This study found that, although the mental representations of 20 sexually abused and 20 physically abused females (ages 7-12) did not differ, the internal images of the abused groups differed from images of 20 nonabused but distressed children. Thus it is abuse, and not simply family distress, that results in impaired object relations. (Author/JDD)

Compared structural family therapy (SFT), individual psychodynamic child therapy (IPCT) and control condition for Hispanic boys (N=69) with behavior and emotional problems. Findings suggest that control condition was less effective in retaining cases than treatment conditions, and SFT was more effective than IPCT in protecting family integrity.…

Provides advice to single parents on ways to help their preadolescent children get in touch with their feelings and prepare for positive life experiences. The advice is highlighted with a case study. (BB)

This study investigated the impact of organizational and personality factors on three factors of teacher burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Results with 3,044 elementary, intermediate, and secondary teachers demonstrate that teacher burnout is not a unidimensional construct. (SLD)

A New Zealand mail survey (n=1,376) and interviews (n=497) evaluated the long-term impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of female children surveyed as adults. Similarities in outcomes among the three forms of abuse were more apparent than differences, though sexual abuse was particularly associated with sexual problems, emotional abuse…

Examines types of life changes that young children may experience and suggests developmentally appropriate curricular strategies teachers can implement to help children cope more effectively. Promotes teacher-parent partnerships and includes list of readings for both. (ET)

Examined the association between developmental outcomes, such as social competence, and child-rearing practices and attitudes in a sample of 38 preschool-aged foster children and their foster mothers. Findings indicated that higher quality child-rearing practices consistently were associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems, and that a…

Contends that many violin and viola students develop preferences based on fear of using more difficult fingering techniques. Recommends that students be exposed to advanced techniques earlier in a matter-of-fact approach. Includes a list of four books recommended for further reading. (CFR)

Development of a parent report measure for assessing the quality of life of children with cancer is described. The Pediatric Oncology Quality of Life Scale assesses physical function and role restriction, emotional distress, and reaction to current medical treatment. Reliability and validity assessments provide preliminary support for the…

Shows how troubled students who usually act tough and indifferent open up and become interested in learning and willing to show their weaknesses in an in-school suspension environment. Argues that such students need increased skills and a safe environment, movement toward creativity and compassion, and movement away from thoughts of survival. (TB)

Discusses how teachers can deal effectively with children with challenging behaviors in the Head Start context. Suggests that the continuously changing profile of today's family demands a therapeutic model to adequately address the intense needs that many children have because of increasing poverty and violence. Highlights the need for appropriate…

This study of the emotional status of 133 Israeli adolescents and young adults found no significant differences between subjects with dyslexia and controls. Both groups were easily differentiated from psychiatric patients. Subjects with severe deficits in ability to remember details of a text, and with concentration difficulties, exhibited high…

Psychosocial, psychosomatic, and psychodynamic factors were evaluated in 33 female psychiatric patients who had been victims of incest. Sexual abuse experiences in childhood were related to feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and powerlessness, which, with a lack of support from the mother, led to ego weakness, and an autoplastic model of coping…

A survey of 415 undergraduate social work students and 203 non-social work students investigated the influence of selected life events and circumstances, prior employment, volunteering, and influential persons. Results indicate social work students were more likely to attribute career choice to problems such as alcoholism and emotional illness…

Discusses the etiology and characteristics of some of the emotional and social problems that learning-disabled college students might experience. Makes recommendations about possible treatments. Indicates that students with learning disabilities may exhibit psychosocial problems, in addition to academic deficiencies, related to their disabilities.…