Discusses the role of literature, or the arts, in society. Argues that literature enables people to interpret and shape their experience as humans; and transcends time and place and culture, helping people to re-view the past, interpret the present, and envision the future. (SR)

The effectiveness of transition planning for individuals with mental retardation was investigated by comparing outcomes of 322 adults who graduated from high school in 1985 with 82 who graduated in 1993. The class of 1993 demonstrated better outcomes in several areas of adult adjustment. Recommendations for improvements are discussed. (Contains…

Four groups of mostly female students, differing in age, English proficiency, ethnicity, and social class, were surveyed in Australian competency-based technical and further education programs. They appreciated the practical focus and continuous assessment of competency-based training. However, some aspects of it made it unsuitable for certain…

Explores the relationships between attachment, reasons for living, and suicide among 163 college students. Results indicate that, although survival and coping skills are most associated with low suicidal intentions, students' level of attachment and their view of parents as accessible are also significantly associated with low suicidal intentions.…

Compared coping factors among family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients in Shanghai, China (n=110) and San Diego, California (n=139). Uncovered four coping factors that were reliably consistent in both samples: behavioral confronting, behavioral distancing/social support, cognitive confronting, and cognitive distancing. Shanghai caregivers…

Four children's books on learning disabilities are profiled: "Trouble with School: A Family Story about Learning Disabilities" (Kathryn and Allison Dunn); "The Don't Give-up Kid" (Jeanne Gehret); "Keeping a Head in School: A Student's Book about Learning Abilities and Learning Disorders" (Mel Levine); and "What Do You Mean I Have a Learning…

A study of 204 patients operated on for idiopathic scoliosis by the Harrington method between 1970 and 1975 found that patients were content with their lives, tended to form families later in life, and had fewer sexual relationships. The patients felt their illness had mostly influenced their participation in work and in physical activities.…

Examines the role of work in teachers' stories in an Israeli religious school with 76 teachers, 56 of whom are women. Teachers' stories present the conflict between the modern consumer society, with the modern woman's role, and the traditional religious community and the roles of wife and mother. Stories also present teachers' solutions to the…

Describes the mental and physical coping behaviors of a disabled adventure education participant in her efforts to make personal, challenging choices without group pressure. A "universal programming" commitment incorporates equity and inclusion by allowing for individual choice and attitude modification within challenging group activities. (SAS)

A causal model of workplace stress was refined and cross-validated. Multivariate analysis and multiple-group structural equation modeling were used to investigate the effects of social roles on patterns of coping with workplace stress and job satisfaction. Differences found between managers (n=249) and clerical workers (n=214) suggest power and…

The Adolescent Coping Scale was administered to 749 gifted students attending two different summer enrichment programs. Results indicate little evidence of gender or grade differences but found racial differences on the Seek Spiritual Support scale (African and Hispanic students had the highest scores), the Self-Blame scale, and the Worry scale.…

Investigated changes in German beginning teachers that occurred following interactions with diverse students during their 2-year probationary period. Pre- and post-probation interviews indicated that at the end of the 2 years, teachers coped with culture conflict in either synergy-oriented or ethno-oriented ways. Synergy-oriented teachers coped…

States that compared with children raised in single-mother families created by death of the father, children raised in divorced single-mother families have significantly lower levels of education, occupational status, and happiness as adults. Speculates that the contrasting positions in the social structure of different types of single-mother…

Examines Japanese aspects of identity and coping attitudes, sources, and practices among a sample of 240 college students in Japan. Participants reported that they tended to use family members and friends when coping with personal difficulties. Study also found that collective identity was a significant predictor of seeking help from family…

A mother writes of her early years with her son as a single parent and the difficult years with twin younger siblings when she was trying to find a diagnosis and help for her son. Her son is 9 years old now, and she reflects on her experiences. (Author/CR)