The study of two southern California schools identified 16 distinct characteristics of Mexican and Mexican-American children's adjustment problems. Coping mechanisms tended to be 1) underparticipation, 2) overparticipation, and 3) selective participation in academic tasks under protest. Recommendations include closer home-school ties, more…

Examines the delayed reactions to the stress of war (posttraumatic stress disorders) of many Vietnam veterans and the problems their families face as a consequence. Presents a number of considerations for social work intervention. (JAC)

Preschool children's behavorial and physiological responses to separation were monitored before, during, and after their mothers' hospitalization for the birth of a sibling. Play sessions were videotaped simultaneously with activity level and heart rate monitoring, nighttime sleep was timelapse videotaped, and parents completed questionnaires…

Steps can be taken to reduce the need for work-force cutbacks and to prepare in advance by planning activities, defining severance awards, reducing anxiety, setting layoff criteria, providing outplacement services, and handling the timing, logistics, and aftermath of layoffs with sensitivity. (SK)

Examines social support and health-related coping habits in relationship to burnout, psychological distress, and job performance among resident assistants. Subjects (N=43) completed questionnaires, which indicated that health habits and social support systems are related to well-being of resident assistants. (Author/BH)

Describes the Compassionate Friends self-help group as an effective intervention in the severe bereavement after the death of a child. The decision to attend the group, to affiliate, to transform oneself into a helper within the group form the framework of the description. (Author/NRB)

Stress and burnout seem to be more prevalent in helping and service professions, such as teaching. Poor public image of teachers and education, role related distress, and lack of support all lead to teacher stress. Causes, symptoms, and consequences of this problem are examined. Specific problem solving and prevention techniques are identified.…

A program designed to help participants cope with stress was offered to students at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. The program was taught in a group format and focused on helping subjects to acquire and rehearse coping skills involving cognitive restructuring and progressive muscle relaxation. (MLW)

Summarizes a study carried out into expectations and perceptions of students and staff on two vocationally oriented postgraduate courses. The research attempted to raise the level of awareness about these types of courses by describing the ways in which students and staff cope with the teaching and learning situations they meet on the courses.…

This article outlines ways for individuals to manage stress through leisure awareness. Guidelines for developing a holistic lifestyle planning program are detailed. (JMK)

Describes a workshop for nine South American students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The two-day session focussed on exploring coping behaviors that could help students adjust to transitions. (JAC)

An interview with parents of a child with cerebral palsy recount their struggles to find a diagnosis and treatment for their daughter and express their anger over the lack of information and help they were given by professionals. They emphasize the need for honesty and straightforwardness in professionals dealing with parents. (CL)

A congenitally disabled psychotherapist recounts her own experiences in learning to accept her body and notes the differences in self-esteem needs of congenitally versus adventitiously impaired persons. Helpful parental attitudes and actions are discussed. (CL)

Investigated the reactions of 33 adolescents to the death of a sibling, using private interviews. Emotions reported included shock, confusion, numbness, depression, and anger. For most respondents study habits became worse. Many peers were portrayed as uncertain and uncomfortable. Implications for school counselors are discussed. (JAC)

Explores the problems associated with parental divorce for adolescents of college age. Analyses of the responses of 83 clinical directors of college mental health counseling centers revealed that adolescents of parental divorce seen for counseling displayed greater behavioral and affective difficulties than counterparts from intact families. (JAC)