Poppy Liossis

Potentially Stressful Life Events and Emotional Closeness Between Grandparents and Adult Grandchildren

The purpose of this study is to explore the variation in emotional closeness in the adult grandchild and grandparent relationship in relation to the occur-rence of potentially stressful life events in childhood. A sample of university students (N = 119) completed a questionnaire measuring elements of inter-generational solidarity. Comparisons were made on emotional closeness between groups that had and had not experienced a life event, revealing it was the grandparent’s enactment of normative solidarity, as perceived by the adult grandchild, that produced greater emotional closeness. Complementing the findings of Bengston and Roberts, this research supports the theoretical view that high levels of normative solidarity lead to greater affectual solidarity, which in turn produces higher associational solidarity.

Deterrence, Defiance and Deviance: An Investigation Into a Group of Recidivist Drink Drivers' Self-Reported Offending Behaviours

Abstract This article reports on the utilisation of aspects of defiance, deviance and deterrence theories to examine the self-reported offending behaviours and punishment experiences for a group of recidivist drink drivers (N = 166). The analysis indicated that the sample perceived their penalties as severe yet fair, but not entirely certain nor swift. Participants also reported they were treated fairly in court and received reasonable punishments compared to others, but a considerable proportion reported low levels of respect for the law and questioned the governments legitimacy to control drink driving. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors from all three models were identified as predictors of reoffending (e.g., severity, government legitimacy and respect for the law), as well as for the frequency of drink driving in the past (e.g., certainty and severity of punishment, personal shame and respect for the law). The findings indicate that aspects of all three models are applicable to the examination of habitual reoffending, but a number of factors appear associated with a drink driving offence.

Beliefs Underlying Intentions to Participate in Group Parenting Education

Abstract The present study examined the underlying behavioural, normative and control beliefs related to intention to participate in group parenting education amongst 176 parents, using Ajzen and Madden’s (1986) theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess their behavioural, normative and control beliefs in regards to participation. To examine beliefs, a series of multivariate analyses of variance were conducted which revealed that behavioural, normative and control beliefs distinguished between parents intending to participate in group parenting education and those who did not intend to participate. Specifically, intenders and non-intenders differed in terms of beliefs regarding: the costs (e.g., restricted approach) and benefits (e.g., improving the relationship with their children); the perceptions of important referents (e.g., family) and factors inhibiting (e.g., cost) control over participation. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed the most important predictors of intentions were behavioural beliefs. These findings provide important applied information that can be utilised to inform future strategies to increase participation rates.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS' DELAY IN CHILD REARING AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF THEIR CHILDREN

ABSTRACT The delay in child rearing on the part of Holocaust survivors and its impact on the psychological health of their children was examined using meta-regression techniques. A negative relationship was found between anxiety and depression and delay in child rearing. Specifically, a longer time lapse appears to relate to lower levels of depression and anxiety. Findings relating to paranoia were contrary to this pattern, but, this may have been a result of insufficient data. The positive effects of resolution of mourning as well as removal from immigration experiences are proposed as possible explanations. Author Note Janine Beck is PhD student researching the impact of the Holocaust among survivors and their descendants. Poppy Liossis is a Lecturer with special interests in developmental, family and relationship issues. Kathryn Gow is an Adjunct Associate Professor with a special interest in trauma