Although consensus on the meaning of depression exists, theories vary widely regarding its source. Depression is essentially an affective disorder; however, because the assessment of sadness is difficult, most psychological theories of depression have focused on some nonaffective component of depression, such as activity level, cognitive…

Addresses stress concerns especially related to counselors of minority students. The four articles of this special issue discuss the impact of the Atlanta child murders, stressful life events, Black student adjustment on a predominantly White campus, and helping school counselors deal with job stress. (JAC)

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)

Factors that place older adults at risk for problems associated with the bereavement process are identified and discussed. Provides guidelines for distinguishing between normal bereavement depression and clinical depression, discusses the impact of different types of loss, describes three types of intervention, and explores countertransference.…

Potential long-term effects of the trauma of severe sexual abuse on a child's sense of living in his/her body and in the world are explored. Trauma and dissociation are analyzed and linked to a posttraumatic sense of personal identity. Then dissociation, multiple personality disorder, eating disorders, somatization disorder, self-mutilation, and…

A selective view of the professional literature indicates that, although most adoptees are well within the normal range of functioning, as a group they are more vulnerable to various emotional, behavioral, and academic problems than their nonadopted peers living in intact homes with their biological parents. Methodological problems associated with…

International adoption and areas of losses and gains are described with respect to biological parent, adopted child, and adoptive parent in terms of the individual and the relationship between individuals. Deficits and benefits specific to donor and recipient countries are addressed as well as bereavement issues inherent in the process. (JBJ)

An overview of some of the recent developments in experimental research on early infantile autism considers related issues such as language impairments, cognitive and affective deficits, nonverbal communication, social behavior, and therapeutic interventions. Research indicates that difficulty with abstract use of language and with pragmatic…

Doctors annually treat between approximately four and eight million Americans for depression. Behavioral changes in depressed individuals are characterized by sadness, loneliness, and apathy. Other symptoms include fatigue, early morning insomnia, loss of appetite, and suicide attempts. Underlying depression may mask itself in physical symptoms,…

The paper reviews the interaction between a young child and the school environment in the development of emotional and behavior problems. Research on empathy development, the impact of the teacher-child relationship, and effects on self concept of social relationships with peers are considered. The origin and achievements of the Child and Family…

This publication, written in English, explains why women are at greater risk for depression than men. Types of depressive illnesses are explained along with the symptoms. It states that some women are predisposed genetically to depression but biochemical, environmental, psychological, and social factors also contribute to its occurrence.…

In order to examine the responsiveness of federal policies to the known risk and protective factors for academic and behavior problems at the beginning of school, the Child Mental Health Foundations and Agencies Network commissioned the two papers that make up this publication. One paper reviews the last two decades of relevant scientific…

Various self-report test anxiety instruments were examined with attention given to their reliability and validity. Treatments directed toward test worry were more effective than treatments directed toward test emotionality. Self-reported test anxiety was found to decrease as a result of most treatment including pseudotherapy. (Author/CP)

This article discusses the affective needs of gifted students and provides information about what counselors can offer to gifted adolescents and their teachers, including affective curriculum, training in active listening, and co-facilitation of discussion groups. Other strategies for addressing social and emotional concerns in programs are also…

Notes that many teachers have pursued the role of death educator without developing the necessary pedagogical competencies. Reviews beneficial resources including: (1) using contemporary literature and journals concerned with death and dying; (2) affiliating with professional associations which promote death education and death-related counseling;…