The limitations in the methods which are usually used in stage theory test analysis to determine the stage of development of an individual are outlined. Piaget's and Kohlberg's conceptions of moral judgment are presented along with one method of estimating a subject's level of development. The concept of a latent trait is developed. Its…

This study evaluated an hypothesized model of biopsychosocial factors that mediate the relationship between childhood abuse and substance abuse. A questionnaire packet consisting of self-report measures was administered to 160 drug dependent participants with and without co-occurring psychological disorders in residential, partial, and outpatient…

Maintains that interreligious learning takes place most beneficially among people who are reasonably secure in their own relationship with God and also are comfortable with the mystery of that relationship. Argues that people with little tolerance for mystery and ambiguity will become uncomfortable with other religious experiences. (MJP)

Compares the effects of positive goal interdependence and positive resource interdependence on individual performance in teamwork and taskwork situations. Although early performance revealed difficulties with the interdependent nature of the work, performance improved as the students adapted their skills. Briefly discusses a number of variables…

Reviews literature on the functional psychological consequences of computerization. Maintains that, while computational tasks are turned over to the computer, individuals retain traditional skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Includes three graphic figures illustrating the transformation of mental processes. (CFR)

This article addresses theoretical and practical issues in the provision of mental health services to address psychosocial problems of secondary and postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Examples are offered of case studies and interventions from two federally funded research/demonstration projects at the University of Minnesota: the…

In this study of psychological mechanisms of depression and somatic symptoms in adolescent females during a period of increased opportunity for women, 20% of 297 suburban high school female students reported concerns about the limitations that being female had placed on their mothers. These women had more somatic symptoms correlated with…

One factor that contributes to adolescent positive mental health is active engagement. Engagement is defined as any activity that is initiated to attain an outcome. In general, two forms of activities exist that correspond with engagement: solitary, non-structured, and non-cooperative pursuits, often without adult supervision (e.g., playing video…

Thirty-one downsizing survivors from both the private and public sector were interviewed to determine incidents that either helped or hindered their transition through 1 or more organizational downsizings. A critical incident technique was used to analyze and organize the data around themes that emerged, themes were represented by both positive…

In this study factors associated with past suicide attempts in female inmates were examined. Female inmate participants (N = 105) were given structured diagnostic assessments of antisocial and borderline personality disorders and substance dependence, as well as measures of depression, hopelessness, problem-focused coping styles, and reasons for…

In this study, demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with schizophrenia in a Chinese rural community who had attempted suicide at some time in their lives and those who had not made a suicide attempt were compared. Among individuals with schizophrenia, subjects with (n = 38) and without (n = 472) a lifetime history of suicide…

In this article, the author seeks to discern whether it is possible to identify people who are predisposed to become good teachers as if it was a kind of calling in the same manner in which ministers are called to the ministry. The author cites a 2005 study by Wayda and Lund, who developed rubrics to address the student's suitability for the…

Objective: Parents' behavior management practices, parental stress, and family environment are highly pertinent to children's conduct problems. Preadolescents' psychiatric hospitalization usually arises because of severe conduct problems, so the relationships of family-related variables to postdischarge functioning warrant investigation. This…

Background: Maturation of prefrontal circuits during adolescence contributes to the development of cognitive processes such as decision-making. Recent theories suggest that these neural changes also play a role in the shift from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to depression that often occurs during this developmental period. Cognitive models of…

Background: This study examines the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among cognitive variables, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in Hong Kong Chinese and Caucasian American adolescents. Methods: Community adolescents (n = 2,044) ages 14-18 years from Hong Kong and the United States provided information regarding their…