This study of a gifted 13-year-old Asian American male examines stressors and strategies in his adjustment; his resiliency and hardiness; his development in cognitive, socioemotional, and ethnic identity areas; and influences upon his adjustment (family, school, peers, intrapersonal, and ethnic identity). (JDD)

Provides information on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and suggestions for integrating individuals with TBI into the group process through the use of four specific group counseling strategies: (1) pregroup orientation; (2) a "here-and-now" approach; (3) group exercises; and (4) follow-up and referral services. (LKS)

Adolescents (n=26) whose depressive symptoms increased from ages 11 through 13 were compared with matched control participants (n=26) whose depressive symptoms remained low over the same period. Symptoms could be predicted at age 11 from self-perceptions, self-evaluation, loneliness/social dissatisfaction, perceived number of friends, and…

Examined linkages between the family and school social systems as children make the transition to school. Recorded parent-child interactions in a physical play session prior to children's entrance into school. Found that the length of time in physical play was related to social adjustment in school. (MM)

Fifty gifted children (age 10) were matched with 50 pupils of average intelligence on gender and socioeconomic status. Data on personality and socioemotional behavior from three sources (children, parents, and teachers) did not reveal even one gender-by-giftedness interaction. (JDD)

Assessment of psychosocial and academic adjustment of 30 undergraduates with visual impairments and 43 nondisabled undergraduates revealed no intergroup differences on psychosocial adjustment. The mean grade point average of subjects with visual impairments was higher than that of nondisabled subjects. Blind/low vision students scored higher than…

This comparison of 39 college freshmen with learning disabilities (LD) and 33 nondisabled freshmen found that LD students were becoming more dependent on their families, spent less time in study, exhibited greater pessimism about success in coursework, and were dissatisfied with the social climate on campus. Actual grade attainment of both groups…

Considers eight models for the study of pubertal change that explore possible links between hormones and negative affective experiences, such as depression and aggression. Notes that hormonal effects, though small, have demonstrated stability and have interacted with psychological and social factors, implicating hormonal changes in the development…

The Seattle (Washington) Homeless Adolescent Research Project implemented Project Passage to provide individualized mental health services to homeless adolescents, involving assessment, linkage, advocacy, counseling, treatment teams, and crisis service. Participants evidenced lower levels of aggression and greater satisfaction with quality of life…

Relations among observed family interaction patterns, preadolescent boys' classroom self-restraint, and academic achievement were studied in a sample of 65 intact families. Findings identify behavioral self-restraint, a form of social competence, as a noncognitive mediator between the quality of family functioning and academic achievement in early…

Presents an overview of the research literature concerning the significance of adolescent friendship. Topics addressed are (1) the ubiquity of friendships; (2) friendship stability; (3) conditions of friendship, such as reciprocity, commitment, and equality; (4) similarities among friends; and (5) social and emotional development fostered by…

Studied relationship between college programs in prisons and societal adjustment as well as participation in college programs. Examined postrelease success of 526 offenders enrolled in college, vocational, secondary, and elementary programs while incarcerated. Results were mixed, but college program participants had better adjustment scores…

Used longitudinal design to assess risks associated with maltreatment in maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Found that heightened difficulties in peer relationships and self-esteem were associated with greater severity and chronicity of maltreatment. The best predictions of specific aspects of adjustment considered timing, type, and severity…

Describes and reviews the work of researchers who have operationalized the construct of friendship and the theoretical basis for the association between friendship experiences and children's level of psychological adjustment. Details study of how various levels of friendship constructs relate to one another and to children's loneliness and…

This study examined the social adjustment of deaf adolescents enrolled in segregated (n=39), partially integrated (n=15), and mainstreamed (n=17) settings. Partially integrated students reported better adjustment than mainstreamed students with deaf peers; mainstreamed students reported better adjustment than partially integrated students with…