This is the third volume in a series of monographs from the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Service for Children and Their Families Program, which currently supports 41 comprehensive system of care sites to meet the needs of children with serious emotional disturbances (SED). This volume explores sites that are overcoming obstacles to…

This book is designed to guide mental health practitioners in conducting culturally competent and effective work with economically disadvantaged youth from African American, Asian American, Latin American, and Native American backgrounds. It outlines the theoretical constructs for understanding how cultural and socioeconomic differences have an…

The special section contains information on federal programs, state programs, independent programs, social/recreational programs and agencies, and supportive organizations and agencies serving the deaf. (SBH)

A recent report of the British Mental Health Foundation identified key issues in service provision for children with learning disabilities and severe challenging behavior. Recommendations addressed issues such as definitions of challenging behavior, early intervention, implications for educational services, residential education, and…

Addresses problems of treating troubled girls at a male-dominated facility. The Positive Education Program (PEP) model is used in an Ohio day-treatment program for children with severe behavior problems. PEP staff use negative incidents as learning opportunities while positive programming makes school and its social interactions successful…

Describes the foundation, development, and implementation of a multidisciplinary team-taught college-level health course for women. Specifically focused on women's health, the course aims to have a positive impact on student decision making and to interrupt potentially hazardous health patterns. Examines success and challenges through course…

With the right support and guidance from adults, even very young children can become resilient enough to weather the most traumatic disaster and grow stronger from the experience. Adults must provide support (love, discussion, and stability) and help their children build inner strength and learn to communicate and cope. (SM)

Trends in college freshmen's health nationwide based on an annual survey administered from 1966-95 are described, highlighting alcohol and drugs, physical health, psychological health, and sexual attitudes. Major trends include declines in beer drinking and physical and emotional self-confidence, and increase in stress and cigarette smoking. (SM)

A culturally relevant group therapy model for gifted American Indian students and their parents uses non-didactic facilitation to focus on cultural identity, play, self-disclosure, parental involvement, silence, cognitive processing, emotional expression, and social responsibility. Evaluation results indicate the program builds self-esteem, pride…

A study examined costs and benefits perceived by 26 self-help group leaders who helped rural Kansas communities in extending the use, awareness, and effectiveness of self-help groups. Findings that satisfaction in helping was the major benefit and time constraints the major cost were used to tailor leadership roles. Self-help group activity…

Investigates the relation between psychological characteristics and drug use in subjects studied longitudinally, from preschool through age 18. Psychological differences between frequent drug users, experimenters, and abstainers could be traced to the earliest years of childhood and related to the quality of parenting received. Discusses how…

Examined cross-cultural variations in stress among Asian and Caucasian graduate students (N=204). Analyzed surveys measuring life stress, physical health complaints, and psychological health. Findings indicated some cross-cultural variations in stress and adjustment among graduate students, with Asian graduate students experiencing fewer stressful…

Discusses the ethnic-related differences in mental hospitalization admittance rates, diagnoses, and length of treatment. Explores reasons other than ethnic origin that may account for these differences, including socioeconomic standing, access to alternative services, bias in practitioners' assignment of diagnostic labels, and differential stigma…

Despite the traditional view of adolescence as a healthy period, there are increasing concerns about the health status of youth. Many adolescent health needs are unmet due to misconceptions and to the organization of health care services. Behavioral science can contribute research, interventions, and health policy to benefit adolescent health. (AF)

Provides an overview of the current state of health services in rural America and examines policy changes being made through Congressional action. Presents suggestions for further research and legislative actions. Discusses the role that individual psychologists can play in improving mental health services in rural areas. (MW)