Nilufer P. Medora

Strengths and Challenges in the Indian Family

Abstract Beginning with a brief geographical, historical, cultural, and religious overview of India and her people, this article then presents a summary of family life in the contemporary Hindu family. The family strengths that are unique and based on deep-rooted religious, cultural, and social values that have been in existence and integral to the Hindu family for multiple generations are then outlined. The article also summarizes some challenges that families have to contend with in day-to-day living situations.

Dating Behaviors, Attitudes, and Relationships Satisfaction of Young Adult Children of Alcoholics

Abstract The dating behaviors, attitudes, and relationship satisfaction of a nonclinical sample of single young adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) (n = 172) were compared to a sample of nonACOAs (n = 771). Subjects completed measures of dating behaviors, anxiety, intimacy, trust, commitment and relationship satisfaction. ACOAs began dating at a significantly younger age and dated significantly fewer individuals than nonACOAs. They also reported significantly more dating anxiety than nonACOAs. Male ACOAs reported less commitment, intellectual intimacy, trust and relationship satisfaction than male nonACOAs. Compared to nonACOAs, female ACOAs reported no differences on these variables. The results provide some support for research suggesting that ACOAs may experience difficulties in their opposite-sex intimate relationships.

Sexuality education for young children: The role of parents

An important component of family life is sexuality education. Being comfortable with ones sexuality is an essential component of individual and family wellness. To this end, parents and teachers who intend to assist in young childrens sexuality education must be comfortable and well informed.

Recruiting, Organizing, Planning, and Conducting a 3-Week, Short- Term Study Abroad Program for Undergraduate Students: Guidelines and Suggestions for First-Time Faculty Leaders

: The article provides an overview on the importance of international education, and the significance of short-term study abroad programs. It also provides specific step-by-step guidelines and recommendations to help first-time faculty members who are interested in conducting a short-term study abroad program in the field of child development and family studies. Explanations are given on conducting orientation sessions before departure, suggestions for fund raising activities, balancing the academic content with recreational and adventure excursions, making arrangements for guest speakers in the host county, arranging for visits to social service agencies, and lastly incorporating service learning activates in the program. Questions such as, “What are some of the of the typical challenges that a faculty leader is likely to encounter in the host country”? are addressed. A summary of the qualitative analyses that was obtained from the students, about their reactions to the program, and the impact that it had on them, after they returned from the 3-week program is explored.