Traditional (18-22 years of age) and nontraditional (35-44 years of age)female students were compared on various aspects of their social support systems, child care, psychological functioning (depression and anxiety), and academic performance. Traditional students exhibited poorer psychological functioning when they were less satisfied with their emotional support network. In contrast, psychological functioning within the nontraditional students was independent of the amount and satisfaction with their emotional and instrumental social support resources. Despite having fewer sources of support, nontraditional students reported better academic performance than did the traditional students.

This study examined the effects of expressions of humor and physical attractiveness on desire for future interaction in various types of heterosexual relationships. Humor was manipulated using interview transcripts containing humorous self-deprecating responses: physical attractiveness was manipulated using photographs. Men were found to emphasize physical attractiveness more than did women for dating, sexual intercourse, and a serious relationship. Consistent with the Social Transformation Model of Humor introduced in this article, individuals, particularly men, expressing humor were rated as more desirable than nonhumorous individuals for a serious relationship and marriage, but only when these individuals were physically attractive. Humorous individuals were perceived to be more cheerful but less intellectual than nonhumorous individuals. The Social Transformation Model appears to be a valuable way of looking at the interaction of humor and physical attractiveness. Directions for future research based on this model are discussed.

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Analysis of calls made to a northern Canadian Inuit crisis line in the territory of Nunavut between 1991 and 2001 revealed that the majority of users were adult females who called to discuss problems primarily related to relationships and loneliness/boredom. Younger callers tended to make prank calls. The volunteer staff used mostly empathetic listening and suggestions. Referral recommendations made were primarily to social services. Although some callers experienced a language barrier, others found the service to be helpful. Results suggest that the crisis line was underused by young Inuit males who represent a group that are most in need of crisis intervention.

Affecting approximately 9.4% of the population worldwide, acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Medical students are exposed to higher levels of stress and have a higher prevalence of acne. However, the risk factors and the impact of acne on medical students' mental health remains poorly understood. The aim of this literature review is to: (i) summarize the prevalence and risk factors of acne vulgaris in medical students and (ii) highlight the impact of psychological consequences of acne in medical students. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE in OVID, using variations in the following search terms: acne vulgaris, medical students, self-esteem, psychology, psychiatry, suicide, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, positive and negative effects, psychological well-being, anxiety, and depression. Studies that stated the prevalence or risk factors of acne vulgaris and/or examined the association between psychosocial effects and acne vulgaris in medical students were included. Eleven cross-sectional studies were included. The prevalence of acne vulgaris in medical students ranged from 34.38% to 97.9% across nine studies. Review of these articles revealed that acne prevalence is associated with stress, gender differences, and lifestyle factors in medical students. Acne had many negative psychological and social impacts on medical students including negative self-image, lower confidence, embarrassment, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and impaired social behaviors. Further research on the intersection between acne vulgaris and the mental health of medical students is needed.