Nobody's Valentine: Lack of popularity can hurt kids' self esteem
Traditional Valentine's Day activities in the classroom can have a devastating effect on children's self esteem if the festivities turn into a popularity contest. Some children may be overcome by feelings of peer rejection when classmates are disproportionately exchanging cards, candy and small gifts. Rich Gilman, assistant professor of counseling, is an expert on kids' well-being and peer rejection. Contact Gilman at 404-651-3409 or [email protected].
Involuntary celibacy affects both singles and couples
Even on romantic holidays, physical intimacy eludes the "involuntarily celibate" - people who would like to have sex, but don't, according to experts on the topic. Georgia State sociologists Elisabeth Burgess and Denise Donnelly are conducting research that indicates involuntary celibacy isn't a problem restricted to older couples -- it affects people of all ages, both married and single. Often, involuntary celibacy stems from other problems in a person's life -- from perceptions of sex during childhood to unrealistic expectations of partners, they say. Contacts: Elisabeth Burgess, assistant professor of sociology, at 404-651-1845 or [email protected]; Denise Donnelly, associate professor of sociology, at 404-651-1852 or [email protected].
For better or worse: Testosterone fuels human behavior
The level of testosterone in our bodies plays a significant role in what kind of lovers or spouses we are, according to Georgia State psychology professor James Dabbs, who researches the hormone and its effect on human behavior. For example, "butch" partners in lesbian relationships have more testosterone than "femme" partners; men who are higher in testosterone are less likely to marry and more likely to divorce; and when sex is involved in a heterosexual couple's evening, both the man and the woman have higher levels of testosterone. Dabbs, author of Heroes, Rogues and Lovers, can give many more examples of how testosterone affects relationships. He can be reached at 404-651-1619 or [email protected].
Love songs are food for the soul
As a means of expression, love songs have unparalleled relevance in both past- and present-day society, according to music expert Alan Raines. Whether from the days of the Renaissance when composers set poetry to music or present-day sugary ballads, love songs are an important part of musical history and popular culture. Raines, an assistant professor music and director of choral activities at Georgia State, can talk about the importance of love songs and the role they play in relationships. Contact Raines at 404-651-1732 or [email protected].
Couple problems could be due to lack of "together time"
In the fast-paced world of cell phones, Palm Pilots and high-speed Internet access, couples are spending less time together. And with more emphasis on career building and maintaining a harried lifestyle, couples may allow a "poverty of time" to cause a rift in their relationships, says Georgia State counseling professor Roy Kern. Kern is an expert in assessing factors that contribute to the failures and successes of couples and families. He can be reached at (404) 651-3406 or [email protected].
University Relations contact: Betsy Robertson, 404-651-3572 [email protected]
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