This research documents the development and empirical testing of a theoretically based training program aimed at reducing debilitating anxiety and increasing the skills required for successfully coping with stressful situations in the school setting. The intervention used is an integrated approach incorporating relaxation and deep-breathing…

The effects of achievement-oriented and neutral instructions on the humor ratings of both testing and non-testing cartoons were assessed for high- and low test-anxious students. The effects of humor in reducing state anxiety were also evaluated. Fifty-two undergraduate students were selected on the basis of their Test Anxiety Scale scores. Both…

Based on a North Carolina feasibility study (1967-73) which focused on development of a pattern for providing comprehensive mental health services to rural people, this guide deals with measuring and monitoring stress in the community. Emphasizing the "proactive" efforts developed in a stress model for Vance and Franklin counties, this…

The policy-making process of the State University System of Florida is described using David Easton's model of a political system as the conceptual framwork. Two models describing the policy-making process were developed from personal interviews with the primary participants in the governance structure and from three case studies of policy…

Findings from a three-county epidemiologic survey of 2,029 randomly selected respondents are presented. The authors examine the relationship between stressful life events, sociodemographic factors and rates of psychological disorder. A specific analysis of low socioeconomic status as the key to increased number of stressful life events experienced…

In this teaching and curriculum guide for community health education, a design is suggested for a course that could help prevent premature deaths due to heart disease. The course communicates facts regarding the causes of cardiovascular diseases, and outlines opportunities for attaining the degree of physical conditioning essential to prevention.…

Described in 13 case studies of deaf blind (as a result of rubella) children are medical, economical, emotional, and professional factors that add to stresses of parents. Medical factors are examined in relation to frequent hospitalization of the rubella children before 18 months of age. One of the case studies shows how young adult parents were…

Reports results of a study of sources and patterns of occupational stress experienced by Israeli university faculty members. Comparison of results with those of an American study reveal a similar ranking of the sources of stress. The intensity of stress was greater among Americans. Possible explanations for this difference are offered. (PS)

Spouses and adult children caring for their frail aged have been largely overlooked by the human services community, often experiencing feelings of alienation, helplessness, and frustration while shouldering their caregiving burdens. Describes the development of a video outreach Family Training and Guidance Program in Israel which has created…

The relationship among role ambiguity and role conflict and the three burnout factors of depersonalization, personal accomplishment, and emotional exhaustion was evaluated in a study of 307 rural special educators. Findings demonstrated a relationship between role ambiguity and role conflict and burnout factors among rural special educators. (JHZ)

Drinking patterns and alcohol-related problems were studied in 164 Anglo and 149 Mexican-American male regular drinkers. A combination of acculturation and generational status measures indicated the heaviest drinking patterns and the highest prevalence of both alcohol-related problems and escape drinking motives among the least acculturated…

Considers nature and extent of child abuse by examining the cultural context within which abuse takes place; the different forms of abuse and effects on the family; the extent of the problem, particularly among different social classes; and the role of the teacher. (DST)

Proposes a time management framework for those working within social service institutions such as schools. Explains three sequential and interdependent groups of recommendations: (1) self-awareness and self-discipline; (2) organizational awareness and a synchronization of both the institution and the individual; and (3) planning, timetabling,…

Part of a longitudinal investigation of social support and mothers, this study examined how prenatal maternal social support affected the mother-child relationship in 38 low socioeconomic status mothers and their two-year-olds. Maternal social support correlated positively with level of stimulation provided to children and negatively with level of…

Identifies potential organizationally based stressors and isolates those that elementary teachers in an urban school district report as most stressful. Also explores (1) how teachers manifest their stress and (2) the effectiveness of various stress management intervention strategies in modifying teachers' perceptions of the intensity of…