Compared fertility expectations of young non-Mormon females living in Utah (2.4 children) with those of young Mormon females in Utah (4.4 children). Findings suggest that residence in a high fertility area per se does not affect fertility and that Mormon/non-Mormon fertility differences are likely to persist into the foreseeable future. (BH)

Preschool children's behavorial and physiological responses to separation were monitored before, during, and after their mothers' hospitalization for the birth of a sibling. Play sessions were videotaped simultaneously with activity level and heart rate monitoring, nighttime sleep was timelapse videotaped, and parents completed questionnaires…

Explores questions concerning within-family environment using data from 348 families that each included 2 siblings 11 to 17 years of age. Results indicate that siblings in the same family experience different environments and that these differences are related to developmental differences between siblings. (Author/BE)

Examined impact of birth order on social skills and academic performance of children and adolescents (N=3,568). Results revealed no significant relationship between birth order and academic performance but did reveal a significant positive relationship between birth order and social skills. Leadership skills were related to birth order for males.…

Tests 242 newborns exposed prenatally to low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls from maternal consumption of contaminated lake fish. The Brazelton Neonate Scale was used to assess behavioral outcomes. Contaminated fish consumption predicted motoric immaturity, poorer labeling of states, a greater amount of startle, and abnormally weak…

The causes for the sudden onset of social revolution are extremely complex and consist of major shifts in the social, economic, and cultural scene. For the field of family studies it is important to understand both the macro scope of these disturbances to the lives of families and the influences that contribute stability. (Author/CT)

Evaluates the impact of two health services projects for high-risk mothers and infants in two counties of northwest Mississippi which had shown high infant mortality and morbidity. Reports that one of the ICHP projects did improve prenatal care, but neither program significantly influenced pregnancy outcomes (as measured by low birth weights). (KH)

We are now at the lowest completed family size in the history of the country. How this decline in the birth rate will affect our schools depends in large measure on how well we can maintain the quality of the entire educational system. (Editor)

Examines prevalent attitudes among unmarried Canadian teenagers regarding the use of contraceptives. (HMV)

Within regional samples of households, a subsample of couples only ever married to each other (wife aged 18-24) are given particular focus. Measures of gender role norms and fertility control are developed for the household or couple as a unit. A model of fertility control is developed as a continuing process. (Author)

This report presents data on the numbers of teenage births and teenage birth rates for the United States for the period 1950-97 and state-specific birth rates for teenagers for 1991-96. After increasing sharply in the late 1980s, birth rates declined for American teenagers from 1991 through 1997. Rates fell overall by 16% for teenagers aged 15-17…

This report presents national birth rates for teenagers for 1991-1998 and the percent change from 1991 to 1998. State-specific teenage birth rates by age, race, and Hispanic origin for 1991 and 1998, and the percent change, 1991 to 1998, are also presented. Tabular and graphical descriptions of the trends in teenage birth rates for the United…

This paper explores the problems of the unwanted child, drawing most of its material from studies of unwed mothers. The consequences of an unwanted birth for the child, the parents and society are discussed. (RP)