Structural equation modeling analysis of 349 youths, aged 9-16, in St. Kitts, West Indies, showed that physical punishment by itself does make a modest, but significant, direct and negative contribution to youths' psychological adjustment. Children tended to experience themselves to be rejected in direct proportion to the frequency and severity of…

Defines learning environment as the physical surroundings, psychological or emotional conditions, and sociocultural influences affecting the growth and development of an adult engaged in learning. Suggests that ingrained views of learning environments can be changed by perspective transformation, paradigm shift, and personal philosophy. (SK)

Data analyses on 3,346 parents with a minor child living at home found that 63 percent reported one or more instances of verbal aggression. Children (of both sexes and all ages) who experienced this frequently exhibited higher rates of physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems than other children. (BRM)

University women (N=277) completed questionnaires providing retrospective reports of childhood abuse. History of psychological abuse was uniquely associated with low self-esteem, physical abuse was linked to aggression toward others, sexual abuse was related to maladaptive sexual behavior, and physical and emotional abuse together resulted in…

Presents typology for differential assessment of and intervention with shoplifters. Notes that model identifies five major categories under which client motivation can be classified: entitlement, addictions, peer pressure, stress, and impulsiveness. Addresses requisite social work knowledge and skills for addressing this costly social problems.…

Elementary classroom teachers rated the withdrawn and social behaviors of 41 children with language impairments (LI) and 41 typically developing peers using the Teacher Behavioral Rating Scale. Teachers rated children with LI as more reticent than typically developing children, and boys with LI as displaying more solitary-active withdrawal…

Studied the impact of support groups on the psychological well-being of adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Response of 79 adolescent SCD group members show that psychological well-being was best predicted by fewer physical symptoms and greater satisfaction with the group. Findings suggest the beneficial effects of SCD support groups. (SLD)

Discusses how management students need to be aware of the psychological underpinnings of communication as more emphasis is placed on groupwork in business environments. Considers how management students benefit from understanding how people learn because they are likely to have to incorporate such understanding and they have to become life-long…

Examines facts about eating disorders, which typically affect females in their teens, discussing the causes of anorexia and bulimia, describing their effects on the body, and explaining available treatment. Though eating disorders are very serious and potentially fatal, they are treatable. Treatment includes physician evaluation, possible…

Finds that perceptions of an organization's climate (dimensions of cohesion, pressure, innovation, trust, support, and recognition) were associated with the types of communication relationships employees form with their peers. Finds that these associations were moderated in part by gender, suggesting that men and women differ significantly in the…

Observations were studied between Japanese children and their mothers (N=61) temporarily living in the United States. One-fourth of the mothers were regarded as having minor psychiatric illnesses. Analysis revealed that a mother's minor psychiatric illness was significantly associated with levels of depression and anxiety in their children. (JDM)

The rising popularity of risky or exciting recreational activities that provide intensive sensory and emotional experiences is linked to a desire for an inner experience of being in the present moment. However, such bliss seeking is complicated by modern time pressures and fears of disappointment and wasted time. Challenges for experiential…

Argues for the existence of historical unresolved grief among American Indians. Outlines the historical legacy of war, genocide, and boarding schools resulting in intergenerational trauma and a host of associated social problems. Suggests healing strategies that integrate modern and traditional approaches to healing at the individual, family, and…

Reviews research on the effects of nature, nurture, and developmental processes on psychological functioning. Considers real advances in knowledge, outlines some of the misleading claims, and notes the potential for research and science-led improvements in policies and practice, emphasizing the need for a better interpretation of genetic,…

Presents a case-control study of the association between nearly lethal suicide attempts and facets of alcohol consumption; namely, drinking frequency, drinking quantity, binge drinking, alcoholism, drinking within 3 hours of suicide attempt, and age began drinking. In bivariate analyses, all measures were associated with nearly lethal suicide…