This editorial reviews the literature on the emotional states of gifted children, pointing out design flaws and the problem of using averages in such studies. Specific topics discussed include supersensitivity, guilt feelings in those who are gifted, the gifted underachiever, stress and coping, and fields for future research. (PB)

This article reviews techniques such as bibliotherapy, positive self-talk, and self-concept activities useful in suicide prevention curricula for gifted students. A guidance program designed for the social and emotional needs of the gifted student is proposed, covering such issues as perfectionism, societal expectations, and premature or…

Outlines components of fear in outdoor adventure activities. Reports ratings by 311 Outward Bound students of 23 common fears in the outdoors. Discusses techniques of fear reduction therapy: systematic desensitization, flooding, modeling of coping methods by instructors, and rehearsal of adaptive behaviors. Contains 16 references. (SV)

This study investigated the relationship between perceived family environment and psychological distress among 76 adults with visual impairments of fewer than 4 years duration, who had undergone at least 4 months of rehabilitation classes. Family environmental traits strongly influenced adjustment to vision loss. Distress was positively correlated…

This study with 14 prelingually deaf adults seeking counseling found that the use of "lay" counselors using sign language was effective; these deaf individuals varied greatly in their problems, needs, and potentials; these adults accepted their deafness; and all had some positive resources in either their emotional network (family) or social…

Discussions of teen sex usually focus on the dangers of pregnancy and disease but ignore the emotional hazards and destructive psychological consequences of temporary sexual relationships. Teenagers absorbed in a sexual relationship may turn inward at a time then they should be reaching out to others. (SLD)

Structured direct interviews with 43 adults having moderate to severe mental retardation evaluated how they expressed grief and dealt with loss. One hundred service providers were also surveyed. Subjects were found to experience feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, confusion, and pain; to continue some emotional turmoil one year after the loss;…

This study evaluated the emotional and behavioral adjustment of 41 children (ages 5-15) within the first 3 months following disclosure of extrafamilial sexual abuse. Findings indicated that children's perceptions of self-blame and guilt for the abuse and the extent of traumatization predicted their self-reported symptomatology of depression,…

Describes the many and varied emotional needs of teens, and the importance of dealing with adolescents' problems, so that they can learn. Suggests that, for language arts teachers, the way in is through literature. Discusses the role of literature, and offers a description of four themes and young adult novels on those themes. (SR)

This study tested the theoretical proposition that family histories of destructive adult conflict reduce children's emotional security. Subjects were 112 children--ages 6, 11, and 19 years--with equal numbers of males and females in each age group. Subjects viewed the videotapes of an adult couple engaged in either a destructive conflict or a…

Rape is a significant trauma that causes the victim immediate as well as long-term difficulties. A cross-section of rape survivors and matched controls completed questionnaires about current somatic, psychological, and social difficulties. The time since assault for the rape group varied from 6 months to 8 years. Factor analysis yielded eight…

By having an attitude of understanding and acceptance, a teacher can help a child who is undergoing the traumatic experience of the divorce of his parents. (JD)

The post-injury psychosocial problems of 42 adult male head injury patients over a 3-year period were evaluated using the Portland Adaptability Inventory. In all time periods, the areas most impaired were social contact, work/school, and leisure as well as elevated frequencies of problems with anxiety, depression, and significant relationships.…

A study compared 55 mothers who had been physically abused as children and 46 mothers who had not been, concerning their memories and descriptions of self, parents, babies, and significant others. Mothers who were abused had negative attributes pervading their memories and perceptions. A mother's positive view of self was associated with secure…