States that the social conditions that produce cults are favorable today and that those young people who are attracted to cult membership are idealistic, innocent, inquisitive, independent, identity-seeking, insecure, and vulnerable. Suggests that educators can help students be aware of the seriousness of the problems cults can cause. (TJ)

The article discusses the celebrated case of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two highly gifted boys who were convicted of a murder that the author states was caused in large part by their giftedness. (DLS)

The study explores the psychosocial problems and treatment needs of 50 children (6 to 12 years old upon entering placement) who remained in foster care for five years. The results raised questions about the appropriateness and adequacy of foster care and residential placement for this vulnerable group of children. (Author/SBH)

The real issues of importance to teenagers are managing their lives more effectively and learning practical social survival skills. (JD)

The author presents an annotated bibliography of books on death, dying, and bereavement for students of all ages. (HLM)

This paper reports a segment of findings from a statewide study of the incidence and characteristics of prescription and non-prescription drug use among middle-aged, middle-class females (N=68) in Florida. Sample demographics are reported, and abusers, users, and drug non-users are compared on responses given to perception questions. (Author)

Discusses the role of "security" or "transition" objects, such as a blanket or stuffed toy, in children's development of self-comfort and autonomy. Notes the influence of parents in the child-object relationship, and discusses children's responses to losing a security object, and the developmental point at which a child will…

Studied relationship between social support and psychological distress in first-married and remarried newlyweds (N=427). Identified social support providers to husbands and wives who were (l) both first time marrieds; (2) one was first time married and other remarried; (3) both remarrieds. Found variation by group on those named as support…

The Life-Long Leisure Graph is a tool to help counselors investigate client leisure needs and is based on the concept that people satisfy their psychological needs through work and leisure activities. (JOW)

Although middle-school students benefit greatly from well-planned, effectively delivered advisory programs, teachers remain uncommitted because of inadequate preparation, fear, and lack of experience. Subject-centered teachers often fear dealing with students in the affective domain. This article presents sample program development, staff…

This brief article stresses that the search for omnibus social and emotional needs that cut across all gifted children is misguided and that differences in needs are likely a function of the relationship between the individual child's talents and social interactions within the communities of the child's world. (DB)

The family's values, attitudes, and ways of relating internally and externally determine its health-creating or destroying power. The family's overwhelming impact on human competence makes a strong case for premarital and parent education that prepares people for roles as spouses and parents. (SK)

Telephone interviews with 300 elderly Montreal residents found that 67 percent use shopping malls to fulfill social and leisure needs. Predisposing variables (age, gender, education, and loneliness) and environmental/encouraging variables (design and ambiance of the malls) were found to be related to this activity. (SK)

Discusses the importance of rituals and concrete things to help children deal with the death of a loved one. Eight books of fiction for elementary students that portray young people dealing with death are summarized, and ideas for classroom and library activities are suggested. (PEN)