Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed modular approach to help children, adolescents, adults, and families in the immediate aftermath of disaster and terrorism. Psychological First Aid is designed to reduce the initial distress caused by traumatic events and to foster short- and long-term adaptive functioning and coping. Principles and…

Describes several kinds of mutual help groups and two ways to initiate them: (1) through conferences, and (2) through short-term training programs. A substantial need continues for mutual help groups in an era of reduced professional and consumer resources. Research is needed to document their extensiveness, impact and longevity. (JAC)

Identified wives (N=56) of hemodialysis patients at risk for problems adapting to their husband's illness, and explored personality variables that might enhance coping. Results showed greater external locus of control was related to poorer adjustment, but greater internal locus of control was not related to better adjustment. (Author/JAC)

The mutually tactful exploration which led to both interviewee's and interviewer's self-disclosures is examined. Two instances--dealing with the theme of authority management and the concepts of race and color--are used to illustrate transformations of the culture-bound strategies of coping in the course of the migrants' life histories. (RM)

Considerations related to the design and development of a respite care service delivery network for families of developmentally disabled persons are addressed. A five-component model for developing a respite care service network is presented, focusing on the need for competency-based service-provider training and parent involvement. Lastly,…

This article offers ways to teach students about nuclear war. Suggestions include: (1) teaching problem solving; (2) presenting alternative views; (3) taking a factual approach; (4) thinking about possibilities; and (5) encouraging action. Included is a list of curriculum guides appropriate for teachers of intermediate grade students. (JMK)

Ideas to help teachers cope with problems involving teaching conditions, student behavior, burnout, and other stressors are presented. Examples are given of how teachers coped with problems without "abandoning" the classroom or teaching responsibilities. (CJ)

Studied the effect of a laboratory-induced stress (failure feedback) on persons with differing levels of life stress. Proposed that differing levels of previous life stress cause people to make varying judgments about the degree of threat in a short-term stressful situation. (Author)

Identifies the special characteristics needed by hospices caring for terminally ill children, based on a feasibility study for a pediatric hospital. Concludes that the needs of terminally ill children and their families are not being met currently and that the hospice is as appropriate for children as for adults. (Author)

A summary of SOCIOfutures, TECHNOfutures, and BIOfutures provides survival criteria for the school principal, e.g., intelligence, group skills, scholarship, mature judgement, good health, and personal security. Also listed are eight professional survival skills: human relations, communications, community relations, administrative technical,…

Investigates whether accumulated life changes cause or are correlated with family members' perceptions of their family's ability to function in an effective manner. Modest changes in family effectiveness were inversely related to the rate of life change experienced. The family effectiveness of husbands was related to changes in stress. (Author)

Data from a 1979 survey of American state agencies for higher education indicate that obstacles to modifying and/or terminating academic programs can be placed into eight categories. The eight categories and a variety of coping devices are discussed, and a conceptual coping process model is proposed. (Author/MLW)

Surveyed first year doctoral students (N=33) regarding life events. Found that the majority of the students experienced a major crisis and were highly susceptible to emotional or physical illness. Proposes a system that may help first year students cope. (Author)

Provides a conceptual framework for discussing the role of alcohol in a person's life and for planning appropriate interventions when abuse is evidenced. Discusses drive reduction and the dynamic of alcohol involvement through four involvement stages. (Author/RC)

Describes a cognitively based environment treatment approach for group home juvenile delinquents based on Eliminating Self-Defeating Behavior Theory (ESDB). Outlines seven self-defeating behaviors initially developed as coping mechanisms. Discusses results of ESDB as a treatment milieu. (RC)