Leisure bereft of all stress is action without purpose. Maximum motivation and gratification are achieved when a balance is achieved between abilities and responsibilities. Stress is an essential leisure ingredient that provides meaning and clarity to social experience. (CJ)

Rate of adaptation to new programs and social-emotional issues involved in teaching directly influences teacher burn-out. A four-stage learning model outlines which particular aspects of learning new behaviors and skills are particularly stressful. The teacher's rate of adaptation should be closely monitored to prevent teacher overload.…

23 million Americans lack the reading and writing skills needed to handle the minimal demands of daily life. The widespread problem of functional illiteracy pervades every segment of society and could erode the ability of the nation to keep up with other technologically advanced countries. (SK)

The authors describe (1) common stresses and problems of older adults; (2) coping strategies used; and (3) relationships among types of stresses, strategies, and perceptions of coping effectiveness. They found that allowing older persons to define stress in terms meaningful to them leads to greater understanding of life in old age. (SK)

Reviews the literature which relates to the role of social isolation in suicide. Major areas reviewed include theories on suicide and social isolation, measures of social isolation, and empirical studies which concern the relationship of social isolation to suicide. (Author)

Discusses ways that teachers can help bereaved students cope when a classmate dies. (SJL)

Discusses the role, causes, and signals of stress in children from infancy to adolescence. Offers suggestions to help students deal with stress more effectively. (Author/WD)

From the negative remarks heard in many teachers' lounges, one might conclude that all teachers hate students, parents, and administrators. But these are usually only surface messages, the real purpose of such conversation being to let teachers entertain each other, blow off steam, think through difficulties, or ask for help. (SJL)

Results indicate cancer patients depend strongly on perceived strength of religious beliefs and values in coping with imminent death. Low fear of death was associated with previous experience with a dying person. Death anxiety scale score for cancer patients was significantly lower than for other populations. (Author/BEF)

The role of beliefs in expected unchangeability of life stress (EU) was studied in a sample of 194 elderly persons with economic and/or health problems and a control group. The research model integrated different approaches to cognitive theories of adjustment to aging. (Author/CM)

The author discusses the effects his disabilities have had on his life and explores some of the ways in which life is different for disabled persons. (PHR)

Widows were interviewed to investigate how they coped with the many facets of widowhood, including intimacy-sexuality loss. Availability of family and/or friends as a source of support was found to be most important for satisfactory coping. Sexual problems, expecially frustration, were evident among many widows. (Author)

In order to alleviate or avoid future shock for themselves and their clients, counselors face three tasks: to become knowledgeable about future trends and needs; to assess their limitations and strengths; and to learn new coping strategies as indicated by their self-assessment process and projected client needs. (Author)

Presents a review of new directions in theories of adolescence, and explores the relationship between adolescent development and depression. (CM)

Provides ten areas in which principals can work to help prevent teacher "burnout." (IRT)