Assessed adolescents' perception of family adaptability and cohesion to identify whether and in what ways family systems of adolescent sex offenders (n=39) differ from those of violent juvenile delinquents (n=25), nonviolent juvenile delinquents (n=41), and from nonproblem families. Families of sex offenders were characterized by greater family…

This study examined the relationship between intelligence and delinquency in 157 youth convicted of serious crimes. Few of the delinquents obtained high scores on intelligence testing; most were of below average intelligence. Highly intelligent delinquents shared a history of troubled family backgrounds, school behavior problems, substance abuse,…

Comparison of attitudes of 40 young adult substance abusers and 40 nonabusers found perceived parental rejection in childhood was higher among abusers than nonabusers and substance abusers were more impaired in their current psychological adjustment than nonabusers. These two variables and education level produced classification accuracy of 91.2…

Randomized adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to 8-10 sessions of behavior management training (n=20), problem-solving and communication training (n=21), or structural family therapy (n=20). All treatments resulted in significant reductions in negative communication, conflicts, and anger during conflicts and improved ratings…

A total of 108 (of 200) adolescents completed the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and family characteristics questionnaire. Results showed that it is not the structure of the family but the degree of discord within the family that influences self-esteem. (Author/JOW)

Provides overview of the family environment of children of alcoholics and looks at problems of children of alcoholics, including school and behavior problems, emotional difficulties, and physical problems. Considers the role of the school counselor in helping children of alcoholics by assisting school personnel and implementing developmental…

Among 300 families who adopted special-needs minority or mixed-race children, 22 percent of adoptions were transracial. Compared to inracial adoptees, transracial adoptees more often had handicaps or problem histories. Parent-child relationships did not differ between groups when adoptee problems were controlled. Contains 37 references. (Author/SV)

Investigated relationship dimensions of 70 Australian couples from stepfamilies. Findings indicated major strengths for stepfamilies were areas of sexual relationship and equalitarian roles, whereas major stressors were children and parenting, former attachments, and adjustments. Simple stepfamily couples (children from one parent) were in more…

Drawing on Durkheim's theory of social integration, an analysis of states' spending for public welfare and their divorce rates for 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1985 showed that the welfare state is not a destabilizing influence on family life as critics have charged. Past divorce rates were shown to have the most significant influence on current divorce…

Evaluation of family preservation program in northern California examined progress and outcomes of 367 cases served during 3-year period. Detailed analysis examined specific service elements of program, match of services to families' needs, and resulting gains made by parents in variety of skill areas. (Author/NB)

Provides guidelines from social work perspective on how social workers and health care professionals can provide bereavement counseling for families whose relatives have died in emergency room. Discusses providing family with privacy and accessibility; keeping family informed; using understandable terminology; speaking directly about death;…

Although it is important to recognize that all children can learn, teachers cannot ignore the family-related problems students bring to class. Helping students to become whole people socially and emotionally contributes to their academic development. (SK)

Uses structural and family systems models as basis for evaluation/treatment of grieving families. Notes that, in structural model, families can be assessed in terms of how family has attempted to fill role left by loss. Suggests that family systems approach can be integrated with structural model, demonstrating techniques to assess changes in…

Conducted 450 interviews with 78 family caregivers of 37 patients with severe brain injuries in rehabilitation treatment program in acute care hospital. Found that involvement in providing treatment was stressful, because of both demands on the family and unproven efficacy of treatment. Findings suggest that family's ability to provide treatment…

Guides social work practice in assessment of dementia patients and their families using ecological-family-centered (EFC) model of practice. Case presentation illustrates how to apply ECF model while incorporating ethnically sensitive practice principles. Reviews literature on families of dementia patients, outlines intervention plan for family…