Reports on a content analysis study of 25 novels about youth facing death and dying to determine whether death and grieving are realistically portrayed in young adult literature. Describes the evaluative instruments developed and discusses findings, concluding that young people can be informed and comforted by these realistic novels. (38…

Examined effectiveness of stress management program on children's locus of control orientation, self-concept, and coping strategies. Compared to 32 control students, 33 third grade students in experimental group demonstrated a more internal locus of control orientation. Experimental group scored significantly higher in self-concept than did…

At age 13, and for the next 20 years, male subjects were periodically interviewed about their moral judgments. Adolescents with mature use of defense mechanisms reasoned at higher stages of moral judgment 10 to 20 years after the initial interview than did those with immature use of defense mechanisms. (BC)

Studied newly admitted cohort (n=454) to eight nursing homes over first year of residence. Gathered data at admission, two months, and one year. Examined charts for preadmission and postdischarge information. At admission, 80 percent had mental illnesses. Found significant associations of mental morbidity, restraints, and psychotropic medication…

Depicts experiences of two young girls and their coping/growing strategies following father's suicide. Describes hallmarks of meaningful growth and healing as including embracing all confused feelings (guilt, anger, abandonment, embarrassment, sadness, fear of losing surviving parent, and changes). Finds underlying theme of adjustment in…

Presents a clinical-developmental framework of adolescent suicidal behavior that combines theory, research, and interviews with adolescent girls under psychiatric care for suicide attempts. (HTH)

A study confirmed the notion that preparing a child psychologically for surgery benefits not only the child but also the entire medical process. The study also confirmed significant statistical reduction of fear resulting from the effectiveness of psychological preparation and the use of films showing the surgical procedure. (Author/LB)

Presents model providing conceptual framework to help counselors assess client's resources for addressing psychosocial issues resulting from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Hypothesizes that four client resources (special characteristics, social supports, situation, and client characteristics) predict or moderate client's response to…

Administered measures of overt and covert fear of death to 20 healthy men and 13 men diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Groups did not differ significantly on overt measure; AIDS group had higher total scores on covert measure. Findings suggest that one's life trajectory is redefined when the diagnosis of terminal illness…

A student attitude questionnaire was given to 1,465 gifted and talented adolescents who identified 5 strategies used to deal with potentially stigmatizing events (cover up, lie, placate, be truthful, and cop-out). The placate coping strategy was the most frequently used across scenarios. (DB)

Humor is a critical ingredient for personal and organizational success, as it stimulates creativity, encourages relaxation, enhances attention levels, builds positive attitudes and team spirit, and establishes interpersonal rapport. A Virginia middle school devised a number of fun-filled activities to enliven faculty meetings, awards…

Examined the developmental benefits of adolescents' close intimate friendships with real same-sex friends and imaginary companions in two studies of adolescents who wrote diaries. Found that, even with a high incidence of imaginary companionship as described in diaries, adolescents preferred intense relationships with close real same-sex friends…

Describes counselor-led workshop to help teachers cope with in-class teacher appraisals that may determine whether teacher gets pay raise or even keeps his/her job. Describes workshop activities, which include getting in touch with the problem, relaxation exercises, self-talk exercises, and covert coping exercises. (NB)

Examined association of stress and coping variables with aptitude and achievement testing among children (n=100) aged 6 to 16 referred for multidisciplinary diagnostic testing. Stress and coping were significantly associated with performance on aptitude and achievement tests. Specific stress of physical and/or sexual abuse as well as parental…

Examined effectiveness of experiential suicide prevention program. Students in experimental group (n=215) participated in seven weekly meetings. Experimental subjects and controls (n=178) completed pre- and posttest questionnaires on suicidal tendencies, hopelessness, ego identity, and coping ability. Findings showed that experimental groups were…