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)

Argues that kids do not go wrong or fall into despair for no good reason. Maintains that people are inculturated to certain areas of social blindness and denial, and that the function of all good literature is to break through that to unmask and show inner realities. (SR)

Data were collected about unpleasant events in the lives of 11 children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and depression, and were compared against 11 age- and gender-matched controls with PDD and no depression. Depressed children experienced significantly more negative life events in the year preceding onset of depression. (Author/PB)

Examined role of mother-toddler attachment in moderating the relationships between behavioral inhibition and changes in salivary cortisol levels in response to novel events. Subjects were 77 infants 18 months old. Found elevations in cortisol only for inhibited toddlers in insecure attachment relationships. Mothers in these relationships appeared…

Describes the challenges that the author (a first-grade teacher) has faced in coping with a schoolwide long-term professional development model (The Learning Network). Describes her challenges and coping strategies while using the reflective process as a framework to implement two mandated practices: action plans and regular instructional dialogue…

A four-phase group plan is presented to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse move beyond dissociative coping to more effective coping strategies. Advantages of this approach are discussed. Dissociation and the effects of dissociation are discussed. Considerations for forming a survivors group, and the four-phase format are presented in detail.…

Baltimore City students in high-risk neighborhoods are getting mental health help through programs provided by the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and community mental health agencies that work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Describes the national health crisis, the diagnosis dilemma, program components, and…