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Objective: To examine differences between women family carers of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities and a group of women 'non-carers' in self-reported physical health, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, social support and feelings of overload. Method: Using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system, a random survey of more than 26,000 households was conducted in Victoria to identify and then interview a representative sample of family carers of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The women in the sample (n=857) were then compared with a sample of women with 'usual family responsibilities' (n=219)in terms of physical and emotional states. Results: We found higher rates of self-reported ill-health and use of medication, more negative effect, and less life satisfaction and perceived social support, among carers than among women in the comparison group. Even though the latter were more likely to be caring for one or more children, compared with the carers they reported less overload. Irrespective of carer status, women without partners expressed less life satisfaction, and more social isolation and negative effect. Conclusions and implications: The poorer health status and emotional wellbeing of carers compared with non-carers among women, and associations between overload, social isolation, negative effect and health problems within carers, point to a number of practical interventions such as promoting an awareness in GPs and other health professionals of the impact of caregiving on the health of their patients; informing them about relevant community services; and encouraging appropriate referrals.

The article discusses the provision of community service information to the caregivers of people with disabilities by general practitioners and pharmacists. Those two groups seem to be well placed to act as a service link for family carers, but additional high-intensity strategies would help them in this role.

As part of a wider study of family caregiving, a sample of 297 women caring for an ageing parent were identified through a random statewide telephone survey involving over 26,000 households in Victoria, Australia. In addition to elder care, half these women were in paid employment and a third had dependent children. Overload was highest for carers with multiple roles, particularly those of parent or worker. Resentment in the caring role was highest for those who had fewer roles apart from elder care, particularly those who had quit work, and those without a partner. Life satisfaction was higher for partnered and working carers. These findings highlight the need for structures to support carers to maintain multiple roles, including greater flexibility in the workplace and encouragement of greater reliance on informal networks and formal services, both of which require increased societal acknowledgment of the elder care role. KEY WORDS - daughter carers; elder care; role conflict; role relinquishment; overload; resentment.

A population-based study of family caregiving in Australia is discussed. Topics include relationships between caregivers and recipients; group differences; caregivers' characteristics including age, living arrangements, work status and duration of care; and care recipients' characteristics including difficult behaviors and need for assistance.

Data relating teacher achievement in and attitudes toward reading to their pupils' achievement in and attitudes about reading suggests that high achievement and positive attitudes on the part of teachers is reflected in students. (CJ)

Explanations are offered for observed discrepant and null findings in the area of predictive information about teacher effectiveness. It is argued that if tautologies are to be avoided, only product variables are appropriate criteria of success. Some recommendations regarding future research are offered. (Author/GSK)

A three-stage testing program was used to assess the validity of arguments concerning the relationship emanating from teacher attitudes/achievement leading to pupil attitudes/achievement. Findings indicated that high achievement/attitudes in teachers were related to high pupil achievement but less favorable. (Author/GK)

Data on the mathematics attitudes and achievement of fourth through sixth grade students were considered in relation to sex of student, grade level, type of achievement test, and time during the school year at which the measurements were taken. (Author/CJ)