Discussion of computer anxiety focuses on a study of undergraduates in an introductory psychology course that assessed the effects of relaxation and coping skills training on their anxiety and performance as they learned to use a spreadsheet program. The influence of the computer's user friendliness was examined, and treatments for the…

Describes a new strategy for informing and involving people in environmental issues. Presents stories of successful efforts by ordinary people to effect environmental change. Suggests that these stories can provide the help people need to build more adequate models about environmental problems and about their roles in addressing them. (27…

Notes that, as Head Start programs nationwide are finding increasing numbers of children displaying stressed behavior in the classroom, it is important to examine programs and to modify expectations and environments to better meet the needs of children. Offers advice on understanding stressed children's needs, classroom strategies for meeting…

Findings from two studies of middle to late adulthood indicate that elderly people are effective in maintaining a sense of control and a positive view of self and personal development. Argues that the resiliency of the elderly hinges on the interplay between activities that alleviate developmental losses and accommodative processes by which…

Mothers of children with developmental disabilities were reevaluated two years after participating in a life skills training program utilizing a cognitive behavior approach to reduce stress and depression and improve communication and problem-solving skills. Participants (n=153) reported lower stress, lower depression levels, and improved coping…

This article reviews the literature and proposes that the problem of retention of teachers of students with emotional and behavior disorders be addressed in teacher preparation programs. Programs should include an understanding of factors leading to burnout, individual coping mechanisms, and training in most-needed competencies. (DB)

This literature review offers a historical perspective on autism and its causes, examines family life cycles and experiences, summarizes research on stress and coping strategies, and gives particular attention to the needs of adolescents and young adults with autism and their families. (Author/JDD)

Describes how one child care center staff helps infants make the transition to the toddler group. Transition occurs over a period of several weeks, involving parent-staff consultation and continual adult support. The child manages the change in small steps, resulting in a smooth transition and allowing the child the independence and support…

A father shares his experience raising a daughter born with severe brain damage. The article explores the parents' emotions in learning the scope of their daughter's condition, coping with support machinery, getting to know parents of other children with disabilities, dealing with health professionals, and securing financial support. (PB)

A study of 45 female adolescent incest victims in treatment found that wishful thinking, tension reduction, a lack of maternal support, appraisals of threat, and "holding self back" accounted for 70 percent of the variance in self-reported distress. Detachment, seeking social support, and appraisal of "holding self back" accounted for 38 percent…

This study used ethnographic methodology to examine the coping mechanisms of 34 parents of children (infancy to adulthood) with disabilities. Results indicated that families who were active in church appeared more able to cope with stress and maintain a positive outlook for their child. Service providers are urged to encourage the religious…

Investigated resilience, as assessed by mothers, among 4- to 11-year-old children of Taiwanese immigrant families in the United States. Found that maternal support for child resilience and mixed cultural rearing style was most predictive of children's resilience, but maternal employment was not associated with resilience. Boys were less resilient…

Examined technical and adaptive competence in coping among 97 African-American adolescents with learning disabilities. Findings indicated that short-term, reactive, technical competence was a better predictor of feelings of efficacy, and longer-term, developmental adaptive competence was a better predictor of behavioral problems. Gender subsample…

Reconstructs the main sources of teachers' sense of vulnerability through an analysis of primary school teachers professional biographies. Finds these sources of vulnerability: administrative or policy measures; professional relationships in the school; and limits to teachers' efficacy. Suggests autobiographical reflection and story-telling as…

This article describes the establishment of a "women's issues" group with middle-school gifted girls. Ground rules for the group, selection of materials for discussion, issues discussed, and outcomes of the group are highlighted. Participants were found to like learning, like thinking about abstract issues, and have high academic goals. (CR)