Psychology and social science.

Chair: Sheree Watson, University of Southern Mississippi

Vice-chair: David Swanson, University of Mississippi 

THURSDAY MORNING

Meeting Room 3

8:15 HOW DO INTERRACIAL COPULES STRATEGIZE AGAINST THE COMPLEXITIES OF RACISM?

Reginald Riggins (1*) and Kerry Ann Rockquemore (2), (1) Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217 and (2) University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60603

Prejudice is a major fear of members of interracial relationships. Strangers, family and friends hold prejudice views of interethnic relationships. Hill and Volker (2000) describe three strategies interracial couples use to deal with prejudice: blocking, transferring, and generating. This article investigates what strategies interracial couples use when faced with racism from family and friends. To gain further insight on these strategies I analyzed a data set of twenty-four in-depth interviews of individuals in Black-White relationships. Several themes emerge as to where (setting) strategies are used and why some are used more than others. The results show that the framework of Hill and Volker (2000) does hold up with a larger sample. The three strategies do exist but are used selectively depending on the setting (family, friends, or strangers).

8:30 CELL PHONE USAGE AND DEPENDENCY IN UNDERGRADUATES

Reid Jones*, Robert N. Johnson, Tonya Anderson, Heather Peacock, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733

Upperclassmen (N=123) completed surveys developed to measure cell phone usage and cell phone dependency (CPD). CPD survey items were derived from the diagnostic criteria for substance dependency in the DSM-IV-TR. Surveys also requested information on demographics and personality traits. Almost all students (98%) owned cell phones, averaging 11.69 calls sent, 12.65 calls received, and 85.40 minutes of usage per day. The nine item CPD Survey had good reliability (Chronbach alpha = .78). Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlation (r=.85; p<.01) with an established survey, the Mobile Phone Problem Use Survey. Further evidence for the validity of the CPD Survey was demonstrated by significant (p<.05) associations with all five items where subjects reported their volume of cell phone usage (r ranging from .24 to .37). The brief CPD Survey was also demonstrated to have significant associations with personality traits, patterns of usage, and grade point average.

8:45 PATTERNS OF CELL PHONE USAGE IN UNDERGRADUATES

Tonya Anderson*, Heather Peacock, Robert Johnson, and Reid Jones, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733

Time of day and day of week when students reported using their cell phones had some interesting relationships with volume of calls and grade point average (GPA). Self report surveys indicated that students who used cell phones more during the week than on weekends were more likely to use the phones in the afternoon than at other times (r=.32; p<.05). Further, students using cell phones more on weekends than on weekdays were more likely to send and receive calls at night (r=.41; p<.01). Those students who sent and received calls the highest proportion of calls during the mornings on weekdays were also the ones who sent (r=.28; p<.05) and received (r=.28; p<.05) the highest volume of calls each day. Finally, the heavy "morning users" also had the lowest GPA (r=-.25; p<.05). These patterns of use suggest that students who restrict their cell phone use somewhat during morning (classroom) hours were less likely to suffer negative impacts on GPA.

9:00 PERSONALITY VARIABLES AND CELL PHONE USE IN UNDERGRADUATES

Robert N. Johnson*, Tonya Anderson, Heather Peacock, and Reid Jones, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733.

The recent introduction of cell phones in world culture has resulted in both positive and negative consequences. Poorer communities in developing countries can use them to communicate their health, welfare, and safety needs. On the other hand, cell phone usage can be a distraction, resulting in increased accidents. Cell phones are even outlawed in some states. The research question considered here is how personality traits of cell phone users might influence patterns of cell phone use. Self report surveys were completed by students who received extra credit in courses. Introversion was found to be negatively associated with the volume of calls sent to fellow classmates, r(116) = -.29, p < .05; volume of calls received from fellow classmates was negatively correlated with an "uncaring" personality trait, r(117) = -.23, p < .05; volume of calls was significantly associated with a new measure of "cell phone dependency", r(117) = .37, p < .05. Although research indicated that cell phone users who interact more with classmates are more extraverted and conscientious, some may become excessively dependent on cell phones.

9:15 A WAKE UP CALL FOR CELL PHONE USERS: CELL PHONES AND UNDERGRADUATE GPA

Heather Peacock*, Robert Johnson, Tonya Anderson, and Reid Jones, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733

This study investigated how some behaviors of undergraduates may change after they first acquire a cell phone. Volunteers received extra credit for filling out surveys concerning demographics, grade point average (GPA), and cell phone use. The primary research questions focused on possible associations between self-reported years of cell phone use and other self-reported behaviors. The longer students had used cell phones, the higher their GPA (r = .24; p < .05). The longer subjects had owned cell phones, the more likely they were to make calls in the afternoon (r = .21; p < .05) and the less likely they were to make calls at night (r = -.19; p < .05). Years of cell phone use were not associated with volume of calls sent or received (r = .10; p > .05). However, GPA was negatively associated with volume of calls sent (r = -.22; p < .05) and received (r = -.30; p < .05). While some positive associations were discovered, it was clear that excessive cell phone use can be detrimental to undergraduate grades, particularly for new owners.

9:30 THE COLOR COMPLEX: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SELF-RATED SKIN TONE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN AFRICAN-AMERICANS

Frederick A. Smith (1*), Karen Christoff (2) and Shaila Khan (1), (1) Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS 39174 and (2) Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762

The purpose of this study was to test how self-rated skin tone related to self-esteem in African-Americans. It was hypothesized that light-skinned African-Americans would have higher self-esteem. By using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and additional questions pertaining to gender and desirability of various skin tones, it was determined that there was a trend level significant difference between scores for those rating themselves as having various skin tones (p=. 073). For the 34 students surveyed, the majority rated themselves as light brown in color. 0% (0) said they were very dark, 21% (7) said they were very light, 56% (19) said they were light brown, and 24% (8) said they were dark brown. Individuals that identified themselves as light brown had the highest mean self-esteem scale scores, followed by individuals that identified themselves as dark brown. Individuals that identified themselves, as very light had the lowest self-esteem scale scores. In addition, subjects who were content with their skin tone had higher self-esteem scale scores than those who wanted to change their skin tone. However, this difference was not significant.

9:45 INCIDENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI: AN INITIAL REPORT OF FINDINGS

Ann Marie Kinnell, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

There are relatively few studies that examine the current experiences of college students with domestic violence. In a recent review of the literature on domestic violence and college students, most studies either focused on the effect of childhood abuse on current academic outcomes or used vignettes to analyze students perceptions of types of behavior as either domestic violence or not. However, as a faculty member I have had several students who have been affected by domestic violence. I am not the only instructor who has had this experience. Yet, despite anecdotal data from our students detailing personal stories of violence, there has been no formal study done to determine the actual number of students affected by domestic violence or how this violence has impacted their academic careers. The purpose of this project was to determine 1) the extent to which students attending USM's Hattiesburg campus are affected by domestic violence, 2) the specific nature of this violence, and 3) the effect of this violence on their academic careers. A survey of 436 undergraduates and graduates was carried out in April 2005. In addition, interviews with students are being collected to create a more detailed understanding of the student's experiences with domestic violence. This paper will discuss the initial results of this study.

10:00 Break

10:15 THE EFFECT OF PARENTING STYLES ON INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP 

Yolanda M. Grady* and Shaila Khan, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS 39174

It has been demonstrated that the characteristic of three parenting styles such as authoritative, authoritarian and permissive show similar parental behavior connected with secure, avoidant and ambivalent attachment style. 92% of students with authoritative parenting style were found also to be securely attached. Research showed that quality of adult interpersonal relationship depends on childhood attachment style and that parental style reflects the same influence as attachment style. Based on this it seems likely that parenting styles should also act as a predictor for relationship outcome. Previous research showed that compared to authoritarian or permissive parents undergraduate students who were securely attached to their parents scored significantly higher on tests of personal intimacy and beliefs in others abilities to be intimate (Jennifer & Donna, 2001). The present study examines the relationship between parenting styles and the effects on intimate relationships among African American College students. The study also explored the extent of trust in a relationship. The sample for the present study consisted of 80 African American College students. The participants were surveyed on their parent's warmth/responsiveness, coldness/rejection, and ambivalence/ inconsistency as they were being brought up. The participants were also surveyed on their current feelings of romantic love in intimate relationships as secure, avoidant, or ambivalent to determine their feelings that were true of their relationship. They were also given a trust scale to see the correlation between trust and intimate relationship. It is hypothesized that 1) warm/responsive parenting style will lead to secure intimate relationships in adults; 2) cold/rejecting parenting style will lead to avoidant intimate relationships in adults; 3) an ambivalent/inconstant parenting style will lead to an anxious/ ambivalent intimate relationship in adults and 4) there will be a high correlation between trust and intimate relationship. The result showed that parenting style does act as a predictor for relationship outcome.

10:30 USE OF RADIOGRAPHS OF PATIENTS WITH ARTHRITIS AND PAIN QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF FORENSIC CASES

Krista Burleigh, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

This research is to investigate a correlation between the extent of arthritis of an individual and the type of impact it has on his/her life, specifically the amount of pain and the limitations of movement, along with an examination of the x-rays taken during medical visits. This information can become potentially important in forensic studies for identification. Arthritis is the most common physical ailment, usually associated with age and physical activities or trauma, and frequently attacks the vertebral column, especially the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. Similar to the identification of individuals by dental records, if an individual got medical attention and x-rays after complaining of arthritic pain (and often had observable symptoms, like a limp), this can be used to identify them in death. Non-invasive surveys and x-rays of patients (around 50 individuals per race and sex, 200 total, with ages ranging from mid 20s to early 80s) obtained from doctors (chiropractors) are examined for the extent of arthritis in the back (the most common site affected). The questionnaire results are tailored to concern the type of pain and other ways the arthritis disables the patients' lifestyles, correlated with the x-ray results using SPSS. By allowing for a more detailed description of their behavior, this information can aid in the identification of unknown persons in forensic settings. Initial results confirm that the amount of pain an individual claims to suffer from is associated with the degree of arthritis observed in the radiographs.

10:45 HEALTH STATUS AND SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AT MANGUM (22CB584)

Tiffany Hensley, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

"A human burial contains more anthropological information per cubic meter of deposit than any other type of archaeological feature." (Peebles 1977: 124) Given this, twenty-four burials from the Mangum site (22Cb584) in Claiborne County, Mississippi, were used to explore the lifeways of the ancient inhabitants of the site. The Mangum site is a Plaquemine necropolis that likely dates to approximately A.D. 1400 or A.D. 1500. The individuals buried at Mangum were part of a chiefdom and, as such, should show evidence of social stratification. The burials at the site were thus examined for a variety of health variables using data provided by Penton (1995) including age at death, stature, anemia, infection, dental pathology, trauma, and arthritis. These variables were in turn correlated with a number of mortuary variables indicating status including age, sex, body preparation and treatment, grave form, grave location, and grave furnishings. Overall, the site was quite homogeneous with few distinctive patterns emerging. The results are discussed in light of health variables and burial programs at other sites in the region.

11:00 PATTERNS OF HEALTH AMONG CHILDREN IN NINETEENTH CENTURY NATCHEZ

Ashley Siedell, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Childhood health patterns are one of the best indicators of a society's adaptational success. As such, this paper will examine morbidity and mortality patterns of young children in later nineteenth century Natchez, especially as they differ by race. Distinctions can reflect not only potential differnces in access to food and medical resources, but also a variety of other factors ranging from belief systems about the causes of disease to genetic differences in immunity. The sample for this study was taken from the sexton's records of the Natchez City Cemetery (Shumway n.d.). Some 4000 juveniles, both black and white, between ages 0 and 15 who died between 1850 and 1900 were selected. Sex was available for only a small subsample of these individuals, and thus did not play a large part in the analysis. All data were evaluated using Excel. Overall, many expected health patterns emerged. The most common causes of death among the neonates were tetanus/lockjaw and respiratory illnesses. Mortality was higher among African-American children than in their Caucasian counterparts. Among young children, digestive diseases were most prominent in both ancestral groups. Some infectious disease differences did emerge, however. Blacks were seen to be more susceptible to tuberculosis and "teething" whereas whites were found to succumb to epidemic diseases, especially yellow fever, at a far higher rate. All of these findings are discussed in light of historical events occurring at the time, including the effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

11:15 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIPS OF AGE, GENDER, AND CAUSE OF CAUCASIAN DEATHS IN LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY VICKSBURG AND NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI 

Harold W. Webster, Jr., University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

This paper explores the possible effects on mortality of differing political, social, and economic views and the underlying issues in two, post-Reconstruction era, Mississippi towns. Vicksburg and Natchez were geographically, demographically, and economically similar river towns, but had dissimilar attitudes towards the war. Using records from the Vicksburg Fisher Funeral Home (Ragland 1985) and the Natchez City Cemetery Sexton's Records (Shumway n.d.), comparative data was derived concerning the longevity and causes of death for over seven-hundred and sixty Caucasian adults, of both genders, who were deceased at age thirty and above between 1880 and 1884. The two sets of data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Where no age or cause of death was reported, the individual was not included in the final sample. For comparative purposes, groups were analyzed by gender, age-at-death, and cause of death. (pulmonary, age related, cardio, infectious disease). Overall, there was less homogeneity than expected between the two towns. Longevity was around fifty-one years of age in both towns and infectious disease was the single most common cause of death for both sexes. Males were much more likely to die of respiratory causes than were females in both cities as well. The hypothesis that the cultural and economic differences between both towns may have been a factor in the causes of death was born out by the fact that Vicksburg had a mortality profile that was measurably different from the mortality profile of Natchez and that sociological causes of death were more prevalent in Vicksburg.

11:30 POPULATION AGING AND THE MEASUREMENT OF DEPENDENCY: THE CASE OF GERMANY

David Swanson, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677

Many industrialized countries have concerns about aging (and declining) populations and the level of future financial and other support required of the working-age population for the elderly. Concern over this is particularly acute in Germany. However, there are those who argue that these concerns are blown out of proportion. One line of argument is that the burden of caring for a larger elderly population could be offset by reduced spending on the young because of their declining numbers. I use Germany as a case study in examining this debate and analyze changes in the old-age, youth, and total dependency ratios as shown by official population projections for the period 1998-2080. The findings suggest that acute concern about aging in Germany is warranted. As inquiries continue to be made into the ability of Germany and other countries to support their elderly populations, I suggest that the both the youth dependency ratio and the total dependency ratio be used in conjunction with the elderly dependency ratio to guide policy decisions.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Meeting Room 3

1:15 Symposium on Hurricane Katrina 

THE PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIAL SCIENCE INVITED SYMPOSIUM ON HURRICANE KATRINA

David Swanson, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677

It has been nearly six months since Hurricane Katrina came ashore in Mississippi and the levies failed in New Orleans. Katrina was one storm, but it manifested itself in very different ways. Consequently, it will take a multi-faceted approach to study its effects, many of which are likely to be traced decades into the future. In this symposium, we will look at Katrina from several aspects relevant to the Division of Psychology and Social Science. The first considers locating and analyzing data to help understand the extent and magnitude to of the damage while the second considers the effects on people and activities directly affected by Katrina. The third aspect looks at the future--what can be done to ameliorate the effects of future disasters?

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLANS FOR ANIMAL FACILITIES

Sheree Watson* and Matthew McManus, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the need for continual assessment and revision of disaster preparedness plans for laboratories that maintain live animals became apparent. Whereas these plans have generally provided for the animals' well-being for several days, the extent of damage after Katrina revealed the need for a more extensive, long-term plan. Moreover, the optimal plan would be one can be implemented quickly and would involve cooperation among several institutions. Potential models for disaster preparedness plans for animal facilities will be discussed. Feedback from session participants will be incorporated with the aim of developing a template for a statewide disaster preparedness plan.

2:30 Break

Regular Session Resumes

2:45 ASL AND SCHIZOPHRENIC LANGUAGE: MISDIAGNOSIS AND NEEDED MODIFICATIONS TO THE DIAGNOSIS CRITERION OF DEAF SCHIZOPHRENICS FROM A BIO-PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Jennifer Chustz, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Research shows that there are significant differences in the diagnosis standards, hospitalization histories, and treatment effectiveness of deaf schizophrenics when compared to hearing schizophrenics. The research literature states that as a whole, deaf schizophrenics are hospitalized for longer periods than hearing schizophrenics. The lack of understanding of American Sign Language structure and the impact of deafness on behavior further contribute to misdiagnosis trends among those responsible for diagnosis. The lack of homogeneity among the deaf population contributes to misdiagnosis as well. My work will attempt to address the need to familiarize those who are responsible for the treatment of the deaf mentally ill and suggest needed changes in the field of psychology that is responsible for the treatment of deaf mentally ill patients. I will examine the bio-psychosocial impact of deafness, the standard assessment procedures currently used among psychologists, the problems with psychological testing instruments, and current diagnosis criterion for schizophrenia. I will also analyze the language process of schizophrenia and how deafness affects this symptom's manifestation. Finally, I will offer research results that support my proposal for future research needs and the modifications for the treatment of deaf mentally ill patients.

3:00 EFFECTS OF L-TRYPTOPHAN ON FOOD INTAKE IN BUSHBABIES ARE SEX SPECIFIC

Sheree Watson*, Matthew McManus, Kelly Manning, Charmese Broach, and David Hanbury, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

L-tryptophan is the amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. L-tryptophan administration may be associated with increases in both central and peripheral serotonin levels. Thus, administration of l-tryptophan may be associated with behavior changes similar to those observed with increased serotonin levels. Serotonin systems may have an inhibitory role in feeding behaviors and reductions in food intake have been reported following l-tryptophan administration in rodent models. However, the effects of l-tryptophan on feeding behavior in nonhuman primates has not been well characterized. The present experiment reports sex-specific decreases in food intake in a prosimian primate, Garnett's bushbaby, following oral administration of l-tryptophan. Twenty male and 12 female bushbabies received oral administrations of l-tryptohan daily for 6 weeks as part of a larger study examining self-injurious behavior. The bushbabies received ad libitum monkey chow once daily, which was weighed prior to feeding. Remaining food was collected and weighed approximately four hours later. The differences between amount of food given and amount recovered was recorded as "intake". Food intake for the two weeks prior to the onset of the study served as the baseline measure. Post l-tryptophan values were the average food intake during weeks five and six of the study. Food intake of male and female bushbabies did not differ at baseline. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a time by sex interaction in that post l-tryptophan food intake values decreased significantly from baseline for female, but not male, bushbabies (p=.019). These results are consistent with reports of reductions in feeding behavior in rodent models. However, they further suggest that, in prosimian primates, the reduction in food intake may be more pronounced in females than in males.

3:15 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES TOWARD CARE AND USE OF ANIMALS

David Hanbury, Amanda Necaise, Emily Helms, Ty Stafford, and Sheree Watson*, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Studies of veterinary students have shown gender differences in attitudes toward the use of euthanasia in veterinary situations. Similar gender differences may be reflected in other areas of animal care and use, including zoo management. To investigate these differences, we examined the extent to which college undergraduate students (N=376) endorsed statements related to euthanasia, anthropomorphism, and attachment to animals in zoo settings. Males were more likely than females to agree with statements endorsing special attachments to animals (e.g., "Wild animals can make good pets") and anthropomorphism (e.g., "Animals respond positively to kindness"). Females were more likely to disagree with statements endorsing euthanasia, especially for animal management (e.g., "Sometimes common animals must be removed to make room for endangered or rare animals"). The overall pattern of responding suggests that men and women may hold differing views of the human-animal bond, with men taking a more pragmatic viewpoint and women romanticizing the human-animal relationship.

3:30 WEIGHT CONCERN AND BODY IMAGE AMONG SOUTHERN AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALES

Pamela Smith* and Safiya R. Omari, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

Although weight concern and thinness pressures have been identified as primary concerns for White and Latino women when compared to Black women, a few studies have found otherwise. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential cultural and psychosocial correlates of obesity in Black females in Mississippi. There were three hypotheses: 1) There would be a positive relationship between cultural values and body mass index (BMI); 2) There would be a positive relationship between BMI and depression; and 3) There would be a negative relationship between BMI and self-esteem in this sample. The researcher is interested in whether the relationships identified would be supported by a quantitative study of weight concern among African American women. A sample of 80 Black female undergraduates, ages 18 and older was recruited from social science classes at a HBCU. Participants completed a questionnaire packet containing measures of acculturation, body image, depression and self-esteem. Demographic information such as age, marital status, employment and education, and self-report information related to height and weight was also obtained. Hypotheses 2 and 3 were supported: r(70) = .28, p = .017, r(71) = -.27, p = .023 respectively. Hypothesis 1 was not supported. This sample reported, on the average, an ideal appearance that was significantly lower than their current appearance, however, their levels of body satisfaction were not significantly related to acculturation.

3:45 Divisional Business Meeting

6:00 Divisional Poster Session--Exhibit Hall B

RACIAL DISPARITIES IN TOBACCO USE AND SOCIAL INFLUENCES IN A RURAL SOUTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jessica Muilenburg* and William D. Johnson, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate racial differences of tobacco use and social exposure to tobacco products in a sample of middle school students. Methods: Questionnaires were administered in January of 2005 to 281 students in a Mississippi Delta area middle school. Results: The participants were 51.0 percent female and 56.6 percent African American. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) revealed that Caucasian students were statistically more likely than were African American students to (1) ever have tried smoking, (2) ever have been a daily smoker, (3) have smoked in the past 30 days, (4) live with someone who smokes, (5) have seen a parent or guardian smoke, and (6) have friends who smoke. In contrast, African Americans were more likely to report "no one is allowed to smoke" in their home. Caucasian females had the highest rates of smoking, as well as the highest exposure to social smoking behaviors. Conclusions: This study not only showed that Caucasians were indeed smoking more, but that African American adolescents do not have the same exposure to social smoking, particularly African American females. Of particular interest was why the differences eventually dissipate and smoking rates are virtually the same in adulthood. A greater understanding of the impact of exposure to tobacco use on an adolescent's own tobacco use is vital to prevention efforts, especially in regard to racial differences. Future research on youth tobacco prevention should focus on sociocultural and racial differences in the development of tobacco use in adolescents.

EFFECTS OF EARLY FOOD RESTRICTION ON SUBSEQUENT WEIGHT GAIN

Andrew Thaw*, Amberly Ethridge, Christine Faust, Mimi Grissom, Shelly Jo Johnson, Madeleine Leake, Betsy Powell, and Joseph Wehby, Jr., Millsaps College, Jackson, MS 39210

Human studies have supported a protective role of excess fat storage in times of stress and deprivation. Thus, persons exposed to limited nutrition might expect to compensate by storing excess fat when food is plentiful. From an evolutionary perspective this makes sense. However, research in this area has focused on adults only. Different mechanisms may develop during sensitive periods prior to adulthood. In other words, there may be a developmental period that sets the stage for later weight regulation depending on food availability. If one has limited food during this time they may develop more or less ability to store fat. To examine this hypothesis, 5 groups of newly weaned rats were allowed ad libitum access to food 24h/day. On successive weeks a single group was deprived of food for 48hours. Food was then returned ad lib. Weights of each group were tracked and compared to the control group that had no food deprivation. Results indicate that the earlier food deprivation occurs the more likely adult body weight will be reduced. These findings may have implications for dietary recommendations during early development to reduce the likelihood of adulthood obesity.

HEALTH AND ACTIVITY OF A PLAQUEMINE NECROPOLIS IN CLAIBORNE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI

Miranda Page* and Daniel Zivin, University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesbug, MS 39406

Osteometric data from the human remains recovered at the Mangum Site in Claiborne County, MS, a Plaquemine necropolis dating to approximately 1300 AD, were analyzed for patterns of stature and robusticity. The skeletal population represents a minimum of 68 individuals. Although many burials were fragmentary, cranial and post-cranial remains were sufficiently complete in over half the individuals to allow for analysis. The cranial dimensions, long bone lengths, and long bone transverse dimensions were recorded for each individual. Stature results show a mean male height of approximately 169.8 cm and a mean female height of 163.1 cm. The females at this site are a little on the tall side but all other findings are similar to those recorded at other Plaquemine sites. The childhood health expectancy at Mangum were likely similar to those of other Mississippian sites in the region. These indicators are reflective of a number of cultural variables, including diet and physical activity. Certain indices of the femur, however, are unusual, reflecting activity stresses. Possible explanations of these results will be discussed.

UNSTABLE SELF-ESTEEM AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE

Lindsey Osterman* and Virgil Zeigler-Hill, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Defense mechanisms were initially believed to be a means by which the ego defended itself against unacceptable impulses (e.g., sexual and aggressive desires; Freud, 1915/1961). As a revision to Freud's earlier ideas, Fenichel (1945) proposed that the purpose of defense mechanisms is actually to protect self-esteem rather than shield the individual from their own impulses. This reformulation of the purpose of defense mechanisms is more consistent with the modern views of social and personality psychology. In a recent review of the literature, Baumeister, Dale, and Sommer (1998) found support for the idea that defense mechanisms protect self-esteem from threats related to the self-concept. The present study examined whether defense style was related to the stability of self-esteem (i.e., fluctuations in state self-esteem over time). More specifically, it was predicted that individuals with stable high self-esteem would report more mature defenses than individuals with either low or unstable self-esteem. Participants were 123 undergraduates who completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and the Defense Styles Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40; Andrews, Singh, & Bond, 1993) during a laboratory session. In addition, participants completed a measure of state self-esteem twice per day for 14 days via the internet. The results of the present study found that individuals with stable high self-esteem reported the lowest levels of neurotic (b = .21, p < .04) and immature defenses (b = .22, p < .01). Discussion will focus on the implications of defense style for the protection of self-esteem.

TEENAGE RATES PREGNANCY AMONG DAUGHTERS WHOSE MOTHERS ARE INCARCERATED 

Kristie Squire (1*) and T. Chedgzsey Smith-McKeever (2), (1) Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217 and (2) University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607

Teenage pregnancy is a serious issue facing America. Approximately 1 out of 10 teenage girls between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant. Despite the decline in teenage pregnancy globally, the United States has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy than any other country. Research indicates that daughters of incarcerated mothers are at higher risk for teenage pregnancy. Investigations have shown that 60% of the daughters who were placed with caregivers, due to maternal incarceration, were or had been pregnant (American Correctional Association, 1993). It is important to examine teenage pregnancy among daughters of incarcerated mothers to see if girls whose mothers are incarcerated remain at risk for early pregnancy. In the present study, a secondary analysis of data collected in 2002 that asked woman about their perceptions of their daughter's social connection, participation in delinquent activities, and teenage pregnancy among the women's daughters was examined. One hundred-one women incarcerated at a Cook County Jail in Illinois were included in this study. Results showed 7.3% of the mothers reported that their daughters were teen mothers, compared to 92.7% who reported that their daughters were not teen mothers. Findings were not consistent with previous research that found girls of incarcerated mothers to be at high risk for teenage pregnancy. Findings suggest that daughters of incarcerated mothers may not be at high risk for teenage pregnancy.

PASSENGERS: DO THEY VALUE THEIR LIVES?

Jennifer Gillespie* and Dawn Bishop-McLin, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

The purposes of this study were to measure the actual rate of seat belt usage in urban African American populations in Jackson, MS, and to identify effective, replicable, and sustainable strategies for increasing seat belt restraint among this population. It was hypothesized that the observed female passengers of all ethnicities would have a higher rate of seat belt restraint compared to the observed male passenger group and that the passengers included in the observed younger group (16-25 yrs.) would have a lower rate of seat belt usage compared to the 25+ group. We conducted naturalistic observations at intersections located in predominantly African American census tracts; however, observations were also made at schools, clinics, and Caucasian neighborhoods. The total number of observed vehicles was 4,071, and about 75% of these observed vehicles were drive without a front seat passenger. After data analysis was complete, results confirmed both of the hypotheses. Limitations for this study included 1) personal perception of the age and race of the observed passengers, and 2) automatic seat belts in certain manufactured vehicles. This is a three-year project funded by the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Conference of Black Mayors. Further studies will continue to observe seat belt usage in the city while implementing stronger marketing techniques as well as better enforcement of the law.

NARCISSISTIC SUBTYPES AND CONTINGENT SELFESTEEM

Eric Parker* and Virgil Zeigler-Hill, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Two subtypes of narcissistic personality are believed to exist (e.g., Akhtar & Thomson, 1982; Cooper, 1981, 1998; Kohut, 1971; Wink, 1996). The first is a grandiose subtype which is characterized by grandiosity, arrogance, a sense of entitlement, a willingness to exploit others, and envy of others. The second narcissistic subtype consists of vulnerable narcissists. Vulnerable narcissists harbor hidden grandiose expectations beneath a facade of modesty which results in anxiety, defensiveness, and oversensitivity. Both subtypes share certain characteristics such as arrogance and the disregard for the needs of others as well as being characterized by poor interpersonal relationships. The present study investigates the relationship between these narcissistic subtypes and contingent self-esteem. Individuals with contingent self-esteem base their feelings of self-worth on perceived success or failure in important domains (Crocker & Wolfe, 2001). For some individuals, self-esteem is based on physical attractiveness, for others, it may be based upon the approval they receive from others, or on whether they make good grades in college. We predicted that vulnerable narcissists will base more of their self-esteem on meeting external contingencies (e.g., others' approval and physical appearance) than grandiose narcissists. To examine our hypothesis, data were collected from 156 undergraduate participants. These participants completed measures of grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, self-esteem, and contingent self-esteem. The results of the present suggest that vulnerable narcissists are more likely than grandiose narcissists to base their feelings of self-worth on domains requiring validation by external sources. Discussion will focus on the implications of contingent self-esteem for vulnerable narcissists.

THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER ROLE IDENTITY AND GENDER RELATED TRAITS ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF SEVERITY IN SAME AND CROSS-SEX SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

Annie Smith, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

When assessing situations of sexual harassment, gender-role identity held by the individual observing the harassment strongly influences the perception of both the perpetrator and victim as well as the perception of severity. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in the perception of same and cross-sex sexual harassment. Specifically, individuals classified as being high feminine, high masculine, and high dominant were compared to low feminine, low masculine, and low dominant individuals based upon their scores from the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)-Short Form. It was hypothesized that 1) individuals who score high on the femininity scale would perceive cross-sex sexual harassment more severe than individuals who score low on the femininity scale 2) individuals who score high on the masculinity scale would perceive same-sex sexual harassment more severe than individuals who score low on the masculinity scale and 3) individuals that are more dominant would perceive same-sex sexual harassment as more severe than individuals that are less dominant. Undergraduate students (N = 106) with a mean age of 22 were given the BSRI and viewed a video that depicted both same-sex and cross-sex sexual harassment scenarios. Using a 5-point likert scale, participants rated the severity of the scenarios. Analyses revealed that high feminine individuals significantly perceived female to male sexual harassment as more severe; however, the other hypotheses were not supported. This present study attempts to fill the gap of the lack of information comparing same and cross-sex sexual harassment.

EFFECTS OF MODAFINIL ON WORKING MEMORY

Monica Stevens* and John McCoy, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Modafinil is a relatively new wake-promoting drug traditionally used to treat narcolepsy. Recent studies have shown modafinil to induce cognitive benefits, particularly as related to memory. Of particular interest within these studies is evidence that modafinil is especially beneficial to human subjects who exhibit low performance on working memory tasks. To further investigate this finding, low-performing male Wistar rats were tested in a delayed non-matching to position (DNMTP) task utilizing a Morris water maze. The apparatus presents animals with one of two choices in order to locate the escape platform. Each trial consisted of two swims called the information swim (IS) where the rat was oriented with the platform location, and the choice swim (CS) in which the platform was found in the quadrant opposite the IS. There were ten trials per day for three days, and rats were administered intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg of modafinil or a placebo thirty minutes prior to testing. Though rats given the drug showed an increase in performance accuracy on the first two days, there was a decline in performance on the third day. Rats given modafinil did not show a significant increase in performance accuracy over the control group overall, which may be attributable to the brevity of the testing period. Further research using low-performing animals should be conducted in order to obtain more conclusive results.

INTEGRATING DATA ANALYSIS IN THE SOCIOLOGY CURRICULUM

James Hill* and Cliff Holley, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677

The University of Mississippi's Integrating Data Analysis (IDA) project experimented with a different approach for improving quantitative literacy in lower division sociology classes by implementing census exercise modules into an online section of introductory sociology. Our stated goal for the project was to evaluate the cost and benefits of such an endeavor. In addition to measuring the extra instructional effort involved in the creation, installation, and grading of quantitative modules, we also measured the difference in learning outcomes between an experimental section and a control section. The university currently uses A New Global Environment for Learning (ANGEL) as its online teaching platform. During the fall 2005 semester, the department opened two sections of Sociology 101 to be taught online using the ANGEL program. Students were randomly placed into the two web-based sections designated Section 1 (the experimental group) and Section 2 (the control group). Section 1 was assigned five quantitative exercises during the semester, while Section 2 was taught in the "traditional" manner. Both sections were administered the same IDA assessment at the end of the semester.