Excerpts from law students' journals illustrate themes of their early experiences with law school, including idealism, high expectations, exhilaration, frustration, stress, conflict, boredom, alienation, and despair. (MSE)

The anecdotal literature suggests that the process of legal education impairs the maintenance of emotional well-being in law students. This study examined the emotional well-being of subjects (N=706) before, during, and after law school. Data were collected using four standardized self-report instruments including the Brief Symptom Inventory, Beck…

Examines factors influencing socialization of foreign students enrolled in United States law schools. Discusses emotional problems commonly experienced by foreign law students and difficulties they may have in adjusting to American culture, finding a meaningful role in law student community, adjusting to and being socialized through law school…

Two models (exam and oral argument performance) to predict academic performance using ability, affective, and cognitive variables were evaluated using students in their first year of law school. Different processes appear to operate in each of the two academic tasks. The implications of the results for law school education and future research are…

A study of University of Arizona law and medical students revealed no difference in overall stress levels, but law students showed higher stress on the academic and fear-of-failing subscales. Some specific program areas were more stressful, certain stressors were found to be held in common, and support system use differed. (MSE)

Because some law students experience an emotional crisis related to law school, law school staff need a model to help them assist the individual student. A Beck Depression Inventory (a self-administered indicator for professional help) and a Daily Activity Schedule (a technique for problem solving) are provided. (MLW)

A survey of medical, law, and chemistry and psychology graduate students' perceived stresses (academic activities, personal relationships, time pressures, and financial concerns) contradicted the expectation that medical students' stress level would be highest. Time restrictions and economic and academic issues produced the highest stress. (MSE)