Article discusses many factors influencing modern marriages, and some of the current approaches to marriage counseling for Black couples. Some theoretical orientations, therapies, and crisis situations are mentioned. A significant need of the field is clarification of the legitimate limitations and roles of marriage counseling. (Author/SMR)

Prior to clinical interview, 32 self-referred male clients were exposed to one of four preinterview conditions, namely modeling, detailed instructions, detailed instructions plus modeling, or control. Detailed instructions produced a significant effect of increasing problem and nonproblem self-disclosure and decreasing impersonal self-description…

The role of the therapist was varied in a weight reduction program. When meetings with the therapist were "faded out" over the duration of the 10-week treatment period, subjects lost significantly more weight compared to subjects who met with the therapist on a regular basis. (Author)

Investigates whether or not children of alcoholic parents suffer adverse emotional consequences and whether or not Alateen is beneficial to such children. Adolescents with an alcoholic parent who were not members of Alateen had significantly higher scores on the negative scales of the Profile of Mood States. (Author)

Selected personality variables, sex, age, interpersonal values, and educational level, were examined as antecedents to preferences for a nondirective (Carl Rogers) or directive (Albert Ellis) therapist. Individuals who preferred the Ellis presentation proved to more dogmatic and externalized than individuals preferring the Rogers presentation.…

To investigate affective and dispositional factors in the motivation of children's helping, 60 children ranging from preschool to sixth grade were observed in laboratory distress incidents. Results indicated that helping tended to be positively correlated with positive affect and negatively correlated with negative and neutral affect. (Author/RH)

International students were more likely than students from the United States to prefer faculty members and counselors and less likely to prefer friends for help with all kinds of problems. (Author)

Evaluated the effectiveness of group interventions for caregivers of elderly dementia patients. Indicated that, although caregivers rated the groups as quite helpful, group participation did not lead to improvements on objective measures of depression, life satisfaction, social support, or coping variables. (Author/ABB)

Examines how students interpret their teachers' and their own responses to routine classroom events. Explores the relationship of students' perceptions and reported behaviors to their teachers' socialization styles. Additionally addresses grade level variation in these relationships. (RH)

Notes that family therapists may focus on systematic aspects of problems, inadvertently neglecting children's individual issues. Presents ways in which family therapists make use of a psychodynamic understanding of the child's issues while continuing to employ brief, action-oriented intervention strategies. Crucial to the approach described is the…

Recognizing the need for more active learning experiences and appropriate after-school activities for 11- to 14-year-olds, the Early Adolescent Helper Program has designed and tested a model program. Seminars and internships prepare students for placement, which is frequently in child-care or senior centers. (JMM)

Notes that, while rapid social change has affected the family, the family has demonstrated a remarkable resiliency and ability to adapt to environmental flux. Recognizes that present-day families operate within the context of an increasingly complex milieu and are experiencing considerable stress. Calls for collaborative interinstitutional effort…

Uses systems perspective to analyze psychological and social forces which may limit support that families who are losing their farms seek from their neighbors and that their neighbors offer them. Discusses nonhelp intended as help, blaming victims, farm community values, and other factors that make farm family in crisis pull back from neighbors.…

While the family is the main agency for helping young people develop the ideas, attitudes, and behavior of successful citizenship and work, schools can enrich the teacher-student relationship to the point that values rub off. (MT)

Attempted to identify sources which influence custody decisions and determine association between arrangements and changes in child's and parents' lives. Results from 72 divorced parents revealed that custody arrangements did not predict life change events. Respondents reported contacting attorneys first, then friends and family. Physicians and…