This study compares a sample of 223 adopted adolescents with a nonadopted reference group representative of the Spanish adolescent population from the "Spanish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study." Variables related to the family context, peers, school context, and emotional well-being are compared. Adoptees are not…

Draws upon theories of homophily and reference groups to argue that experiential similarity (similar status transition) is more important than structural similarity (age, gender, and marital status) in determining sources of emotional support and stress following life events. Arguments are supported by longitudinal data on social networks of…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the role of social networks in promoting or inhibiting student achievement. The study was based on the convoy model--a "convoy" is a dynamic, hierarchical structure of social relations that provide the individual with a supportive base from which to develop personal competencies. The premise of…

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…

The Amish society has retained the essence of rural life and can tell us how this preservation is possible. Originally associated with the Swiss Anabaptists, Amish are often confused with Mennonites because of the early association with Menno Simons. Because the Amish do not make the "prideful" claim of salvation, they are…

The article asks the following questions about self-identity: (1) how do people derive a unitary sense of self out of membership in many social categories; (2) do people respond differently when the social as opposed to the personal aspects of their identity are evoked; and (3) how do people respond to collective injustice? (PS)

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)

To examine the impact of old age upon an individual's sense of self we must look at the enduring self. An understanding of selfhood or self-consciousness can only be found by reference to the social activity of the individual. The interactional part of the self involves the individual in two forms of active social behavior, subject and object. 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 manual describes a project developed to assist schools to help low-motivated students to increase their attendance and motivation, and to help reduce dropouts by enhancing students' self-image and increasing their success experiences in school. Each chapter contains a step-by-step outline for developing each stage of the program: (1) student…

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)

Eight percent of the population of the People's Republic of China is comprised of ethnic minority people, people with cultures (particularly languages and religions) that are distinct from the majority (or Han) Chinese. Ethnic students in China and elsewhere face considerable obstacles to getting a good education. A tiny percentage of Chinese…