Interviewed bereaved persons shortly after the death of a close family member and 18 months later. Respondents were grouped according to mode of death. The short-term chronic illness group made the most favorable adjustment. Sudden death and long-term chronic illness death groups sustained higher intensities of bereavement. (Author/RC)

Untrained normal achievers attributed failure to adoption of specific task strategies, while untrained learning disabled boys attributed failure to task difficulty. Characteristics of learned helplessness were apparent in the impaired performance of the learning-disabled boys. Normal achievers appeared to have developed active and independent…

Examined the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) by factor analytic techniques. Although the results indicated a strong need for caution, there was evidence of an alternative interpretation of the LSIA that has a degree of consistency across racial and gender categories. These findings raise implicit questions about prior research. (Author/JAC)

A taxonomy is proposed for evaluating the quality of learning in terms of a composition's structural complexity. Five writing structure levels are distinguished (incoherent, linear, conventional, integrated, and metaphoric) and samples of high school students' compositions illustrate each. Implications for both the psychology and teaching of…

Discusses current ideas about the symptoms and psychodynamics of depression in middle and late childhood (ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12, respectively). Implications for intervention differ according to cognitive development. Environmental intervention and family involvement are necessary in middle childhood, and individual psychotherapy in late…

Age-related change in manifest dream content was assessed in dreams recalled from REM sleep by (N=58) men aged (27-64), and in dreams recalled from sleep at home. Evidence indicated a small age-related decline in dream distortion and family-related content. (Author)

Presents a five-level taxonomy classifying counseling problems in hierarchical order. Each level is composed of inappropriate behaviors, cognitions, or expectations. Discusses interrelated characteristics which decrease from the highest to the lowest level. Gives an example of the use of the taxonomy. (Author/RC)

Undergraduates viewed a simulated therapy segment presented on four videotapes varying in traditionalism of the therapist's attire and office. Ratings of attraction were independent of therapist attire. Subjects' impressions were largely unaffected by office arrangements. Data refute formulations assigning therapist accoutrements a major role in…

Intrinsic motivation is discussed as the main concern of evaluation of leisure and recreational programs. Two factors influencing leisure behavior are perceived freedom and perceived competence. Two types of intrinsic rewards are possible from leisure participation: rewards and those obtained from a change in environment. Evaluation should then…

Compared high-school students differing in achievement motivation in a learned helplessness experiment. A strong helplessness effect was observed in both high- and low-achievement motivation groups. Results show a strong learned helplessness effect unrelated to individual differences in achievement motivation and refute claims that helplessness…

It is estimated that 29 million American children have alcoholic parents. The author documents the unstable environment and psychological consequences suffered by these children, who are at great risk to become alcoholics themselves. (Editor)

Summarizes theoretical perspectives and research findings concerning the effects of anxiety upon personal development, mentioning the link between fear and anxiety. The differences between state and trait anxiety, and the limits of measurement with these two types of anxiety are noted. (Author/DB)

Reviews Maslow's hierarchy of needs in the light of the Jonestown tragedy. Maintains that members of the People's Temple felt frustrated in attaining the lower levels in the world of reality, and so moved outside the pyramid in search of the top, self-actualization. In the process, their primary needs were met. Journal availability: see SO 507…

Popular culture now considers marijuana harmless, but research shows it has definite physiological and neurological effects, effacing memory and attention and producing cell damage and learning deficits. Young people turn to pot to escape the emotional pressures of adolescence. Parents and schools can help adolescents by setting firm prohibitions.…

High school counselors conducted small group counseling sessions. Perspectives on outcome were provided by goal attainment ratings. Students attained both personal and educational goals. Planfulness of coping style was related to goal attainment. Results suggest counseling should include teaching planful problem solving, and should not…