This study tested 192 women who had been sexually abused as children, to see if perceived stigma, betrayal, powerlessness, and self-blame mediated long-term effects of child sexual abuse. Levels of psychological distress experienced by adult survivors of abuse were found to be mediated by feelings of stigma and self-blame. (Author/PB)

Research on depression among gifted adolescent females is reviewed. A psychotherapeutic model drawing on established feminist therapy strategies is presented for counselors working with gifted adolescent females. The model emphasizes recognizing harmful effects of patriarchal society, supporting females in self-exploration, and pursuing nonsexist…

Reexamines and organizes empirical literature to help counselors develop credible and effective interventions. Tries to place stress counseling within a responsible clinical methodology. A flowchart schema incorporating stress coping modalities--environment, cognitions, emotions, and personal life philosophy--is presented to systematize…

This study of 266 college students, using strict and liberal definitions of sexual abuse, suggests that adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse that involved touching are more suicidal and have less cognitive deterrents to suicide than adults who did not, regardless of gender or whether they were abused by adults or peers. (Author/JDD)

A study compared 27 participants with Angelman syndrome to clinical and community participants (n=948) with developmental disabilities of mixed etiology to determine whether Angelman syndrome is associated with a distinctive patterns of behavioral functioning. Those with Angelman syndrome had significantly lower scores on measures of irritability…

Investigates relationship of preventive and combative coping resources to appraisals and emotions produced by taking a new job. Graduate students participated by completing inventories measuring variables regarding their last employment experience. Results suggest that preventive coping resources may affect the appraised desirability of taking a…

We contribute to the theoretical and research knowledge base regarding the pathways between parental social support, family well being, quality of parenting, and the development of child resilience in families with a child with serious emotional problems. Little conceptual development has been done that provides a theoretical framework for…

This study explored whether patterns of stability or change in adult attachment styles were associated with corresponding changes in self-confidence, problem coping styles, and distress. Two hundred seven students completed measures of the key variables near the start and toward the end of their freshman year. Participants were classified into…

Much of the research on bereavement and its consequences fails to account for social network factors. A sample of widows participated in a comprehensive national study to determine factors that enhanced or lessened their psychological well-being shortly after the death of their husbands, and over time. Two groups responded, those in the Crisis…

People exposed to stressful experiences should be less negatively affected if they receive higher rather than lower levels of social support. This proposition was tested by investigating the "stress buffering" role of social support in a way that allowed comparison between conceptually different measures related to the construct of…

Coping mechanisms and other strategies are needed to alleviate the anxiety experienced by visually impaired students and clients during the mobility training process. This literature review discusses the effects of stress, potential stress reduction techniques, factors which impact independent mobility, and suggested areas of future research. (VW)

Explores the impact of marital dissolution on 161 people attending an adult education course on divorce. Describes their stress reactions and suggests clinical implications. Results indicated that people going through divorce are greatly impacted: 91 percent feel an unusual degree of stress; 67 percent usually feel unhappy and worried. (Author)

Discusses five components of a basic suicide syndrome. Examines gender differences in suicidal behavior through an analysis of male and female roles. Components include failure, commitment, rigidity, shame, and isolation. Considers the concept of autonomy in relation to sex differences in suicidal behavior. (RC)

In this study, 79 older adults completed the Reasons for Living and the Cope inventories. Overall coping was significantly correlated with total reasons for living, although the low correlation suggests the constructs were moderately unique. Found older women may underrate their ability to cope. Implies suicide prevention strategies should target…

The novelty and challenge of the wilderness, often cited as the basis for growth, can also precipitate emotional crises. Leaders should help the participant restore equilibrium through empathic listening and emotional support. If that fails, a model is presented for inhibiting the escalation of aggression or violence. Defusing and debriefing after…