Presents findings of a descriptive study designed to compare instances of writer's block in English and Spanish, among and within three groups of bilingual writers. Tries to determine if the same writing factors stymie both the novice bilingual writer and the practiced bilingual writer. Suggests ways to lessen writing apprehension. (RAE)

Employs factor analysis and comparability analysis to investigate the impact of item order on the number of factors and the underlying factor structure stability of the writing apprehension construct of the 1975 Daly and Miller scale. Finds that the randomized item factor structure was comparable with the original item order factor structure. (SR)

Investigates the effect on postsecondary students of the belief that writing ability is a gift. Finds that higher levels of belief in giftedness correlate with higher levels of writing apprehension, lower self-assessments of writing ability, and lower levels of confidence. Suggests that the belief in giftedness may have deleterious effects on…

Investigates whether high- and low-apprehensive freshman composition students respond differently as peer evaluators in a face-to-face group versus a group using electronic mail. Finds that high apprehensives exhibit different strategies than low apprehensives for peer evaluation, and that high apprehensives participate more and rely more on the…

Analyzes more than 5,000 examples of "self-talk" gathered from blockers and nonblockers during the initiation and completion of writing sessions to reveal seven cognitive components of blocking: work apprehension, procrastination, dysphoria, impatience, perfectionism, evaluation anxiety, and rules. Indicates that blockers are more likely…

Reviews automaticity, effortless writing that enjoys freedom from excessive conscious interference, in terms of its origins in automatic writing and growth into contemporary techniques. Characterizes automaticity as a (1) form of dissociation from consciousness; (2) succor to spontaneity and creativity; and (3) key to understanding why some…

Appraises and provides validity evidence on the reliability of secondary students' scores on attitudes toward writing as measured by the Daly and Miller Writing Apprehension Scale (WAS) and the Attitudes toward Writing with the Computer Scale (ATWCS). Concludes that students' attitudes toward writing and toward writing with the computer can be…