The past several centuries have presented well-documented cases of prodigious youth. Many represented extreme examples of children who had burned brightly and then faded into obscurity, succumbed to a mental illness or an early death, or entered into a career deemed below their mental capacity. These very public displays of mental prowess caused…

America's involvement in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (i.e., OEF-OIF) is entering its 9th year with casualties exceeding 5,000 American deaths and many times that number with serious physical injuries. Epidemiological surveys and mental health screening concurrent with service and at the point of discharge provide us with important information…

This study explored the needs and preferences of older gay and lesbian adults regarding their care in later life. Using a phenomenological case study approach, 15 participants were interviewed regarding their anticipated practical needs, including housing and finances, and their psychological needs, such as support and quality of life. Fearing…

The estimated prevalence of one or more mental health disorders among children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 17 is 21% (Satcher, 2001). Similarly, research by Greenberg et al., (2003) estimated that 20% of school-age youth experience mental health problems during the course of any school year. Despite these high prevalence rates, the…

Infertility is a stressful experience, yet little is known about the specific issues confronting infertile women. In the present study, researchers sought to identify themes important to infertile women and examine possible associations with mental health levels. Using qualitative content analysis, researchers analyzed the email messages of 57…

The author, a superintendent of schools, discusses a rising tide of social and emotional needs among school children as educators struggle with the issue of whether to deal with students' mental health issues. Readers are asked to consider this statement from "Children's Mental Health: Developing a National Action Agenda," a report prepared by the…

Children in countries involved in violent national conflicts experience difficult and, at times, extreme events such as spending long hours in shelters, witnessing terror attacks, or having a family member absent or injured while participating in battle. This study explores the moderating effect of resilience factors, self-esteem, and…

With nearly six years of effort, the work of hundreds of institutions, hundreds of counseling center staff members, a dedicated advisory board, and a committed group of students and faculty at Penn State University, CCMH has realized some important goals. The movement towards an "Annual Report" reflects commitment to offering an annual…

Addressing the increasing psychological needs on campus is a central mission of most college counseling centers. In addition, many centers are expected to contribute to student academic success and retention. Through the use of outcomes based assessment, which examines the needs, expectations, and perceptions of students, counseling centers can…

Reports the findings from a survey of consumer advocates on the scope of need for mental health services and barriers to service provision. Results suggest that individuals with severe physical disabilities are an underserved group, vis-a-vis both public and private mental health service providers, and that there are several barriers to mental…

Reviews literature on infertility with a focus on myths and misunderstandings about the causes of infertility; a description of the crisis of infertility including common psychological responses; the additional psychological complexity introduced by medical procedures and reproductive technology; and suggestions for mental health counselors.…

Discusses how clinical psychology can contribute to the psychological well-being of minority people. Describes theory and research on racism and racial differences. Points out the unmet health needs of minority groups and the gaps that exist in clinical practice, and stresses the necessity for training more minority psychologists. (GC)

This study investigated the possibility that motivation concepts might be involved in personality characteristics associated with headache reactions to stress. (RC)

This paper discusses aspects of modern society which facilitate personal growth and psychological health, and psychological disorders which come about primarily because of unexamined rejection of societal norms. (Author)

Self-esteem lies at the core of psychological health. This paper presents several strategies individuals might use for stopping negative self-criticism, overcoming self-rejection, and developing greater acceptance and compassion for themselves and others. The first step involves identifying any negative self-talk and then writing these thoughts…