Behavior by traders in the stock options market is not governed strictly by economic criteria. Trading among participants exhibited distinct social structural patterns that dramatically affected the direction and magnitude of price changes. Findings are discussed in relationship to microeconomic theory, and implications for public policy are…

Surveyed 434 college students to examine the interference of relatives and friends with students' intimate relationships. Results indicated that network interference varies in a curvilinear pattern as the relationship progresses, particularly among parents and friends. (JAC)

Examines effects on health status and health services utilization of simultaneous participation by elderly persons (N=401) in family and neighbor network systems. Results showed the greatest health needs and highest rates of use of formal health services to be among the noncompensated relationships. (JAC)

Compared the interpersonal involvement and morale of elderly persons residing in the community (N=154) and senior citizen housing (N=78). The senior housing residents had slightly larger and more supportive interpersonal networks but less contact with their closest friends. No differences were found in the two housing groups' life satisfaction.…

During the past decade, leadership-style training has become part and parcel of management development programs in many organizations. Understanding the specific patterns of communication associated with leadership styles can make significant and lasting improvements in performance. (SSH)

Social capital should be analyzed using an ecological framework that includes individual psychological and behavioral elements and institutional/community elements. Overemphasizing social cohesion dilutes necessary community conflict. Instead, network-bridging to increase power, access, and learning at various levels should be stressed. (Contains…

Argues that consideration of the strength of ties between communicators can help reconcile disparate results on the impact of new media on social relations. Suggests that viewing results from the perspective of the strength and nature of the social network tie can help in the use of electronic and nonelectronic means of communication. (Contains…

The current notion of lifelong learning in policy and practice is dominated by behaviorist, adaptive accumulation of skills and qualifications. An alternative is reflexive lifelong learning, developed through social learning networks within the context of dislocation and uncertainty. It involves the reflexive practices of metacognitive analysis…

Drawing on Foucault, Deleuze, Guattari, and actor-network theory, the significance of space in flexible learning and its role in knowledge production and identity are explored. A cautious and analytical approach to the notion of lifelong learners liberated from time and space constraints is advocated. (Contains 27 references.) (Author/SK)

A sample of 334 people aged 56 and older living in British Columbia were interviewed about their supportive social network. Four supportive roles were investigated: caretaker, helper, confident, and advisor. The research supports earlier findings about the vulnerability of widows over 74 years old. They are most in need of networks. (Author/JOW)

Administered measures of ego identity and social networks to 193 college students to examine developmental changes in social networks. Developmental level was unrelated to size of network and proportion of peers in network. There were no gender differences in network size, and women's relationships were not characterized by greater mutuality. (NB)

Interviewed 132 older women and found that widows and married women had comparable number of primary friends. Being over age 74 influenced size of friendship network for widows but not for marrieds. Primary friendships of both groups paralleled each other in terms of endurance and stability. Compared to married women, widows did rely on confidant…

Tests three network-based mechanisms whereby individuals' attitudes toward an integrated health information system may be influenced by the attitudes of proximate sources of social information. Estimates of generalized others' attitudes are not convincingly associated with specified others' actual attitudes. Others' attitudes have a small effect…

Explored bulimics' (n=21) social networks, interpersonal relationships, and individual differences that might mediate ability to obtain support or perceive support as adequate. Bulimics reported less perceived support from friends and family, more negative interactions and conflict, and less social competence than did controls. Bulimics were rated…

Integrated ratings of global health status and reports of social involvements into single, combined variable. Used variable to predict mortality over three time periods. Data from 6,053 self-respondents aged 70 and older at baseline in 1984 showed that combined variable produced substantial effects on mortality, particularly for 1984-86 and…