Three case studies describe the process of parental grieving for the loss of a child with a disability. Characteristics of mourning unique to such a death are discussed. It is argued that, contrary to suggestions that chronic sorrow may end with the child's death, the emotion continues to emerge at peak times throughout the life of the parent.…

Using 1972-1986 General Social Surveys data, investigated effect of family structure during adolescence on adult gender-role attitudes. Found family structure to selectively affect gender-role attitudes. Adults who grew up in single-parent household with divorced mother favored greater political power for women. Adults from intact and nonintact…

Notes that people over age 60 have highest suicide rates and comprise one-fourth of all suicides. Presents case study illustrating risk assessment and intervention with elderly woman. Examines clinical issues related to recognition of suicidal elderly patients and presents practical approach to early detection, evaluation, and management of…

A content analysis of obituary notices spanning a one-year period. Examined marital and family patterns such as age at marriage, length of marriage, marital status at time of death, and other factors. Single women had the highest average age at death. Patterns were less consistent among men. (RJM)

Examines from an existential view the development of abstract thought in adolescents and the conflicts arising from its process. Proposes an existential model that views various types of adolescent behavior as the manifestation of the adolescent's defense mechanisms developed in response to existential conflict; presents specific examples of…

Examined direct and transgenerational effects of traumatic loss on current functioning in college students. As expected, subjects directly affected by traumatic deaths reported more psychological distress, less individuation from parents, and poorer college adjustment than control subjects. Traumatic death apparently disrupts families' ability to…

Discusses an ethical dilemma that emerged in a study with bereaved college students. The instruments used to gather data clearly elicited grief-related distress, and more bereaved students in control groups left the study than did participants in social support groups. Three alternatives to a traditional control-group design are discussed for…

Responds to previous article by Douglas C. Smith on exploring the religious-spiritual needs of the dying in which Smith presents psychosocial tools than can be used to assess, examine, and amplify client's religious-spiritual strengths. Compares Smith's work to classic values clarification, addresses issues of counselor judgment and informed…

A survey of 111 medical schools found 12 provided no formal teaching in death and dying, 30 provided 1 or 2 lectures in the first 2 years, 51 taught it as a module of a larger course, and 18 offered it as an elective. A Yale School of Medicine seminar uses patients as teachers. (Author/MSE)

Argues that religious education should be sensitive to the existential limits that are commonly shared. States the religious life of children must be respected. Maintains that the religious curriculum topics are death, freedom, aloneness, and meaninglessness. Asserts religious education teachers must be comfortable with the presence of God, and…

Describes how children develop a concept of death, and presents suggestions for classroom experiences to help young children cope with death. Considers children's attendance at funerals and how to answer children's questions about death. Lists 14 children's books about death. (KB)

Data from the National Center for Sports Injury show that changes in rules and equipment have made interscholastic sports safer in recent decades, but the record for 1982-1997 shows that there is still room for improvement. The paper presents sport-specific considerations and examines several general safety recommendations that should be followed.…

Describes how the staffs of the yearbook, newspaper, online Web page, and literary magazine (at the Pottsville Area High School in Pennsylvania) worked together on a special insert to cover the deaths of three students in an auto accident. Appends an exercise on deciding coverage of automobile accidents. (RS)

Alternative perspectives are presented on the issue of rational suicide. An operational definition is provided; areas needing clarification are highlighted. The meta-issues are reviewed with regard to specific points raised by Lokhandwala and Westefeld. Concerns with research often cited to question the possibility of rational suicide are…

Describes 31 children's books that connect with children and illustrate the significance that books that amplify life can hold for young and old alike. Discusses books with language and illustrations that are compelling, and how stories and images work together. Describes how teachers and college students chose books and artwork to help themselves…