Impediments to identity formation in female adolescents.

Summarizes and explores from a psychoanalytic perspective important aspects of female psychology, including parenting arrangements, the impact of cultural and social forces, and female sexuality. The normative psychological changes that occur in adolescence and their relevance for adolescent females are discussed. Cultural, social, and psychological factors attenuate female identity formation and the development of ego strengths throughout girlhood. Females tend to experience greater increases in anxiety, conflict, shame, self-doubt when faced with choice, and the lack of differentiation from the family and culture at large. Ego weaknesses and cultural pressures render females' identity formation process more difficult and attained identity more tenuous. For adolescent females cultural pressures and internal dissonance cultivate a diffuse sense of identity, with failure to do so resulting in a marginalized existence without significant social support. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The good-provider role: Its rise and fall.

The general structure of the "traditional" American family, in which the husband-father is the provider and the wife-mother the housewife, began to take shape early in the 19th century. This structure lasted from the 1830s to 1980, when the US Census no longer automatically denominated the male as head of the household. As "providing" became increasingly mediated by cash derived from participation in the labor force or from commercial enterprises, the powers and prerogatives of the provider role augmented, and those of the housewife declined. Gender identity became associated with work site as well as with work. In the 20th century, more and more married women entered the labor force and assumed a share of the provider role. At the present time a process that R. Smith calls "the subtle revolution" is realigning family roles. Social-psychological obstacles related to gender identity have to be overcome before a new social-psychological structure can be achieved. (37 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Skinner's dark year and Walden Two..

Points out that although it was offered simply as a fictional application of radical behaviorism to the design of society, Skinner's utopian novel Walden Two possessed strong emotional connotations for him. The "dark year," a period during his youth when he failed as a creative writer, displayed many earmarks of a major identity crisis. Walden Two was written during a mid-life crisis when identity issues again became highly salient for Skinner. The novel incorporated issues from both periods into its picture of an ideal society and helped him to resolve his developmental conflicts. He emerged with a restructured identity as public advocate for a behavioristic science of human conduct. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Language, society and identity.

Reviews the book, Language, society and identity by John R. Edwards (1985). This book attempts to bring together the main lines of thought on ethnic identity, nationalism, language maintenance, and bilingualism. The book is divided into seven chapters which discuss: the definitions of such concepts as ethnic identity, ethnicity, nationalism, language, and dialect; consideration of language and nationalism; language maintenance and shift; issues of "ethnic revival" and the "new ethnicity; education; language attitudes, behaviour, and research and; the separation of language maintenance from ethnic maintenance. Despite what seem to be numerous reservations, I find that this book has many good features. It does take us a lot closer to an interdisciplinary view on language and ethnicity; it reminds us about the variety of social settings in which language contact (and conflict) plays a role; it brings out many controversial points and supplies arguments from different perspectives for such controversies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Father absence, mother love, and other family issues that need to be questioned: Comment on Silverstein (1993).

Additional information is added to L. B. Silverstein's (see record 1994-17264-001) article regarding human fathers' involvement with their children. It is argued that the "cad–dad" dichotomy should be conceptualized as a continuum to reflect the varying degrees of paternal involvement with children in a variety of family constellations. In addition, H. F. Harlow's (1958) classic research on contact comfort is discussed in relation to misrepresentation of research results on the basis of historical context. Finally, suggestions are provided to expand the reciprocity hypothesis in humans to include other benefits from family involvement, such as emotional connectedness and personal satisfaction from sharing with others. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The nomenclature syndrome.

Questions the significance the term identity crisis has placed on the phenomenon of the maturing person in a changing world. The age-old endeavor to understand oneself better may not require the attention it has been receiving in the form of "new" treatment approaches. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Individuals and dimensions in children's judgment of same and different.

Used the 2-choice transposition problem to examine children's judgments of "same" and "different." When instructed to choose "the same" object in the test phase, kindergartners (n = 24) chose the same dimensional value whereas 3rd graders (n = 24) chose the specific stimulus which had been positive during training. When instructed to choose "the different" or "a different" object, both groups chose on the basis of individual identity. Ontogenetic changes in children's use of individual identities and dimensional values, and the relation between linguistic and cognitive factors, are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Segmental necrosis of small bronchi after prolonged intakes of Sauropus androgynus in Taiwan

The metallo-disintegrins (ADAMs) are a family of mammalian proteins with significant amino acid sequence identity and a domain organisation similar to the snake venom metalloproteinases (reprolysins). They have been implicated in a wide variety of processes such as cell-cell and cell matrix adhesion and proteolysis of the extracellular matrix in a wide variety of cell types. They may also be involved in events such as the processing of plasma membrane proteins, proteolysis in the secretory pathway and pro-cytokine conversion processes. Due to the close relationship of the ADAM proteins with snake venom enzymes which have been demonstrated to be type IV collagenases, we investigated whether purified bovine ADAM10 could cleave basement membrane type IV collagen. We show here that ADAM10 purified from bovine kidney can cleave a basement membrane collagen type IV preparation as assessed by SDS-PAGE analysis and novel epitope recognition with a specific antibody to type IV collagen. The demonstration that a metallo-disintegrin displays a type IV collagenase activity may be relevant to tumour metastasis and may have general relevance to extracellular re-modeling in renal pathology and a variety of other pathological states where compromise of the basement membrane is involved.     

Contact in adoption and adoptive identity formation: The mediating role of family conversation.

The present study examined adoption-related family conversation as a mediator of the association between adoptive parents' facilitation of contact with birth relatives and adolescent adoptive identity formation. The sample consisted of 184 adoptive families. Data were collected in two waves from adoptive mothers and fathers, and adoptees (M = 15.68 years at adolescence; M = 24.95 years at emerging adulthood) using semistructured interviews and questionnaires. Structural equation models showed a good fit to sample data, and analyses supported the hypothesized mediation model. Contact with birth relatives is associated with more frequent adoption-related family conversation, which in turn is associated with the development of adoptive identity. These results highlight the importance of supporting activities such as contact that lead to adoption-related family conversation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

An evolutionary biological-postmodern dialogue about sex and gender: A discussion (as imagined conversation) of articles by D. Kriegman (1999) and D. Schwartz (1999).

This article uses an imaginary, 3-way dialogue in which D. Kriegman (see record 1999-01070-004) and D. Schwartz (see record 1999-01070-005) respond to each other's views of sex and gender identity as representatives of their respective Darwinian and postmodern (Queer Theory) theoretical positions. Both positions radically challenge conventional psychoanalytic models of the role of early developmental experience. Yet their perspectives clash sharply over which kinds of sex and gender expression are most violated by existing analytic theory, as well in terms of their views of the power of reproductive functions to influence the experience of sex and gender. A broader evolutionary model is presented in which human sex and gender identity are seen as shaped by multiple, contradictory, evolutionary selection pressures. This alternative evolutionary model stresses the negotiation of identity within the family and the vital adaptive functions of gender multiplicity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Words from "Sesame Street": Learning vocabulary while viewing.

The present study was a longitudinal investigation of preschool children's viewing of "Sesame Street" and their vocabulary development. Five 1-week diaries of television viewing were collected for 2 years from 2 cohorts of children; 1 group was followed from ages 3 to 5 (n?=?160) and another from ages 5 to 7 (n?=?166). Child and family measures included children's vocabulary skills, gender, presence of siblings, parent education, parent encouragement of "Sesame Street" viewing, and parent positive attitudes about television. Cross-age multiple regressions, in conjunction with within-age regressions, suggested a positive effect of "Sesame Street" viewing from ages 3 to 5, with declining benefits from ages 5 to 7. Neither positive nor negative effects were evident for viewing other kinds of children's programs, such as cartoons. Results suggest that the content and presentation formats of "Sesame Street" are well suited to preschoolers' vocabulary development, independent of parent education, family size, child gender, and parental attitudes. The findings suggest the feasibility of tutorial uses of the video medium. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gender as a social category.

In the years between preschool and puberty, the free play of children occurs largely in sex-segregated groups. Some differences in the socialization setting provided by all-boy and all-girl playgroups are described, and possible reasons for children's tendency to congregate in same-sex groups are explored. This article suggests that sex-differentiated play styles and modes of exerting peer influence are important factors. Three classes of possible explanatory processes are considered: biological factors, socialization pressures from adults, and gender cognitions. The article claims that "masculinity" and "femininity," as dimensions of individual differences, may not be linked to preference for same-sex playmates, and that these two aspects of sex-typing require different explanations. Segregation is depicted as a group phenomenon, essentially unrelated to the individual attributes of the children who make up all-girl or all-boy groups. Concepts of gender identity and core categorical membership are seen as the primary cognitive underpinnings for segregation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Chameleon Changes: An Exploration of Racial Identity Themes of Multiracial People.

The current study explored essential themes of racial identity development among 10 self-identified multiracial adults from a variety of racial backgrounds. Participants were interviewed using a semistructured protocol, and the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded for themes by research team members. Four primary themes were identified: encounters with racism, reference group orientation, the "chameleon" experience, and the importance of social context in identity development. A number of subthemes also were identified. Although several of the themes mirrored those associated with contemporary biracial and multiracial identity development models, new themes centering on the adoption of multiple self-labels reflecting both monoracial and multiracial backgrounds emerged as well. Implications of the findings for future research and practice are identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Identification of mouse CPX-2, a novel member of the metallocarboxypeptidase gene family: cDNA cloning, mRNA distribution, and protein expression and characterization

A novel member of the metallocarboxypeptidase gene family was identified from its homology with carboxypeptidase E and has been designated CPX-2. The cDNA of 2500 nucleotides encodes a protein of 764 amino acids that contains an N-terminal signal peptide-like sequence, a 158-residue discoidin domain, and a 400-residue carboxypeptidase domain. The 400-residue metallocarboxypeptidase domain has 59% amino acid identity with a protein designated AEBP-1; 44% to 46% identity with carboxypeptidases E, N, and Z; and lower homology with other members of the metallocarboxypeptidase gene family. The discoidin domain of CPX-2 has 22% amino acid identity with the carbohydrate-binding domain of discoideum-I, 29% to 34% identity with the phospholipid-binding domain of human factors V and VIII, and 59% identity with the discoidin-like domain on AEBP-1. CPX-2 is missing several of the predicted active-site residues that are conserved in most other members of the metallocarboxypeptidase gene family and which are thought to be required for enzyme activity. Expression of CPX-2 using the baculovirus system produced several forms of protein, from 80 to 105 kDa, but no detectable activity toward a variety of carboxypeptidase substrates. A shorter 50-kDa form of CPX-2, which contains the carboxypeptidase domain but not the discoidin domain, was also inactive when expressed in the baculovirus system. CPX-2 is able to bind to Sepharose-Arg; this binding is blocked by 10 mM Arg. Northern blot analysis showed CPX-2 mRNA in mouse brain, liver, kidney, and lung. In situ hybridization analysis of brain revealed a broad distribution. Areas that are enriched in CPX-2 include the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, median eminence, and choroid plexus. Taken together, these data suggest a widespread function for CPX-2, possibly as a binding protein rather than an active carboxypeptidase.     

Body dissatisfaction, ethnic identity, and disordered eating among African American women.

Initial research suggested that only European American women developed eating disorders (Garner, 1993), yet recent studies have shown that African American women do experience them (e.g., Lester & Petrie, 1998b; Mulholland & Mintz, 2001) and also may be negatively affected by similar sociocultural variables. In this study, we examined a sociocultural model of eating disorders for African American women but included the influences of ethnic identity (e.g., Hall, 1995; Helms, 1990). Participants (N = 322) were drawn from 5 different universities. They completed measures representing ethnic identity, societal pressures regarding thinness, internalization of societal beauty ideals, body image concerns, and disordered eating. Structural equation modeling revealed that ethnic identity was inversely, and societal pressures regarding thinness directly, related to internalization of societal beauty ideals. Societal pressures regarding thinness was also related to greater body image concerns. Both internalization of societal beauty ideals and body image concerns were positively associated with disordered eating (R2 = .79). Overall, the final model fit the data well, supporting its generalizability and the importance of ethnic identity in determining risk. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cultural transmission: Influence of contextual factors in asian indian immigrant parents' experiences.

Sixteen 1st-generation Asian Indian mothers and fathers were interviewed about the influence of immigration on retention of their own ethnic identity and their ability to promote a sense of ethnic identity in their 2nd-generation children. Data were analyzed with the consensual qualitative research methodology (C. E. Hill et al., 2005) and revealed ethnic identity retention to be influenced by engagement in cultural celebrations and activities, a need to hold onto tradition and upbringing, family ties, social support, and a rejection of perceived Western values. Ethnic identity retention was challenged by environmental obstacles and barriers within American society, loss of familial support, lack of cultural continuity, and an inability to have the "best of both worlds." Furthermore, participants identified specific values and strategies relevant to transmitting an ethnic identity to their children as well as specific challenges to this process, including limited familial and communal guidance and modeling, obstacles from Western culture, an inability to apply their own experience or upbringing, a lack of cultural knowledge, and the potential for intermarriage. Implications of the findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The disclosure dilemma for gay men and lesbians: "Coming out" at work.

This study examined disclosing sexual orientation at work for 220 gay men and 159 lesbians. Self-acceptance, the centrality of one's identity, how "out" one is to friends and family, employer policies, and perceived employer gay-supportiveness were associated with disclosure behaviors at work for gay/lesbian employees. Disclosing at work and working for an organization perceived to be more gay supportive was related to higher job satisfaction and lower job anxiety. Reactions of coworkers to gay or lesbian workers mediated the relationship between disclosure and gay/lesbian workers' job attitudes. Implications and solutions for management are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)