Examines the credibility of the theory that, menarche and fecundity require a certain level of fat in the body. Concludes that the evidence does not totally support this hypothesis and that further investigation is warranted. (GA)

To examine the relationship between performance on the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception and birth order, 578 first-graders were tested. (Author)

Provides a summary of statistics about life in the United States including: population, family, housing, health and nutrition, education, income, wealth, and expenditures. (SL)

Provides an update of information on infant nurturance and early learning of special interest to providers of services to parents and infants. (BR)

Overall, blacks in Atlanta have higher fertility rates than whites due in part to educational and demographic differences between these groups. However, these factors do not explain the lower fertility rates of better educated black women. The insecurities associated with minority group status may be one of the reasons. (Author/AM)

Examined autonomy and affiliation as potentially clinically significant characteristics for individuals adapting to parenthood. Data were obtained from longitudinal study of initially expectant couples who were seen at twoand five years after the birth of their first child. Found autonomy and affiliation assessed during expectancy to be strong…

Examined the verbal interaction styles of two marital combinations to study sibling position differences in marital interaction. Analyzed the content, style, and tone of the verbal interactions between the spouses. First- and second-born couples approached issue resolution with more direct openness than second- and third-born couples who preferred…

Indicates that husband-wife differences in evaluations of marital adjustment increased over time when individuals recalled being reared in a cold/rejecting as opposed to warm/supportive manner, particularly when individuals also recalled their own parents as not having an especially harmonious marital relationship. (Author/RH)

Tested the applicability of the confluence model of Zajonc and Markus (1975) whereby the intellectual growth of every family member is dependent on that of all other members, to social attitudes of family members and the impact of the family configuration. Found that family size and age spacing differentiated between high and low scorers on social…

The reproductive health of first generation, non-Hispanic Caribbean immigrants in New York were studied. Descriptive profiles of risk factors and reproductive outcomes were developed and compared to those of other populations. These data provide a foundation for planning and implementing health programs to meet the needs of this immigrant group.…

To replicate and extend the results of an initial longitudinal study of the transition to parenthood, 67 couples, each bearing their first child, were repeatedly studied via interviews, observations, and questionnaires from the last trimester of pregnancy through the ninth postpartum month. Several consistent patterns of marital change were…

Although it once seemed simple to say that a single event such as birth trauma or asphyxia caused brain disorders like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy, a recent study showed that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint a single cause and its effects. Recommendations for further research are made. (BB)

Discusses socioeconomic factors that lead to disproportionate rates of low birthweight and high infant mortality in the Black population. Calls for national policy efforts that would remove financial barriers to premedical care and provide adequate income support for all. (GC)

Describes an historical cohort study of 3,767 teenagers aged 12-16 years, enrolled in Arkansas Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Results indicate teenagers with sisters who bore children have elevated childbearing rate ratios. Suggests this group be targeted for family planning efforts. (SA)

Examines the contiguity of siblings within family structure--a concept reflecting how much of the family environment siblings share with one another--in relation to within family IQ scores. Results fail to demonstrate family structure effects. (HOD)