The Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association (TIAA) is criticized for inadequate financial disclosure of its mortgage and real estate investments, especially in the current market. A TIAA vice president responds that the company has not been remiss in reporting changes to its constituents and outlines its present financial status. (MSE)

Guidelines for governing boards in creating policy statements on conflict of interest are offered. Issues discussed include defining conflict of interest, perceptions of such conflict, trustee responsibility, and the need for appropriate documentation. A sample policy statement and sample disclosure form for trustees and institutional officers are…

Discusses confidentiality in counseling, basing comments on ethical standards of American Association for Counseling and Development and National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors, as well as federal regulations adopted for drug and alcohol abuse treatment. Discusses disclosures with and without client consent and special…

It is proposed that the principle of academic freedom in research is a myth, and the reality is a tension between the ideals of open inquiry and professors' freedom of choice. A procedural device, a standing committee to review research grants and make choices about external funding, is recommended. (MSE)

A study compared reports of 20 children (37 to 67 months) of either a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or a pediatric assessment. Ratings of stress were significantly higher for children who underwent the VCUG and they reported more correct information than the children who experienced the pediatric assessment. (Author/CR)

Support groups are powerful tools that assist gay men in dealing with isolation from other gay men, a lack of information about themselves and others as gay men, and the fear either of being identified or of self-identifying as gay. In this article, 10 gay men speak about their experiences in a support/psychoeducational group. (Author)

When professionals responding to sexual abuse disclosures exhibit a parallel process of role confusion, inadequate communication, secrecy and denial, the victims and their families are further traumatized. Suggests that the nature of rural communities has attributes that may contribute to these factors. States that creating a multidisciplinary…

Responses to an anonymous questionnaire on homosexuality disclosure at school by 34 teachers and 19 parents showed that teachers were more likely to disclose their sexual orientation to other teachers than to principals, and to women than to men. Reasons for nondisclosure by parents were fear of discrimination towards their child. (EMS)

Experiential education provides a safe environment for the sharing of personal stories that promote understanding of diversity and commonalities. Describes the Play for Peace program to promote understanding by facilitating the play and sharing of children of conflicting cultures. (SAS)

Discusses the newly revised Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Counseling Association and the recognized terms and conditions under which counselors are justified in disclosing confidential client information to prevent third parties from contracting contagious, fatal diseases. Provides ethical guidelines for interpreting and…

Presents the text of the American Psychological Association's Statement on the Disclosure of Test Data. Areas addressed by the statement include access to data; informing the test's taker of the purpose, use, and results; data dissemination; copyright interests; conforming to regulatory statutes and mandates; and the role of psychologists in…

On a federal tax form, only 75 of 475 colleges and universities surveyed reported that they had spent money on lobbying, defined as direct contacts with legislators or executive-branch officials about specific bills. Guidelines concerning reporting are unclear and confusing, and some institutions reveal as little as possible. Data on 78…

A study of 34 Canadian survivors of childhood abuse found only 47% had confided in someone and only 14.3% had discussed it with a counselor. When compared to typical individuals, the survivors did not differ in terms of general living circumstances, but did report higher depression, loneliness, and stress. (Author/CR)

This study examined the number and types of questions employed in clinical and computer-assisted interviews with children referred for sexual abuse evaluation. Findings suggest that many children are able to describe sexual abuse with careful questioning that includes nonleading but focused inquiry. Findings pose implications for practice and…

Examined the multidimensional nature of social disclosure patterns of 44 couples who had adopted at least 1 child during the previous decade. Identified three main types of patterns varying in open communication patterns, social networks, internal/external family distinctions, motives, and tactics: advocates, moderates, and reluctants. Concluded…