Behavioral aspects of homonegativity.

The prevalence of anti-gay violence is a widespread problem calling for thorough study and effective solutions. Hudson and Ricketts (1980) viewed homonegativity as composed of cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects. Patel (1989) developed the Self Report of Behavior Scale (SBS) to measure respondents' previous negative behaviors toward gay individuals. Other research using this scale has yielded useful information, and further study is needed to refine the now-evolved scale (SBS-R). Participants in the present study were 264 college students who completed the SBS-R, the Crowne-Marlowe Social Desirability Scale (CMSDS) and Hudson and Ricketts' Index of Attitudes Toward Homosexuals (IAH). A factor analysis of the SBS-R yielded two factors: "avoidance behaviors" and "aggressive behaviors" toward gays. High internal consistency as well as construct validity for the SBS-R were found. This reliable and valid measure of self-reported anti-gay behaviors should help advance our understanding of the relationships among the affective, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of homonegativity.

Lights] Camera] Action] Sexual decision-making.

PIP: Responsible adolescent decision making can be enhanced with activities summarized in this article. Most adolescents recommend an older age to begin sexual intercourse than when they first began. Translating attitudes into personal behavior is difficult. Educators can help by devoting 2 50-minute class periods to introducing Sexual Intimacy: Considerations for Responsible Decision-making and directing groups to prepare a skit and resolution, which would be performed in the 2nd class period. Sexual Intimacy Considerations involve 8 points: being comfortable about your level of involvement, confident that humiliation or guilt will not result, sex is not being forced, tender feelings are being expressed rather than attempting to improve a relationship, contraception is agreed upon, sexual disease transmission is discussed, and agreement is reached on resolution of unexpected pregnancy. In addition, you should not be trying to prove your love, increase your self-worth, prove you are mature, show you can attract a sexual partner, get affection or attention or love, reel, or prove your masculinity or femininity. Groups should be small at 5-6 people. The skit should portray a situation involving pressure to have sexual relations. At least 10 verbal exchanges which express conflict should take place between the pressurer and pressuree. The 2nd time through resolution should be added. Discuss and summarize the issues presented. Compare the ways groups evaluate consequences, weigh factors, communicate, and negotiate. Make a list of consistent issues such as: coercion, ambivalence, pregnancy/sexually transmitted disease prevention, sex role stereotypes. Learning becomes more than decision making; it also 1) provides an opportunity to make or defend a rational rather than an emotional decision about sexual intimacy, 22) increases awareness of sexual pressures the opposite sex experiences, and 3) gives an opportunity for group feedback. Discussion guides suggest identifying the important decision in the skit, applying criteria from Sexual Intimacy Considerations, the alternatives available for each of the characters, selecting a resolution and sharing information.^ieng

The psychological impact of disaster on rescue personnel.

Seventy-nine rescue, fire, and medical personnel and police officers who treated victims of an apartment building explosion completed a questionnaire describing their emotional and coping responses to the disaster. Eighty percent had at least one symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eight of 21 PTSD symptoms were present in at least 10% of respondents. The most frequently reported symptom, intrusive thoughts about the disaster, occurred in 74% of those working with or searching for victims at the disaster site. On-the-scene rescue workers had significantly more (P less than .02) PTSD symptoms than did inhospital staff. Fifty-two percent of the respondents reported that family members and coworkers were supportive or very supportive in meeting their emotional needs following the disaster; 36% noted that support networks were not helpful. The coping behaviors most frequently used were to remind oneself that things could be worse (57%) and to try to keep a realistic perspective on the situation (53%). Eleven percent reported seeking emotional support from others or looking to others for direction. Emergency workers responding to a contained, small-scale disaster are likely to experience mild stress responses. Planning for the emotional aspects of these events is needed.