Steve Barry & James McCann

There is a clear gender inequality, when it comes to the division of housework. In this study, evidence suggesting that this inequality weighs on the perceived longevity of cohabitative relationships was found. Young adults 70 men and 90 women provided information on these gender roles experiences and attitudes. They also evaluated three hypothesized levels of male–female division of household labor in terms of perceived relationship satisfaction. Results showed that overall, the young adults surveyed were accepting of cohabitation and held relatively non-traditional views of gender rolls. Findings also indicated that women perceived a cohabitating couple as high in satisfaction when the male partner was depicted as sharing household chores equally with the female partner. The importance of open communication between young partners is discussed.

Jennifer Marie Martinelli & Lori Jayko

In an examination of the impact of attractiveness and presence of a disability on perceived job competencies, volunteers (n = 139) were randomly assigned to one of four scenario conditions. The scenarios depicted an employee as varying in attractiveness (attractive; unattractive) and type of disability (Down’s Syndrome; scoliosis). Participants rated the character on job competencies, co-worker interactions, as well as their own personal comfort. Measures of self-esteem, body satisfaction, and exposure to disabilities were completed. Results showed that attractive employees were rated higher on job competency regardless of depicted disability. High self-esteem and body satisfaction were associated with positive evaluations of the employee. Exposure to disabilities was associated with feelings of comfort with an employee described as having Down’s Syndrome. The benefits of familiarity and contact with members of disabled populations are discussed.

Richard P. Corso & Danielle Caira

Participants were 61 college students, enrolled in three social science courses. Baseline measures of attitudes towards homosexuals and homophobia were taken during a pre-test session. Approximately one month later, the classrooms were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Students in the control group viewed a videotape on gender and participated in a general discussion on gender issues. Students in experimental group 1 viewed a videotape on myths about homosexuality with a discussion on homosexuality with a self-identified heterosexual. Students in experimental group 2 viewed the same videotape on myths about homosexuality with a discussion on homosexuality with a self-identified homosexual. The attitude measures were readministered following discussions. Results showed positive changes in attitudes toward homosexuals and homophobia from pre- to post-test. Response patterns also supported expected gender and prior contact differences in attitude. The value of even brief positive exposure to homosexuals is discussed.

Jessica Dunn

In this study, the way people perceive animals and how this perception affects human empathy toward animals were examined. Participants were 92 college students, with a mean age of 23.3 years. Stimuli consisted of a scenario concerning the status of a hypothetically endangered species as well as a pictorial rating of cute and non-cute primates and non-primate mammals. Results showed that participants felt more empathy toward animals that were both cute and primates. Primates possessing less than three cuteness features were rated as more similar to humans than primates possessing more than three cuteness features. However, both of these stimuli groups were rated as more similar to humans than the non-primate mammals. Empathy scores may have been high due to the considerable amount of animal-related experience that the participants reported. Human perception of animals may be important to the efforts to save endangered species.

Gloria Stone

The purpose of this study was to examine young adults’ sexual histories and behaviors, estimations of risks, and sensation seeking. Participants included 120 students, 61 men and 59 women. Findings indicated that the majority of students became sexually active by age 15, had only one to two partners prior to college entrance, and tended to underestimate the risks of their own sexual behaviors. Men reported having more partners during the first year of sexual activity than women. However, the genders did not differ in total number of partners, age of sexual activity onset, or sexual high-risk attitudes. Women tended to use contraception more consistently than men. Finally, those students who engaged in early sexual activity scored higher on sexual sensation seeking, and despite the ability to assess sexual risks, reported inconsistent use of condoms compared to those who postponed sex until after age 16. The value of assessing sexual sensation seeking is discussed.

Danielle Kupferman

This study examined the amount of perceived financial support that will be distributed among the youngest, middle, and oldest in a family. The perceived financial support was determined by the scenario questions following the scenario in the survey. The results supported the hypothesis that the first born child would receive more perceived financial support. Our findings partially supported the dilution hypothesis (Blake, 1981), in that the oldest child was given more support than the middle and youngest child. However, because we used scenarios and different measures our findings differed from previous literature, which can lead to future areas of research.

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