Opinions Of Significant Others Research Articles

Measurement of Consumer Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influence

The development of a scale for measuring consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence is described. Consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence is hypothesized as a general trait that varies across individuals and is related to other individual traits and characteristics (McGuire 1968). The construct is defined as the need to identify with or enhance one's image in the opinion of significant others through the acquisition and use of products and brands, the willingness to conform to the expectations of others regarding purchase decisions, and/or the tendency to learn about products and services by observing others or seeking information from others. A series of studies provides evidence to support the convergent and discriminant validity of a two-dimensional scale.

Acute and long-term consequences of adolescents who choose abortions.

An estimated 40% of US females now 14 years of age can be expected to experience pregnancy by age 19 years, and the majority of these pregnancies will be unintended. In 1981, there were 1,343,200 pregnancies among US females under 20 years of age and 448,570 abortions in this same age group. The abortion ratio is highest for adolescents under 15 years of age (1379 abortions/1000 live births), while the abortion rate is highest for 18-19 year olds (61.8/1000). When compared to adult women, adolescents obtain abortions at a later gestational age--a factor that increases both the psychological and medical risks of the procedure. Adolescents are also more likely than adults to base their decision regarding the pregnancy on the opinions of significant others. Comparative studies have shown teenagers who continue a pregnancy to have underdeveloped conceptualizations of the future, high levels of anxiety, and an external locus of control. Adolescents at greatest risk of psychological sequelae of abortion are those with pre-existing mental illness, strong religious beliefs, limited coping skills, a narrow support network, and abortion at later gestational stages. If the teenager feels pressured by her family to terminate the pregnancy, she is also at high risk for adverse psychological sequelae and a repeat pregnancy soon after abortion. Thus, counselors should maintain a neutral position while helping teens to examine the positive and negative aspects of their options. In terms of medical effects, teenagers have been shown to have the lowest risk of all age groups for abortion-related mortality. However, because of the later gestational age at which adolescents seek abortion, there is a higher risk of complications such as endometritis. Emphasis should be placed on expediting the abortion decision making process among adolescents to reduce delays and the potential risks.

Three techniques for the solo family therapist

Three techniques are described which may be used by family therapists working without the aid of a co‐therapist or team. These are: (1 )the use of a ‘ghost co‐therapist’, (2) the use of the Gestalt therapy ‘empty chair’ technique in developing a systemic hypothesis, and (3) the use of self, the opinions of significant others and research findings to allow conflicting views of the family's dilemma to be presented.

Attitudes toward breast-feeding among Mexican-American women.

The purpose of this study was to document attitudes and beliefs pertinent to breastfeeding prevalent in the Mexican-American culture. The relationship of attitude and knowledge to intention to breastfeed in this population as well as various demographic variables as possible predictors of attitude knowledge and intention were examined. Respondents were 31 Mexican-American women approached on a random basis while waiting for regularly scheduled prenatal visits at a university affiliated community based family medicine clinic located in a primarily Spanish speaking Southern California neighborhood. Criteria for inclusion were: 1) primarily Spanish speaking 2) in either 1st 2nd or 3rd trimester of diagnosed pregnancy 3) no known physical or psychological complicating conditions. A mixed closed and open ended oral interview consisting of demographic information prior education about breastfeeding current breastfeeding plans (and reason for the decision) prior breastfeeding history attitude toward breastfeeding knowledge of breastfeeding and work related influences was scheduled. The study provided some evidence for the conclusion that while attitude and knowledge are closely related attitude is the significant predictor of intention to breastfeed. Similarly the study provides supporting evidence for the contributory importance of past experience and opinion of significant others (particularly the spouse) in determining intentionality. Cultural factors also influence mothers opinions. The scope of the study did not allow for follow through to assess the relationship between intentionality and actual practice of breastfeeding. Future research should be directed toward examining the factors which intervene to change the infant feeding practices among those who initially intend to breast feed.

Jóge Kankei: a key concept for an understanding of Japanese-American achievement.

Jóge Kankei, or an emphasis on superior-inferior relationships, refers to the pervasive concern with ranking in Japanese society. This concept is associated with achievement motivation in that it is related to socialization practices that create in the individual a heightened sensitivity to the opinions of significant others. In this paper, the pervasive concern with ranking and the sensitivity to the opinions of others is first used as a conceptual tool to explain the alleged paradoxical behavior of the Japanese at various times in their history, and is then used as the basis of a study aimed at understanding the rapid acculturation of the Japanese Americans. The study is based upon interviews with 234 Issei (first generation, born in Japan), 241 Nisei (second generation, born of Issei parents), and 372 Sansei (third generation, born of Nisei parents). Additionally, these three groups were administered several tests and questionnaires designed to measure acculturation and the retention of Japanese values.