Conducted a treatment outcome study to evaluate change in death anxiety in nursing students (N=24) as a result of systematic desensitization, relaxation training, and no intervention. Both the desensitization and relaxation groups were more effective than no treatment. Improvement of available dependent measures of death anxiety is needed.…

Compared the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the WAIS-Revised (WAIS-R) in a sample of college students (N=70). A highly significant test order interaction was found. The WAIS-R will result in significantly higher ability estimates when administered following the WAIS than the WAIS will when following the WAIS-R. (JAC)

Three hypotheses adduced from social comparison theory were tested by assessing the self-concepts of 138 normal children, 138 mildly handicapped children in three special education settings (from partial to total segregation), and 46 children with academic difficulties in regular classes. (Author/MC)

Examined the effects of four treatment conditions on the modification of irrational ideas and test anxiety in female nursing students (N=48). The Rational Stage Directed Hypnotherapy (RSDH) treatment group was significantly more effective than the hypnosis only group. The placebo and control groups showed no significant effects. (Author/JAC)

Investigated the concurrent validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) subtests and three IQs compared to Wide Range Achievement Test standard scores, in 28 learning-disabled children. Analysis showed no significant correlations between WISC-R and WRAT scores, indicating a lack of concurrent validity on the WAIS-R. (WAS)

Investigated the relationship between the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) and the McCarthy Screening Test (MST) with a sample of 39 children whose mean age was 62.3 months. All of the subtests of the MST, excluding Numerical Memory and Leg Coordination, correlated positively and significantly with the PPVT-R. (Author)

Compared the family coalition structure of normal and neurotic family triads. The primary coalition within normal families was between mother and father with a secondary father-son coalition. Disturbed families exhibited a secondary coalition between mother and son. Normal families possessed a relatively differentiated hierarchical family…

Investigated how female parents in dual-career families view their roles. Compared the effectiveness of two strategies for dealing with conflict. Subjects using a role redefinition strategy did not differ from subjects using a role expansion strategy in self-reports of role conflict and coping effectiveness. (Author)

Contrasted 30 delinquent adolescents who had attempted suicide with 120 delinquent controls. Suicidal ideation, depression, gender, a tendency to act out, conflict with parents, childhood hyperactivity, and the interactions of gender with depression and with acting out accounted for 49 percent of the variance in suicide attempts. (Author)

Assessed locus of control in a group of 32 boys. Compared to normal controls, hyperactive children scored more external on locus-of-control scale. The findings indicate the value of appraising locus of control and other personality and social variables when treating the hyperactive child. (Author/JAC)

Examined relationships between value dimensions and attitudes toward therapy with a sample of 65 college students who chose which counseling method they thought would be most helpful. Results showed attitudes toward the behavioral and rational-emotive approaches were related to values to a small degree. (JAC)

Compared the standard scores and age scores obtained from the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT)(1965) and the Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-R)(1981) with (N=88) preschool children. Results found the mean PPVT IQ and Mental Age scores were significantly higher. Discusses implications for using the PPVT-R. (Author)

This study measured test-retest reliabilities and interrelationships of four common measures of lateral dominance: dowel balancing, peg placement, grip strength, and conjugate lateral eye movement. Moderate reliabilities for all measures except grip strength were obtained. Subjects' sex may be an important reliability variable. Correlations among…

Ninety-two athletes and 93 nonathletes completed the Illinois Competition Questionnaire measuring trait anxiety in competitive sports situations and the Rotter I-E scale measuring locus of control. No differences between groups were found on either test, and scores on the tests did not correlate for either group. (Author/SJL)

Demonstrates the need for schools to clearly define diagnostic categories such as learning disabilities (LD). These LD students were considerably different from LD students in other studies. They performed on grade level according to the Wide Range Achievement Test, but significantly below their peers in actual classroom performance. (Author)