Considers how ritual processes function to reduce the usual ambiguities, tensions, and conflicts following divorce. Examines ritual in collective gatherings when ex-spouses must interact, and observable behaviors that are formalized on the basis of rules of etiquette. Presents a ritual model of family reorganization, highlighting formal and…

The study compared siblings (N=85) of mentally handicapped children in Sweden to a comparable reference group. Results indicated the siblings were more socially isolated in school and in their leisure time, a consequence of their parents' reactions to the family circumstances. (Author/DB)

This article asks and discusses 23 questions that can help schools determine how well they are accommodating the needs of single and working parents and their children in several areas: the organization and scheduling of activities, teacher sensitivity to family types, and support and counseling for parents and children. (PGD)

Discusses survival roles adopted by children growing up in families where alcohol is abused, relating them to birth order, and emphasizing their maladaptivity for later adult interactions. Presents case studies of two common roles of adult children of alcoholics (ACAs), those of hero and scapegoat, and demonstrates how ACAs interact in a mixed,…

Although schools can do little to help youth from desperately poor, violent, or drug-addicted families, they can educate other at-risk youngsters who are discouraged or defeated learners. Schools can raise these kids' self-esteem by bestowing serious work assignments, (not "warm fuzzies"), solitary learning space, or external rewards for everyday…

Considers effects of reframing problems of patients seeking psychotherapeutic treatment as "family problems." Asserts that when biologically based deficits in identified patient are salient determinant of interpersonal dysfunction, such reframing is inappropriate. Recommends psychoeducational strategies for treating families of persons with…

Analyzed national survey data from 1973 through 1985 to estimate divorce-proneness of offspring of divorced parents. For White females, effect was substantial and statistically significant; other race-sex categories showed moderate effects. Possible explanations for intergenerational transmission of divorce-proneness include lower commitment to…

Found a strong correlation between residential mobility rate and a measure of marital dissolution. Concluded that community size and marital dissolution correlated positively because of higher levels of residential mobility in large cities and urban areas than in small cities and rural areas. Found high residential mobility both an indicator and a…

School psychologists have special responsibilities and opportunities to be of help to children of alcoholics. The pertinent literature is reviewed, and a developmental, organizational theoretical framework is proposed to account for the relationship between parental alcoholism and its effects on children. Interventions are also reviewed. (TJH)

Examined placement prevention programs intended to help troubled families stay together. Contrasted programs which terminated with continuance of family care with programs that ended in placement of children. Found that in the placed cases, problems were worse and more numerous, and family attitudes toward therapists and agencies were less…

To assess the self-concept and psychological profile associated with sexual abuse, 20 young female victims evaluated in a sexual abuse clinic completed the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire. (Author/LMO)

A summary of the current Canadian legislation governing the rights of children is presented. The power of the parent, the state in the place of the parent, the best interests of the child, and the child as a person before the law are concepts used to explicate this legislation. (Author/JAZ)

Examined 60 books written by parents with disabled children to ascertain the scope of problems they encountered and their reactions to their situations. Four common themes emerged: (1) realistic appraisal of the disability; (2) extraordinary demands on families; (3) extraordinary emotional stress; and (4) resolution. A bibliography of the 60…

Examined generational differences in 71 two-generation farm families as they related to stress, coping, family support, and family satisfaction. Results indicated that the younger generation was the more stressed and the less satisfied with the family farm situation. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed. (Author/NB)

Describes the Keenan Project in Columbia, South Carolina, which provides ongoing group guidance to students on various topics, including communication skills, family concerns, and study skills. Its success is attributed to careful attention to building support, using available resources, including other staff members, and following systematic…