James F. Keller

Premarital sexual intercourse among single college students: A discriminant analysis

This study assesses the relative importance of interpersonal psychological variables in the prediction of the number of premarital sexual partners of single college students. Using data from a sample of 466 college students from a large mid-Atlantic university, various discriminant functions were formulated and used to predict a students premarital sexual partners group membership. A virgin group, a monogamous group, a moderate partners group, and a extensive partners group were identified. The variables selected by the computer for inclusion in the functions are of theoretical importance. Males and females differed in the sets of weighted variables chosen by the computer to enter the discriminant functions. Different functions were found to best discriminate the virgin group from the monogamous group, the moderate partners group, and the extensive partners group, especially for males. When subjects were reclassified using the discriminant functions, the predictive accuracies were significantly increased above chance in 14 instances of reclassification. The data support the view that male and female single college students are moving toward an equal standard with regard to premarital intercourse behavior. However, the interpersonal psychological correlates of sexual intercourse appear to be quite different for males and females. Male variation along the power or dominance dimension of Learys Interpersonal Adjective Checklist was most reflective of their sexual partners group, while females were best discriminated using variables related to the affiliation or affection dimension. A three-stage theory of normative change is formulated to explain the existing data.

Marriage and family therapy education: Emerging trends and issues

The field of marriage and family therapy has enjoyed unparalleled growth during the last decade. This rapid growth has been the catalyst for several emerging educational trends that warrant close attention. This paper examines nine emerging trends in MFT education with attention devoted to a number of critical issues.

Factors influencing contraceptive behavior of single college students.

This study investigated the premarital contraceptive behavior of 222 male and female college students. Contraceptive practice was examined in relation to dating patterns, level of emotional involvement with the sex partner was heightened, the intercourse was planned, and the individual and prior sexual experience.

Adlerian parent education: Changes in parents' attitudes and behaviors, and children's self-esteem

Abstract The Adlerian approach to family education is receiving increasing attention. The Adlerian philosophy reflects a systematic approach with special emphasis upon the family constellation. The family is viewed as a total unit, and the individual needs of the family members are seen as family group needs with each meinber attempting to establish his/her place within the family structure. The purpose of the present study was twofold: first, to determine the reliability and validity of three measurement scales appropriate for assessing the effects of family education programs, and second, to determine the effects of a family education program using the Adlerian approach. The data indicated high reliability for the scales and the beneficial aspects of the family education program.

A Family Therapy Model For Preserving Independence in Older Persons: Utilization of the Family of Procreation.

Abstract This paper presents a family therapy model that utilizes the Bowen theory systems framework with the aged. Instead of seeking out the family of orientation, however, which is less significant to older family members who have fewer living siblings and parents, the framework is adapted to the family of procreation, which takes on increased importance in the lives of the elderly. A discussion of the older family member is followed by a brief explanation of the theoretical framework. The major thrust of the paper provides a description of the course of family therapy with the aged using this model. Included are the goals and outcomes of therapy, strategies for re-relating with other family members, and roles of the therapist and client. Research issues are discussed briefly. The expected outcomes of this model are the creation of more satisfying intergenerational relationships and the preservation and enhancement of independence for the aged.

Sexual history and present sexual behavior of cohabiting and married couples

Abstract Fifty married and 50 cohabitating couples responded to a questionnaire containing 14 sex history and 10 present sex behavior variables. Significant differences between the samples were found on 6 of the 24 variables. Cohabiting males and females had been involved with more sexual partners, were less satisfied with their sexual experiences, were more likely to have been involved in group sex, and were more likely to seek an abortion than were married males and females. Cohabiting females were younger at the time of first intercourse, and cohabiting males were less satisfied with their initial intercourse experience. With the exception of the above, the results did not indicate that cohabitors are less traditional or more nonconformist than married in their sex history or present sexual activity within their relationship.

Sexual Behavior and Guilt among Women: A Cross-Generational Comparison.

This paper reports the results of a study of the relationship between guilt and sexual behavior among 45 married women. The age breakdown of the subjects included 60 and above, 40 to 50, and 20 to 30, with 15 women included in each age category. A negative relationship was found between the age of subjects and the extent of sexual behavior while a positive relationship existed between age and sexual guilt. The younger womens sexual behavior scores were higher than both the middle and older (statistically significant) women. Scores indicated less guilt associated with sexual behavior for the younger women than for the middle-aged and older (statistically significant) women.

Older Generations of the Family: Relational Dimensions and Quality.

Abstract Although much recent evidence indicates that the aged are not isolated from their families and that adult children are central to the lives of many older parents, little emphasis has been placed on the qualitative dimensions of these intergenerational processes, which would contribute to the understanding of their functional or dysfunctional nature. Six qualitative dimensions—affection, communication dynamics, consensus, individuation, filial responsibility and filial expectations—which were believed to affect intergenerational family relationships were drawn from the literature. A random sample of 170 older parents and 145 adult children participated in the study. Using correlational and multiple regression procedures, results indicate that qualitative dimensions are associated with one another and that affection and communication greatly determine the quality of relationship for both generations, and filial responsibility is significant for the younger generation. Implications for family therap...

MMPI profiles of cohabiting college students.

89 cohabiting couples may be described as having, on the average, somewhat elevated MMPI profiles, this being slightly more apparent for the men than the women. The highest scales were Hypomania and Psychopathic Deviate respectively, indicating nonconformist attitudes and the high energy level necessary for the acting out of asocial behavior. The elevated Schizophrenia scale also suggests creativity and theoretical interests one might expect to find in such a group.