Examined the effects of communication skills training on adjustment to divorce and separation among women. Results indicated that the experimental group significantly increased in overall divorce adjustment and in empathy skills. No significant differences were found in perceived social support or self-disclosure skill. (Author)

Investigated a series of hypothesized relationships between adjustment to separation and specified personality, demographic, and situational variables. Poorer adjustment was associated with a more traditional sex role orientation, greater discrepancies between self and ideal self, a less satisfying postseparation relationship with one's expartner…

Compared social support systems of childless elderly to a larger group of older parents. Results indicated marital status was the major determinant of the quality of the support received and adaptation to childlessness. Childless marrieds were more isolated, while the unmarrieds were more resourceful in using social resources. (Author/JAC)

Offers a positive perspective on the devolution of delinquency. Examines life experiences involved in delinquency devolution of one former juvenile offender and argues for a less pathological perspective of human behavior. Presents an alternative approach, "Positive Outcomes Research." (Author/JAC)

Studied the use of a social learning approach to reduce the unpopularity of an 11-year-old girl. Used a multiple baseline design to successively implement reinforcement contingencies on each class of social skill. Substantial improvements in performance were noted. Sociometric ratings of popularity by others improved after intervention. (Author/RC)

To examine patterns of maladjustment in preschool children, 173 children from a general kindergarten population were observed and rated by teachers using the Bristol Social Adjustment Guides. Principal-components factor analysis with varimax rotation extracted three dimensions of maladaptivity (i.e., general overreaction, socioemotional…

Identifies ways in which adjustment styles of disadvantaged youth might or might not influence how these youth respond to employment surveys. (PR)

Investigated the social adjustment of rape victims during one year following their assaults. Victims exhibited disruption in overall social adjustment for the first few months. By four months after the rape, most of the subscales had stabilized at levels similar to the nonvictims'. Work adjustment was affected through eight months following the…

The Alternative Vocational School in Connecticut services 90 adolescents identified as emotionally disturbed or socially maladjusted students in a program emphasizing behavior management and discipline. Five components of the school are administration, job preparation and placement, clinical services, vocational-technical training, and learning…

Findings indicated no significant differences in academic adjustment between Ss hospitalized for short vs. longer periods and better social adjustment for Ss hospitalized for shorter periods. The entire sample was rated as well as their classmates in academic achievement and only slightly less than classmates in social adjustment. (DB)

Preoperative and postoperative intestinal bypass patients were evaluated. Results suggest that postoperative bypass patients have improved psychological health and an increased sense of freedom and well-being but may need assistance in improving self-concepts. (Author)

Offers divorce counseling guidelines for the female who divorces after 20 years or more of marriage, based on a 1977 study of late divorced female Canadians. Research emphasizes six major life adjustment areas: emotions; divorce grounds; finances and budgeting; children; life-style change; and independence. (Author)

Ward residents view their dwelling as less secure and feel less able to control social encounters than do single room residents. Single room residents express greater desires for isolation and disclosure restriction. Data are consistent with an adaptation model of privacy-sociability preference. (Author)

Examines the effect of divorce-related problems on perceived distress and the role of coping strategies in mediating distress. Results indicate that only interpersonal and familial problems have a major effect on overall mood state. Involvement in social activities, expressing feelings, and developing autonomy are related to greater post-divorce…

Information is presented from results of administration of the Socio-Knowledge and Attitudes Test to 200 retarded persons aged 18 to 41 (equal sex distribution), most of whom were moderately or severely retarded. (Author/CL)