This 4-year study of 191 girls and 185 boys living in intact families in the rural Midwest examined the trajectories of life events and depressive symptoms during adolescence. Compared with boys, girls experienced a greater number of depressive symptoms after age 13. Changes in uncontrollable events were associated with increases in girls'…

Beginning teacher examines his experience with teacher stress and burnout, presenting research in the field and discussing three main coping strategies: problem focused, emotion focused, and preventive. In an action research project during student teaching, the teacher implemented a problem-focused coping strategy. A reflective review discusses…

Urges a focus on the positive, rather than negative, aspects of African-American family patterns and emphasizes a recollection of the past positive coping strategies, such as a strong oral tradition of proverbs for passing on positive values to next or future generations. (JB)

A general common-sense model of interactive teaching is presented, including conscious and partly or totally unconscious decision making. The model assumes that the teacher wishes to choose actions that are as appropriate as possible to the situation and goals of teaching. Knowledge and emotional variables influence the process. (SLD)

Discusses how the early childhood classroom can provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children faced with the adverse conditions associated with homelessness. Offers suggestions on seven aspects of a classroom program that require special emphasis: routines, materials and activities, adult-child groupings, space, comings and…

This study investigated differences between coping behavior of 25 developmentally disabled and 25 nondisabled children (age 4-34 months) from lower- and middle-income family backgrounds. Assessment of three adaptive-coping behaviors (sensorimotor organization, reactive behavior, and self-initiated behavior) indicated that nondisabled children…

A model of the development of prayer is offered. The development of prayer on the part of 89 middle-class adolescents and young adults from Catholic schools was studied. Results supported the model. (Author/BB)

Summarizes research suggesting that refugees, being an at-risk population, are especially suited to primary mental health prevention. Describes research on stress and acculturation and its importance to prevention in refugee mental health. Examples of primary prevention programs at the local, national, and international levels are given. (CJS)

This study of parenting stress, child behavior, and dysphoria among 150 families found that parents of children with autism and behavior disorders reported more stress than parents of Down's syndrome or nondisabled children. Mothers of Down's syndrome children did not differ from mothers of nondisabled children on any measures. No major age or…

It is argued that the current trend toward viewing the teacher as a facilitator of learning does a disservice to the tradition of teaching and puts the education of children at risk. Reasons why teaching should be emphasized over facilitating learning are presented. (SLD)

A study compared 100 Norwegian teachers with a matched group of non-teachers who were attending a four-week vocational rehabilitation program on work environment, family relations, health, personal economy, and leisure-time activity. Teachers scored significantly lower than nonteachers on the family relations axis and on a sum score of all…

A study examined the effectiveness of a program to prepare and retain 35 on-the-job teachers serving students with mild to moderate disabilities in urban schools. Teachers developed competency over time and viewed seminars and on-site assistance as critical sources of support, however, they continued to experience significant challenges and…

A study of 173 Australian residential workers found significant associations between burnout and some demographic variables such as practice of religion and with time and effort expended on the job. Low burnout scores were associated with some features of the work situation such as job satisfaction and with relationship status. (Author/CR)

Four focus groups (n=21) were conducted to gather information about coping issues and teacher attitudes related to the education of children with a neuromuscular disease. Results indicate a need for better home/school communication, a need to establish children's sense of competence, and a need for improved peer relationships. (Author/CR)

Offers a ninth grader's self-analysis of his writing disability and attention deficit disorder. Shares his coping strategies and offers his own and his mother's suggestions for how teachers can help (and not hurt) students like him. (SR)