Increasing attention is being directed toward the fate of the object tie of the child in divorce, since the child experiences at least partial object loss. Discusses problem of "negative identification" for these children in which parents complain child takes on negative characteristics of former spouse. Presents case histories, discusses…

Uses feminist theory to analyze why social policies perpetuate traditional assumptions about mothers and do not provide adequate help for children. Suggests tensions between policies for women and children will continue until policymakers view the welfare of children as a concern of the entire society. (Author)

The second of two parts of a bibliography on battered wives from the literature of the past 10 years, this bibliography lists journal articles and films. The first part appears in the preceding issue of "Catholic Library World." (CLB)

Sexually abused (N=37), physically abused (N=35), and nonabused clinical children (N=130) were compared. Family background of both abused groups had more family stress factors; the sexually abused children had a higher frequency of inappropriate sexual behavior. Sexually abused children were often victimized in single acts by nonrelated…

A longitudinal study investigated variations in the coping patterns of 52 married men who experienced infertility problems in their first marriage. Styles of coping considered were initial substitutes, subsequent parenting resolutions, and final marital outcomes and the impact of these variations on the men's subsequent success in achieving…

First-time parents completed questionnaires 3 months before childbirth and 1 and 9-10 weeks after birth. Found that 39 Lamaze-trained couples reported similar levels of marital satisfaction, state anxiety, and birth-related problems at all testings, while 37 non-Lamaze trained couples showed decreases in marital satisfaction and increases in…

Describes a principal's personal experience with child abuse discovered when reprimanding a student for not turning in a homework asssignment. (MD)

Describes the types of coping strategies household families use to manage problems that affect them when the mother has a chronic illness. Reports alterations in household management as the most frequently used strategy (38 percent) employed by these families. (Author/ABB)

Reviews and critiques 11 stepfamily self-help books for children and adolescents. Codes books on dimensions of appropriate audience, author background, issues, advice, and strengths. Rates general interest and quality of writing of books and assigns categories of recommendation. Discusses use of the books as an adjunct to therapy. (Author/NB)

Discusses some assumptions, dilemmas, and questions in (1) facilitating support groups for caregivers whose relatives have Alzheimer's disease, (2) talking with other such facilitators around the country, (3) reviewing the literature, and (4) talking with group members themselves. Suggestions are made for a wider variety of support-group models.…

A review of factors contributing to parental physical abuse of children with handicaps found that abuse was a response to an interaction of variables within the parent, child, and environment. These variables were associated with many characteristics of families with handicapped children. Characteristics of abused children were similar to…

Used staff observations of a sample of a clinics' total clientele (N=125) and mental health services clients (N=147) to examine chemical use patterns and related family and social problems. Thirty percent of the clinical services families had at least one member using drugs at the circumstantial-situtational level. (BH)

Investigated interrelationships between perceived causes of divorce in a sample of 275 males and 336 females. Seven dimensions of divorce, underlying 18 possible contributing causes, were revealed. Significant differences were found between the sexes both in frequencies with which causes were identified and in composition of the seven factors.…

Explains the danger that arises when the person referring his or her family is a sibling of the index patient and, in many ways, the most competent and prestigious family member. Demonstrates how this pitfall can be turned into a springboard for therapeutic success. (BH)

Interviews with 24 families of deinstitutionalized developmentally disabled children revealed that 83 percent expressed high-level need for care and 67 percent were coping at a low level. Inner-city families most often expressed high-intensity needs and decreased coping ability, as did families of patients of younger age groups. (CL)