Teaching literature from a psychological perspective provides a basis for the study and analysis of human motivation and behavior, as psychology and literature make mutual contributions to the study of both disciplines. Melancholia is a recurring theme in the novels of Dick Francis, and the first-person accounts of despair and depression are…

Examines the social and cultural behavior patterns transmitted through French children's literature over the 40-year period between 1930 and 1975, and examines the extent to which these patterns make children "French." (AM)

Author presents a character sketch of his wife, 1986 Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan. (DF)

Analyzes the way fairy tales reflect and clarify real-life situations, human behavior, and moral values, enabling children to contemplate powerful and urgent themes. (GT)

Discusses various authors' experiences before student groups in school programs. (EL)

Attempts to define and clarify the concept of response uncertainty of the observer in imitation through a review of research on imitation. (CM)

Argues that children's responses to the literature in their classroom need not always be formal and structured and that spontaneous, informal responses are equally meaningful. (DF)

Discusses ways the novels of Robin Brancato help children learn about adversity and cope with hardship. (FL)

Explores three categories of sibling relationships that are well represented in children's literature and child development research: resentment of the new baby; competition between/among brothers or sisters; and siblings' prosocial behaviors. Relates each category to social/psychological research and examples of quality books for children. (DST)

Reexamines and organizes empirical literature to help counselors develop credible and effective interventions. Tries to place stress counseling within a responsible clinical methodology. A flowchart schema incorporating stress coping modalities--environment, cognitions, emotions, and personal life philosophy--is presented to systematize…

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…

Given the findings that females and males of all ages approach sport from markedly different perspectives, sport sociologists have acknowledged sex differences in sport socialization factors and processes. (Sport is defined in its broadest sense to encompass a range of formal and informal sport, fitness, play, and leisure activities.) It has been…

Arguing that the motion picture industry policies affecting audiences must be developed in terms of behavioral implications, this paper reviews the literature related to the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) film rating system to ascertain the degree to which the system has met its purposes. The first section of the paper offers a…

Examines the social perspectives presented by a sample of the Children's Choices books to determine if the protagonists' behavior is primarily individualistic or shows concern for the group or community. Concludes that the books tended to espouse the self as the focus for activity. (FL)

Discusses three aspects of trial simulations used to study juror responses: (1) individuals used as jurors, especially college students; (2) the amount of information provided for jurors; and (3) the presence or absence of jury deliberation. Suggests three methodological caveats for legal communication research employing trial simulations. (PD)