A search for gender differences on fertility-related attitudes: questioning the relevance of sociobiology theory for understanding social psychological aspects of human reproduction.

PIP: Data drawn from 12 representative sample surveys of the US adult population conducted by the National Opinion Research Council in 1965-84 were used to test the hypothesis that men and women would have different attitudinal orientations toward fertility. This hypothesis was suggested by the sociobiological theory that anatomic differences between the sexes outweigh those imposed by socialization. Specifically, it was postulated that women will consider a smaller number of children as ideal and will be more approving of abortion than men because of women's greater concern with the quality rather than quantity of offspring. The data failed to support this hypothesis. In 16 of 20 comparisons, there were no significant differences between men and women in terms of average number of children considered ideal or approval of abortion. In the remaining 4 comparisons, men were slightly more approving of legalized abortion and women preferred a slightly higher family size. Gender never explained as much as 1% of the variance in either attitude variable, and education and religiosity correlated consistently more strongly with ideal family size than did gender. These findings cast doubt on a theoretical approach that asserts the dominance of biologic causation over social forces.^ieng

Mental status outcomes following carotid endarterectomy: a six-month analysis.

Fifty-one male and two female patients were divided into the following three groups: (a) patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease who received carotid endarterectomies, (b) patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease who either declined or were not candidates for carotid endarterectomies, and (c) patients who received a surgical procedure unrelated to cerebral functioning. The three groups were not significantly different in terms of age or educational level. The subjects were examined using the WAIS, Wechsler Memory Scale, Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Sickness Impact Profile, and Profile of Mood States. The assessments were conducted presurgery and repeated at a 6 month follow-up. The results of two-way analyses of variance revealed a significant trials effect for a majority of the variables, including the average impairment rating and the full scale WAIS IQ. However, significant group x trials interactions were not found for either the neuropsychological measures or the quality of life indices. The results did not support the conclusion of improved mental status or increased psychosocial well-being in patients who received carotid endarterectomies.

Abortion attitudes, 1965-1980: trends and determinants.

PIP: Results of surveys sponsored by the National Opinion Research Center between 1965 and 1980 show that approval of abortion increased from an average of 41% for 6 different reasons in 1965 to 68% in 1973, with levels remaining stable through 1977, decreasing to an average of 64% in 1978, and rebounding to the 1973-77 level in 1980. 7% of respondents disapproved of abortion for all 6 of the stated reasons, which ranged from endangerment of the woman's health through a married woman wanting no more children. More than half of those approving of abortion do not do so for all reasons, with approval ranging from 90% if the woman's health is endangered to 47% if the women is married and wants no more children. Multiple regression analysis of the independent effect of 8 types of factors on abortion attitudes, by themselves and in combination, was conducted. Those favoring and opposing legal abortion do not differ on 11 of 13 values ascribed to child development, but differ on obedience and curiosity, suggesting a more authoritarian attitude toward childrearing and less emphasis on children's self-reliance among abortion opponents. Education has the strongest effect of the various social and demographic variables examined, with the better educated more likely to favor abortion availability, except among Catholics. Approval of abortion decreases with conservatism regarding various aspects of personal morality. The strongest negative relationship occurs with disapproval of premarital sex and preference for large numbers of children. Political party and ideology are only weakly linked to legal abortion approval. Approval of abortion increases with support for women's rights and basic civil liberties.^ieng