The usefulness of the Five-Factor personality domains of the NEO Personality Inventory (P. Costa and R. McCrae, 1992) in identifying subtypes was studied with 3,256 substance abusers. Three groups, differing in coping style, psychopathological symptoms, and pattern of substance choice, were reliably identified. Implications for use of the measure…

Reviews the history of black-white intimate relationships in the United States and presents a model of the development of relationships for black-white couples. The postulated stages are: (1) racial awareness; (2) coping; (3) identity emergence; and (4) maintenance. (SLD)

Addresses the problem of stress and outlines the steps for self-hypnosis as an effective method of teaching inner-city college freshmen ways of coping with the pressures of higher education. The described method can be used in numerous settings with all populations. An appendix provides the Stress Identification and Evaluation Form. (Author/MKA)

Counselors in a variety of settings will most likely be faced with clients with a history of child sexual abuse. Counselors should be aware of what to expect in terms of their own personal issues when confronted with a sexual-abuse survivor. This article describes counselor reactions to sexual-abuse survivors and examines ways counselors can cope…

Camp Releaf, a weekend camp in North Carolina, uses therapeutic recreation to help children in grades K-8 develop positive coping skills for dealing with the recent death of a family member. The camp's therapeutic activities are described. Sidebars outline the nature of grief in different age groups and suggestions for working with grieving…

Examines the relative influences of family functioning (general) and family members' sense of competence (specific) on the community adaptation of 180 seriously mentally-ill adults. Although both variables were significantly associated with the ill family member's level of adaptation, sense of competence was the more powerful influence.…

Reports on an experimental study to address the gap in research literature about the effectiveness of school counselors' use of play-therapy intervention as a way for children to communicate conflicts. Findings suggest that children whose coping skills hinder personal learning can be assisted with six sessions of child-centered play therapy.…

Examined relationship between self-esteem and coping strategies in adolescents in grades 7 to 12. Found that adolescents with lower self-esteem and boys used more avoidance coping strategies; girls used social and spiritual supports. No age differences were found. Findings posed implications for intervention strategies. (JPB)

Studies show that people who volunteer are happier and healthier, perhaps due to enhanced social support, less self-focus, and fewer goal conflicts. Volunteering seems most beneficial for people whose social activities provide cognitive support for coping with major developmental challenges. (SK)

Exercise can positively affect a broad range of quality of life parameters in people with cancer. The general exercise prescription is moderate-intensity exercise 3-5 days per week. Conditions that warrant prescription modification include fatigue during treatment, acute or chronic physical impairments, and presence of bone cancer. Research…

Explores stress and depression levels in Canadian street youth and ways in which they cope. Results show that street youth (n=27) reported more stress and depression than non-runaways (n=27). Street youth were more likely to engage in acts of self-harm and to use drugs and alcohol, while non-runaways used more productive problem solving and…

The challenge-preparation approach to career counseling attempts to fortify clients' psychological strength to deal with challenges. The empowerment process includes exploration of existing resources, envisioning of upcoming challenges, and enactment of scenarios to develop coping skills. (SK)

Looks at the learning achievements of those who have suffered and survived including concentration camp survivors, migrants, prisoners, and others. Suggests that continued learning under adverse conditions may be necessary for emotional and physical survival. (JOW)

Examined the relationship between competence and burnout in 226 family child care providers. Identified the combination of variables that contribute to competence and burnout in caregivers, including age and educational level, use of lesson plans, perceived adequacy of space, and satisfaction with equipment and materials. Findings posed…

Offers brief descriptions, written by middle schoolers, of 12 books for adolescents, novels in which children and young people endure hardship and struggle, and triumph over the odds. (SR)