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Correlates of sexual satisfaction were identified in a sample of older married women. A 70-item questionnaire was mailed to an age-stratified sample of 5,000 married persons, including 1,000 married women over the age of 50. Usable questionnaires were received from 148 participants (14.8% return rate). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis, using sexual satisfaction as the dependent variable, yield ed five predictor variables that accounted for a significant portion of the variation in sexual satisfaction (Cumulative R-2 = .73). These results serve as a reminder that sexual interactions cannot be compartmentalized but must be considered within the context of the overall marriage relationship. Given the low return rate, interpretations should be limited until replication with an adequate sample has been completed.

Two experiments with pigeons used concurrent-chain procedures with variable-interval schedules as initial links and different delays to food as terminal links. Two schedules were present in all sessions. but a 3rd schedule was alternately present and absent in successive sessions. When the 3rd schedule delivered food with no terminal-link delay, the presence of this schedule led to an increase in preference for the schedule with the shorter terminal link of the 2 unchanged schedules. When the terminal-link delay for the 3rd schedule was 30 s, the presence of this schedule led to a decrease in preference for the schedule with the shorter terminal link of the 2 unchanged schedules. These results are inconsistent with the predictions of R. Grace's (1994) contextual-choice model, but they are consistent with 2 other mathematical models-delay-reduction theory and the hyperbolic value-added model.

In Experiment I, an adjusting-delay procedure was used to measure pigeons' choices between a single delayed reinforcer and a range of different variable-time schedules. Indifference points showed an inverse relation between rate of reinforcement and delay that was well described by a hyperbolic equation. An adjusting-amount procedure was used in Experiment 2, in which pigeons chose between an adjusting amount of food delivered after a 0.5-s delay and 3 s of food delivered after a range of different delays, and the effects of delay were similar to those found in Experiment 1. The results from both experiments indicated that, for pigeons, the strength of a reinforcer decreased rapidly with increasing delay. Estimates of a decay rate parameter in the hyperbolic equation were similar to those found in other studies with pigeons, but the rates of temporal discounting were three or four times faster than those found in studies with rats, suggesting a possible species difference. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Grace's contextual-choice model can account for the results from many studies on choice under concurrent-chain schedules. However, other models, including one that I call the “hyperbolic value-added model” can also account for these results. Preference and resistance to change may indeed be related, but the best model of preference remains to be determined.

Background. The study examined the role of parental death and chronic depression with severe episodes in affecting risk of breast cancer. This avenue of research is in accord with oncology findings, which suggests that causative factors of breast cancer occur and develop over a period of 20 years or longer. Methods. Participants consisted of 1213 women in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area study surveyed in 1980 and followed through 1994-1995. They were assessed for depressive and anxious disorders, paternal death in childhood and relatively recent adverse life events prior to cancer hospitalization. Results. In the course of the study, 29 women were hospitalized for breast cancer and 10 died of breast cancer. The psychosocial variables that predicted increased risk of breast cancer were maternal death in childhood (OR = 2.56, P ¡ 0.001) and chronic depression with severe episodes (OR = 14.0, P ¡ 0.001). Neither relatively recent life events nor other depressive and anxiety disorders were associated with increased risk. Maternal death and chronic depression with severe episodes were reported to have occurred at least 20 years prior to breast cancer hospitalization. Conclusions. Maternal death and chronic and severe depression occurred at least 20 years prior to breast cancer hospitalization and could have been involved in the causation or facilitation of cancer development. The authors suggest that meta-analysis of other prospective studies are needed to create larger groups of individuals with these stresses to confidently establish these variables as risk factors.

From the dawn of the Bronze Age and Homer’s immortal epics to the latest confrontation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, the Aegean Sea has been critically important to countless armies of merchants, warriors, and crusaders. As a geographic entity, it is a narrow body of water dotted with islands, islets, and rocks. However, the Aegean is both a link and barrier between the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and the maritime causeway between the land masses of Europe, Asia, the Near East, and Africa. In effect, this maritime highway has been one of history’s more productive crucibles for human accomplishment, as well as an arena of conflict and destruction.

A focus group study of women exposed to diethylstiibestrol (DES) in utero (DES daughters) was conducted to gain understanding about exposure to this drug from a patient perspective. Focus group participants reported that learning about their DES exposure was devastating; they experienced strains in their family relationships, emotional shock, a feeling that their health concerns were not appreciated by others and, to some degree, a sense of social isolation. Although many were aware of the need for special gynecological exams and high-risk prenatal care, they were frustrated by what they felt was a lack of reliable and clear information about the effects of DES exposure. Most expressed questions and anxiety about their health. Many found their communication with physicians about their DES exposure unsatisfying. They felt that physicians lacked information about the long-term health effects of DES exposure and as a result did not give them accurate information. Furthermore, they felt that physicians were dismissive of their concerns and often gave what they felt to be false reassurances. Consequently, the women developed an enduring distrust of the medical profession. The results of the study suggest implications for the delivery of health care to DES daughters. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The planning of community health education interventions aimed at multiple levels is complex and challenging. This challenge is increased when a primary audience is difficult to reach. Individuals who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) decades ago represent a difficult-to-reach audience because they are not always aware of their exposure or the health risks of their exposure. However, DES-exposed individuals need specific screening and health care. An intervention was developed to increase awareness about DES in Nassau County, New York to address this concern. The Precede-Proceed Model was used to develop distinct intervention strategies to reach the general public, which includes individuals who may not be aware that they were exposed; those who are aware of their exposure but may not be following recommended health care practices; and community physicians. Behavioral targets, determining factors, and intervention goals were identified for each group. Specific intervention strategies were planned and implemented for each target audience. Addressing three target audiences simultaneously may produce a synergistic effect, enhancing program impact. © 2000, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.