A collaboration between art therapists and child life professionals within a pediatric setting encourages optimal adjustment for sick children and their families. Art therapists practicing in pediatric settings are encouraged to broaden their ability to use a wide range of art and play modalities to reach the broadest range of patients and…

This study of 181 special education teachers found that job burnout levels were related to special education category, training background, and teachers' age. The typical special educator "at risk" is a younger teacher with undergraduate training who teaches in a resource room or classroom for students with behavior disorders. (Author/JDD)

With the number of women in academic pharmacy increasing, the institution can have a role in the success of female faculty members by providing leave time for child care and allowing faculty to narrow their responsibilities and work part time during the period when family responsibilities are great. (MSE)

This discussion of wellness for student leaders and student activities staff of higher education institutions offers guidance in identifying and reducing stressors. Specific recommendations include reducing expectations, relaxing, increasing physical fitness and activity, and adjusting eating habits. Individuals are encouraged to establish…

A questionnaire was completed by 463 special educators and 493 general educators in Virginia. Analysis indicated that work-related variables, such as leadership support, role conflict, role ambiguity, and stress, are better predictors of commitment and job satisfaction than are demographic variables. Findings were similar for general and special…

Comparison of 60 junior high school students (20 academically gifted, 20 academic achievers, and 20 "nongifted") found that the academically gifted students demonstrated more negative affective and physiological stress reactions to an experimentally induced failure condition. (DB)

This study, involving 127 poor black pregnant girls (12 to 18 years old) of whom 33% reported previous physical or sexual abuse, found that abused adolescents scored significantly higher on stress and depression scales and rated their families as less supportive than did nonabused adolescents. Abused adolescents were also more likely to report…

Describes the origins of parenting stress, namely, tensions in the parent-child relationship and changes that occur in five family domains as men and women make the transition from life as a couple to family life. Implications for public policy are discussed. (Author/BB)

This study of 750 teachers in 16 Australian secondary schools found that teachers working in different types of schools (government, nongovernment, low socioeconomic, or high socioeconomic) reported different levels of occupational stress. The salience of perceived stressors, levels of role conflict, role ambiguity, and social support differed…

The use and impact of a $256 monthly cash subsidy by 1,283 Michigan families with children with severe disabilities were examined. Families reported such uses as the purchase of clothing, toys, sitters, special foods, adaptive equipment, and professional services. Families indicated that the subsidy had improved family life, eased financial…

An integrated topic approach (on Theseus and the Minotaur) was used to develop creative writing skills of children (ages 12 and 13) with health- and stress-related disorders at a special school in England. Three elements of the topic (presentation, action, and interaction) were developed through which individual assessment, collaboration, and…

A review of research suggests that major factors in job satisfaction among women in higher education administration are (1) perceptions of the communication climate; (2) elements contributing to chronic job stress; and (3) facets of work support. Within each category, a variety of elements are important. (MSE)

Mothers of children with developmental disabilities were reevaluated two years after participating in a life skills training program utilizing a cognitive behavior approach to reduce stress and depression and improve communication and problem-solving skills. Participants (n=153) reported lower stress, lower depression levels, and improved coping…

This literature review offers a historical perspective on autism and its causes, examines family life cycles and experiences, summarizes research on stress and coping strategies, and gives particular attention to the needs of adolescents and young adults with autism and their families. (Author/JDD)

A decontaminated measure of exposures to hassles for adolescents, the Inventory of High-School Students' Recent Life Experiences (IHSSRLE), was developed and validated with 94 male and 82 female Canadian high school students. The IHSSRLE shows adequate internal consistency reliability and validity against the criterion of subjectively appraised…