Drug use and life style among college undergraduates in 1989: a comparison with 1969 and 1978

Article Abstract:

Recreational drug use among young people seems to follow trends over time. This was revealed by researchers who administered anonymous questionnaires to college seniors at the same institution in 1969, 1978, and 1989. Drug 'users' were those who had tried an illicit drug at least once. The 1989 results revealed that use of virtually all drugs except alcohol had decreased since the previous study; this is in contrast to a rise in reported drug use between 1969 and 1978. Weekly marijuana use was reported by 5.7 percent of the 1989 group, compared with 26 percent of the 1978 group. No significant differences were found between the user and nonuser groups in their course grades or participation in various activities such as athletics, clubs, and political organizations. The 1969 survey elicited a large positive response to the question of whether students felt ''alienated from American society,'' but this produced few responses among both user and nonuser groups in the 1989 survey. Two factors continuously distinguished drug users from nonusers in all three surveys: visits to a psychiatrist and sexual activity. Significantly more drug users reported visiting a psychiatrist a few or more times, and drug users reported significantly higher rates of sexual activity than nonusers. These differences between users and nonusers may reflect differences in attitudes and values, rather than being the result of drug use. Further periodic surveys will help to clarify the causes of these changing trends. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

History, Substance abuse, Drug use, Drug utilization, Drug monitoring

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Semen-loss syndrome: a comparison between Sri Lanka and Japan

Article Abstract:

The practice of medicine varies by culture and is influenced by culturally-based belief systems. One such cultural belief is that semen is important in maintaining the body's proper balance and functioning. In some societies, such as in Sri Lanka, the conservation of semen is believed to be essential for health. It is also thought that the loss of semen through male homosexual intercourse, nocturnal emissions, and masturbation invariably lead to ill health. To investigate claims that maladies were due to semen loss, 35 patients in Sri Lanka who complained of illnesses related to semen loss completed an attitude survey. Common symptoms included anxiety about marriage and sexual performance (32 and the 35 patients were single), weakness, fatigue, impotence, and a variety of physical complaints. Two hundred fifty-four undergraduate students in Sri Lanka completed the survey as well, and the survey was given to 516 Japanese undergraduates for cross-cultural comparison. Attitudes regarding semen loss were more negative for students in Sri Lanka than for a similar group in Japan. The most negative scores were obtained by the group of patients from Sri Lanka. It is hypothesized that the more negative attitudes toward semen loss found in Sri Lanka may be explained by cultural attitudes and beliefs, since there are no known physiological reasons for the illnesses to be due to semen loss. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Japan, Sri Lanka, Psychosexual disorders

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Conceptualizing a nonnatural entity: anthropomorphism in God concepts

Article Abstract:

Anthropomorphism exists in conceptualizing nonnatural entity of God. College students use anthropomorphic concepts of God in story-processing tasks that are unintentionally contradictory to the reported theological beliefs that discard anthropomorphism. Increasing awareness of personal theological beliefs decreases the degree of anthropomorphization. The tendency for anthropomorphic characterization generalizes to other nonhuman entities besides God such as, super-computers and other super-agents. Anthropomorphism may prevail because of an inadequate understanding of nonnatural entities.

Research, Anthropomorphism, Image of God

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