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Biomedical subjects

D C Harper

Publications and source records attributed to D C Harper.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Long-term surveillance of high-risk children.

We followed a group of high-risk children, both those who passed early developmental screenings and those who did not. Three hundred sixty-two children who had previously passed screenings were evaluated at 5 years of age. Significant differences were found between this group and a comparison group in mean scores on verbal, perceptuomotor, and preacademic tests. Children who had previously failed screenings at or before 30 months of age were followed up through telephone interviews with referral agencies and records review. Ninety percent proved to have significant problems, and 67% were in special education programs at 5 years of age. This study demonstrates the need for long-term follow-up of high-risk children at least to the age of school entry.

Child↗
PubMed1986

"Mental imbalance" and the prediction of recurrent delinquent behavior.

Cognitive and personality patterns of 84 court-referred adolescents were examined to identify predictors of recurrent delinquent behavior. Continued behavioral problems at follow-up were more likely in adolescents with discrepancies between Verbal and Performance IQ or large differences between "neurotic" and "psychotic" scale elevations on the MMPI. Positive outcomes were most likely for adolescents who could be described as "mildly neurotic." Combining the discrepancy scores from the intelligence and personality tests with other background variables in a Bayesian conditional probability model resulted in accurate predictions of later behavior for 81% of the sample. These findings suggest that imbalances in cognitive and personality development may limit a delinquent adolescent's ability to interact appropriately with the environment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1986

Methodological issues in intergenerational family nursing research.

The intergenerational aspects of family health have received little attention in nursing theory and research despite their potential to yield valuable information related to health promotion and family relationships. Methodological issues unique to intergenerational research are discussed within the phases of the research process. Strategies for avoiding methodological problems are suggested and implications for family nursing research are identified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Child behavior toward the parent: a factor analysis of mothers' reports of disabled children.

The current study evaluated the generalizability of a parent-child rearing inventory designed for normal children and parents to a group of parents of disabled children. A total of 101 mothers of multihandicapped children completed a questionnaire (Parent Report of Child Behavior) reporting their child's behavior toward them in five areas: Positive Relationship, Detachment, Obedience, Independence, and Control Problems. Factor analysis of these mothers' responses revealed a qualitatively different set of underlying factors as contrasted to the original normative group. For mothers in this study, a positive relationship with their disabled child was contingent upon a combination of compliant behaviors (obeying rules, doing things independently, actively trying to please), all of which are likely associated with general child competence. The disabled child's age, intellectual level, degree of physical impairment, and number of nonhandicapped sibs influenced maternal report of child behavior.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Application of Orem's theoretical constructs to self-care medication behaviors in the elderly.

Research was conducted to apply Orem's theoretical constructs of self-care to the problem of self-medication behaviors among black, elderly, hypertensive patients. Orem's propositions laid the foundation for this study evaluating the effectiveness of a self-care medication program on knowledge of medication, health locus of control, and self-care medication behaviors. Data supported the conclusion that the experimental program initially improved knowledge of medication, perceived control over health, and self-care behaviors. Follow-up analysis revealed a diminutive effect on these variables. Explanations for these conclusions were then applied to Orem's theoretical constructs of self-care.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Personality correlates and degree of impairment in male adolescents with progressive and nonprogressive physical disorders.

Investigated the personality profiles (MMPI) of 44 adolescents with progressive (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and nonprogressive (mixed orthopedic) physical impairment to determine the relationship among personality correlates, disability type, functional level of impairment, and rapidity of decline in those with progressive disease. Both groups of males evidenced many similarities to severe physical limitations regardless of diagnosis or progression of their physical status. Common personality characteristics of increasing social inhibition, passiveness, and depression were identified as a response to the realities imposed on mobility and lifestyle. Little evidence was presented that supported clear and linear relationships between physical impairment and adjustment status as reflected by MMPI endorsement. Rapidity of decline in physical status in the progressive group was associated with increased report of social withdrawal and a constellation of behaviors suggestive of increased stress. Methodological problems in studying adjustment status in multihandicapped-heterogeneous disabilities were discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1983

Life outcomes and satisfaction ratings of multihandicapped adults.

Ten and 20 year longitudinal data were collected on 180 multihandicapped adults. Subjects completed a 50-item questionnaire which was divided into five sections: (a) living circumstances, (b) physical status, (c) social situation, (d) education, and (e) vocational training and employment. Respondents provided both outcome data and their satisfaction with those outcomes. The results indicated that most lived at home, were financially dependent and were not married. However, they reported that they were satisfied with these life outcomes and that they were very satisfied with their social activities. Few significant differences separated the age groups, suggesting that societal and legal changes over the last 20 years have had a limited impact. The variable most strongly related to life outcome and satisfaction with life outcome was functional status. In addition, perceived (self-reported) functional skills were highly correlated with more objective clinical ratings of functional status.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1980

Personality profiles of physically impaired young adults.

Investigated MMPI profile differences between two groups (N = 54) of young adults with dissimilar disabilities (cleft lip/palate, orthopedic) who displayed observable physical impairment. The results indicate that different forms of chronic observable disability may have differing impact on adult personality adjustment. The findings suggest that young adults with cleft lip/palate display fewer personality adjustment problems than those with orthopedic impairment. These results are discussed in relation to findings from a previous study of similar disability groups of adolescents.

Adolescent↗