Tracy L. Dietz

An examination of violence and gender role portrayals in video games: implications for gender socialization and aggressive behavior

Using content analysis, this research examinesthe portrayal of women and the use of violent themes ina sample of 33 popular Nintendo and Sega Genesis videogames. It is proposed that video games, like other media forms, impact the identity ofchildren. This analysis reveals that traditional genderroles and violence are central to many games in thesample. There were no female characters in 41% of the games with characters. In 28% of these, womenwere portrayed as sex objects. Nearly 80% of the gamesincluded aggression or violence as part of the strategyor object. While 27% of the games containedsociallyacceptable aggression, nearlyhalf included violencedirected specifically at others and 21% depictedviolence directed at women. Most of the characters inthe games were Anglo.

Disciplining children: characteristics associated with the use of corporal punishment

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the Social Situational Model of Family Violence through an examination of characteristics associated with the use of ordinary and severe corporal punishment as measured by the Parents-Child Conflict Tactics Scales. METHOD Logistic Regression used to examine the validity of the model using data from a national sample conducted by the Gallup Organizations. RESULTS Those with fewer resources (lower income, lower educational attainment) were more likely to be use severe corporal punishment. In addition, those who had been more likely to be socialized into the use of violence were also more likely to use severe corporal punishment. CONCLUSIONS The social situational model of family violence was supported suggesting that increased efforts be made to give these parents the resources they need to implement alternative discipline strategies.

Predictors of Success in Large Enrollment Introductory Courses: An Examination of the Impact of Learning Communities and Virtual Learning Resources on Student Success in an Introductory Level Sociology Course.

ued to cut funding for post-secondary education, while changes in the college population due to growing numbers of non-traditional students have resulted in increased demands on higher education. Specifically, older students who have competing role obligations have motivated professors and instructors to restructure their classroom practices to allow more flexibility. This trend, combined with the growth in the college student population, increased course enrollment, and increasing budget constraints, finds educators searching for new and effective teaching modalities that are timeand cost-efficient. At the same time, it is ill-advised to forge headlong into new teaching pedagogies without evidence to support their effectiveness. The current research project addresses the effectiveness of using some of these new advancements in a large-enrollment introductory course to examine their impact on outcome.

Patterns of Intergenerational Assistance Within the Mexican American Family Is the Family Taking Care of the Older Generation's Needs?

A continuing debate exists in the family literature about the needs of the Mexican American elderly, a rapidly growing population. Supporters of one side of the argument indicate that the Mexican American family is available to care for the needs of the aging Mexican American population whereas the other argues that this is simply a romanticized and stereotypical view. Using a large national data set, this article demonstrates, that the Mexican American family is available for affective support of its elders but does not adequately provide for their instrumental needs. Consequently, it is recommended that policymakers and service providers quickly identify the needs of the older Mexican American population in an effort to provide assistance to them as they have done for other older populations in the United States.

Drug and Alcohol Use Among Homeless Older Adults: Predictors of Reported Current and Lifetime Substance Misuse Problems in a National Sample

Using data from the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), predictors of current alcohol and drug misuse problems among homeless, previously homeless, and marginally housed older adults are identified. Childhood sexual assault, victimization, and neglect, being male, being younger, being homeless or previously homeless, being a minority, and having income below US

Predictors of reported current and lifetime substance abuse* problems among a national sample of U.S. homeless

499 per month increased the odds of reporting a drug problem. Being male, being younger, being homeless, having mental illness increased the odds of reporting an alcohol problem. Reporting any type of substance use problem increased the odds of reporting the other.

Age and Gender Differences and Predictors of Victimization of the Older Homeless

Using the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), this study examined predictors of alcohol and drug problems among a national probability sample of homeless and previously homeless adults in the United States. Consistent with research, about one third and one quarter of the respondents reported a current alcohol and drug problem, respectively. A larger proportion reported lifetime substance abuse problems. As hypothesized, males, younger respondents, veterans, and those with mental and physical health problems were at greater risk. Results reveal that substance abuse treatment and prevention programs for the homeless should take into consideration these characteristics to maximize effectiveness.

Domestic Violence and Stalking Among Older Adults: An Assessment of Risk Markers

ABSTRACT Using data from the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC) and an application of Felsons Routine Activities Theory, this paper examines gender and age differences in victimization experiences of a sample of more than 4,200 homeless and near-homeless people, mostly adults. Results suggest that there are no differences in victimization experience by homelessness status and that the negative relationship between age and victimization rates found in the general population is also found in the homeless population. However, the relationship is relatively weak and erratic, suggesting that homeless older adults who are at least 50 years old are at increased risk of becoming victims, a finding consistent with Routine Activities Theory. In addition, similar to research with other populations, younger homeless males are statistically more likely to report being victims of theft and physical assault while females of all ages are more likely to report being victims of sexual assault. However, for older homeless adults, the gender difference in likelihood of victimization disappears. Perhaps because older homeless women are labeled as easy targets, they were equally as likely as men to be victims of physical assault and theft in old age. This is also consistent with Routine Activities Theory.

Substance Misuse, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide Attempts Among a National Sample of Homeless

ABSTRACT There is limited empirical evidence regarding the extent to which older adults are physically abused by their spouse or partner, and the risk factors associated with such abuse. Much of what does exist focuses on either caregiver abuse or abuse occurring in institutional settings. Moreover, there is virtually no information on stalking victimization among older adults. The current study used the National Violence Against Women Survey to examine physical abuse and stalking victimization among a sample of adults ages 55 and older (N = 3,622). Similar to research conducted with younger samples, women age 55 and older were significantly more likely than men to be both stalked and physically assaulted. Significant racial differences also emerged with respect to intimate partner physical violence, but not stalking. Specifically, African-American and Hispanic respondents were more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence compared to White respondents. Income, however, was not significantly associated with either stalking or physical assault victimization.

Exploring Intra-Ethnic Diversity among Four Groups of Hispanic Elderly: Patterns and Levels of Service Utilization:

ABSTRACT This studys purpose was to identify the relationship between the annual incidence of drug and alcohol misuse among a national probability sample of 2,974 homeless individuals and self-reports of suicidal ideation and attempts while considering the predictors of both drug and alcohol misuse and suicidal ideation and attempts. By using a national dataset, the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), and testing a series of logistic models, this study allows for the development of empirically-driven prevention and treatment programs designed to appropriately and effectively target suicidal ideation and attempts among homeless substance misusers.