This article presents the "Piirto Pyramid" framework for identification of talent potential. It explains how the pyramid identifies influences that are significant in the development of talents, including genetics, personality attributes, cognitive ability, talent, vocational, and environmental. Examples using Roy Rogers and Michelangelo are…

In this article, a woman recounts her discovery at 50 years old that she has autism. Her relief at finding an explanation for why she had experienced the world differently is discussed, along with the assets of autism. The psychic ability of individuals with autism and their spirituality are described. (CR)

Provides historical information on the importance of political leaders' character. Explains that there are three attributes of aspirants for the presidency: character, personality, and biography. Introduces the ideas of James Barber in "The Presidential Character" that focuses on the relationship between presidential character and behavior in…

Presents six different investigations of character enhancement that attempts to answer three questions: (1) who are you; (2) what is your destination; and (3) who is your captain? Intends to build relationships among ideas such as perspective taking, seeing and making connections with the other, and understanding more about ethical development.…

This article provides examples and illustrations of how people with aphasia can and do demonstrate their competence in managing their lives despite chronic aphasia. It discusses a number of ways in which persons with aphasia and their families can learn to live fully despite the intrusion of aphasia. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Examines the intergenerational transmission and the formation of cultural orientations in adolescence. Results revealed late adolescence is the "formative phase" for the establishment of cultural orientations and suggested psychological processes such as internalization guide this formation. It was concluded that the investigated…

How do sexually reactive youth differ from other delinquents or from nonoffenders? This research demonstrates that all three groups were similar on measures of emotional expressiveness. Sexual offenders were unique mainly in the training they had experienced. The environment in which children are raised appears to have great influence on how they…

Describes the application of positive youth development principles to challenges faced by adolescent females in South Africa. A mainline, Euro-centric theory, Erikson's life stages (1963), is compared with the Circle of Courage model based on Native American Tribal wisdom. The differences and correlation in these approaches are explored through…

Researchers identified personality typologies among urban African-American high school junior and seniors. Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging (ISTJ) and the Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceptive (ISTP) were the two most represented typologies. Implications for school counselors, teachers, and teacher and counselor educators are discussed.…

Investigates the prevalence and antecedents of burnout in a large sample of school psychologists from North Carolina. Approximately 40% of school psychologists reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 10% reported depersonalization reactions, and 19% reported a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Results suggest personality variables…

Discusses research on the influence of social resources, such as parent, teacher, and school support, on the resilient outcomes of children and adolescents. Findings from the studies considered show the importance of social resources and the need for effective programs of intervention. (SLD)

Examines the scale and determinants of alumni giving, using datasets from two public-sector UK universities. Considers the importance of alumni giving as revenue and performance measures, comparing UK with U.S. alumni behaviors. Women are more likely to give; high-income grads, particularly lawyers, give greater amounts. (Contains 35 references.)…

A study of 149 teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD) found that the higher the teacher's susceptibility to occupational stressors, the more willing the teacher was to leave the E/BD teaching field. Only 3 of the top 10 stressors were student-related. Results found an injury rate of one in five. (CR)

Believes that special attention should be paid to the problems of ecological upbringing of Russian children. Views ecological upbringing as a continuing and systematic process throughout the school years in which children interact with the natural environment. Focuses on the need to shape elementary children's awareness of ecological concerns.…

This study examined the importance of personality characteristics to identity formation using data from Terman's longitudinal study of high IQ children. Results indicate that positive traits such as perseverance, purposiveness, desire to excel, and self-confidence are conducive to a successful identity formation and to the adoption of the…