This paper reviews studies of childhood suicide and reports findings which suggest that the incidence of suicide under the age of 14 is greatly underreported. It notes that the incidence of non-fatal suicide attempts in children is even harder to determine than is the incidence of suicide. Studies are cited which suggest that, while preadolescent…

This document presents witnesses' testimonies from a Congressional hearing called to examine the health care access problems of the large number of Americans without health insurance and those suffering from underinsurance or inadequate coverage of primary acute or long-term care. Opening statements are included from Representatives Edward Roybal,…

The text of a Congressional hearing to examine the impact of eating disorders on children and families is presented in this document. Testimony by the following witnesses is included: (1) Krista Brown, eating disorder victim, and her mother, Susan Brown; (2) Robert B. Duncan, a hospital president; (3) Patricia Fallon, a clinical psychogist; (4)…

This document presents a literature review concerning the relationship between family divorce and subsequent adolescent psychological maladjustment. This topic is specifically considered in terms of the relationship between parental divorce and adolescent's gender and age at time of divorce. Additionally, empirical studies are reviewed in terms of…

The paper looks at the effect of a handicapped child on the family; the effectiveness of providing supportive assistance to such families; and strategies, techniques, or models for providing aid. The complexity of a parent's reactions to the birth of a handicapped child is pointed out, and family characteristics (such as poor health of the mother)…

The problem of child sexual abuse has gained an increasing amount of national attention in the past decade. Intra-familial sexual relations, incest, appears to be the predominant form of child sexual abuse. Seventy to 80 percent of sexual abuse occurs with affinity systems--families, relatives, friends, and neighbors. Child sexual abuse has been…

During paroxysms of colic, infants are hypertonic or neurolabile, and appear to be in acute, abdominal pain. The infant lets out a high-pitched cry which soon reaches a screaming level, and which is coupled with facial grimacing. The infant is difficult to console, and may resist attempts to sooth it. Between spells, these infants cry normally and…

Multi-problem families are at risk of dissolution and homelessness. Cultural, social, economic, educational and family structural problems and differences often bring unbearable pressure upon families. Traditionally, a single problem or a family member was identified as the causal factor. Quite often a family member was removed from the home.…

Family-related conflict has been a central focus of theory as well as research on adolescent development, both with respect to the characteristics of nature of conflict and the influence it has on adaptational outcomes. Conflict in families of adolescents was studied by examining three characteristics of family conflict (locus, content, and…

Constructing a family history can be significant in helping persons understand and appreciate the root system that supports and sustains them. Oral history can be a valuable resource in family research as Alex Haley demonstrated in writing "Roots." The major difficulty of using oral tradition in tracing a family history is that family…

The authors introduce some basic concepts essential to techniques for conducting interviews with the families of handicapped children. Dysfunctional and functional characteristics of a family system are outlined. Techniques for leading families into functional ways of interacting are discussed, with examples given. It is concluded that the goal in…

The case study explores the detrimental influences of a father's dyslexic condition on the emotional development of his children and on his family's functioning. (Author)

This study compared 20 married dyads and 20 divorced dyads on the dimensions of affect, marital adjustment, personality homogamy, value homogamy, and selected demographic variables. Instruments included the Caring Relationship Inventory, the Modified Form of Locke's Marital Questionnaire, the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, and the…

Issues related to family assessment as part of early intervention programs with handicapped children are reviewed and the need for a family needs assessment as a first step in developing family focused interventions is stressed. Suggestions for the design, selection, and use of a needs assessment are made. (Author/DB)

Discusses the "hidden illness" of compulsive gambling. Describes course of the disease, theories of compulsive gambling, effects of compulsive gambling on gambler's wife and children, the organization Gam-Anon, and human service agencies' staff training and counseling intake procedures. Recommends self-help groups for all family members.…