By participating in their children's imaginative play or pretending, parents may be able to understand better their children's feelings, resolve parent-child conflicts, communicate parental values, and build parent-child relationships based on mutual respect. Many people seem to believe that pretending appears automatically in young children, that…

The legal and socioeconomic factors that influence the development and operation of nursing homes and the impact of these factors on the psychological and physical conditions of those who live there are examined. Considerations for an alternative public policy that addresses the needs of the individual rather than institutional efficiency are…

Responds to Knoop and Wagner by citing higher education as an organization that has used "alternant leadership" without system change. States that alternant leadership could result in a psychological dislocation for many individuals, and proposes a performance contract that is renewed annually. Related articles are EA 519 582 and 584.…

Indicates that victims and perpetrators of child abuse in institutions are similar to victims and perpetrators of abuse in the home and that, therefore, systems therapy may be similarly effective in institutions as it is in homes. Describes one program that tries to alleviate stresses that lead to abuse. (Author/GC)

Semi-open, open, and other alternatives to the confidentiality of traditional adoption procedures are discussed by focusing on the needs of adoptive and birth parents. Positive outcomes of alternative approaches to adoption for all members of the adoption triangle are indicated. (Author/RH)

Contends that the role of a teacher extends beyond teaching subjects to include aiding students in dealing with their psychological and social growth. Teachers should be prepared to recognize student problems and either respond personally or recommend counseling. (KC)

Five types of social talk are identified as self-expression, recreating information, competition, expressions of curiosity, and entertainment; then, social talk is dismissed as insufficient to keep one truly alive. Spirit talk--comprised of emotional generosity, the search for solutions, and the pursuit of mystery--sharpens the sensibilities,…

Describes a theoretically and empirically based groupwork approach designed to meet the unique needs of high-risk, inner- city parents and thereby provide effective mental health services. Provides a summary of the clinical issues and needs identified by group members, and recommendations for the development of innovative approaches to serve urban…

The returning student, facing technological change with many demands on her time, needs all the help academic librarians can offer. Fundamental needs include effective bibliographic instruction, informational handouts, printed directions near electronic search tools, and an emotionally supportive environment. (EA)

Argues that psychological research based on Western concepts of the mind and methods of study not only has little relevance to other cultures, but disregards and undermines alternate cultural traditions. The need for a multicultural psychology that takes into account these differences, the multiplicity of indigenous conceptualizations of the…

Describes the basic tenets of social and emotional learning; discusses the emotional and social challenges that middle school children face; and provides suggestions for parents and teachers to help promote smooth sailing through these rocky middle school years. (SR)

Presents a call to action to all adults who impact the lives of students to make the time to pay attention to students, encourage their strengths, promote their learning, and model considerate and pro-social behavior--to notice them and talk to them. (SR)

The American space shuttle Challenger's explosion prompted a national grieving process typified by stages of shock, disbelief, acknowledgement, and finally recovery/adaptation. President Reagan's speech on the evening of the disaster assisted this process by integrating content and structure with the psychological needs of the audience. Reagan's…

Reexamines Maurice Sendak's first children's book, published in 1956. Finds it to be filled with the characters, themes, and psychological concerns that were to become hallmarks of the writer-artist's mature works. (NKA)