This study explores benevolent action among Pentecostals in the USA using a congregational questionnaire survey of worshippers among the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) (N = 1522). The influence of religiosity and the socialization of a perceived relationship of love with God (Godly Love) are explored, while controlling for background variables. The…

Introduction: The objectives of the study reported here were to describe the physical and psychological health of persons with Usher syndrome Type II (USH2) and to explore any differences in terms of gender. Methods: The participants were recruited from the Swedish Usher database. In the first step, 122 persons received the questionnaire by mail,…

Discusses author's theory of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence. Explores the concept of psychological relatedness and male identity. Describes the concept of the male reference cohort. Discusses multicultural applicability and the future of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence Theory. (MKA)

Social support is a significant component of mental health; yet, it has not been examined extensively among black Americans. This paper is a critical review of the research literature on informal social support. The review identifies how social support is conceptualized and defined, the importance of social support for mental health, and the…

Develops a measure of male identity based on Wade's theory of Male Reference Group Identity Dependence. The Reference Group Identity Dependence Scale (RGIDS) assesses feelings of psychological relatedness to other males. Undergraduate males (N=344) completed the RGIDS. Discusses findings in terms of implications for the theory and future research…

This article addresses the rapid increase in single father households in the United States. Examines the concerns and counseling needs of single fathers and offers the rationale behind group counseling as a preferred method of treatment for such fathers. Also discussed are components of a psychoeducational group approach. (RJM)

This article focuses on factors counselors should consider when forming groups for HIV-infected gay and bisexual men. Some issues that may arise during group counseling include existential and spiritual concerns, physical and medical issues, intraindividual concerns, the social stigma of AIDS, and homophobia, as well as other gay and bisexual…

This article describes a group counseling model designed to help male clients explore how the male gender role is experienced. A gender-sensitive approach to group leadership allows a reconceptualization of many of the traditionally problematic behaviors in men, such as the lack of emotional expressiveness. (RJM)

A study was conducted to compare the social network characteristics of persisting and nonpersisting students who transferred from the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In addition to determining the composition, durability, and intensity of these students' social relationships, the…

Potential helpers often fail to recognize indicators which provide clues to men who were molested as children; male sexual abuse remains underreported. Group counseling can help men overcome their resistance to disclosure and remove other impediments to healing. Discusses group goals and organization, leader characteristics and research…

Discusses clinical concerns of sex offenders such as personal losses and external pressures during treatment; ongoing interface with the mental health, legal and child protection systems; and changes in both the offender's interpersonal system and sexuality. Therapists working with this population require broad-based clinical skills. (RJM)

This article explores a group modality for working with men's beliefs regarding the personal, social, familial, and historical and developmental aspects of their lives. Presents common topics which might be anticipated in this group setting and demonstrates the use of this context in working with men's beliefs. (RJM)

This article describes a psychoeducational course which uses three modules to prepare teenage fathers for parenthood. The course modules help young men clarify their ideas of masculinity, learn more about child development, and work toward responsible sexual behavior. Recommends several ways to incorporate fatherhood training into other services.…

A faculty (n=347) survey at a research-oriented public university identified four major sources of faculty support: off-campus personal relationships; colleagues within the academic unit; professional support outside the academic unit; and an ethnic/minority network, on and off campus. Differences related to gender and rank were investigated.…

The concept of social representations, which was developed by Moscovici in 1984, suggests new ways of understanding the social processes that underlie communication between individuals. A social representation is a set of concepts, statements, and explanations originating in daily life in the course of inter-individual communication. The purpose…