Physical activity and adolescent female psychological development

This study explored the relationship between self-reported past and present physical activity levels and high school adolescent women's self-image, sense of mastery, gender role identity, self-perceived physical ability, and self-perceived attractiveness. The Offer Self-image Questionnaire and the Bem Sex Role Inventory were administered to 149 high school adolescent women who were categorized as either physically active, physically inactive, decreasing in physical activity, or increasing physical activity. Results indicated the physically active group members reported self-image and coping characteristics that were significantly more positive than those reported by the physically inactive group members. They also reported significantly more masculine and feminine characteristics and higher physical ability ratings than inactive group members. The decreased activity group did not differ from any of the other groups. These results suggest that physical activity in adolescence, in comparison with physical inactivity, is associated with healthier emotional expression and emotional control, and higher levels of perceived mastery and coping skills for adolescent women. A decrease in physical activity over the course of adolescence does not necessarily result in psychological distress for adolescent women.Received Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Michigan State University. Major interests are concepts of the self, psychological health, and developmental psychology.Received Ph.D. in sport psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Current research interests include social cognitions in sport and physical activity and the role of sport and physical activity in adolescent development.     

Feminists on peace,war and ecology

Diana E.H. Russell (ed.) Exposing Nuclear Phallacies (Pergamon Press, The Athene Series), New York, 1989; Birgit Brock Utne, Feminist Perspectives on Peace and Education (Pergamon Press, The Athene Series), New York, 1989; H. Patricia Hynes, The Recurring Silent Spring (Pergamon Press, The Athene Series), New York, 1989.     

Heroes, Villains and Women: Representations of Latin America in The Voyage by Fernando Solanas

This article provides a close study of Solanas's most ambitious film, The Voyage ( El viaje ). It examines the director's attempts to create a model of Latin American cinema in opposition to Hollywood aesthetics. The paper discusses the extent to which Solanas is successful in this project, and examines the ways in which he has been faithful to his political views. In addition, the paper challenges the film's representations of women, arguing that in this respect The Voyage fails in its attempts at radical filmmaking; the hero's quest is seen in patriarchal terms and the female characters are marginalized.     

Research in progress: A report on policies of access to aid as a medical treatment in the U.K.

This paper is the first research report of a comprehensive study of AID as a medical treatment in the U.K. It examines the policies that determine who is able to receive AID when it is administered by doctors in medical clinics. Findings from the survey upon which this report is based indicate that AID treatment is administered under highly discriminatory policies. Women's access to treatment is restricted according to marital status, sexual preference, disability and costs. By operating under restrictive policies, doctor's discretion and medical jurisdiction extends beyond the immediate concerns of the health of patients and into the realm of social control.