The central theme of this study is that because of the changing life styles and the macro-events which occurred after World War I these years were a watershed. The women born in the three five-year cohorts from 1910 through 1924 were at different stages of maturity and awareness as particular economic and political events occurred. The social and political climates were different for each of these cohorts of women. Therefore there would be discernible differences in attitudes and opinions among the cohorts. A literature review indicated three models for the formation of social attitudes and political opinions. The "Personality Types" is based on the premise that attitudes formed early in life remain fixed. The "Aging/Conservative" model considers that attitudes become increasingly conservative as the person ages. This study, however, was based on the "Historical Change" model. Beliefs and attitudes may change in response to personal experiences throughout the life course. Four research questions were developed. 1. How have macro-events affected the life experiences of women in these cohorts? 2. How have social pressures affected their experiencing of employment, matrimony, and motherhood? 3. How do the opinions of women in these three cohorts with regard to social and political issues differ and change? 4. Can differences of opinions among the women of the three cohorts be traced to dissimilarities in life experiences? Census data literature was researched to provide background documentation on technological and demographic changes in the United States during the 20th century. Questions for cohort comparisons were selected from the National Opinion Research Council Surveys of 1972 through 1989. These considered individual and family demographics, labor force participation, social attitudes, and political orientation. For the 2,814 respondents analysis was done by five-year cohorts to determine differences and by six-year periods to point out trends. Both ANOVA and Chi-square were used to verify statistical significance. Focus group sessions, with 41 participants, met at senior centers and housing units in the Portland metropolitan area. A questionnaire completed by each participant confirmed that the focus group demographics corresponded to those of the national sample. Individual life experience time lines provided material for opening the discussion. Other discussion topics were based on differences noted among the three cohorts in the NORC data analysis. These were in the areas of education, work experience, family life patterns, political orientation, and attitudes toward societal changes. A brief finding for each research question follows. 1. NORC data indicated that each successive cohort held increasingly liberal sociopolitical opinions, and that women of all three cohorts became less conservative over the years. The focus group participants related these changes to specific macro-events in their life experiences. 2. Focus group discussions disclosed that the 1910-1914 cohort realized later in life that societal pressure had limited their educational achievement. Women of the 1915-19 cohort came to understand that their acceptance of the homemaker role was somewhat based on societal expectations. The 1920-24 cohort were aware that discrimination in the work arena was based on societal norms of the time. 3. Analysis of both NORC data and opinions expressed in the focus groups indicated that each successive cohort was increasingly broadminded and tolerant. 4. The women participating in the focus groups exhibited an awareness of the differential effects of life experiences. They specified the effects of macro-events (chiefly the Great Depression), education, mobility, and workforce participation. This research has tentatively confirmed that a generational watershed occurred for women born before World War I and those born after. As the women of the 1910 through 1924 cohorts matured they experienced differing social and political climates. This resulted in cohort differences. Further investigation may reveal more precise cohort boundaries for the 1910 through 1924 years. It should be remembered also that cohort boundaries for men may not coincide with those of women.

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Purpose: Prenatal care (PNC) is the healthcare service most often provided to women of childbearing age throughout the world. Poorly understood and defined, based on culture, and expensive for any healthcare system, PNC remains a target for change and improvement. The purpose of this cross-national qualitative research study using narrative inquiry methods was to explore consumer perspectives of individual health and routine PNC in the USA and Iceland. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was used to identify study participants (n = 32) from the United States (n = 16) and Iceland (n = 16). Data were collected via a semi structured interview which included demographic questions. Results: Content analysis processes were used to analyze the transcribed narratives to identify common conceptual themes. Subsequently, the narratives of the women from the two nations were compared to identify cultural variations about PNC. In respect to the findings, demographically the two groups were similar. Respondents from both nations preferred a more supportive role from PNC providers with adequate time to explore important personal concerns and less emphasis on monitoring weight gain during the pregnancy. Variations between the two groups related to the health care delivery system iv of the nation in which respondents resided. These findings have the potential for expanding the definition of PNC to include consumer perspectives. Discussion/Implication: Additional research is needed with other groups of women to validate, clarify and expand identified themes, as they may improve PNC, and ultimately, perinatal outcomes. Improving PNC holds the promise of improving infant mortality while at the same time reducing healthcare expenditures for countries around the world.

This study analyzed the amount of variance in employment interests of a sample of poor women that may be attributed to self-esteem, locus of control, and exposure to nontraditional occupations and the interaction among these variables. A stratified random sample was selected from a population of 1172 participants enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in seven sites in Virginia. The selected sites were representative of geographic and economic areas in the state. Two of the independent variables were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Rotter Locus of Control Scale. Demographic data and the variables of exposure to nontraditional occupations and employment interests were measured using the Employment Interests and Experiences Interview Schedule designed by the researcher. Data were collected by the paraprofessionals in each unit using the EFNEP records and through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were reported and multiple regression procedures were utilized to analyze the data. The conclusions drawn were that the poor women in the sample were heterogeneous, had relatively high education and employment aspirations, and had low self-esteem. These women need more exposure to nontraditional occupations and they expressed a willingness to consider such careers. Poor women such as those in this study need a combination of support services to successfully make the transition to the workforce. For this group exposure to nontraditional occupations and higher self-esteem increased interest in nontraditional careers. Those with a higher self-esteem were also more likely to be interested in nonsex-typed occupations. Programs that serve poor women may need to broaden their scope to match the needs of heterogeneous groups. These women also require indepth career counseling to help them understand the range and scope of occupations that are available, especially those that are nontraditional for their gender. Recommendations for further research which may expand the knowledge base about the employment interests of poor women are given. This research could contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty that affects an increasing portion of our population. / Ed. D.

This study examined the relationship between perceived social support and negative mental health outcomes in battered women. Correlations between perceived social support and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were analyzed. Perceived social support, particularly from family members, was found to be significantly related to mental health outcomes. Results indicate that agencies that work with battered women should include social support in the assessment and intervention processes. The study utilized a quantitative survey design with a sample of 120 battered women from four domestic violence agencies throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Quantitative data analysis procedures, such as multivariate analysis and logistic regression, were used to further examine variables. Samples of the instruments used in the study are included.

A quantitative study that examines American Muslim women's level of exposure to domestic violence, resources available to them, and the effect of domestic violence on their psychological well-being. Data was collected from 128 Muslim women from the Islamic Center of Riverside in Southern California. The key finding of the study was a significant positive relationship between depression and the use of verbal aggression. In addition, a positive relationship was found to exist between anxiety, depression and the use of violence.