Substantial numbers of children and adolescents experience symptoms of sadness, dysphoria, and other characteristics associated with depression. The nature of depression in children and adolescents has presented challenges in identification and definition. This chapter reviews research on depression in children and adolescents. Three current…

This journal is committed to publishing articles that reflect the diversity of the practice of school social workers. It offers a way for leaders to reflect on their careers in school social work and record information on the growth and development of the field for future generations. The first issue's section on "Leaders in School Social…

This brief examines state-level data on social, economic, and child well-being measures at the outset of welfare reform, highlighting 13 states being studied in-depth. The National Survey of America's Families (NSAF) reveals that social and economic conditions relevant to welfare reform are quite diverse among the 13 states. State differences in…

In schools, youngsters with serious emotional and learning problems usually are assisted under the auspices of "special education." Of course, many students with behavior, learning, and emotional problems don't meet the criteria for special education. Their needs must be addressed through support programs and other accommodations. This…

This document reports on a voluntary survey designed to compare responses of adolescents in corrections with adolescents in public schools in 1998. Findings are highlighted in sections entitled: (1) "Youth, Their Families, and Their Environment"; (2) "Psychological Distress"; (3) "Sexual Activity"; (4) "School…

This paper reviews the research on how siblings respond to another sibling who has survived childhood cancer. The paper examines the siblings' ability to cope, adjust, and adapt to this stressor. Relevant interventions are also discussed. The research indicates that although siblings may experience heightened emotional and behavioral problems,…

This workbook is designed to help children deal with issues they might be forced to confront because of certain circumstances in their lives. These are often tough issues that deal with strong emotions. Children who are hurting emotionally often have to deal with life issues before they have attained the developmental level where they would…

Addresses stress concerns especially related to counselors of minority students. The four articles of this special issue discuss the impact of the Atlanta child murders, stressful life events, Black student adjustment on a predominantly White campus, and helping school counselors deal with job stress. (JAC)

A group of foreign graduate students (n=29) who participated in a study skills and cultural orientation program at a British university found that in comparison with a group not participating (n=26), and contrary to expectation, participating students had more homesickness and psychological difficulties. The findings cast doubt on the common view…

The Adjustment Scales for Preschool Intervention (ASPI) was developed and tested for use in preschool programs serving low-income children, as a measure of emotional and behavioral adjustment problems observed within routine classroom situations. Validity of behavioral dimensions measured was supported. Dimensions of problem behaviors varied as a…

Elaborates the concept of "keystone target variable selection" for school psychological practice. "Keystone variables" refers to relatively narrow targets for change having the most widespread benefits to clients. The hypothesized benefits of selecting keystone targets for change include more effective and efficient interventions. (KW)

This article describes the Dina Dinosaur Social, Emotional and Problem Solving Child Training Program for young children with conduct problems. The program emphasizes training children in skills such as emotional literacy, empathy or perspective taking, friendship and communication skills, anger management, interpersonal problem solving, and…

Therapeutic games were invented or adapted to assist in counseling deaf children with emotional or behavioral difficulties. The games dealt with assertiveness, giving/receiving compliments, problem-solving, being a friend, self-control, and paying attention. The games helped in overcoming: negative attitudes toward counseling, communication…

Describes an instrument designed to assess the suicide potential of youth (ages 14-18) who are at risk for suicidal behaviors. Two samples were used to examine psychometric properties of the Measure of Adolescent Potential for Suicide (MAPS). Results revealed strong validity (content, criterion, construct) and reliability (internal consistency)…