This study investigated the characteristics of perfectionistic gifted adolescents in a rural middle school, how they perceived their perfectionism, the influences on their perfectionism, and the consequences of their perfectionist behaviors. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were employed to gather data from 20 gifted…

This study evaluated an hypothesized model of biopsychosocial factors that mediate the relationship between childhood abuse and substance abuse. A questionnaire packet consisting of self-report measures was administered to 160 drug dependent participants with and without co-occurring psychological disorders in residential, partial, and outpatient…

This study sought information from two cohorts of student teachers regarding their concerns in the teaching practicum component of their course and strategies they used to cope with these concerns. Students completed the Perceptions of Teaching questionnaire, and supervising teachers rated them in seven teaching areas. Data were analyzed in…

Describes environmental modification, social work's response to the practical needs of clients, which emphasizes "doing for" clients and thus may encourage their dependence on the practitioner. Suggests that helping clients to develop their own skills to modify their environment can promote independence while meeting clients' tangible needs.…

Contains two short, experientially oriented articles for caregivers of infants and toddlers. The first promotes and describes gardening options for infants including choice of plants and activities. The second presents coping strategies for toddlers when a change of teacher or caregiver occurs, including development of an effective transition…

Describes an educational game where students are assigned a hypothetical "lot" representing a life event that centers on a developmental issue. The lot serves as the topic for empirical research and investigations into community agencies. Student research focuses on implications for individual development and the quality of family life. (MJP)

Presents a classroom guidance program for students in elementary, middle, or high school. The program is intended to educate students about nontraditional families, promote positive attitudes toward them, teach decision making and coping skills related to family issues, and show understanding for children of single parent and stepfamilies. (TE)

Reviews books comprised of papers or chapters written by various authors. The books are (1) "Directors of Development: Influences on the Development of Children's Thinking"; (2) "Best Methods for the Analysis of Change: Recent Advances, Unanswered Questions"; (3) "Family Transitions"; (4) "Parent-Child Relations…

A study of 412 foreign graduate students investigated their (1) perceptions of the stressfulness of role demands and (2) abilities to cope with those demands. Results indicated students associated English language skills and cultural distance with stresses and language, academic, and problem-solving skills with coping capacity. Implications for…

This study examined 23 case studies of outstandingly successful deaf high school students. Analysis indicated that most of the students experienced some degree of isolation from peers, family, or both but had developed positive coping strategies. The paper emphasizes that deaf adolescents should know that it is normal to feel lonely and isolated.…

Assessed nature of elder impairment and its impact on health and psychosocial functioning of 102 family caregivers. Found no differences among caregivers of cognitively impaired, functionally impaired, and nonimpaired elderly relatives in terms of self-reported health or psychosocial functioning. Suggests that other aspects of caregiving context…

Examined Latack-Dozier model of career growth through job loss using a sample of 515 involuntarily displaced professionals. Results supported the model and identified variables most predictive of career growth for men and women. Found partial support for hypothesis that men and women rely on different forms of social support after job loss. (JBJ)

Family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) commonly have high levels of psychological distress. Black caregivers often report less depression than white caregivers, but the process underlying this difference is poorly understood. With the use of a stress process model, 123 white and 74 black family caregivers of patients with AD…

A study involving 17 children (ages 12-15) who had established school refusal found the children's individual protective factors were weakened (particularly around peers), and parents' own difficulties not only reduced the family as a source of protection but exerted an actual drain upon already reduced coping resources. (Contains references.) (CR)

If you don't get racism from your parents, it's easy to catch it at school. This Hispanic author recounts his experience of learning to hate his own people. He provides insight into peeling away layers of personal devaluation and racism and discusses the question of bilingual education. (EMK)