William H. Meredith

A Comparative Study of Only Children and Sibling Children in the People's Republic of China

As a result of Chinas one-child-per-family policy, concern has been expressed in China regarding the effect of that policy on children. One hundred and sixty-four children, aged 11-13 years, in the same grade in an elementary school in Guangzhou, China, completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children. Sociometric measures were also completed by the children and their teachers. Of the 164 children, 51 were from one-child families, while 113 had siblings. No significant differences were found on the six subscales of the Self-Perception Profile. Gender effects were noted, however. Student and teacher evaluations on the sociometric measures tended to favor the only children. The results of the study provide no support for existing stereotypes concerning only-children, one-child families in China.

Sex-typed role in male adolescent sexual abuse survivors

Confusion and conflicts regarding sexual identity have been identified by clinicians as sequelae of sexual abuse in male adolescents. The empirical evidence supporting this assertion is limited, however. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sexual abuse of male adolescents and their sexual self-concept in comparison to other clinical and nonclinical adolescent populations. The Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) was administered to 31 sexually abused male adolescents, 14 nonabused, psychiatrically treated male adolescents, and 35 nonabused, nonpsychiatric male adolescents. A significant difference in sex-typed roles was found between sexually abused male adolescents and nonabused, nonpsychiatric male adolescents.

A Garden in the Motherland: A Study of a Preschool in China.

Preschool education in China is gaining importance. As a result of the “only child, one family policy”, it is increasingly, thought of as the important means of socialization into the state. This study looks at the daily activities of one preschool in southern China. It reviews the attitudes of educators and parents, and the application of social theory to curriculum and pedagogy in the Chinese preschool. Special emphasis is placed upon the words and ideas of the teachers and administrators in reference to the policies created by the government.

Family Stress and Cultural Adaptation: Home Economics Needs Of Lao Hmong Refugees

This longitudinal study of a random sample of Lao Hmong refugees in Nebraska examined the change in need that occurred between 1980 and 1985 for the fol lowing home economics areas: housing, employment, family relations, family finance, nutrition, clothing, and social environment. A questionnaire translated into the Hmong language was used. Change was interpreted using McCubbins stress theory and Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. In 1985, Hmong reported fewer needs or problems with housing, employment, nutrition, clothing, and family conflict. However, increased problems were found with family finance, home- sickness, and concern for family members left behind in Laos. Possible reasons for these changes are discussed.

COMPARISON IN THREE CHINESE CULTURES OF SCORES ON THE SELF-PERCEPTION PROFILE FOR CHILDREN '

Responses to a Chinese version of Harters Self-perception Profile for Children were examined in three Chinese populations of sixth graders in China, Macao, and Taiwan. The reliabilities for the mainland Chinese sample were much lower than for the Macao and Taiwan samples. A factor analysis showed the same factors for American children as for the more westernized populations in Macao and Taiwan; however, a different pattern existed for the mainland Chinese children. Issues related to item construction of self-perception measures for Chinese children are discussed.

Determining Constructs of Self-Perception for Children in Chinese Cultures

The purpose of the current study was to determine the constructs of self-perception which are most important to children living in Chinese cultures. The theoretical and methodological format used in this study was based on Susan Harters Self-Perception Profile for Children. An importance inventory that included Harters original domains in addition to other items related to other constructs thought to be important in Chinese culture was given to 144 sixth grade students at an elementary school in Guangzhou, Peoples Republic of China. The three constructs of behavior conduct, social acceptance and group orientation were of particular significance to Chinese childrens self-perception.

Characteristics of Strong Families: Perceptions of Ethnic Parents.

Over five hundred parents from four American ethnic groups (American Indian, Hmong refugees, black, and Chicano, with a white comparison group) were surveyed by questionnaire and by interview concerning characteristics that pro mote a strong and healthy family. Although group differences were found in the relative importance of specific traits, there was general consensus that the inti mate environment of a strong family was one of trust, support, and effective communication. Moral principles of behavior are taught, and family members work together for the welfare of the group. While being together was important, encouragement of individuality was also characteristic of healthy families. This preliminary study supports the contention that traits of strong families extend beyond ethnic boundaries.