Incidental learning has been the most prevalent method of teaching cognitive concepts in elementary physical education. The importance of emphasizing cognitive learning is advocated. (MT)

Studied fears of older adults. Results indicated that older women expressed greater fearfulness than did older men. Elderly ranked aging and sickness as their foremost fears. Results suggest some fears may change or intensify over the lifespan and that, within each period, females report greater fearfulness than do males. (Author/ABL)

A panel of eight experts discuss the cardiovascular, lipoprotein, weight control, and psychological benefits of exercise on health. The challenge of motivating people to exercise regularly is explored. (Author/MT)

Using samples of psychiatric, medical, and chronic pain patients, the effectiveness of the Hysteria scale and of various combinations of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scales as predictors of the simultaneous occurrence of two characteristics was evaluated: denial of psychological problems and admission of physical problems. The value…

Teachers describe activities for elementary school students to promote healthful behavior (physical fitness, good nutrition, etc.), including reorganizing the classroom; workouts; playground games; and bulletin board ideas. (CB)

Presents two studies designed to examine the self-report of depressive symptoms in low back pain patients (N=134). Both studies found that patients were more likely to report somatic than cognitive symptoms of depression. Patients with multiple physical findings were not more likely to report somatic symptoms than patients with few physical…

Examined effect of sex differences on morale of 257 older rural widows and widowers. Sex of respondent was not found to affect morale; however, perceived financial status and self-rated health had significant direct effects. Widows and widowers reporting higher morale had higher perceived financial status and rated their health as good.…

Presented in question/answer format, discusses the risks incurred by youngsters who live in the company of parents and other adults who are smokers. Data substantiating the risks are included. (JN)

Replicated a recent report of the factorial structure of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, using rehabilitation patients. Analyses failed to validate the previously reported three-dimensional structure, which indicates a need for careful interpretation of this scale when used with certain populations. An alternative factor…

Parents can help their children develop good eating habits and stay away from junk foods by setting a good example and serving nutritional foods. (DF)

Examined preexisting psychological, perceptual-cognitive, demographic, and physical differences between 34 adults reporting near-death experiences and 386 controls. Results indicated differences in perceptual-cognitive style in those reporting near-death experiences. Medical conditions have some effect on the experience. (JAC)

Examined Langner mental health symptomatology screening scores compared to health and stress in older adults. Subjects (N=364) were interviewed concerning mental health symptoms, health, life stress, sex-role conflict, and demographic factors. Symptoms were related to health, nervousness and depression in both sexes, and to age in men. (BH)

Analyzes the avoidance of existential-ontological confrontation of death related to social behavior and health in two samples of adults. Results showed avoiders reported increased use of tranquilizers, confronters reported increased use of stimulants, and the medium group reported more work absenteeism, suggesting advantages and disadvantages with…

Examined health-related problems that resident assistants encountered in dormitory residents. Results showed that both male and female students were concerned with minor illnesses, weight control, fitness and exercise. Male students were more concerned with alcohol-related issues; women were concerned about birth control. (JAC)

Recent scientific research has proven that we can, not only manage our stress, we can even prevent it. Ways to achieve stress management are presented in this book. It details a method called FREEZE-FRAME, a process in which individuals mentally stop the chaos that surrounds them and then calmly contemplate their situation. The text opens with an…