This critique of standardized tests begins by placing the use of such tests within a social context. It then addresses the matter of standardized testing in theory and practice in relation to teaching. The substance of standardized examinations, their common content, and the things they do not test are also explored. The relationship of good…

This study investigated whether gender-based differences in psychological adjustment, coping, racial identity, and grade point average (GPA) existed among 100 at-risk, urban, African American high school students. Students completed the Affects Balance Scale, Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences, and Black Racial Identity Scale.…

Most youth in America have a good chance of becoming productive members of adult society. However, for a particular group of young people, at-risk youth, the probability of maturing into responsible adulthood is less certain. "At-risk youth" is a term commonly used to describe those adolescents for whom there is a high probability (risk)…

This paper provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the Preventive Coping Resources Inventory (PCRI) instrument designed to measure coping resources useful for prevention based on previous research. It specifically looks at the construct validity of the PCRI; the convergent and discriminate validity of the PCRI with related…

The aim of this study was to: (a) explore the levels of four factors (psychological well-being, perceived stress, coping styles, and social support) among undergraduates; (b) acquire an accurate description of the demographic variables; (c) explore the relationships among the four factors after controlling for the possible intervening demographic…

Developed through 20 years of family therapy practice advocating a child-centered approach to parenting, this book presents a balanced approach to child rearing that recognizes the feelings and needs of both parents and children while observing that children also need boundaries and discipline to feel safe and secure, guidance on the choices they…

The Dougy Center has put together a guidebook for assisting children in dealing with the death of a family member. This book includes suggestions gathered over the years at the center from children on the various ways they coped with their grief. The suggestions are accompanied by children's own words and artwork to illustrate the example. Some…

A study examined the relationship between older adults' motivations to participate in outdoor adventure experiences and their retirement status. Surveys of 782 adults over 55 years old participating in 72 outdoor adventure programs found that although there were several significant differences in motivation based on retirement status, the overall…

During the transition period from secondary school to university many students experience stress associated with academic concerns and encounter difficulties adjusting to an environment that presents new academic and social demands. First year university students (N=170) attending an Australian university participated in the study. Students' level…

The effects of social and family disruption from stress in the work place has caused the American Psychological Association to conclude that "American workers...constitute a work force more at risk than ever for psychological, physical, and behavioral health problems." The study explores what can be learned from successful coping and…

The Preventive Coping Resources Inventory (PRI) was developed to assess specific coping resources most useful for stress prevention and also applicable to education settings. Undergraduates (N=501) at a large, southwestern university completed the inventory and other measures of adjustment and coping. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five…

Rurality has often been equated as to being backwards and non-promising to provide for a bright future. This study aims to identify the levels of self-concept, family concept, and family interaction measures of subjects from the rural and urban social settings of a state in Malaysia. Six hundred and thirty-nine (or two hundred and thirteen…

This book serves as a comprehensive and practical guide to reality therapy, and extends its principles and practices beyond the initial descriptions. A central theme of this edition is that reality therapy is a method inherently designed for the exigencies of the 21st century. It contains 22 types of self-evaluations counselors can use to shorten…

Many youth-serving organizations are engaging young people in youth organizing and/or in interventions to support specific identity development in response to a need for meaningful opportunities for older and diverse youth to be civically involved in their communities. This paper explores differences in developmental outcomes and supports and…

Examined direct and indirect coping styles of school-age mothers (N=61) and counselors (N=28) working with school-age mothers. Analysis revealed school-age mothers preferred indirect coping strategies (e.g., avoidance), whereas counselors perceived the direct coping strategies of assertion, negotiation, and demanding as more helpful. (WAS)