Tests the hypothesis that frequent parental visiting is associated with foster children's conflicting allegiances to foster families and biological parents. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that frequent visitation is potentially difficult because of the loyalty conflicts that might accompany frequent visiting. Suggests that…

Reviews several assumptions commonly made about the grieving process: that depression is inevitable; that distress is necessary and failure to experience it indicates pathology; that it is necessary to "work through" a loss; and that recovery and resolution are to be expected following loss. Notes that available empirical work fails to support and…

Gives recommendations for both long-range preparation and last-minute preretirement planning. Methods are being developed that can alert those facing retirement to the emotional difficulties they may face and help them plan ways of coping with problems. Difficulties include sense of belonging, socialization problems, achievement problems and…

A review of 17 of the most current empirical research studies on the pscyhosocial adjustment of maltreated children suggests that, compared to nonabused children, physically abused children manifest a greater number and frequency of behavior problems, have poor peer relationships and social skills, are less socially involved, have less empathy,…

The article discusses support services and sources for the families of handicapped children. Aspects covered include family involvement in early childhood education programs, emotional support, and family mental health. The characteristics of the "ideal" family are also discussed. (DLS)

The author examines seven myths, such as: divorce is preferable to an unhappy home; children anticipate divorce; turmoil ends with separation; and divorce damages children. She concludes that divorce initiates a prolonged and often difficult transition for children, which may benefit or harm them depending on how parents handle it. (SJL)

The use of biofeedback in the self management of stress in school children is discussed. Educational research on biofeedback suggests that biofeedback training can help children to learn relaxation skills, reduce school-related anxiety, and gain a measure of self-discipline and confidence. (PHR)

Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome (GTS) is considered a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. With some cases, a variety of neurocognitive, social, and emotional difficulties are present. Describes core features of GTS and highlights how symptoms and their features may interfere with school functioning. School…

Reviews major biochemical, psychoanalytic, and cognitive theories of depression with specific suggestions for counseling approaches to reduce prevalence and impact of depression that often accompanies physical illness. A case study illustrates the need for family as well as individual counseling. (Author/JAC)

The author investigates the mutual effects that legal and adjustment issues have on the plight of some children. A court-appointed child adversary, who would represent the child in custody and visitation decisions, could lead to improved postdivorce adjustment for many children, she concludes. (Editor)

Vietnam veterans are plagued by an emotional sense of failure at what society once considered an important job. Counselors should consider their own attitudes, be willing to intervene for the veteran within the social system, and offer both individual and group counseling to help veterans adjust. (Author/JAC)

Although several theoretical positions deal with the concept of childhood depression, accurate measurement of depression can only occur if valid and reliable measures are available. Current efforts emphasize direct questioning of the child and quantification of parents' observations. One scale used to study childhood depression, the Personality…

Reviews literature on adjustment problems experienced by immigrant children and the effectiveness of intervention program developed to aid them. Considers a new conceptualization of the immigration process among children, their particular needs, and how these might best be met by preventive mental health interventions. (KH)

Suggests the helping professions ignore older homosexual men and women, groups that have special strengths and needs. Describes the institutional, legal, emotional, and medical problems older homosexuals face and discusses how social workers can provide services to these groups. (Author)

Elaborates the concept of "keystone target variable selection" for school psychological practice. "Keystone variables" refers to relatively narrow targets for change having the most widespread benefits to clients. The hypothesized benefits of selecting keystone targets for change include more effective and efficient interventions. (KW)