Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of justice motivation and the presentation of the victim on the willingness of individuals to extend help to innocent victims. (Editor)

Support provided by 69 local churches to individuals with disabilities was studied through a mail survey. Results indicate that 56 of the churches were attended by individuals with developmental disabilities, and support was provided by churches in the form of food, transportation, opportunities for service to the church and the community, and…

Argues that small-group mutual aid organizations are successful voluntary associations that attract members even in our individualistic and commodity-driven culture because they provide valuable collective benefits that can only be enjoyed in common. Small groups as a source of social capital have implications for the study of helping…

Describes the importance of four essential elements in a community's efforts to create positive youth development: connectedness, continuity, dignity, and opportunity. Identifies children who are in need and discusses what communities can do to care for and love them. Lists strategies that each community member can take to foster change. (RJM)

Ninety-four college students were examined to investigate the effects of session length (30- and 50-minute) on therapy success. A prescreening assessment consisting of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 and the College Adjustment Scale was conducted. Client adjustment and satisfaction were assessed. No difference was found in…

Explores how substance abuse treatment providers for adolescents attempt to obtain and use information to guide a best practices approach to treatment. Focus group data were analyzed for themes indicating supportive attitudes toward adopting and evidence of capacity to implement an evidence-based approach. Although support was fairly strong,…

This article explores the psychological mechanisms of empathy with specific reference to sign language interpreters. It stresses that one must achieve a healthy balance of empathizing enough while shielding oneself from its perils to work effectively and ethically with a member of a minority group such as the deaf community. (Contains references.)…

"The School Administrator" recently invited AASA members, as well as some local board members and state-level administrators, to share examples of policies or actions exemplifying the changing relationship between state government and local schools. Officials from West Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, New York, Virginia, Louisiana, Wyoming, Ohio,…

An expressive arts therapist and a pediatrician in an inpatient child psychiatric unit collaborated on the design of psychotherapeutic visits for sexually abused children. Three cases illustrate the potential therapeutic role of the pediatrician in resolving traumatic events, by decreasing the child's anxiety about physical concerns. (JDD)

Data on recently widowed women suggest that many are quite self-sufficient; however, in areas where support is needed, they largely rely on children. Widows' past experiences and attitudes toward independence influenced amount of overall help they received, whereas income, number of children, and perceived willingness of children to help affected…

Recipients of treatment designed to change their behavior have the right to a therapeutic environment, services whose overriding goal is personal welfare, treatment by a competent behavior analyst, programs that teach functional skills, behavioral assessment and ongoing evaluation, and the most effective treatment procedures available. (Author/JDD)

Teachers who regularly "enable" or rescue students are inadvertently reinforcing irresponsible behaviors that undermine students' self-esteem. This article discusses how and why "enabling" occurs in schools, how it affects students, and how "codependent" adults can minimize behaviors allowing students to avoid responsibilities and opportunities…

Adolescents are often overwhelmed and disillusioned by the monumental and momentous task and risk of making a career choice. Adults in general and counselors in particular can assist them not only in being more realistic about their career expectations, but can be especially helpful by encouraging them to develop personal attributes and skills.…

Examined the support systems of public school principals, comparing male and female and married and unmarried principals. Specific characteristics of spouses who provide support were explored. Data from surveys of 170 principals reveal males and married principals have a more concentrated support base, unmarried and female principals less so. It…