A series of seven experiments provided information on the relationship between the learning of prose and the structural importance of the linguistic subunits. Five samples of prose, including narrative folktales and two samples of textual prose, were studied to determine whether the patterning of learning corresponded to the structural importance…

Four aspects of national identity are investigated that seem relevant to an understanding of the complex sociopsychological ties which bind individuals to the nation-state. The four aspects of national identity are self-identity, consciousness of national identity, perception of nation-state, and citizenship role within nation-state. Two parallel…

Presented is a report on a cross-sectional and longitudinal study concerned with the course of intellectual development in 210 children (6-12 years old) educationally designated as brain damaged (learning disabled and/or behavior problems) and assigned to special school placement. The report is divided into four sections which focus on…

Noting that families are increasingly spending time apart from one another due to work or other commitments and the ease of travel, this booklet discusses how parents can learn to cope with being away from their children and how they can feel comfortable integrating back into family life. The booklet also includes useful tips on how to help…

Maintains that the Puerto Rican Catholic and Jewish cultural and religious experience emphasizes family, communal values, and rituals. Argues that these commonalities can be a platform for building a comparative analysis and dialog. This dialog holds the possibility of strengthening personal and communal identities, as well as increasing…

Examines the characteristic features of epidemic hysteria reports in school settings. Discovers three distinct symptom patterns: (1) mass motor hysteria (psychomotor alterations due to preexisting stress); (2) mass anxiety hysteria (extreme anxiety following the redefinition of a mundane event); and (3) mass pseudo-hysteria (relabeling of mundane…

Describes the dramatic increase in eating and depressive disorders experienced by significant numbers of girls as they pass through puberty. The Adolescent Study Program followed girls with eating and depressive problems across the entire adolescent decade. Discusses characteristics which are predictive of more intense problems while suggesting…

Video and computer games have assumed a prominent role in the culture of U.S. children and adolescents. The paper examines the health effects of these games, suggests criteria upon which parents and teachers may evaluate the games, and notes some implications for health educators. (SM)

Argues for a greater and more explicit use of evolutionary theory in psychology courses. Provides examples of ways that this strategy can help students think critically about classic psychological theories, understand the importance of narrower domain-specific theories, and comprehend the rationales behind cross-species comparison in psychology.…

In a three-year study, each of 193 students was seen to employ lesson evading and lesson dissembling, as well as lesson engaging and lesson rejecting, in situations that were confusing, threatening, or boring. Choice of lesson tactic and frequency of employment varied widely. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.…

Surveys examined whether psychosocial factors (psychosocial distress, drug use, family stress, and school performance) would distinguish adolescents endorsing high suicide ideation from those who did not, focusing on potential school dropouts. High-risk students with suicide ideation had more psychosocial distress, drug involvement, family stress,…

Discusses stages of the grieving process and ways in which early childhood teachers and caregivers can help young children understand and cope with death. An annotated bibliography of children's books concerning death is provided. (BB)

Using data from 4,141 students tested in grade 7 and again as young adults, a theoretically informed model is proposed which specifies the effects of failing to finish high school on the latent construct "psychological functioning" in young adulthood. Results suggest that dropping out has a significantly negative effect on psychological…

Relationships between self-reported past and present physical activity levels and self-image, sense of mastery, gender role identity, self-perceived physical ability, and self-perceived attractiveness were studied for 149 female high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Results are discussed in terms of adolescent emotional health. (SLD)

The sociocultural context of the lives of five Hispanic American and five Anglo learning-disabled adolescents was studied over a school year to determine everyday stressors and coping strategies. In addition to the typical concerns of adolescents, cultural conflicts and learning handicapped status are major sources of stress. (SLD)