This paper presents further evidence to demonstrate the existence of intra-uterine effects within the normal range of intelligence. The argument is then extended further to estimate the effects of organic factors in the environment that are also pathogenic for intelligence. Various implications of these factors are discussed. (Author/KC)

Based on a study which controlled for the effects of age, sex, maritial disruption, socioeconomic status, race, and other potentially confounding variables, this article explores the theoretical validity of the confluence model in explaining the effects of sibship size and birth order on intelligence. (Author/GC)

The authors cite some motivations for parenthood and preferences for family size which are operative in various world cultures. They suggest that social policies designed to limit population growth must account for these cultural norms. Condensed and reprinted from "East-West Perspectives," Winter 1979-80, pp21-25. (SJL)

A longitudinal study of 26 mathematically gifted and 26 high IQ boys (11 to 14 years old) and their families focused on parents' and grandparents' educational attainment, parents' and Ss' birth order, Ss' and parents' creative potential, and Ss' cognitive giftedness. (SBH)

Evaluates changes which have occurred in Europe since 1960 in birthrates, rate of participation of women in the labor force, and divorce rates. Relates these changes to equality between the sexes, sex discrimination laws, equal pay legislation, abortion laws, and availability of reliable contraception. Concludes that, in spite of reforms, women…

Studies attitudes toward childlessness using questions commissioned on a Gallup survey of voting-age adults in 1977. They regard offspring as socially instrumental. Nonparenthood is a disadvantaged status. Men regard childlessness as disadvantageous significantly more often than women. Less advantaged groups regard reproduction as a social…

Demonstrates that levels of illegitimacy are related to costs of illegitimacy. Illegitimacy is strongly associated with the opportunity structure for women. When marriage is a relatively temporary guarantee of support, incentives to marital childbearing are less. This is supported by consistently positive association between marital and nonmarital…

Investigates causal dynamics underlying the negative relationship between wife's employment and family size. Results indicate that during early stages of marriage and family building the presence of young children consistently exerts a strong negative effect on wife's employment. The effects from wife's employment to her subsequent fertility are…

Explores the connections between women's employment and fertility control. The point is made that these are both ongoing processes, intersecting and mutually reinforcing each other. The correlation between work/nonwork and family size is less significant than links between work-consistency and fertility control patterns which enhance that…

The fifteen-year cohort group emerging from the postwar baby boom has already generated a succession of severe strains upon the absorptive capacity of American institutions. This group may be expected to continue to generate and experience corresponding strains as it moves through each stage of the life cycle, and to prompt new responses. (LBH)

Devins states that the sample of psychologiests examined in a study by Templer and Wyse may not have evidenced hypothesized correlations between birth and death date because birthdays may not have been regarded as significant events, and other uncontrollable factors may have affected death date. Templer responds to this criticism. (Author/HLM)

Compared 34 infants of very low birth weight (VLBW) and 40 full-term infants, using Ainsworth's Strange Situation procedure and Waters' Attachment Q-Set. Found that, at 14 months, VLBW infants were more likely than full-term infants to be insecurely attached when rated using the Q-Set but not when using the Strange Situation. (MDM)

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has increased due to a high incidence of premature, low birthweight infants. Stages of severity range from no visual damage to total blindness, and educational problems of ROP children parallel those of other visually impaired children, early intervention being crucial. Treatments are either pharmacological or…

Indicated that infants with different degrees of brain insult display different degrees of abnormalities. The grouping of infants by documented brain insult provides better differentiation of infants than grouping by birth weight. (RH)

Assesses the relation between cocaine use and the risk of low birth weight in Alameda County (California) through a population-based case-control study of women with low birth-weight infants. Results show that cocaine use increases the risk of both pre-term delivery and intrauterine growth retardation. Limitations of this study are discussed. (JS)