The author reviews some selected literature that reports higher academic achievement for first-borns and findings that large enough age gaps between siblings can offset first-born advantages in achievement. (Editor/SJL)

Examines medical literature describing relationship between maternal age and pregnancy outcomes. Describes literature exploring links between heightened emotionality during pregnancy and negative outcomes, suggesting that fear-induced stress during pregnancy may place certain middle-aged women at higher risk for complications. Proposes strategies…

Found a divergence of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan fertility rates in the 1970-80 decade but renewed convergence since 1980. Metro-nonmetro differences widened in that nonmetro women 20-24 years of age had higher rates of first and second births but also in that metro women over 30 years of age had higher rates of first and second births. (KS)

This paper is an empirical analysis of the determinants of crime in Virginia. Over a dozen explanatory variables that current literature suggests as important determinants of crime are collected. The data is from 1970 to 2000. These include economic, fiscal, demographic, political, and social variables. The regression results indicate that crime…

Very close age spacing was an obstacle to high academic performance for later borns. In family relations and self-esteem, first borns scored better and performed in school as well as their potentially much more able younger siblings, regardless of age spacing. (Author)

Literature on the relationship between sibling structure and academic abilities and achievement since 1978 is reviewed. As the findings generally refute the confluence model of the influence of sibling structure, alternative interpretations are presented with implications for further research. (Author/BS)

Explores mothers' and fathers' differential treatment (PDT) of their adolescent offspring and examines how siblings' personal qualities were associated with PDT. Sex was associated with parents' differential temporal involvement. Sex-typed personal qualities were related to parents' differential discipline. Both sex and sex-typed personal…

Children have a variety of reactions to a sibling birth that includes disruptions in their physical and psychological functioning as well as apparent growth in these same areas. Explores the variety of factors that influence reactions to the sibling's birth and the relationship between the siblings. (BJV)

Examines fears of race genocide and selected social background factors among a random sample of Blacks in a rural Texas community. Findings revealed substantial fear of genocide on six indicators. Degree of fear varied with age, sex, education, and usage of birth control. (CMG)

The influences of personal, socioeconomic, and sibling characteristics on the sex-role differentiation of preschool children were investigated. Subjects included 446 lower- and middle-income boys and girls ranging in age from 3 to 5 years. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test was administered to each child to obtain a measure of IQ. Information…

This review of research, part of the Illinois State Board of Education's Early Childhood Education Policy Study, focuses on issues related to potential state funding for full-day kindergarten and changes in the age at which children enter kindergarten. Specifically addressed are the following issues: (1) a review of the legislative background on…