This book presents information from a 1999 survey that asked teachers nationwide about stressors in their teaching situation, how they handled the stressors, and specific times they felt the most joy in teaching. Part 1, "Teachers' Lives," highlights: the teachers' own words about centering and balancing; the joys of teaching; school community;…

This newsletter includes 12 brief articles or news items concerning mental health among minority groups. These address: (1) cultural considerations in treating Asians (reasons why Asians tend not to use mental health services); (2) coping with racial stress (responses to a questionnaire on dealing with racial stress); (3) minority health…

This research synthesis reviews the negative effects of teacher stress, focusing on teachers in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific. It describes teaching techniques for reducing these detrimental effects and discusses the relevance of such techniques within the cultures of the Pacific region. Section 1 describes what stress is. Section 2 examines the…

This paper reviews the research on how siblings respond to another sibling who has survived childhood cancer. The paper examines the siblings' ability to cope, adjust, and adapt to this stressor. Relevant interventions are also discussed. The research indicates that although siblings may experience heightened emotional and behavioral problems,…

This qualitative study investigated individual, contextual, and cultural factors that promote trauma-related resilience and positive growth among Cambodian survivors of the Pol Pot regime who reside in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Lowell, Massachusetts. A thriving paradigm framed semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 21 Cambodians in…

The effectiveness of biofeedback and relaxation training in reducing occupational stress was examined in a study of 50 individuals employed in various occupations in Iran. The study sample consisted of 15 workers (5 females, 10 males); 15 managers (5 females, 10 males); 9 guardians (3 females, 6 males); 5 dentists (2 females, 3 males); and 6…

The paper reports the results of a study conducted in one Sydney (Australia) comprehensive high school. Sixty-seven Year 12 and 62 Year 11 students completed a questionnaire package measuring stress responses, goals, and academic self-efficacy. Findings show that 31% of the Year 12 and 25% of the Year 11 students reported symptoms of anxiety,…

How do students with special needs learn best based on brain research? There was a great deal of strictly scientific information about different types of brain damage and how that can affect learning. Given this, it was surprising that there was very little information on ways in which to assist students with learning disabilities utilizing the…

Addresses stress concerns especially related to counselors of minority students. The four articles of this special issue discuss the impact of the Atlanta child murders, stressful life events, Black student adjustment on a predominantly White campus, and helping school counselors deal with job stress. (JAC)

A peer tutor program designed to reduce student stress, develop tutor skills, and improve the learning environment is outlined. The program focuses on comprehension of curriculum content, time management, study skills, organization of laboratory projects and study materials, and manual skills development. (MSE)

Examines the low level of teacher morale at inner city schools and finds "ethical" stressors such as racial tension among faculty, falsifying of school records, and sexual harassment by school officials emerging as factors contributing to teacher exit and absenteeism. (AOS)

Suggests that cycles of stress and anxiety in middle age may have a developmental etiology and may be a necessary part of the developmental process. Proposes reintegration of the cognitive structure to accommodate new elements reduces stress, leaving the adult changed with respect to certain beliefs. (Author/JAC)

The relationship between anxiety and learning was examined within the context of drive theory and trait-state anxiety theory. Results indicated that trait anxiety had a causal influence on state anxiety and on test performance. The possibility of a reciprocal relationship between state anxiety and performance was suggested. (Author/BH)

Despite several years of affirmative action and equal opportunity legislation, women in academe are far from achieving equal status with men, report the authors. As society in general enters a period of declining opportunities for advancement in the work force, they offer strategies for enhancing one's professional career. (Author/KC)

Stress and burnout are normal occurences that are common and predictable in all professions, including teaching. Strategies should be devised and implemented to reduce at least the intensity of the phenomena so that job satisfaction can increase while commitment to work remains high. (JD)