Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal recent issues

Editorial Note

McFadden, J. R. — 2009-05-28

Special Feature: Immigrant Parents' Concerns Regarding Their Children's Education in the United States

Nesteruk, O., Marks, L., Garrison, M.E. B. — 2009-05-28

A growing body of research suggests that as immigrant families assimilate into U.S. culture, their children's academic achievements and aspirations decline. This article explores possible reasons for this finding from the perspective of immigrant parents from Eastern European countries whose children attend U.S. schools. In-depth, qualitative interviews are conducted with 50 married mothers and fathers who hold professional-status employment. The data are analyzed using open and axial coding approach and three central, recurring themes emerge: (a) Parental Influences: "Education is a must. . . . The sky is the limit"; (b) The Educational System: "Parental guidance and resources are required"; and (c) Sociocultural Influences: "Everything here is about making money. . . . But what about our children?" Supporting, illustrative narratives are presented in connection with each theme to explain the perspectives of these immigrant parents on their children's schooling in the United States, and to add other tentative factors for further research into the decline of the children's academic achievement and aspirations with longer residence in the United States. Implications for family and consumer scientists are presented.

Real Estate Brokerage, Homebuyer Training, and Homeownership Sustainability for Housing Assistance Programs

Archer, W., Fitterman, S., Smith, M. T. — 2009-05-28

This study examines a previously overlooked factor in the rate of default on home loans by marginal first-time homebuyers; namely, the purchase transaction process. In particular, the study examines the potential for the type of initial contact in a homebuyer assistance program to affect the likelihood of default on a subsequent home loan. Using data from 41 state funded local assistance programs in Florida, the study is able to examine the relationship of program default rates to the source of applicant for assistance. Specifically, it examines the explanatory capacity of the percentage of applicants who had a contract to purchase prior to applying for assistance, indicated that the applicant already has engaged with a broker or lender. It finds that the percentage of applicants for assistance who already have engaged with a broker or lender is very significantly and positively relate to the program default rate.

Consumer Perception of Food-Borne Illness Risks Before and After the 2006 E. Coli Events

Brady, J. T., Li, P., Brown, D. — 2009-05-28

Late in 2006 there were two well-publicized outbreaks of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in the United States. One is traced back to contaminated spinach and the other is connected to contaminated lettuce. By looking at the relative rankings of food-borne illness relative to other risks (i.e., war or terrorism, accidents at home, accidents away from home, environmental disaster, natural disaster, and infectious diseases), changes that occurred following the outbreaks are examined. Risks are defined for the project participants as the chance of sudden, unexpected injury, illness, or death. Changes in consumer behavior and attitude are also examined. The ranking of risks associated with food-borne illness increases significantly following the outbreaks, but behaviors and attitudes do not change significantly. The media play a role in increasing awareness. People who listen to news on TV or on the radio daily have significant changes in their ranking of food-borne illness risk; however, those that do not listen to media news as often do not have significant differences in their responses. Gender, age, and the presence of children in the home also mattered in determining significant changes in the ranking of food-borne illnesses.

Body Satisfaction and Attitude Theory: Linkages with Normative Compliance and Behaviors Undertaken to Change the Body

Lee, H.-H., Damhorst, M. L., Paff Ogle, J. — 2009-05-28

Reasoned action theory is adapted to study the influence of body satisfaction and subjective norm (the role of others) on behavioral intention and behavior to change the body. Data are collected from 301 female undergraduate students. Causal model analyses are conducted by a maximum-likelihood estimation procedure using LISREL 8.72. Overall, fit of the model is highly adequate. Participants who have high body satisfaction scores are less likely to want to change their bodies. Participants who think that significant others (parents, siblings, and friends) want them to change their bodies and who are inclined to comply with those significant others are more likely to want to change their bodies. Participants with greater intention to change their bodies are more likely to try to change them. The results support reasoned action theory.

Cultural Practice as a Methodology for a Fashion Designer's Self-Expression and a New Design Possibility

Cho, K. — 2009-05-28

This article demonstrates that cultural practices can serve as subject and methodology for designers in developing new ideas, shaping objects, and projecting the future through design. The culture of dancheong—decorative coloring on Korean buildings and items—serves as inspiration for commentary and self-expression for the design in dress creation. Through the design process, the philosophy, cultural beliefs, and visual elements found in dancheong serve to shape the designer's intent and concept and to inspire the creative energy of the designer. The author's effort was centered on balancing the aesthetic, the expressive, and the functional as a garment. The designer fulfilled her role as a person who conveys intent, imbues a meaning, and adds value to the design.

Generational Theory and Home Economics: Future Proofing the Profession

Pendergast, D. — 2009-05-28

Generational theory has much to offer the home economics profession. This article explains sociocultural generational theory, traces the evolution of home economics informed by generational theory, and considers the implications of generational theory as a mechanism to "future proof" the home economics profession. In particular, insights into the unique traits, strengths, and abilities for the key baby boomer, Generation X, and the millennial generation cohorts are investigated. It is argued that the profession must adapt strategically to harness the potentialities of each generation. Several clear imperatives emerge from the application of generational theory to the home economics profession at this moment in time—the need for (a) harnessing and retaining the professional experience of baby boomers, (b) retaining Generation X and facilitating their shift to the leadership of the profession, and (c) attracting and retaining Generation Y. Strategic initiatives to achieve these imperatives are recommended and examples provided.

Evaluation of the Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Food Consumption Behaviors of High School Students Before and After Completion of a Nutrition Course

Watson, L. C., Kwon, J., Nichols, D., Rew, M. — 2009-05-28

Adolescents may lower their risk of becoming overweight and lead a healthier lifestyle by improving their nutrition knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition and health. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and food consumption behaviors of students 14 to 19 years old before and after a nutrition course in a North Texas high school. The intervention group (n = 45) was enrolled in elective family and consumer science courses and received nutrition and health education, whereas the control group (n = 30) received no nutrition education. Identical pre- and posttest questionnaires were completed at the beginning and the end of a semester by students in both groups. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation with chi-square analyses, and independent and paired-sample t tests were calculated using SPSS. No differences in the dependent variables existed between the two groups before the intervention, but after the intervention, only the intervention group significantly improved in nutrition knowledge, some attitude scores, and milk and breakfast consumption behaviors. The findings of this study indicate that nutrition education may positively influence the knowledge, attitudes, and eating behaviors of high school students.

Effects of Household Fabric Softeners on Thermal Comfort of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics After Repeated Launderings

Chen-Yu, J. H., Jiangman Guo, , Kemp-Gatterson, B. — 2009-05-28

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of household fabric softeners on the thermal comfort of fabrics after repeated laundering cycles. Several textile properties can influence thermal comfort of a garment. This study focuses on two of these properties, air permeability and water vapor transmission. A 3 x 2 x 3 experimental design was developed with three fabric softener treatments (i.e., rinse-cycle softener, dryer-sheet softener, and no softener), two fabric types (i.e., 100% cotton and 100% polyester), and three laundering cycles (i.e., 1, 5, and 25). Results showed that both rinse-cycle softener and dryer-sheet softener did not have a significant influence on the air permeability and water vapor transmission of polyester specimens. Significantly different results, however, were found in cotton specimens. The rinse-cycle softener significantly decreased the air permeability of cotton specimens, but the dryer-sheet softener did not. Repeated launderings had a greater effect on the reduction of air permeability of cotton specimens treated with the rinse-cycle softener than the dryer-sheet softener. For the water vapor transmission, both rinse-cycle softener and dryer-sheet softener treatments significantly decreased the water vapor transmission of cotton specimens. The influence of softener treatment started right after the first laundering cycle. Repeated launderings did not cause significant differences in the effect of fabric softener treatments on water vapor transmission.

Intersections: Family and Consumer Sciences and Cultural Diversity

Viramontez Anguiano, R. P., Trask, B. S. — 2009-02-10

African American Women's Satisfaction with the Design and Marketing of Ready-to-Wear Clothing

MacDonald, N. M., Lazorchak, S. A., Currie, K. M. — 2009-02-10

The African American market has increased in terms of percentage of the United States population and income, with purchasing power estimated at more than $800 billion. This pilot study assessed older African American women's perception of how well their clothing needs were being met using focus group discussion methodology. The primary objective was to determine African American women's satisfaction with marketing clothing, clothing fit, cultural dress, and accessories. The dress-body clothing purchase decision-making factors model was used as the theoretical framework. Thirty-two African American women from the Charleston, West Virginia, area participated in the study. Results indicated dissatisfaction with the portrayal of African American females in targeted advertisements and the fit of clothing. Suggestions are provided to overcome these reservations.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Body of Knowledge and the Cultural Kaleidoscope: Research Opportunities and Challenges

2009-02-10

As a profession established during the Progressive Era when industrialization, immigration, urbanization, and other social forces were prevalent, family and consumer sciences is once again faced with similar social, economic, and technological societal conditions. This article addresses how family and consumer sciences, through its body of knowledge, is positioned to address the social changes of the 21st century. In particular, the article examines the family and consumer sciences body of knowledge in light of the growth in diversity or the cultural kaleidoscope by (a) providing a historical context for the body of knowledge for the profession, (b) presenting the current body of knowledge for family and consumer sciences and highlighting related research, and (c) discussing opportunities and challenges for applications in the body of knowledge for broadening the scope of research and practice to embrace the cultural kaleidoscope. The article not only contributes to the intellectual foundations of the field but also makes recommendations and identifies implications for research and practice.

The Role of Discipline in Hutterite Child Rearing

Smith, S. R., Ingoldsby, B. — 2009-02-10

The Hutterian Brethren are an Anabaptist religious group who live communally and have flourished since coming to North America in the 1870s. Colony life is structured so as to resist the modernizing influences of the greater society and to instill conformity to traditional values and behaviors in their children. The authors examine the role of discipline in the child-rearing behaviors of the Hutterites over time in the context of overall family change in recent years via qualitative ethnography. The Hutterites have only been able to slow the rate of change but not to completely avoid the values and practices of the outside culture. Generational changes in parental discipline, and what that means for the Hutterites, is discussed.

Ecocultural Adaptive Research: A Synthesis of Ecocultural Theory, Participatory Research, and Adaptive Designs

Phenice, L. A., Griffore, R. J., Hakoyama, M., Silvey, L. A. — 2009-02-10

Recently ethical codes of conduct for research with ethnic families, communities, and groups have emerged. Therefore, a model that includes ethical codes of conduct for researchers and ethnic participants is needed to advocate for change. By integrating aspects of ecocultural theory with the strengths of various research designs and approaches, revisions and strategic changes during the course of planning, proposing, and conducting research can result in specific applications congruent with a unique ethnic population as well as optimized outcomes. The proposed research model is a synthesis of ecocultural theory, participatory research, and adaptive designs. This research model is built on the uniqueness of the ethnic community, issues of participatory social justice and the need for sense making, and valuing the balance of power between the professional researcher and the participants of communities and groups.

Engaging Latinos in Culturally Specific Educational Programming: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Springer, P., Hollist, C., Buchfink, K. — 2009-02-10

Results from the 2000 United States census highlighted that the Latino population had exceeded the African American population as the largest U.S. minority group. Furthermore, during the past 20 years, migration patterns for Latino families have spread throughout the West, Midwest, and South and not merely in the border states. To meet the rising educational and human service needs, professionals have sought to develop programs that are effective at helping the Latino populations. This article presents a theoretical model for engaging Latinos in family and consumer science education and outreach programs. The model was designed for family and consumer science educators and draws from both the education and human service literature. A case study is used to outline the application of the model and suggestions for implementation are described.

Cultural Diversity and Non-Western Course Content in Interior Design Education

Sohoni, A. — 2009-02-10

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation's professional standards for accreditation requires that graduates draw on the experience of diverse cultures as part of the learning processes. Interior design education has failed to address issues of cultural diversity in human population. Dominated by Eurocentric ideas, it has reinforced generalizations that devalue the role of non-Western social, cultural, aesthetic, and other creative traditions that shape the built environments. This introductory article, based on the author's experience as a designer and educator, draws attention to an understudied area of cultural diversity and interior design pedagogy. It argues that the consequences of not being meaningfully diverse may result, not only in the loss of social and cultural capital but also economic opportunities for current and future designers.

Design Thinking: Promoting Diversity Through Global Immersion

Beacham, C., MacDonald, N. M., Yoo, J.-J., McFall, B. S. — 2009-02-10

Students must experience diversity if they are to embrace it. This article describes the process of integrating a required global experience into two design units and recommends integration strategies for other family and consumer sciences programs. The global focus began in 2000 with Interior Design's participation in a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education grant. Semester student exchanges over 3 years were between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The Interior Design and Fashion Design and Merchandising units then partnered with a Milan, Italy, design school for students to experience Italian culture, design, and language. Curricula were revised to allow for international semester programs, to enhance students' diversity sensitivity. Pedagogical considerations included philosophy identification, program design, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Reverse Acculturation: A New Cultural Phenomenon Examined Through an Emerging Wedding Practice of Korean Americans in the United States

Kim, Y., Park, S.-Y. — 2009-02-10

Relatively recent Korean immigration to the United States has brought a new development in acculturation, which is recognized as reverse acculturation. The term is coined here for the first time to refer to the cultural practice wherein a fully acculturated U.S.-born minority member introduces the heritage culture to the U.S. society. At the individual level, the cultural development goes from full assimilation/integration to incorporation/reinforcement of heritage culture. At the societal level, the cultural exchange starts at the center of the host society instead of its periphery. Global exchange, advanced computer and communication technology, and multiculturalism in the United States are identified as the facilitators. As an example, reverse acculturation is illustrated here via wedding ceremonies of some Korean Americans who integrate part of traditional Korean wedding with conventional Western wedding. As fully acculturated members of the mainstream U.S. society, these young Korean Americans learn their heritage culture through international travels and advanced communication channels such as the Internet; they then introduce the heritage culture to their non-Korean spouse and family. The implications of reverse acculturation are further discussed for teaching, research, and practice of family and consumer sciences.

Aging Out of Place: Cambodian Refugee Elders in the United States

Lewis, D. C. — 2009-02-10

Experiences of aging refugees or immigrants are significantly different from elders who have not experienced international migration. Eighty-nine interviews with 38 elderly Cambodian refugees were conducted to understand their aging experiences in the United States. This paper explores multiple meanings of aging in place that go beyond the ability to remain in one's preferred geographic location, maintenance of independence and autonomy, and attachment and meanings assigned to place. Of the components normally used in defining aging in place, meaning making had the most salience for this group of elders. One's sense of place, whether such "place" is defined geographically, socially, or culturally, often created challenges for these elders. This group exhibits different forms of coping and require different services than non-refugee elders. An infrastructure that supports aging refugees or immigrants must include a remarkably different set of parameters than one designed to support native-born elders.

Needs and Issues of Latino and Native American Nonparental Relative Caregivers: Strengths and Challenges Within a Cultural Context

Kopera-Frye, K. — 2009-02-10

While custodial grandparenting historically has been more prevalent among African Americans, kinship care is increasing nationally among all culturally diverse groups. Custodial grandparenting and kinship care are becoming more common among Latino and Native American cultures. However, there are few studies examining needs and issues faced by these relative caregivers, particularly grandparents. In-depth interviews were conducted with Latino and Native American caregivers of one or more children. Interviews focused on the child's needs, caregiving issues, and the caregiver's impact on the children. Results indicate that both groups reported concerns involving finances and health of child; Native Americans noted legal custodial issues as critical. Latino caregivers reported having inadequate resources for the child's medical care; Native Americans reported legal aid as a significant need. Differential impact on children was reported: with Latinos, family and education, with Native Americans, cultural identity. The findings suggested differential needs, concerns, and impact among these diverse caregivers.

Book Review: Hernandez-Sheets, R. (2005). Diversity Pedagogy: Examining the Role of Culture in the Teaching-Learning Process (1st ed.). Boston: Pearson

Fitzpatrick, J. — 2009-02-10

Book Review: Pipher, M. (2002). The Middle of Everywhere: Helping Refugees Enter the American Community. Orlando, FL: Harcourt

Koivunen, J. M. — 2009-02-10

Special Issue Editorial Note: History and Global Issues

McFadden, J. R. — 2009-02-03

Costa Rican Research Experiences: Mid-1950s and Early 1960s

Nelson, L. — 2009-02-03

Qualitative research projects with rural Costa Rican women in two different villages are reported. One dealt with possessed, desired, and (by default) rejected kitchen facilities. A pictorial method was used to prompt the homemakers' decisions. The other research explored time activity patterns of homemakers based on observed activities compared to their predictions and recollections of their activities for the day observed. Time use goals were inferred from the data. Detailed methodological procedures are provided for each study. Research data as well as field journal quotations are included to illustrate the cultural learning experiences and the work is written in first person.

From Treatise to Textbook: A History of Writing About Household Management

Nickols, S. Y. — 2009-02-03

The origins of contemporary writing about household management in the United States have been traced back to Catharine Beecher's A Treatise on Domestic Economy. The expansion of academic programs in home economics, the rise of research using the scientific method, and the changing economic and social conditions during the early 20th century contributed to the transition from treatises offering household advice based on Christian precepts and customary roles to more analytical approaches to household management and the publication of textbooks for college courses. Using qualitative research methods, this study traced the 75-year history of home management/family resource management textbooks published in the United States. The themes found throughout this period show both subtle shifts and dramatic changes in seven areas of analysis: the rationale for studying home management, the theoretical conceptualization of management, what is managed, individual and family concepts within home management, internal/external emphasis on resource management, pedagogical style, and audience.

Willie Lee Glass: A Lady of Remarkable Influence

Greer, R. W., Kenner, J. O. — 2009-02-03

Willie Lee Campbell Glass was a Black educator and home economist whose career spanned almost four decades from 1933 through the 1970s. As the first Black state consultant for home economics with the Texas Education Agency, Glass was a leader in the development of programs that prepared classroom teachers for desegregation. Using wit and diplomacy, she paved the way for many women and African Americans as a respected professional in the field of home economics/family and consumer sciences education. Glass focused on serving others and making young Black students feel good about themselves. Her life provides important information related to the history of the profession and a model for family and consumer sciences students, educators, and administrators.

Early FCS Extension Specialist: Martha Van Rensselaer

Scholl, J. F. — 2009-02-03

A review of the early Extension career of Martha Van Rensselaer. It has been determined that hers was one of the first Extension home economics or family and consumer science programs in the United States, and this work led to contributions establishing new programs throughout the country and in parts of the world. She received many awards, but sadly few books or articles have been written about her. This historical study attempted to address and clarify aspects of her life.

Book Review: Meredith, R. (2007). The Elephant and the Dragon: The Rise of India and China and What It Means for All of Us. New York: W. W. Norton. 252 pp. (hardcover)

DeVaney, S. A. — 2009-02-03

Determinants of the Age at Marriage of Rural Women in India

Subramanian, P. K. — 2009-02-03

The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1978 raised the minimum age at marriage of girls to 18 years from 15 years and for boys to 21 years. This was intended to prevent early marriage of girls and consequent early pregnancies and thereby curtail fertility at young ages and birth to premature babies. Demographic experts are on the view that raises in the age at marriage plays a vital role in controlling fertility rate. The very low age at marriage for females has probably also resulted in low life expectancy. Pregnancy and child birth are major causes of death for women and children in the world's poorer countries. The early age at marriage disrupts education and lack of proper employment altogether restricts women's participation in the developmental activities of nation. Age at marriage will be higher for literate as compared to illiterates. The study was an attempt to find out the family and individual characteristics which influence the female age at marriage in rural areas. Family and the individual characteristics will affect the marriage age directly and also indirectly, through the cultural factors related to marriage. The variables and its influence on age at marriage are focused in this paper.

Socialization of the Child as a Consumer

Hayta, A. B. — 2009-02-03

Socialization of the consumer is the process in which the individual constantly harmonizes himself or herself with the environment by learning or changing new attitudes, values, and current norms. Socialization of the consumer is only possible through the interaction of individual factors (including age, gender, socioeconomic level, life period), socialization factors (including family, school, mass media tools, cultural variation), and learning mechanisms (cognitive development and social learning theory). Thus, learned characteristics such as knowledge, attitudes, and skills, have influence on various manifestations of child consumers and helps harmonization with the environment.

A Historical Picture of Family and Consumer Science Careers in Children's Literature

Scholl, J. F. — 2009-02-03

Five family and consumer sciences career novels written for young people were reviewed for commonalities in theme, experience and setting. Professionals in these books were portrayed as resourceful in designing effective solutions to solve local problems. Since most of the books are about Extension careers and the last book was written in the 1960s, additional promotion of family and consumer sciences as a career is suggested.

Refugee Participation in South Australian Child Protection Research: Power, Voice, and Representation

Williams, N. — 2009-02-03

Very little is known about the refugee parenting experience during pre-resettlement contexts. The research results presented in this article are part of a larger study informing why refugee families are presenting within the South Australian system of child protection. This research developed an ecological framework with added actions for coding of transcript data which provided an analytical framework to unpack and examine overarching themes regarding cultural beliefs and values held by refugee participants on the parenting process. Outcomes of this research provide insights into the need for the development of appropriate and relevant policy, services, and practice in the area of child protection for South Australian resettlement agencies. Additional outcomes point toward a need to create an international forum, which include the UNHCR and UNICEF, to discuss the impact of refugee flight and migration on parenting, resettlement, and child welfare

Comparison of Environmentally Responsible Consumerism and Voluntary Simplicity Lifestyle Between U.S. and Japanese Female College Students

Roubanis, J. L. — 2009-02-03

Measuring for previous consumer behaviors, data on environmentally responsible consumerism and voluntary simplicity lifestyle were collected from students attending a women's college in the United States. These data were analyzed and compared with similar data collected by Iwata in his study on students attending a women's college in Japan. For voluntary simplicity lifestyle, the means for Japanese students and U.S. students did not differ significantly. For environmentally responsible consumerism, there was a significant difference. Students attending the U.S. college were more likely to engage in environmentally responsible consumer behaviors than were their Japanese counterparts. This study suggests an association between environmentally responsible consumer behaviors and an ethic of care promoted by the college's general education program.

Graduate Research in Family and Consumer Sciences Completed in 2007

Pickard, M. J. — 2009-02-03

A Concise Report of Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Research Productivity Reported for 2007

Pickard, M. J. — 2009-02-03

Twenty-three universities reported 149 master's level theses and 105 doctoral dissertations completed in 2007. There continues to be a gradual decline in the number of universities that report this information each year although data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate there are increasing numbers of graduate students in the field. This article reports only the theses and dissertations completed and does not report research or other projects completed in nonthesis graduate degree options.

Editorial Note

McFadden, J. R. — 2008-08-08

Child Weight Status and Young Adult Quality of Life: Is There a Reason for Concern?

Kihm, H. S. — 2008-08-08

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between child weight status and young adult quality of life. One hundred sixty-four college students participated in the study. Students completed four questionnaires that were used to assess physical and psychosocial variables. Several statistical analyses, including correlations and hierarchal regression models, were employed to test the study's hypotheses. Results from the study showed that child weight status was negatively associated with adult quality of life, and child self-concept was a mediating variable within the relationship. Recognizing the relationship between child weight status and young adult quality of life stresses the importance of addressing psychosocial concerns related to weight status during childhood in efforts to achieve a greater quality of life in adulthood.

The Use of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Assess Predictors of Intention to Eat Fruits Among 9th-Grade Students Attending Two Public High Schools in Eastern North Carolina

Pawlak, R., Malinauskas, B. — 2008-08-08

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify specific beliefs regarding eating two cups of fruits among ninth-grade youth attending public high schools in easternNorth Carolinautilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A preliminary open-ended questionnaire was used to elicit beliefs about fruits. These beliefs along with statements adopted from the literature tailored toward fruit intake were used to develop a survey instrument. This survey was subsequently used to measure the variables of the TPB. There were 157 students (103 girls [65.6%], mean ±SD age =14.69 ±0.79 and 54 boys [34.4%], mean ±SD age =14.74 ±0.89) from two schools who completed the final copy of the survey. Results: Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted intention to eat fruits, accounting for 55% of variance. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that peer leaders may have a significant influence on intentions to eat fruits.

Effects of Stress on Eating Practices Among Adults

Kandiah, J., Yake, M., Willett, H. — 2008-08-08

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between comfort food preferences of adults when under normal (nonstressful) and stressful conditions. A total of 185 university faculty completed on InQsit, a 31-item Stress-Eating Survey. Sixty-seven percent experienced changes in appetite when stressed, with 69% having an increase in appetite and 31% a decrease. Under stressful conditions, participants chose a wider variety of sweet (p ≤ .001) and salty/crunchy foods (p = .004). High-restrained eaters chose significantly more types of sweet foods (p = .031) and beverages (p = .020) than low-restrained eaters. Variety of mixed dishes significantly decreased (p = .048) with increased age. This research suggests that majority of adults may experience an increased appetite with stress and may choose more types of sweet and salty/crunchy foods. Under normal and stressful conditions, it appears that gender, age, and restraint level may also influence comfort food choices.

The Price of Laughter: Differences Between Hispanic Groups' Responses to the Use of Humor in Financial Services Advertising

Villegas, J., Shah, A. — 2008-08-08

This study argues for a more precise study of U.S. Hispanics by investigating the different attitudes toward money retention of two Hispanic groups, Cuban Americans and Mexican Americans, and its impact on advertising processing. The hypothesized dissimilarity, Cuban American have a more positive attitude toward retention than Mexican Americans, was used as the basis for hypotheses that explored the effects of the use of humor in advertising for a financial product. The results of a 2 x 2 experiment in which type of appeal (humorous/non-humorous) was manipulated and Hispanic group affiliation was measured suggest that Cuban Americans prefer a nonhumorous appeal in an advertisement for a financial service whereas Mexican Americans preferred the humorous message. This finding suggests that Mexican Americans might use affective information, instead of cognitive strategies, to form attitudes toward financial products.

Religion and the Daily Lives of LDS Families: An Ecological Perspective

Loser, R. W., Klein, S. R., Hill, E. J., Dollahite, D. C. — 2008-08-08

The purpose of this article is to explore in detail how religion and family religious rituals affect the day-to-day activities of individual and family life. It includes qualitative analysis of interviews with highly religious parents and children in 67 families that belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Findings suggest that for this sample, religion was more than an external influence; it was viewed as an integral part of one's individual, familial, structural, and social systems. This finding warrants a closer look at traditional human ecological theory which suggests that religion is primarily an external influence. A conceptual model illustrates how this sample experienced religious integration into their everyday life. Limitations and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Undergraduate Women Who Have Gambled in Casinos: Are They at Risk?

Blinn-Pike, L., Worthy, S. L. — 2008-08-08

The aim of this study is to describe female undergraduates who have gambled in casinos compared with their peers who have never participated in casino gambling or gambling in any form. Pathological gambling has been linked to financial problems, marital stress, lost time at work and school, depression, and even suicide. Female students (n = 179, mean age 21.64) from a southeastern university are questioned about their gambling behaviors, sensation-seeking traits, and alcohol consumption. Female college students who have participated in casino gambling have higher sensation-seeking scores, higher scores on a measure of gambling severity, consumed alcohol on more occasions over the past 30 days, and have binge drunk more frequently than their peers. Implications are presented for gambling prevention and research.