Sandra L. Caron

Experiences of Families With Children With Autism in Rural New England

This study examined the impact of children With autism on their families. TWenty-one parents Who Were the primary caregivers Were intervieWed about (a) recognition and diagnosis of autism in their child, (b) intervention services accessed, and (c) the impact of having a child With autism on their family. The results suggest that families Who have a child With autism share many of the same feelings of frustration, stress, and hope for the future. Often the family as a Whole is greatly affected by the diagnosis. Implications for those Working in the area of autism are discussed.

Predictors of condom‐related behaviors among first‐year college students

Among a self‐selected group of 330 first‐year college students we assessed frequency of condom use, reasons for using condoms, and attitudes toward condoms, sexuality, and the double standard. A packet including demographic and sexual history items, along with three attitude measures, was distributed to a random sample of first‐year students. The majority (86.4%) of respondents had engaged in sexual intercourse, and 34.2% of those subjects reported two or more new sexual partners since arriving at college. Although 80.3% of those who had engaged in sexual intercourse since arriving at college reported using a condom, only 20.7% of students who had ever engaged in sexual intercourse reported using a condom every time. Logistic analyses were used to investigate the relationship between condom‐related behaviors and attitudes toward condoms, sexuality, and the double standard. These findings suggest that if condom use is to become a major element in the fight against AIDS, as well as in the prevention of othe...

Closeting and the Quality of Lesbian Relationships

Analysis of data collected from 124 lesbians currently Involved in a couple relationship indicated that closeting is related to the couples relationship quality. Openness vs. secrecy with family and friends is most highly associated with the quality of their relationship. Further analyses suggested that particular family behaviors–inviting a members lesbian partner to family events and accepting demonstrations of affection between the couple–can influence their relationship. These findings underscore the importance of support from family members and indicate the need for future studies to include multiple measures of closeting.

TIES THAT BIND: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF HAPPY LONG-TERM MARRIAGES

An abundance of literature exists concerning the marital relationship. While most research focuses on divorce and the social consequences of this phenomenon, more recently social scientists have focused on the marriages that remain intact. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into what factors make marriages last. This study used qualitative methodology to gain further insight into long-term marriages. Interviews were conducted with 15 heterosexual couples who had been married for at least 35 years and who identified their marriage as happy. Results indicate that for each couple the factors contributing to the longevity of their happy marriage were numerous and unique. While the most commonly mentioned factors included friendship, love, and similar backgrounds or interests, a wide range of responses were elicited.

An investigation of content and media images in gay men's magazines.

ABSTRACT This study provides an analysis of gay mens magazines, examining both the content and advertisements. Four magazine titles were selected, including The Advocate, Genre, Instinct, and Out, each targeting gay men as its target audience. These magazines were coded for both article content and advertisement content. In the advertisement analysis, both the type of advertisement and characteristics of the men depicted within the advertisement when present. The results mirror previous research findings relating to the portrayal of women, including the objectification of specific body parts and the high community standards set by the images depicted. These findings were reinforced by both the advertisements and content analyzed to include a high degree of importance being placed on having the right body type. Implications for further research are discussed.

A feminist analysis of Seventeen Magazine : Content analysis from 1945 to 1995

This study is an extension of the contentanalysis conducted by K. Peirce [(1990) “AFeminist Theoretical Perspective on the Socialization ofTeenage Girls Through Seventeen Magazine,” SexRoles, Vol. 23, pp. 491-500]. Her study examined thecontent of Seventeen magazine for the years 1961, 1972,and 1985, and the impact of the feminist movement fromthe 1960s through the 1980s. The present study explored the content of Seventeen magazine in the years1945, 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985, and 1995 to determine ifthe articles that are presented have changed in responseto the feminist movement from the 1940s to the present day. These results would supportthe contention that there is a relationship between thecontent of Seventeen magazine, in terms of traditionalvs. feminist messages, and the womens movement. However, these changes are slight and still donot reflect the various roles of teenage girls.Implications for further research arediscussed.

Athletes and Rape: Is There a Connection?:

The present study builds upon previous research examining variables related to sexual assault. Previous studies have linked sexual aggression with attitudes toward rape as well as hostility toward women. Recent high-profile cases involving athletes and sexual assault have raised questions about the link with athletes. In fact, recent research has suggested that athletes may be more prone to commit rape; however, no study has examined competitiveness. This characteristic, associated with athletes, may predict sexual aggression and help assess why rape is reportedly perpetrated by athletes significantly more frequently than by nonathletes. It may be that individuals with high competitiveness may be more likely to be involved in sexual assaults. Scores on Competitiveness in 104 college men were significantly correlated with reported sexual aggression and athletic participation; however, there was no significant difference between athletes and nonathletes on aggressive sexual behavior. These findings suggest that characteristics of athletes rather than athletic participation alone must be considered further in examining the presumed link between athletes and sexual assault.

Emerging adolescent sexuality: a comparison of American and Dutch college women’s experiences.

ABSTRACT The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, births, and abortions of all industrialized countries. On the contrary, The Netherlands has the lowest rates. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this retrospective study investigated American and Dutch college womens sexual behavior, attitudes, and comfort to better understand the factors that lead to the disparity between these two countries. Survey results revealed that the American sample experienced sexual behaviors at a younger age and with more partners, whereas the Dutch sample showed a better use of contraceptives during high school, more talk with their parents, and greater sexuality education. Several distinctly different themes emerged between the U.S. and Dutch women from the in-depth interviews. Themes about U.S. girls included: driven by hormones and peers; unprepared; satisfying him; and uncomfortable and silent parents. Some themes about Dutch girls were: motivated by love; control of my own body; parents as supporters and educators; and books at young ages. Implications for what the United States could be doing to promote sexual health are discussed.

Dating Preferences of Women Born between 1945 and 1960

The purpose of this study was to explore the dating experiences of older women, specifically heterosexual women between the ages of 35 and 50 years compared to a group of younger women (ages between 20 to 25 years). One finding of this study is that many of the older women chose men who were younger than they. The results of this study highlight the need to revisit the current definition of“suitability”of dating partner criteria for unmarried womenas they age by proposing that older women who are not married may have different criteria for evaluating the desirability of potential partners.

Exploring the Long-Term Impact of Female Infertility: A Qualitative Analysis of Interviews With Postmenopausal Women Who Remained Childless

This exploratory study provides a greater understanding of the long-term impact of infertility on women. Interviews were conducted with 12 infertile women who are postmenopausal and who remained childless. The women were asked to reflect on their experience of infertility and childlessness. Findings provide a greater awareness of the long-term impact of infertility and childlessness, and offer implications for those in the helping professions who might come in contact with this population of women.