Early prospective studies of the high school dropout.

A limited number of empirical studies conducted between 1950 and 1970 used longitudinal designs to examine the relations between psychological characteristics of students and subsequent high school dropout. Five prospective studies demonstrated that modest but significant relations existed between completing high school and measures of personality gathered in the seventh, eighth or ninth grades. Stronger relations were found in three early studies that examined the link between sociometric measures gathered in late elementary school and high school graduation 6 or 7 years later. Results clarified some methodological requirements for useful research on school completion and suggested that social and emotional variables explain some of the variance in school dropout that is independent of academic performance. Implications are drawn for effective school dropout research, policies, and practices at the local, state, and national levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predictors of early high school dropout: A test of five theories.

This study compared the adequacy of 5 theories to predict dropping out of high school before the 10th grade. These theories include full mediation by academic achievement and direct effects related to general deviance, deviant affiliation, family socialization, and structural strains. Nested latent variable models were used to test these theories on prospective data from an ethnically diverse urban sample. Poor academic achievement mediated the effect of all independent factors on school dropout, although general deviance, bonding to antisocial peers, and socioeconomic status also retained direct effects on dropping out. Therefore, none of the theories tested was fully adequate to explain the data, although partial support was obtained for each theory. Implications for prevention of early high school dropout are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predicting mathematics performance in high school girls and boys.

Ninth-grade scores for 157 females and 148 males for 3 cognitive tests (Test of Academic Progress, Quick Word Test, and Space Relations Test of the Differential Aptitude Tests) and the 8 Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales were used to predict mathematics performance: grades in a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th yr of theoretical math (latter, females only, 30 Ss) and scores of senior girls on the Mental Arithmetic Problems test (85 Ss). Using multiple regression, 9th-grade scores significantly predicted mathematics performance 1–3 yrs later. Spatial visualization was an important variable, significantly predicting geometry grade for girls, but not for boys. Aside from math achievement, spatial visualization was the only other variable with a significant weight in predicting mathematical problem-solving scores for girls over a 3-yr period. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-determination and persistence in a real-life setting: Toward a motivational model of high school dropout.

The purpose of this study was to propose and test a motivational model of high school dropout. The model posits that teachers, parents, and the school administration's behaviors toward students influence students' perceptions of competence and autonomy. The less autonomy supportive the social agents' behaviors are, the less positive are students' perceptions of competence and autonomy. In turn, the less positive students' perceptions are, the lower their levels of self-determined school motivation are. Finally, low levels of self-determined motivation lead students to develop intentions to drop out of high school, which are later implemented, leading to actual dropout behavior This model was tested with high school students (N?=?4,537) by means of a prospective design. Results from analyses of variance and a structural equation modeling analysis (with LISREL) were found to support the model for all participants and for each gender separately. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A multivariate analysis of the effects of the Self-Directed Search on high school girls.

Attempted to learn how the Self-Directed Search (SDS) achieves its effects: Are the effects of the SDS on students due largely to its transparent structure and the large number of occupational options presented? Can these effects be enhanced if students are given an instructional booklet about the SDS and J. L. Holland's typology? These hypotheses were investigated in a Structure?×?Options?×?Instruction design with 104 high school girls randomly assigned to the 8 conditions. Ss were assessed before and 2 mo after treatment for their vocational aspirations, knowledge of the typology, and information seeking. The nonsignificant findings imply that the SDS achieves its effects partly because of its numerous occupational options and that the use of an instructional booklet may also increase the number of options. Some speculations about the influence of counselors and interest inventories are offered. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interest scores in identifying the potential trade school dropout.

Mean Kuder Preference Record Scores were compared for 55 trade-school dropouts and 48 students who completed their programs. The average profiles of the two groups were about the same, and only one mean difference was significant, and that only at the .05 level. It is concluded that "1. The present use of the Kuder Preference Record in these trade training departments of this vocational school is of very limited value in helping students evaluate their decisions to become mechanics… [and] 2… . the Kuder is not helpful in distinguishing between those who will complete mechanical courses and those who will not. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Epistemological and moral development in girls from a traditional and a progressive high school.

To investigate the relation between high school program and stage of epistemological and moral development of 48 female high school students, a 2?×?2 design was used, with grade (sophomores vs seniors) and school (traditional vs progressive) as the independent variables and stage of moral judgment of L. Kohlberg's (1969) scale and epistemological position on W. G. Perry's (1970) scale as the dependent variables. Overall, on both scales, mean scores were higher for seniors than for sophomores and higher for progressive than for traditional school students. On both scales, progressive school seniors scored higher than traditional school seniors; the 2 sophomore groups did not differ. Seniors scored significantly higher than sophomores only at the progressive school. Correlations between the 2 measures were positive and significant. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A causal model of the educational plans and career expectations of Mexican American high school girls.

A structural model predicting the educational and career expectations of 282 Mexican American high school girls was developed and then tested on samples of 247 Mexican American boys and 228 European American girls. Predictors included socioeconomic status, acculturation, academic achievement, instrumentality, expressiveness, gender role attitudes, parental and teacher support, family and career commitment, and perceptions of barriers. Results indicated that the initial model was plausible in the sample of Mexican American girls. Findings from the multiple-groups analyses provided evidence supporting the primacy of cultural influences over gender in predicting the educational and career expectations of Mexican American girls. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Follow-up of the later careers and lives of 1,000 boys who dropped out of high school.

Compared a dropout group and a nondropout group of high school boys on several psychometric and demographic variables. The data both predated and postdated (by about 10 yr.) the time of dropout. The group were subdivided by intelligence, additional training, and early vs. late dropouts for the dropout group. The later lives of dropouts were characterized in general by relatively low socioeconomic status (SES), a downward social mobility, a higher incidence of criminal activity, and bigger families. 9th grade MMPI tests showed some personality differences between dropouts and nondropouts. When dropout and nondropout groups were matched by intelligence, most of the differences persisted. Training after dropout is of some help in future SES. Few differences were found between early and late dropouts. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Follow-up results 17 years after resection arthroplasty of the great toe

Resection arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a well-known operation. The follow-up results more than 17 years after arthroplasty for hallux valgus are reported and discussed. Between 1971 and 1980, 335 resection arthroplasties were performed on 205 patients. The sole indication for resection arthroplasty of the great toe in this study was hallux valgus. The technique involved removal of the proximal one-third of the phalanx with interposition of a capsular flap, occasionally including temporary Kirschner wire fixation. After 17.6 years on average, 102 patients were re-examined clinically and radiographically. Questionnaire assessment revealed a significantly prolonged walking distance, and 70% of the patients were pain-free at follow-up investigation, whereas 67% suffered from severe pain before the operation. Clinical evaluation showed diminished weight-bearing of the great toe during walking and a reduced range of motion of the resected first metatarsophalangeal joint. Radiographic shortening of the proximal phalanx was 37%. The average hallux valgus angle was 23 degrees at follow-up and 34 degrees prior to surgery. The unacceptably high rate of hallux valgus relapse, especially due to a high intermetatarsal angle, emphasizes the unsatisfactory long-term results of the resection arthroplasty. We now recommend this operation for older patients only, and a differentiated approach using reconstructive procedures according to the clinical and radiographical situation for younger patients.     

Follow-up study of maladapting school children seen by nonprofessionals.

Examined whether children, seen 2-5 yr. earlier by nonprofessional child aides for school maladaptation problems, maintained short-term gains over time. Follow-up interviews, exploring the child's subsequent educational and interpersonal career, were held with mothers of 36 such children. Both mothers and interviewers independently rated change over the intervening time period along 9 salient educational and interpersonal dimensions. Ratings of the 2 groups were in substantial agreement. Both judged significant educational and interpersonal growth to have occurred. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

10 years of illusions.

A decade ago, S. Aglioti, J. F. X. DeSouza, and M. A. Goodale (1995) published an experiment that has had a big influence on the way that visual information is thought to control human behavior. Their findings have often been simplified as suggesting that action is immune to perceptual illusions. The current authors critically analyze the 4 steps involved in this simplification and argue that research during the last 10 years has shown that the validity of 3 of the 4 steps is doubtful. They conclude that this experiment cannot be regarded as firm support for the 2-visual-systems hypothesis (i.e., that the ventral stream is for perception and the dorsal stream is for visually guided actions). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Neonatal, neurologic and psychosocial findings in higher order multiple births. Follow-up for 3 to 10 years

We examined the outcome of 9 triplet, 3 quadruplet, 1 quintuplet and 1 sixtuplet pregnancies delivered between 1979-1989 at the perinatal center of the RWTH Aachen. The course of pregnancy and neonatal period were retrospectively analysed. The follow-up program covered at least 3, up to a maximum of 10 years. 12 families could be interviewed concerning psychosocial effects. The neonatal mortality was 4%. Neonatal morbidity; hyaline membrane disease (n = 18), intraventricular hemorrhage (n = 9), pneumothorax (n = 7), patent ductus arteriosus (n = 7), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 8). At the age of 2 years 63% of the children were considered to be normal on developmental assessment, 17% showed mild, 20% severe developmental delay. With 3 to 10 years 83% were normal, 17% severely handicapped. In total 20% of the children died or showed severe handicap. Higher order multiple pregnancies make great demands on the perinatal medicine and lead in spite of an improved prognosis to a remaining burden for the children and their parents.     

Delinquency and school dropout behavior as a function of impulsivity and nondominant values.

This study tested the hypotheses (a) that over and above social class differences, delinquents and school dropouts are more impulsive than nondeviants; and (b) that these deviant groups maintain a nondominant value system. The data were collected prior to the occurrence of the deviant behavior. Ss were selected from 4 Texas nonurban areas. The deviant groups differed significantly from the nondeviant group on 3 psychomotor tasks, 2 tasks that require the maintenance of a convergent set, and surgency. These findings are consistent with the impulsivity postulate. Self-reported values were not found to differentiate the groups. By and large, the delinquents and school dropouts were similar in performance on the measures included in this investigation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Occupations ten years later of high school seniors with high scores on the SVIB life insurance salesman scale.

From a pool of 2500 Minnesota high school seniors of the 1953 and 1954 classes, 93 students were identified who had "A" ratings on the SVIB life insurance salesman scale. Information on their current occupations was collected from 72. Of these, 10% were in the life insurance business, 32% were in other sales jobs, 12% were in business-contact jobs such as public relations, 22% were in social service persuasive jobs such as lawyer or minister, and 24% were in essentially unrelated jobs. In a further analysis, each profile was analyzed as to its appropriateness for the individual's current occupation. 64% were classified as "hits," 22% as "misses," and 14% as "indeterminate." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Heart transplantation in Chagas' disease. 10 years after the initial experience

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation (HT) as a therapeutic option for end-stage chronic Chagas' heart disease (CCHD) is controversial. Reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and recurrence of the disease in the allograft are likely to occur. Furthermore, active myocarditis has been reported to predispose patients to an increased incidence and severity of rejection. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively investigated the long-term follow-up of 10 patients with CCHD who underwent HT. Immunosuppression was based on cyclosporine A and azathioprine. T cruzi reactivation was prevented with benzonidazole. Besides allograft rejection surveillance, T cruzi infection was monitored through blood tests, myocardial biopsies, and serological tests. Over a mean follow-up period of 34 +/- 38 months (range, 73 to 124 months), 7 patients are alive and in NYHA functional class I. Life expectancy was 78% for the second year and 65% for 10 years. Rejection was less frequent in chagasic than in age- and sex-matched control patients (mean +/- SD, 1.60 +/- 1.26 versus 5.70 +/- 1.89 episodes per patient, respectively; P = .0001); decreased severity of rejection was also observed (P = .006). T cruzi parasitemias detected on three occasions were successfully treated with benzonidazole. There were no signs of recurrence of the disease in the allograft. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest an important role of HT in the treatment of CCHD. There was a low frequency of T cruzi infection reactivation and no signs of recurrence of the disease in the allograft. The surprisingly decreased rejection incidence and severity require further studies for elucidation.     

Predictors of substance use at school among high school students.

Although many studies have examined the predictors of overall substance use among adolescents, few have focused on the high school setting as a specific context for substance use. Therefore, predictors of alcohol and marijuana use at school were examined in a sample of high school students. The general hypotheses were that substance use at school depends on (a) personal predispositions, (b) the situational opportunity for substance use at school, and (c) the interaction of predispositions and opportunity. Several interactions were found suggesting that personal predispositions are more strongly related to substance use at school when students believe they have the opportunity to use alcohol and drugs without getting caught. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

First melanoma metastases after 10 years and more of remission

The aim of this study was to combine immunomagnetic capture and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by hybridization with a DNA probe for the detection of Bacteroides forsythus. Magnetic beads were coated with the immunoglobulin G fraction of an antiserum specific for B. forsynthus. Aliquots were incubated with various concentrations of a suspension of B. forsythus or with a suspension containing 16 bacterial species, at a concentration of 10(10) cells/ml, spiked with dilutions of B. forsythus. Beads with bound bacteria were boiled, and the target DNA in the supernatant was amplified to generate a 392-bp PCR fragment specific for B. forsythus. The amplified product was detected by dot-blot hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled 392-bp probe. The detection limit was determined to be 10 cells/ml using immunocapture on a suspension of B. forsythus and 100 on spiked bacterial suspensions. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from 39 Bolivian individuals with poor oral hygiene. Each sample was analyzed by the above procedure and by immunofluorescence. The overall prevalence of individuals harboring B. forsythus was 62% by immunofluorescence and 82% by PCR-DNA probe assay. The immunocapture, PCR. DNA-probe procedure should be useful for the detection of B. forsythus, particularly in false-negative samples obtained by less sensitive techniques.     

Development of sex role stereotypes in black and white elementary school girls.

Examined the effect of race on degree of stereotyping. 20 1st- and 20 3rd-grade girls (half from each grade were black and half were white) answered 20 questions about characteristics usually considered typical of one or the other of the sexes. Both races gave equally stereotyped responses to questions about children, but blacks gave fewer stereotyped responses than whites to questions about adults. The bearing of the results on theories of the development of sex role stereotypes is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)