Randomly assigned outpatients to one of three treatments: brief broad-spectrum (BBS), extended relationship enhancement (ERE), or extended cognitive-behavioral (ECB). Results suggest that the intensity of focus on relationship enhancement should be calibrated to the anticipated difficulty in dealing with problems in the patient's relationship to…

Examined childhood attachment, family environment, and adult social competencies to explain the association between sexual abuse and eating disorders (EDs). Females (n=154) filled out surveys that assessed parental bonds, sexual abuse history, self-efficacy, and other factors. Significant associations were found between family environment, incest,…

This study investigated the effects of teachers' psychological presence on writing task engagement in students reporting low and high levels of linguistic self-efficacy. Results found that teachers play important roles in shaping students' task-related engagement, with a complex relationship between teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices and…

This study highlights the correlation between seventh grade students' (n=429) beliefs about how mathematics is learned and their achievement in mathematics. Results from structural relation modeling indicate that, when beliefs are considered as a single construct, the relationship between beliefs and achievement is much stronger than when beliefs…

Seven chapters focus in giftedness in education and the role of creativity. A second major issue is the recognition that not all groups are equally well served by provisions for the gifted. The emphasis is on intellectual giftedness, reflecting the focus of most school systems. (SLD)

The impact of a modified wilderness program on the cooperative and aggressive behaviors of seriously emotionally disturbed adolescents was evaluated in the context of self-efficacy theory. Results indicated that participating adolescents showed a significant increase in cooperative behaviors and that direct observation procedures were more…

This article examines the relationship between cognitive, instructional and social psychology. It is proposed that all human activity is instructive with self-instructive activity opening the person to the instructive activity of others. The psychologist's job is seen as finding out what can be taught and to whom. (DB)

A study of 418 academically underprepared college students found a positive correlation between students' perceptions of their career decision-making self-efficacy and their overall social and academic adjustment to the academic environment. Further research into career decision-making self-efficacy is recommended, particularly for intervention to…

Specific self-determination skills have been identified as being related to the successful transition of students with learning disabilities to postsecondary education. This study developed and validated a model program which was effective in teaching secondary students the self-determination skills of self-advocacy and self-awareness. (DB)

Study of 122 9th- and 10th-grade Latino high school students examined the relationship of language brokering (informal interpreting for immigrant parents) to academic performance, biculturalism, academic self-efficacy, and social self-efficacy. Results showed positive relationships, with academic self-efficacy being the strongest predictor of…

Investigated determinants of participation in moderately and vigorously intense physical activity among African-American and Caucasian adolescent female high school students. Survey results indicated differences in psychosocial predictors of physical activity by type of activity and ethnic group. Self-efficacy and school sport participation were…

This study pursues an empirically derived description of parent self-efficacy and parent empowerment specific to the context of clinic-referred preschool children. Parent internal perceptions of stress, family functioning, stress due to child condition, and extrafamilial influences were considered in separate predictive models of parent…

Public school decentralization has increased involvement of multiple constituencies in school governance. This study of a private school and a public school illustrates the complexities of leading teachers in the decision-making process. Both principals were transformational leaders, but teachers were not empowered enough to make changes. (34…

Practicum experiences and feelings of preparedness to teach were compared for 88 Ontario student teachers in either the fourth year of a "concurrent" undergraduate preservice program or a 1-year "consecutive" graduate preservice program. The two groups did not differ in teaching self-efficacy or the number of classroom…

Studied perceptions of at-risk students in elementary, middle, and high school who were academically successful. Findings from 62 students from urban, suburban, and rural Virginia show the personality characteristics, dispositions, and beliefs that promoted academic success, regardless of background. Internal locus of control and a strong sense of…