Variables related to special education teacher attrition were examined by qualitative interviews with 14 current and 10 former special education teachers. Analysis indicated that stayers were more committed to teaching students with disabilities, had a higher sense of efficacy, felt more prepared by their preservice and initial teaching…

This study investigated the relationship between perceived family environment and psychological distress among 76 adults with visual impairments of fewer than 4 years duration, who had undergone at least 4 months of rehabilitation classes. Family environmental traits strongly influenced adjustment to vision loss. Distress was positively correlated…

The mother of a son with dyslexia recounts her efforts to help him, by removing the "negatives and stress-makers" from his life, by breaking every piece of information into its smallest components, and by finding something at which he could really excel. Problems and successes during adolescence are recounted, as well as the son's initial year at…

Notes that fear has the potential to interfere with the young child's quality of life, and offers some understanding of the nature and normal developmental course of early childhood fears. Discusses reasons for fearful behavior and different temperament types. Offers suggestions on how adults can help children cope with fear and how teachers can…

Investigated the relationships of problem behavior, emotions, and psychosocial factors using a three-dimensional model of three elements: positive/negative coping resources, rebellion from/ conformity to adult norms, and secretive/obvious behavior. Found that the model fit for both genders. Results suggest that males who do not have positive…

The Encourage Program at Children's Hospital of Saint Paul (Minnesota) helps teens with chronic or life-threatening illness adjust to the changes in their lives through individual contact with peers who have similar conditions. The program addresses the unique needs of chronically ill adolescents as they go through various stages of development.…

Noise in the form of random errors arising from choices is a common problem. Examined three different approaches for coping with noise. Found that reciprocity works, provided it is accompanied by generosity or contrition. Changing one's choice after a poor outcome was not seen as helpful. Other points are discussed. (RJM)

Presents memoirs written by those who have cared for severely ill and disabled loved ones. Such memoirs reveal multiple meanings--many of them positive--inherent in caregiving, contradicting the professional paradigm that family caregiving equals stress. These memoirs can provide an empathic point of entry for clinicians. (RJM)

The recovery process for victims of childhood incest is a dynamic one that involves integration of traumatic material into the personality. Reliably and validly measuring the coping or recovery process that is facilitated by therapeutic interventions is a first step in understanding the treatment process and in creating effective and efficient…

Study examined the perceptions and coping behaviors of low-skilled sixth graders in physical education. Interview and field observation data indicated that students used several strategies to cope with repeated failure (avoiding the task, remaining silent, acting out, and trying to execute skills in the face of classmate criticism). (SM)

An experienced teacher discusses the complexities of the profession and presents ideas to help teachers avoid burnout and cope with uncertainty. He suggests they talk with other teachers about teaching, read teachers' published writings about teaching, and write about teaching. (SM)

The process of recognizing qualities of giftedness in a child evokes a range of responses in families, affecting the roles and relationships of an entire family system as the whole family constellation shifts to accommodate a child's giftedness, and each family member's reactions differ because of their own particular temperament, personality,…

This article describes common causes of burnout, the stages of burnout, and ways of preventing burnout. The article emphasizes the "paralyzed perfectionism" of highly able adults and children who initially were dedicated to reaching high-level goals and suggests keeping a daily Strategies Diary in which personal rewards and stresses are recorded…

Measures of family stress and social support were administered to 80 mothers with a child with mental retardation in 1 of 3 normative transition periods. There were no significant differences in family stress scores across the groups, but mothers of preschoolers utilized social support more than mothers of preadolescents and adolescents. (JDD)

Examines role transitions and role strain resulting from restructuring initiatives in four districts. The 20 principals interviewed had acquired coping skills. Cognitive restructuring and environmental factors moderated role strain effects, along with experience, tenure of position, staff trust, personal leadership style, and degree of autonomy…