Notes that, although preventive counseling has been purported to be defining characteristic of mental health counseling throughout its history, literature review suggests that prevention rarely has been emphasized in training process or mental health counseling practice. Suggests some explanations and remedies for disparity between preventive…

Results of random sampling of suicide prevention center directors suggests that etiological models of suicidal behavior emphasizing environmental stress and/or prepotent vulnerability are most commonly held perceptions of causes of suicide. Category that included both stress and predisposition models was advocated by 37.5 percent of respondents…

Surveyed the seven Roman Catholic dioceses of Florida to examine level of awareness of alcoholism and need for treatment as indicated by existence of programs for education, intervention, and treatment. Four dioceses had some strategy in place, two others saw such a need, and one said consciousness of need was gradually emerging. (Author/NB)

Notes that research to date has yielded important findings for primary prevention efforts for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and has identified psychological dimensions relevant to mental health interventions for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sees pressing need for more systematic intervention outcome research in…

Homes in wooded areas or in the wildland/urban interface are at special risk for wildfire. The article provides a checklist of what to keep on hand to make homes safer from wildfire, focusing on vegetation around the home and maintenance of the yard and home. (SM)

Explains how previewing may be applied to help adolescents adjust to developmental vicissitudes. Notes that previewing is innovative strategy derived from early life caregiver-infant interaction that encourages adolescent to represent and predict interpersonal outcomes of her behaviors. Discusses application of previewing to case involving…

Evaluated effects of participation in program for pregnant and parenting teenagers (n=178); divided subjects into nonparticipation, low level participation, and high level participation. Results suggested some positive net effect of participants relative to comparison group at one site but ambiguous effects at the other site. (ABL)

Discussion of computer viruses describes two types of viruses and how they work; suggests ways to prevent or minimize virus risk; and explains how to recognize a virus and limit damage once a virus attacks. A sidebar lists several antivirus software products. (two references) (NRP)

Evaluated effectiveness of Children First program, intervention to help divorcing parents become sensitive to children's needs. Obtained parents' appraisals of program from 168 participants and 43 nonparticipants. Examined participation and perceived improvements in parental and child adjustment, parent-child relationship quality, coparental…

Asked college students to sort and evaluate eight methods for suicide using modified Rep Grid technique. Identified clusters of methods viewed similarly by each respondent. Method was seen to have potential for clinicians who work with potentially suicidal clients in helping them prevent suicide in their clients and for research into determinants…

Self-care complements but does not replace medical care. Some of the current limits to self-care include inability to change environmental conditions, inability to stop tobacco use, need for surgery, lack of equipment, and lack of information. (JOW)

Details the reasons behind adolescents' attraction to cults. and distinguishes functions of cults and the term "cult." Identifies various cults, and describes the process of involvement. Notes that in the absence of authentic, stabilizing standards, some youth are especially vulnerable. Provides recommendations for adults working with…

Discusses ways in which the American Association of Suicidology can design, implement, and study an effective model of suicide postvention. Claims that creating such a model will require the commitment and flexibility of the entire association. By making postvention collaboration a common goal, the suicide rate may actually drop. (RJM)

Presents a reaction to major contribution articles from this issue of "The Counseling Psychologist" (2000, [this issue]). Maintains that the articles provide an excellent introduction for counselors to the field of prevention. Discusses problems concerning the definitions of prevention and the overwhelming need for primary prevention and…

In eight focus groups in five cities, older adults identified their concerns about safety on elevators and escalators, often related to misunderstanding of the equipment. Their preferences for delivery of safety information included video/television, pamphlets, discussions, and posters. Educational interventions and modifications for disabilities…