Describes respite care, a temporary relief service for families with developmentally disabled members at home, as an essential element in preventing institutionalization of disabled persons. Major approaches for providing respite care are identified. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed. (Author/JAC)

As part of a comparative study, school administrators were asked to describe the techniques they found useful for handling the tension and pressure of their jobs. Exercise or physical activity was the most frequently mentioned stress-reduction technique. Psychological activities and development of interpersonal skills were also cited. (PP)

The need for teaching doctors how to counsel and impart coping skills techniques to their patients is discussed. The cognitive-experiential underpinnings of a course in medical counseling given to last preclinical-year medical students in the University of Queensland is outlined. (MLW)

Discusses factors that deter counselors in responding to wife abuse. Characteristics of the abused wife are outlined. Strategies used in helping abused women are discussed, including support groups, feminist-oriented counseling, and exploring the possibility of ending the relationship. (Author/JAC)

Presents a follow-up assessment of 18 outpatient clients who participated one year earlier in a coping skills curriculum of progressive relaxation, anxiety management, assertiveness, and self-reinforcement. Results revealed that coping-skills subjects held attitudes about the etiology of psychological problems consistent with those modeled during…

Teachers-in-service (N=36) and teachers-in-training (N=47) responded to a questionnaire related to their experiences with stress situations in the lives of children in their classes. Results indicated elementary teachers are well aware that children in their classrooms are involved in crisis and chronic stress situations in school and at home.…

Defines the syndrome of burnout and discusses some of the professional and personal hazards that confront the practicing counselor. Examines intrapersonal and interpersonal difficulties which result from burnout. Provides suggestions for dealing with burnout. (Author/RC)

Explores the impact of marital dissolution on 161 people attending an adult education course on divorce. Describes their stress reactions and suggests clinical implications. Results indicated that people going through divorce are greatly impacted: 91 percent feel an unusual degree of stress; 67 percent usually feel unhappy and worried. (Author)

Focuses on small groups in work organizations, sources of stress, and available social support systems in five articles. Includes a methodological paper on measuring social support in work groups. Analyzes the complexity of coping strategies, and the relationship of occupational and life stressors to each other and the family. (KMF)

A study was done to determine the impact of a death education course on the relationship between nursing students' death anxiety and locus of control. No significant changes occurred in death avoidance, death fear, death denial, and the reluctance to interact with the dying after the 15-week course. (JN)

Presents the second part of a cognitive model of family conflict. Proposes that high efficacy enhances persistence in family problem solving while low efficacy inhibits such efforts, and that chronic low efficacy may lead to learned helplessness responses in family members. (Author)

A conceptual framework for identifying stress variables includes: (1) systematically identifying causes of job stress; (2) identifying factors mitigating stress; and (3) identifying possible consequences of job stress. (JN)

Speech-anxious students were assigned to self-administered treatment conditions: (1) systematic desensitization, (2) desensitization with meditation replacing progressive relaxation, and (3) meditation only. Treatment manuals included coping-skill instructions. Treatments were equally effective in reducing anxiety and produced a greater reduction…

Older women who participate in physical activity programs find physical benefits in the improvement of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. The psychosocial benefits which result from physical activity include an increase in self-esteem, increased social contacts, a counteraction to depression, and improved stress management. Suggestions…

Findings from a grounded theory research study on 11 beginning secondary school teachers indicate that: (1) Perceptions of role conflict vary among teachers; (2) Fealty is a source of conflict between personal and professional roles; (3) Role conflicts change over time; and (4) Teachers use several coping strategies to deal with role conflict. (JN)