Characteristics such as prematurity, illegitimacy, handicaps, or behavior deviations have been found with high frequency in abused children. Aggressive/coercive behavior may be typical of child rearing techniques in abusing families who tend to be socially isolated and experience environmental stress. Investigators must interpret such factors with…

The psychosocial difficulties that usually accompany learning disabilities are examined from a framework of developmental theory, particularly that of Erik Erikson. The implications of this perspective for treatment of adolescents with learning problems is discussed, and the summer residential program at Goddard College described. (Author)

Presents a framework for characterizing the emotional impact of day care environments, using pleasure, arousal, and dominance-submissiveness dimensions to predict children's emotional reactions to day care and to separation from their parents, their active involvement in day care, and the extended effects of day care on their cognitive…

Two samples, representing rural and urban children, were tested before and after entering secondary school to determine individual reactions to transfer. Measures included ability, achievement, attitude toward school, and personality. Cluster analysis, replicated across both samples, identified six patterns of adjustment, two of which were…

This paper reports the results of a survey of 1349 secondary school students in a rural county in North Carolina. Data are presented on psychological and social problems, self-concept, locus of control orientation, utilization of professional and nonprofessional counseling resources, and the family relationships of the respondents. (Author)

The stages of resettlement and need to integrate past cultural experience into their new life are similar for all immigrants. Describes stages of resettlement and basic elements needed to manage the resettlement process. Three specific groups of clients are identified, and case management methods are presented for dealing with issues raised by…

Examined the perceptions of academic administrators and student affairs administrators as related to budget reduction priorities and successful downsizing strategies at institutions of higher education. Results lead to the conclusion that, as a social and psychological process, "downsizing" represents a relatively complex, multidimensional…

Data collected during new-student orientation on nontraditional-age and traditional-age first-time students indicated more psychosocial similarities than differences between them. Results suggest that first-entry nontraditional students experience some of the same needs and concerns in higher education as do their younger peers. Referrals to…

Evaluates a program that promoted adaptation of students in their first year of secondary school. The program focused on developing healthy self-perceptions, and cognitive, affective and behavioral skills. Analyses revealed the predicted positive effects of the program on psychological and social outcomes. Findings underline the need to address…

A total of 160 Asian Americans completed a series of standardized instruments assessing their environmental, social, and psychological experiences as undergraduates. Overall, social support variables were the strongest predictors of academic persistence. Research-derived implications for university personnel and professional counselors are…

Examines family-related factors which affect the psychological adjustment of the child victim of sex abuse. Findings suggest that lower cohesion characterizes families who have a child victim as a member and that a significant positive association exists between the intensity of parent's emotional reaction to the abuse and behavior problems of the…

Examined four variables (sense of control, perceived social support, degree of achievement motivation, and experienced satisfaction) thought to mediate or buffer adolescents from the negative impact of stress. Study of 61 students and their parents revealed that students perceiving high levels of support and self control had the lowest levels of…

Examined levels of burnout and relationships between burnout and selected personality characteristics and role expectations in a sample of school psychologists employed as practitioners in school settings. Results indicated personality variables related significantly to burnout over and above demographic and work condition variables. Implications…

Used a national probability sample of adults (N=3,536) to examine the effect of social interaction on psychological well-being across stages of adulthood. Determined quality of social interaction measured by satisfaction with family life and friendship related positively to well-being of adults in all age groups. (Author/TE)

Defines moral exclusion. Discusses the antecedents and symptoms of moral exclusion. Explores the interaction between the psychological and social factors that foster its development. Briefly discusses outcomes of moral exclusion. Introduces the articles in this issue by presenting an overview of the themes examined in this issue. (JS)