Examined the relations between normative developmental transitions, contextual influences, and life-stage outcomes, such as academic achievement, for African American males. Data from a longitudinal study in a large southeastern U.S. city indicated that negative stereotyping and tracking from early experience in educational settings affected black…

This article argues that an investigation into parents' expectations could lead to a greater understanding of how parents of children with disabilities respond to their new-found situation. It discusses how people develop their understanding through interaction with their social environment and relates this framework to parents of children with…

Discusses how using relaxation and stress reduction activities with individual preschool and elementary school-age children during difficult periods can help them regain control, and how integrating relaxation techniques into everyday activities helps to establish positive behavior patterns to support healthy living. Presents breathing activities…

For camp staff, factors that contribute to the summer doldrums are weather, level of general fatigue, unsatisfied expectations, sensory overload, accumulation of negative "self-talk," and an underlying sense of hurry. Strategies for overcoming summer doldrums involve novelty and stress management, and include promoting health, challenging…

Investigated the relationships between social support, perceived stress, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction among 94 first-year college students. Found that students who reported higher levels of social support and self-efficacy and lower levels of perceived stress also reported higher levels of life satisfaction. Social support and stress…

Recognizing categorical models that reflect an "at risk" approach to serving children, this article advocates an expanded focus on the protective factors and assets that contribute to healthy development via the capacity for resilience. Addresses: (1) a systemic approach to enhancing resilience; (2) resiliency in concert with…

A study involving 31 Indian families with a child (ages 3-16) with mental retardation found expressed emotion toward the child predicted a high level of burden among the caregivers. Age of child and family income significant in the univariate analysis were also clinically associated with burden in a developing country. (Contains references.)…

Children growing up today face unprecedented perils and problems, and for many children the world frequently seems to be an unpredictable place. Pressures on children come from a variety of sources, such as family, peer relationships, and changes in society. (JD)

Examines variation in coresidence among undocumented Mexican and Central American immigrants in San Diego (California). Proposes that by creatively forming and reforming coresident groups, undocumented immigrants use social organization strategically and effectively as a resource to assist them in their struggle to live and work in the United…

Describes observations of a high school classroom and subsequent interviews with poor readers in the class to uncover their coping strategies. Argues that teachers who focus on effective instruction from only their own perspectives fail to appreciate the needs of unsuccessful readers. Concludes with recommendations for improving teacher…

The study found the on-task behavior of one of two high-achieving as well as of a low-achieving fifth graders increased when the difficulty level of mathematics problems was manipulated to insure a greater than 70 percent success rate. (DB)

Assessed effects on undergraduate students (N=54) of direct (induced affect) and generalized (covert rehearsal) cognitive-behavior coping skills programs for test anxiety. Found both training procedures significantly reduced test anxiety but that induced affect yielded largest anxiety decrease and greatest test performance improvement while covert…

Studies exposure to life stress as an explanation for gender differences in older adults' utilization of social support. Results suggest that, as stressful events increase, elderly men and women are equally likely to become more involved in their social network, while gender differences emerge in response to chronic financial strain. (JS)

Studied effects of professionally led and peer-led family caregiver groups (N=56) on psychological functioning, informal support networks, and positive personal changes in handling of caregiver role. Found professionally led groups produced greatest psychological functioning improvement and peer-led groups produced greatest increases in informal…

Parents of 23 Alberta, Canada, children with mild to severe mental handicaps were asked to describe their parenting experiences. Parental concerns were analyzed in terms of severity of the handicapping condition and dealt with education and social integration, emotional stresses, future prospects, impact on the family, support systems, and…