Background: Adaptation is key to survival. An organism must adapt to environmental challenges in order to be able to thrive in the environment in which they find themselves. Resilience can be thought of as a measure of the ability of an organism to adapt, and to withstand challenges to its stability. In higher animals, the brain is a key player in…

On the basis of a three-year research project on the social-psychological aspects of divorce, characteristic patterns of individual and marital coping response to the stresses of divorce are described. Implications for clinical practice are discussed. (Author)

Focuses on the interrelation between stressors and smoking, and on its potential impact on coronary heart disease risk beyond that due to stressors or to smoking alone. Reviews evidence supporting the stress-smoking interrelationship, its relevance to the risk of heart disease, and mechanisms explaining why smokers smoke more during stress and why…

This article explores linkages between stress and effective job performance: while too much stress can lead to burnout, too little stressful stimulation can result in boredom. Generating the proper amount of stress for optimal job performance is discussed. (PP)

Female-headed families are vulnerable to high levels of stress following divorce. A framework is proposed which conceptually links economic stressors and family management patterns. Ecosystem and management perspectives are offered as an integrated framework. (Author)

In the Mexican American barrios of Texas' Lower Rio Grande Valley, existence is complicated by the interactive forces of culture, society, and economy. These three factors act in unison to create an etiology of alcohol and drug use and abuse which is poorly understood by persons outside the barrio's grasp. (Author/NQ)

A conceptual model of the childbirth experience is developed which emphasizes: (1) maternal coping during labor and delivery; (2) postpartum evaluation of the experience; (3) stress and coping; (4) health and illness behavior; (5) interactions between individual physiological and psychological characteristics; and (6) physical and social…

Although acknowledging stressful aspects of dual-career living, most participants defined their life-style positively. Achieving a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of the lifestyle appears to be the overriding concern of most dual-career couples. (Author)

Although the Tension Reduction Hypothesis (TRH) of alcoholism has been the most popular explanation for alcohol abuse to date, the research addressing this model has provided tenuous support at best. In light of this contradictory support, a coping model of alcohol consumption is proposed. This model is based on the low self-image of…

Provides an overview of research on the biobehavioral antecedents of coronary heart disease, including stressful occupational settings characterized by high demands and little control over the job, and the Type A pattern, particularly hostility and mode of anger expression (anger-in). Discusses research on physiologic responsiveness (reactivity)…

Reviews selected literature on childhood hyperactivity and suggestions for management of this behavior syndrome. Argues that little consideration has been given to the consequences for parents and siblings of having a hyperactive child present in the family setting. Little attention has been focused on the implementation of management techniques.…

Research on interpersonal influence within counseling psychology has focused primarily on the characteristics of the counselor. There is a need to study the role of client characteristics in resistance or noncompliance. A review of the literature indicates that most client characteristics associated with noncompliance in therapy can be narrowed…

Because studies have shown that educators need to become more aware of the effects of stress upon their students, this guide presents basic information about stress and anxiety in children from infancy to adolescence. Experiences are provided through which students can learn to deal more effectively with stress, together with definitions of the…

Examines two primary outcomes of male socialization that produce sex role strain and conflict, restrictive emotionality and control, power, and competition issues. Discusses secondary effects on: 1) interpersonal life; 2) career development; 3) home and family life; and 4) physical life. (JAC)

Chronic stress can affect the health of children and adolescents when their resources are insufficient for coping with demands placed upon them. Harmful behavior patterns can lead to poor health. Students should be taught to mobilize their physiological, cognitive, and social resources in ways that promote good health. (PP)