassment on campus: effects of professor gender on perception of sexually harassing behaviors

Undergraduate students viewed four videotaped vignettes that depicted potentially sexually harassing interactions between professors and students. Subjects were asked to evaluate the professors behavior. The vignettes were composed so that two dimensions were manipulated: the sex of the initiator of the behavior and the type of behavior. Results of the study provided partial support of the following hypotheses: (1) the behaviors of female professors initiating potentially sexually harassing behaviors toward male students would be perceived as more appropriate than would the same behaviors initiated by male professors toward female students in identical situations; (2) female subjects would interpret the behaviors as more harassing than male subjects; and finally (3) subtle forms of harassment would be interpreted as more inappropriate by female students than by male students.

College students’ attitudes toward abortion and commitment to the issue

Abstract Male and female participants were surveyed on abortion attitudes, commitment, and abortion experience. Results revealed a normal distribution of abortion attitudes rejecting the notion that the vast majority of the sample would have significantly pro-choice views. No significant difference was found in overall abortion attitudes of males vs. females, however, individuals with direct abortion experience were found to have significantly stronger pro-choice attitudes than individuals without direct abortion experience. Overall, college students reported a moderate degree of commitment to the issue of abortion. Females were significantly more committed than males, individuals with direct abortion experience were significantly more committed than individuals without direct abortion experience, and individuals with more extreme abortion attitudes were significantly more committed than those with weaker, more ambivalent, attitudes. No significant difference was found in level of commitment between pro-choice and pro-life individuals.

The relationship between prenatal expectations and postnatal attitudes among first-time mothers

Abstract Thirty-one predominantly middle-class primiparous women attending Lamaze classes participated in this study. The purpose of the investigation was twofold. The primary objective involved exploration of the relationship between prenatal expectations of the maternal experience and postnatal attitudes among first-time mothers; while the secondary objective was to examine The Psychometric Qualities Of The Newly Constructed Prenatal Maternal Expectations Scale (Pmes). The Pmes Was Specifically Designed To Assess Prenatal Expectations Pertaining To The Following Subdo-Mains: (1) Characteristics Of The Baby And Child Care; (2) Degree Of Enjoyment Anticipated In Association With Mothering; (3) Expected Changes In The Womans Significant Relationships Resulting From Becoming A Mother; (4) Anticipated Changes In Lifestyle Or Quality Of Life Associated With The Maternal Role; And Finally, (5) Projected Image Of Self As A Mother. The Postnatal Attitudes Of Interest In The Current Investigation Generally Relat...

Abortion attitudes as determinants of perceptions regarding male involvement in abortion decisions.

Abortion decisions have a potentially meaningful effect on the lives of men. Previous research suggests that both men and women generally believe that men have the right to be involved in such decisions. However, very little research attention has been devoted to identifying individual difference correlates of discrepant levels of endorsement for male involvement in abortion decisions. The extent to which abortion attitudes (on a pro-choice to pro-life continuum), conceptualization of abortion as strictly a female issue, and interest in the issue operate as effective predictors of the appropriate level of male involvement in abortion decisions was examined in a sample of 1,387 college students. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that 44% of the variance in male involvement scores was explained by the predictor variables.

Modern racism on campus: a survey of attitudes and perceptions

Abstract Contemporary society is beset with subtle racial tensions. Modern racism is a form of racism often found in modern, politically correct America. In this form of racism, racist beliefs are often expressed only indirectly. In the present paper, race differences in attitudes about and perceptions of racism were examined through the use of a survey. Results showed several differences in the way Blacks and Whites perceive race relations on a university campus. This information helps to gain insight into the causes of modern racial tensions. The results also suggest strategies to reduce racism on college campuses.

Addiction versus intimacy as related to sexual involvement in a relationship.

Forty couples aged 18-25 years who were in love relationships of three months or more were tested concerning the level of addiction or maturity in the relationship. The results of three questionnaires revealed significant positive correlations between the following: self-esteem and maturity, adjustment and maturity, adjustment and relationship satisfaction, relationship satisfaction and maturity, relationship satisfaction and self-esteem, sexual satisfaction and maturity, and sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. In a multiple regression, three variables (adjustment, relationship satisfaction, and intercourse) predicted a significant amount of the variance surrounding the maturity variable. The results supported the hypotheses proposed.