Female college students and cosmetic surgery: an investigation of experiences, attitudes, and body image

This large, multisite study investigated female college students' experiences with and attitudes about cosmetic surgery. The study also assessed the relationship between several aspects of body image, including appearance satisfaction and investment and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, and interest in cosmetic surgery. Thirty (5 percent) of the 559 women surveyed reported that they had undergone cosmetic surgery. Two thirds of respondents reported knowing someone who had received cosmetic surgery, and approximately one third indicated that a family member had undergone surgery. Overall, participants held relatively favorable attitudes about surgery. Regression analysis suggested that a greater psychological investment in physical appearance and greater internalization of mass media images of beauty predicted more favorable attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Fourteen women (2.5 percent) screened positive for body dysmorphic disorder based on the nature and severity of their self-reported body-image concerns. Results of this study provide new information on young women's experiences and attitudes about cosmetic surgery and how these attitudes relate to body image.     

Changes in obesity-related attitudes in women seeking weight reduction

Objective: To examine changes in obesity‐related attitudes in a sample of obese women who participated in either dieting or non‐dieting interventions. Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 123 obese women were randomly assigned to one of three weight control programs: meal replacement diet, balanced deficit diet, or a non‐dieting program. (The first two groups were combined as a single dieting condition.) Participants completed questionnaires (at baseline, Week 20, and Week 40) to assess beliefs and attitudes about obesity, along with measures of self‐esteem, depression, and body image. Results: At Weeks 20 and 40, participants in the non‐dieting condition reported significantly less negativity about obesity than those in the dieting group. Women in the dieting condition did not report an increase in negative attitudes toward obesity, despite losing significantly more weight than non‐dieting participants. Both groups experienced improvements in self‐esteem, body image, and depressive symptoms. Improvement in self‐esteem was associated with a reduction in negativity about obesity and with improvements in body image. Discussion: The non‐dieting program produced greater reductions in negative attitudes toward obesity than the dieting intervention. Dieting (with successful weight loss), however, did not result in greater negativity toward obesity. Non‐dieting programs seem to be useful in obese women for improving self‐esteem, body image, and internalized negative attitudes about obesity.     

Discount cosmetic surgery: industry trends and strategies for success

Discount cosmetic surgery is a topic of interest to plastic surgeons. To understand this trend and its effects on plastic surgeons, it is necessary to review the economics of cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery's practice environment, and the broader business principles of service industries.Recent work looked at the economics of the plastic surgery market. This analysis demonstrated that increased local density of plastic surgeons was associated with lower adjusted fees for cosmetic procedures. A survey of plastic surgeons about their practice environment revealed that 93 percent categorized the majority of their patients as very or moderately price-sensitive. Fully 98 percent described their business climate as very or moderately competitive and most plastic surgeons thought they lost a sizable number of cosmetic patients within the last year for reasons of price.A standard industry analysis, when applied to cosmetic surgery, reveals the following: an increased number of surgeons leads to lower fees (reducing their bargaining power as suppliers), patients are price-sensitive (increasing their bargaining power as buyers), and there are few barriers to entry among providers (allowing potential new entrants into the market). Such a situation is conducive to discounting taking hold-and even becoming the industry norm.In this environment, business strategy dictates there are three protocols for success: discounting, differentiation, and focus. Discounting joins the trend toward cutting fees. Success comes from increasing volume and efficiency and thus preserving profits. Differentiation creates an industrywide perception of uniqueness; this requires broadly positioning plastic surgeons as holders of a distinct brand identity separate from other "cosmetic surgeons." The final strategy is to focus on a particular buyer group to develop a market niche, such as establishing a "Park Avenue" practice catering to patients who demand a prestigious surgeon, although this is likely a small segment of the overall patient population. Plastic surgeons that buck the trend toward discount cosmetic surgery must take concrete and potentially costly steps to implement a plausible strategy for distinguishing their practices within the crowded cosmetic surgery market.     

Weight-specific health-related quality of life in adolescents with extreme obesity

The objectives of this multisite study were to: (i) examine differences by gender and race on generic and weight- specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with extreme obesity (BMI > or = 40 kg/m(2)) and (ii) explore HRQOL differences based on treatment pursued (behavioral vs. bariatric surgery). Study participants included 145 obese adolescents (mean age = 15.3 years; 68% female; 46% black; mean BMI = 50.6) referred to pediatric weight management programs. Participants completed generic (PedsQL) and weight-specific (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Kids (IWQOL-Kids)) HRQOL measures. Generic and weight-specific measures indicated global (e.g., all domains) HRQOL impairment and significant differences by race. Physical, emotional, and social scores of the PedsQL (Ps < 0.01) and the physical comfort and body esteem scores of the IWQOL-Kids (Ps < 0.001) were significantly higher for black compared to white adolescents with extreme obesity. Extremely obese adolescents pursuing bariatric surgery reported similar HRQOL to adolescents pursuing behavioral treatment (n = 30 matched pairs). HRQOL did not differ for extremely obese adolescents based on type of treatment sought, but race/ethnicity should be considered when characterizing these youth. Although racial differences in adolescent body image/esteem have been reported, it is unknown why black adolescents with extreme obesity would report less impact of weight on their physical functioning. Overall, these data suggest that HRQOL is not homogenous in adolescents with extreme obesity.     

Genital cutting and western discourses on sexuality

This article explores dominant discourses surrounding male and female genital cutting. Over a similar period of time, these genital operations have separately been subjected to scrutiny and criticism. However, although critiques of female circumcision have been widely taken up, general public opinion toward male circumcision remains indifferent. This difference cannot merely be explained by the natural attributes and effects of these practices. Rather, attitudes toward genital cutting reflect historically and culturally specific understandings of the human body. In particular, I suggest that certain problematic understandings of male and female sexuality are deeply implicated in the dominant Western discourses on genital surgery.     

Gender Differences in Shame in Patients with Binge‐Eating Disorder

Objective: To examine the relationship between shame and the behavioral and attitudinal features of eating disorders in men and women diagnosed with binge‐eating disorder (BED). Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 188 consecutively evaluated adults (38 men and 150 women) who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria for BED. Participants were interviewed and completed a battery of measures assessing shame, behavioral and attitudinal features of eating disorders, and general psychological functioning. Results: Shame did not differ significantly by gender and was not associated with BMI or binge‐eating frequency. Shame was significantly associated with the attitudinal features of eating disorders, even after controlling for levels of depression and self‐esteem. When considered separately by gender and controlling for depression and self‐esteem, shame was associated with body dissatisfaction in men and with weight concern in women. Discussion: Men and women with BED, who presented for treatment, reported similar levels of shame. Overall, while shame was related to attitudinal features, the specific associations differed by gender. For men, shame was related to how dissatisfied they felt with their bodies, whereas for women, shame was associated with concerns about weight. Interestingly, shame was not related to BMI or binge‐eating frequency in men or women. These results provide preliminary support for self‐conscious emotions playing different roles in men and women with BED.     

Teasing History,Onset of Obesity,Current Eating Disorder Psychopathology,Body Dissatisfaction,and Psychological Functioning in Binge Eating Disorder

Objective: The primary goal of this study was to examine associations among teasing history, onset of obesity, current eating disorder psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, and psychological functioning in women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 115 female adults who met DSM‐IV criteria for BED. Measurements assessing teasing history (general appearance [GAT] and weight and size [WST] teasing), current eating disorder psychopathology (binge frequency, eating restraint, and concerns regarding eating, shape, and weight), body dissatisfaction, and psychological functioning (depression and self‐esteem) were obtained. Results: History of GAT, but not WST, was associated with current weight concerns and body dissatisfaction, whereas both GAT and WST were significantly associated with current psychological functioning. Patients with earlier onset of obesity reported more WST than patients with later onset of obesity, but the groups did not differ significantly in GAT, current eating disorder psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, or psychological functioning. Obese women reported more WST than non‐obese women, but no differences in GAT or the other outcome variables were observed. Higher frequency of GAT was associated with greater binge frequency in obese women, and with greater eating restraint in non‐obese women. Discussion: Although physical appearance teasing history is not associated with variability in most eating disorder psychopathology, it is associated with related functioning, most notably body dissatisfaction, depression, and self‐esteem. Our findings also suggest that the age of onset of obesity and current body mass index status in isolation are not associated with eating psychopathology or associated psychological functioning in adult patients with BED.     

Should breast reduction surgery be rationed? A comparison of the health status of patients before and after treatment: postal questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the health status of patients before and after breast reduction surgery and to make comparisons with the health status of women in the general population. DESIGN: Postal questionnaire survey sent to patients before and six months after surgery. SETTING: The three plastic surgery departments in the Oxford Regional Health Authority, during April to August 1993. SUBJECTS: 166 women (over the age of 16 years) referred for breast reduction; scores from the "short form 36" (SF-36) health questionnaire completed by women in the 1991-2 Oxford healthy life survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Health status of breast reduction patients before and after surgery as assessed by the SF-36, the 28 item general health questionnaire, and Rosenberg''s self esteem scale; comparisons between the health status of breast reduction patients and that of women in the general population; outcome of surgery as assessed retrospectively by patients. RESULTS: Differences between the health status of breast reduction patients and that of women in the general population were detected by the SF-36 both before and after surgery. Breast reduction surgery produced substantial change in patients'' physical, social, and psychological function. The proportion of cases of possible psychiatric morbidity according to the general health questionnaire fell from 41% (22/54) before surgery to 11% (6/54) six months after treatment. Eighty six per cent (50/58) of patients expressed great satisfaction with the surgical result postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The study provides empirical evidence that supports the inclusion of breast reduction surgery in NHS purchasing contracts.     

Female genital mutilation and cosmetic surgery: regulating non-therapeutic body modification

In the UK, female genital mutilation is unlawful, not only when performed on minors, but also when performed on adult women. The aim of our paper is to examine several arguments which have been advanced in support of this ban and to assess whether they are sufficient to justify banning female genital mutilation for competent, consenting women. We proceed by comparing female genital mutilation, which is banned, with cosmetic surgery, towards which the law has taken a very permissive stance. We then examine the main arguments for the prohibition of the former, assessing in each case both (a) whether the argument succeeds in justifying the ban and, if so, (b) whether a parallel argument would not also support a ban on the latter. We focus on the following arguments. Female genital mutilation should be unlawful because: (1) no woman could validly consent to it; (2) it is an oppressive and sexist practice; (3) it involves the intentional infliction of injury; (4) it causes offence. Our view is that arguments (3) and (4) are unsound and that, although arguments (1) and (2) may be sound, they support not only a ban on female genital mutilation, but also one on (some types of) cosmetic surgery. Hence, we conclude that the present legal situation in the UK is ethically unsustainable in one of the following ways. Either the ban on female genital mutilation is unjustified because arguments (1) and (2) are not in fact successful; or the law's permissive attitude towards cosmetic surgery is unjustified because arguments (1) and (2) are in fact successful and apply equally to female genital mutilation and (certain forms of) cosmetic surgery. The people of the countries where female genital mutilation is practised resent references to 'barbaric practices imposed on women by male-dominated primitive societies', especially when they look at the Western world and see women undergoing their own feminization rites intended to increase sexual desirability: medically dangerous forms of cosmetic plastic surgery, for instance....     

Obesity‐Related Knowledge,Attitudes, and Behaviors in Obese and Non‐obese Urban Philadelphia Female Adolescents

Objectives: To examine relationships between knowledge, attitudinal and behavioral factors, and obesity and to determine how these factors influence obesity status in west Philadelphia female adolescents. Research Methods and Procedures: A matched‐pairs study was conducted with 32 stature‐ and age‐matched pairs of obese (body mass index and triceps skinfold ≥95th percentile of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I) and non‐obese (body mass index and triceps skinfold between the 15th and 85th percentiles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I) female African American adolescents (aged 11 to 15 years), selected from a school‐based study sample, based on obesity status and matching criteria. Adolescents were compared on the following measures: physical activity, inactivity, dietary intake, eating attitudes, health behavior knowledge, body image, self‐esteem, and maturation status. Differences between obese and non‐obese females were tested using paired t tests and Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests. Results: Physical activity, inactivity, and perception of ideal body size emerged as the most important contributory factors to obesity status. There were no statistically significant matched‐pair differences in macronutrient and micronutrient intakes, self‐esteem, eating attitudes, health behavior knowledge, or maturation status of these adolescents. Obese adolescents had significantly lower levels of physical activity, higher inactivity, and a larger perception of ideal body size than non‐obese adolescents. Discussion: Knowledge and attitudinal factors (with the exception of perception of ideal body size) had far less association with obesity than activity‐related behavioral factors. These findings suggest that future intervention strategies should pay particular attention to physical activity, inactivity, and body image attitudes.     

Childhood Maltreatment in Extremely Obese Male and Female Bariatric Surgery Candidates**

Objective: To examine rates of self‐reported childhood maltreatment in extremely obese bariatric surgery candidates and to explore associations with sex, eating disorder features, and psychological functioning. Research Methods and Procedures: Three hundred forty (58 men and 282 women) extremely obese consecutive candidates for gastric bypass surgery completed a questionnaire battery. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was given to assess childhood maltreatment. Results: Overall, 69% of patients self‐reported childhood maltreatment: 46% reported emotional abuse, 29% reported physical abuse, 32% reported sexual abuse, 49% reported emotional neglect, and 32% reported physical neglect. Except for higher rates of emotional abuse reported by women, different forms of maltreatment did not differ significantly by sex. Different forms of maltreatment were generally not associated with binge eating, current BMI, or eating disorder features. At the Bonferonni‐corrected significance level, emotional abuse was associated with higher eating concerns and body dissatisfaction, and emotional neglect was associated with higher eating concerns. In terms of psychological functioning, at the Bonferonni‐corrected level, emotional abuse and emotional neglect were associated with higher depression and lower self‐esteem, and physical abuse was associated with higher depression. Discussion: Extremely obese bariatric surgery candidates reported rates of maltreatment comparable with those reported by clinical groups and roughly two to three times higher than normative community samples. Reported experiences of maltreatment differed little by sex and were generally not significantly associated with current BMI, binge eating, or eating disorder features. In contrast, maltreatment—notably emotional abuse and neglect—were significantly associated with higher depression and lower self‐esteem.     

A FRAME response to the Draft Report on Alternative (Non-animal) Methods for Cosmetics Testing: Current Status and Future Prospects--2010

This response on behalf of FRAME to the European Commission's consultation on the five chapters of the Draft Report on Alternative (Non-animal) Methods for Cosmetics Testing: Current Status and Future Prospects--2010, is via a Comment in ATLA, rather than via the template supplied by the Commission. This is principally so that a number of general points about cosmetic ingredient testing can be made. It is concluded that the five draft chapters do not provide a credible basis for the Commission's forthcoming report to the European Parliament and the European Council on the five cosmetic ingredient safety issues for which the 7th Amendment to the Cosmetic Directive's ban on animal testing was postponed until 2013. This is mainly because there is insufficient focus in the draft chapters on the specific nature of cosmetic ingredients, their uses, their local effects and metabolism at their sites of application, and, in particular, on whether their possible absorption into the body would be likely to lead to their accumulation in target sites at levels approaching Thresholds of Toxicological Concern. Meanwhile, there continues to be uncertainty about how the provisions of the Cosmetics Directive should be applied, given the requirements of the REACH system and directives concerned with the safety of other chemicals and products.     

The economics of plastic surgery practices: trends in income, procedure mix, and volume

Anecdotally, plastic surgeons have complained of working harder for the same or less income in recent years. They also complain of falling fees for reconstructive surgery and increasing competition for cosmetic surgery. This study examined these notions using the best available data. To gain a better understanding of the current plastic surgery market, plastic surgeon incomes, fees, volume, and relative mix of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery were analyzed between the years 1992 and 2002. To gain a broader perspective, plastic surgeon income trends were then compared with those of other medical specialties and of nonmedical professions. The data show that in real dollars, plastic surgeon incomes have remained essentially steady in recent years, despite plastic surgeons increasing their surgery load by an average of 41 percent over the past 10 years. The overall income trend is similar to that of members of other medical specialties and other nonmedical professionals. The average practice percentage of cosmetic surgery was calculated and found to have increased from 27 percent in 1992 to 58 percent in 2002. This most likely can be explained by the findings that real dollar fees collected for cosmetic surgery have decreased very slightly, whereas those for reconstructive procedures have experienced sharp declines. This study demonstrates that plastic surgeons have adjusted their practice profiles in recent years. They have increased their case loads and shifted their practices toward cosmetic surgery, most likely with the goal of maintaining their incomes. The strategy appears to have been successful in the short term. However, with increasing competition and falling prices for cosmetic surgery, it may represent a temporary bulwark for plastic surgeon incomes unless other steps are taken.     

Promoting More Modest Weight Losses: A Pilot Study

Objective: This pilot study assessed the short‐ and long‐term effects of a modified cognitive behavioral treatment designed to facilitate obese patients’ acceptance of a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 17 women with a mean age of 46.5 ± 9.7 years and BMI of 34.7 ± 2.9 kg/m². They participated in a 40‐week program that included four phases. The first discussed the benefits of modest weight losses and the potential adverse effects of unrealistic expectations. Phase II provided instruction in traditional cognitive behavioral methods of weight control Phase III focused on methods to improve body image and self‐esteem. Phase IV addressed skills for weight maintenance. Changes in weight, self‐esteem, body image, and quality of life were assessed at the end of treatment and 1 year later (week 92). Results: At week 40, participants lost an average of 5.7 ± 5.3% of initial weight, which was associated with significant improvements in body image, self‐esteem, and quality of life. Improvements in psychosocial status were maintained at week 92, although mean weight loss at this time had declined to 2.9 ± 5.6% of initial weight. Increased satisfaction with body weight at week 40 was associated with significantly better maintenance of weight loss at follow‐up (r = ?0.70; p = 0.02). Discussion: Having participants seek only modest initial weight losses does not appear to facilitate weight maintenance. However, increasing patients’ satisfaction with their body weight at the end of treatment may help improve weight maintenance. More research is needed on the relation between satisfaction with initial weight loss and long‐term success.     

Discrimination against gay,lesbian and bisexual family physicians by patients

BACKGROUND: Discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) patients by physicians is well known. Discrimination against GLB physicians by their colleagues and superiors is also well known and includes harassment, denial of positions and refusal to refer patients to them. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify the attitudes of patients toward GLB physicians. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with 500 randomly selected people living in a large urban Canadian city. Subjects were asked if they would refuse to see a GLB family physician and, if so, to describe the reason why. They were then given a choice of 6 reasons obtained from consultation with 10 GLB people and 10 heterosexual people. RESULTS: Of the 500 subjects 346 (69.2%) were reached and agreed to participate. Of the 346 respondents 41 (11.8%) stated that they would refuse to see a GLB family physician. The 2 most common reasons for the discrimination (prevalence rate more than 50%) were that GLB physicians would be incompetent and the respondent would feel "uncomfortable" having a GLB physician. Although more male than female respondents discriminated against GLB physicians, the difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of male and female respondents who discriminated increased with age (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The observed prevalence of patient discrimination against GLB family physicians is significant. The results suggest that the discrimination is based on emotional reasons and is not related to such factors as misinformation about STDs and fear of being thought of sexually. Therefore, educational efforts should be directed against general perceptions of homosexuality rather than targeting specific medical concerns.     

Psychosocial predictors of 4‐year BMI change in overweight and obese children in primary care

Objective:

This study aimed to determine whether (( 1 ) ) initial and/or (( 2 ) ) changes in psychosocial functioning predict body mass index (BMI) z‐score change over 4 years in overweight/mildly obese 5‐ to 9‐year old children presenting to primary care.

Design and Methods:

Eligible participants (n = 258) were overweight/mildly obese children (IOTF criteria) recruited into the LEAP2 trial (ISRCTN52511065) from 3,958 children visiting general practitioners in Melbourne, Australia from May 2005 to July 2006. Predictors were change scores calculated from repeated measures of parent‐ and child‐reported child health‐related quality of life (PedsQL) and self‐esteem; child‐reported desire to be thinner; and parent‐reported child weight concern. Outcome was measured BMI z‐score change from baseline to 4 years.

Results:

The 189 respondents (61% female; 73% retention) showed little mean change in BMI z‐score (?0.08) but wide variation (standard deviation 0.50, range ?1.32 to 1.20). Only one baseline measure (better parent‐reported PedsQL School Functioning) predicted improving BMI z‐score. However, parents and children consistently reported that changes in psychosocial functioning (i.e., PedsQL Social and Global Self‐esteem) were inversely related to BMI z‐score change scores. The strongest predictors of decreases in BMI z‐scores were changes in child‐reported body‐image variables, i.e., improvements in Physical Appearance Self‐esteem (β =0.40, 95% CI ?0.98 to ?0.15, P < 0.01) and declines in Desire to be Thinner (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.23, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

At presentation to primary care, it seems unlikely that targeting the psychosocial factors measured in this study would influence BMI z‐score change in overweight/mildly obese children. Subsequent change in psychosocial well‐being covaries with BMI z‐score change and may have important adolescent ramifications; the causal directions for these associations require further research.

     

Weight Stigmatization and Ideological Beliefs: Relation to Psychological Functioning in Obese Adults

Objective: This study evaluated the relation among weight‐based stigmatization, ideological beliefs about weight, and psychological functioning in an obese, treatment‐seeking sample. Research Methods and Procedure: Ninety‐three obese, treatment‐seeking adults (24 men and 69 women) completed a battery of self‐report questionnaires measuring psychological adjustment, attitudes about weight, belief in the controllability of weight, and the frequency of weight‐based stigmatization. Results: Weight‐based stigmatization was a common experience for participants. Frequency of stigmatizing experiences was positively associated with depression, general psychiatric symptoms, and body image disturbance, and negatively associated with self‐esteem. Further, participants’ own negative attitudes about weight problems were associated with their psychological distress and moderated the relation between the experience of stigmatization and body image. Discussion: Weight‐based stigmatization is a common experience for obese individuals seeking weight loss treatment and appears to contribute to poor mental health adjustment. The negative effects of these experiences are particularly damaging for those who hold strong antifat beliefs.     

Evidence for MHC-correlated perfume preferences in humans

Fragrances have been used since at least 5000 years ago andall traditional scents are found in modern perfumes. Althoughperfumes are obviously involved in sexual communication, thesignificance of great individual differences in preferencefor fragrances is an evolutionary puzzle. The major histocompatibilitycomplex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic and conserved set of genes that plays an important role in immune function in vertebrates.Both mice and humans have been shown to prefer the body odorof potential partners that have a dissimilar MHC genotype,which would result in heterozygous offspring. We tested whetherindividual preferences for perfume ingredients correlate witha person's MHC genotype. The human MHC is called HLA (human leukocyte antigen). A total of 137 male and female studentswho had been typed for their MHC (HLA-A, -B, -DR) scored 36scents in a first test for use on self ("Would you like tosmell like that yourself?") and a subset of 18 scents 2 yearslater either for use on self or for a potential partner ("Wouldyou like your partner to smell like that?"). An overall analysisshowed a significant correlation between the MHC and the scoringsof the scents "for self" in both tests. In a detailed analysiswe found a significant interaction of the two most common HLAswith the rating of the 36 scents in the first study as wellas with the 18 scents in the second study when evaluated forself. This result suggests that persons who share, for example,HLA-A2, have a similar preference for any of the perfume ingredients.The significant repeatability of these preferences in the two tests showed that the volunteers that had either HLA-A1 or HLA-A2were significantly consistent in their preferences for theperfume ingredients offered. Hardly any significant correlationbetween MHC genotype and ratings of the scents "for partner"were found. This agrees with the hypothesis that perfumes areselected "for self" to amplify in some way body odors thatreveal a person's immunogenetics.     

Primates Face to Face: Conservation Implications of Human–Nonhuman Primate Interconnections Edited by Agustín Fuentes and Linda D. Wolfe

ABSTRACT

Sterilization of companion animals is in most cases an expression of the caretaker's will. However, little is known about caretakers' attitudes toward pet sterilization in general—these can influence their decision to sterilize their own animals. Three hundred and twelve Romanian caretakers of non-sterilized companion animals (194 women and 118 men) were surveyed before the implementation of a pet management program in Transylvania, the North-Western part of Romania. The caretakers were administered a questionnaire that gathered demographic data and measured their general attitude toward pet sterilization and their attitude toward the sterilization of their own pet (male or female). Questionnaires were filled in by caretakers of 202 dogs and 110 cats. Romanian pet owners showed an overall level of slight disagreement toward the sterilization of companion animals. Gender-biased attitudes of the Romanian caretakers toward the sterilization of their own pets emerged only when the sex of the animals was taken into consideration, regardless of the type of pet. Romanian men disagreed with neutering male pets while Romanian women were more likely to agree with neutering male pets. No gender difference was detected regarding the spaying of female pets, with both genders showing a slight level of disagreement. The results are discussed from sociological, anthropological, and evolutionary perspectives.     

Identification of superior parents and crosses in potato breeding programmes

 The effectiveness of parent per se performance and their self values in the selection of superior parents and crosses in potato breeding programmes was studied by evaluating progenies of 72 crosses from 18×4 (female×male) matings, parents and their selfs for ten agronomically important characters for three successive generations. Simple correlation coefficients were computed between parent per se performance versus general combining ability effects, female per se performance versus progeny means of females, female self values versus progeny means of females, mid-parent values versus progeny means of crosses and mid-self values versus progeny means of crosses. The magnitude of the significant correlation coefficients showed that progeny means of crosses could be moderately predicted by the mid-self values for plant vigour and general impression in clonal generations. Similarly, the progeny means of females in clonal generations could be predicted by their per se performance for general impression. Female self values in the second clonal generation were moderately associated with progeny means of females in that generation for general impression and plant vigour. Parent per se performance and mid-parent values were, in general, ineffective in predicting the general combining ability and the progeny means of the crosses, respectively. The poor predictive powers of parent per se performance and mid-parent values are discussed in relation to the relative importance of specific and general combining ability effects. Received: 23 April 1997 / Accepted: 6 August 1997