The author discusses the nature of in-group bias and the social motives that underlie ethnocentric attachment to one's own membership groups. Two common assumptions about in-group bias are challenged: that in-group positivity necessitates out-group derogation and that ingroup bias is motivated by self-enhancement. A review of relevant theory and …

Assesses the role of identity in interlanguage development and performance, focusing on what research suggests about the relationship of identity to the speaker's overall target, to selected features of the speaker's interlanguage, and to target language speakers' attitudes toward the interlanguage speaker. (Author/CB)

The struggle for a positive self-image in the gay community has been keynoted by confrontations between gays and the censuring public, and by their own introspection. Since the risks demanded by self disclosure are greater for gays than for heterosexuals, a nonsupportive environment may force a strategy of nondisclosure on gays. This often…

Compares assessment results of inpatients with alcoholism who have made a serious suicide attempt and a matched sample of inpatients with alcoholism who have no history of suicide attempts. Discriminant function analysis reveals that depression, social hopelessness, and socially prescribed perfectionism are unique discriminators of suicide groups.…

There are serious shortcomings in the arguments that researchers have advanced to support the symbolic racism thesis. The following aspects are critically discussed: (1) concepts of symbolic racism; (2) methods used to measure symbolic racism; (3) the statement that traditional racism is a spent form; (4) the theorist's disregard of current…

The article discusses the following two explanations for White opposition to efforts to bring about social equality: (1) Whites' perception of Blacks as a threat to their personal lives; (2) Whites' endorsement of racist sentiments and traditional American values, particularly individualism. The second explanation is supported, and further…

Points out that changing attitudes are responsible for more women working outside the home. Shows that the tendency for women to work and their higher status when working reinforce each other. Suggests husbands' attitudes become more favorable towards working women when they become used to their wives working. (Author/RC)

Uses social-identity theory to test the relationship between discrimination and components of ethnic identity, and attitudes toward out-groups. Results indicate that, contrary to social identity theory, a stronger sense of belonging to one's group is associated with more positive attitudes toward out-groups. (Author/JDM)

Results emanating from smoking cessation programs suggest the necessity for a greater commitment to research for primary smoking prevention. Because of the early onset of smoking, more research must focus on adolescents and preadolescents who have not yet begun to smoke regularly. Three areas of concentrated study are proposed: (1) the initiation…

Presents a literature review on death-related attitudes and behavior of Mexican Americans. The 1976 Kalish and Reynolds study concludes that Mexican Americans are more accepting of death than other ethnic groups. Some findings suggest the opposite may be true. Offers an alternative interpretation of findings plus future research suggestions.…

Given the ambiguities and serious consequences of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), health professionals must not over simplify HIV transmission. An alarming paradox underlies HIV infection: a preventable disease rooted in human intimacy is reaching pandemic proportions. Well-publicized instances in which persons with AIDS have been shunned…

The monograph outlines key issues in the area of patients' rights and advocacy as they relate to Hispanic mental health clients or patients. Providing background material on patients' rights and advocacy in general, the first section includes a chronological history of major litigation, a discussion of patient advocacy, a discussion of a client's…