This brochure, a presentation of observations made by stepparents about their experiences, is designed to help new and future stepfamilies look realistically at problems which may confront them. Steps to take before remarriage which may ease the transition into the new family are suggested: (1) examining motives for marrying; (2) accommodating…

A student with a poor school history may differ from his or her classmates not only in academic skills but also in the expectation of future success. Seventh grade students (N=51) identified by teachers as at-risk for school failure because of their previous school performance were compared with an equal number of normal classmates on measures of…

A review of pertinent research on the adaptation of ethnic minority elderly to life-threatening events (personal, man-made, or natural) exposes voids in the research, presents methodological considerations, and indicates that ethnic minority elderly are disproportionately victimized by life-threatening events. Unusually high numbers of…

An empirical test of a contemporary model of psychosocial stress was conducted to evaluate expected differences in cognitive and affective functioning for males and females in a professional career sample. Perceived powerlessness and affective hostility were viewed as constituting a cluster of adaptive responses to personal/social conditions…

The article describes a group counseling program in Manchester (England) to prepare physically handicapped adolescents for leaving the school environment. Weekly group sessions led by a social worker and classroom teacher focused on social and life skills training, including such components as student selection of session content, role play, and…

Family practice residents were studied to test the hypotheses that a higher incidence and greater severity of personal or emotional problems are associated with a higher incidence of maladaptive coping behaviors among women than men students. Implications for resident program design are discussed. (MSE)

A physically disabled adolescent describes how, as a middle school student, he formed a wheelchair club to provide support and a forum for shared experiences among similarly disabled peers. Eventually, club members invited guest speakers and developed several disability awareness programs for their nondisabled classmates and teachers. (JW)

Results of clinical research involving specific subtypes of psychological disorders in elementary age children are reported. Compared to controls, emotionally disturbed children manifested greatest adaptive behavior deficits in socialization and maladaptive areas of functioning, with less predictable patterns of deficit in such areas as…

Reviews child developmental stages proposed by Piaget and Erikson. Suggests camping can provide a relief valve for children pressured by society to grow up too quickly. Recommends evaluation of three program areas--readiness of child for camp, appropriateness of camp activities for age group; design of camp schedule to reduce stress. (LFL)

The article describes approaches special education teachers can take to reduce stress including diet and exercise, relaxation techniques, use of social support systems, goal setting, time management, and networking. A survey of special education teachers found the use of humor the most common strategy for coping with stress. (DB)

Recognizing that knowledge will enable the world's people to cope with worldwide relationships, Alger criticizes the social sciences for inhibiting needed research that would increase awareness of the linkages between human settlements and worldwide phenomena. Presents a progress report on the effort to identify islands of inquiry into the…

The experience of siblings of a child with a life-threatening illness may be seen at the juncture of the following perspectives: (1) the family system; (2) a focus on living rather than on dying; and (3) a view toward positive adaptation rather than toward psychopathology. The most critical focus is on the sibling-patient relationship itself. (BJV)

Trained 24 college students in either a meditation or a cognitive self-observation procedure. Both groups showed reliable increases in several dimensions of self-actualization (measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory) and decreases in many common stress-related symptoms (measured by the Symptoms of Stress Inventory). No differential…

Literature reports of individual and group child-focused interventions designed to help students cope effectively with divorce-related transitions and to reduce potential maladjustment are described. Indirect interventions with parents, teachers, and the school organization are also discussed, and a comprehensive model of divorce-related school…

Discusses the results of a study on the limitations of short-term memory in terms of its implications for the teaching of chemistry and problem-solving skills. Also includes a description of the Saskatchewan life skills program for disadvantaged adults for coping with change. (ML)