This article provides suggestions for treating test anxiety by training students in stress management strategies. Detailed instructions for teaching deep muscle relaxation are provided, followed by an introduction to Wolpe's (1958) technique of systematic desensitization, which features identification of a hierarchy of anxiety-producing situations…

Perfectionists are accustomed to success and afraid of failure, have feelings of worth inextricably tied to the products they produce, impose a great deal of pressure on themselves, and may actually learn perfectionism from their parents. Counseling can help perfectionists realize that excellence is achievable but perfection is not. (JDD)

This article discusses the emotional aspects of hearing loss on the individual and the family. It explores the grief and guilt that parents feel, social isolation of the individual, negative effects for siblings, and emotional problems of adults losing their hearing. Suggestions for counseling techniques are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

The paper addresses issues involved in the aging of persons disabled earlier through spinal dysfunction (post-polio and spinal cord injury) and mental retardation. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging are examined separately. In a discussion of longevity and physical health, causes of functional aging are considered.…

The role of school-related stress in the life of the disabled child is examined, and parents and teachers are given suggestions to reduce stress and help the child cope. Stress is defined as the emotional and physical reaction to the pressures that society places upon the child to conform and live up to expectations. Among sources of stress are…

Teachers can help rechannel student anxieties by identifying areas of anxiety and then using such activities as pictorial displays to initiate conversations, "dialogue" notebooks (unrestricted, uncorrected writing on topics of students' choice), and classroom speakers (e.g., doctors) who can address topics which cause anxiety in…

The emotional component of learning disabilities is examined, and case study excerpts are cited to illustrate problems encountered with matters of self-concept and self-esteem, social perception, and personality functioning. The need to help children compensate emotionally for their difficulties is emphasized. (CL)

Intended for teachers, principals, and other school workers, this article suggests steps to help end emotional abuse of children and the resultant damage to their self-concepts. (MP)

Addresses emotional reactions of the therapist to the termination of a therapeutic relationship. Discusses findings which evolved from three ten-week courses in play therapy. Concludes that student therapists must be taught to accept separation as a positive, integral part of the play therapy relationship. (Author/KC)

Teacher burnout is described as physical, emotional, and attitudinal exhaustion; and suggestions for coping with the symptoms of burnout are offered. (JMF)

The article describes the implementation of Immediate Strategic Intervention, a counseling strategy which utilizes trained adolescent female friends to help during the first 24 hours of an emotional crisis (e.g., potential suicide). Middle school adolescents can be taught basic psychological concepts and utilize them in supporting friends and…

A clay therapy program, tested and evaluated with children (mostly with emotional or behavioral disorders) across seven settings, is described. Affective goals of the program, required materials and equipment, and lesson plan topics are briefly considered. (DB)

This fact sheet points out that knowledge of the process of grief (defined as one's own personal experience of loss) and ways of helping individuals and families cope with their loss experiences can be an invaluable asset to crisis nurseries and respite care programs and their service providers. The fact sheet lists the emotions of grief, and…

The paper examines the effects of stress on children and considers ways in which teachers can help them cope. Three major sources of stress are identified: (1) normal developmental stress, such as pressure for academic success; (2) endemic social stress, resulting from such social trends as rising divorce rates and the general erosion of the…

Provides guidelines for parents to help children to deal with anxiety and stress resulting from major changes or new situations in the child's life. Advocates truth, repetition and pacing, proper timing, dialog, fostering familiarity, honest expression of feelings, mobilization of anxiety, encouraging play, and support as strategies for reducing…