Describes a small-scale study of four British primary schools where high numbers of ll-year-olds achieve level 4 or better in English by the end of Key Stage 2. Identifies 13 common school-effectiveness characteristics and proposes headteacher creativity as a 14th characteristic needing further study. (16 references) (MLH)

Examines two myths or misperceptions associated with premedical education, that of the "premedical syndrome" (over-achieving, competitive, cynical, and narrowly focused students), and the "cutthroat medical student" (competitive to the point of undermining others). The origins of the myths, the purposes they may serve, why they…

A study compared two groups of gifted adolescents, highly (n=74) and moderately (N=163) gifted, on self-concept, emotional autonomy, and anxiety. Results indicated no significant differences on self-concept and adjustment. Age correlated with emotional stability and parent relationships. Girls outscored boys on measures of honesty and…

Used between-family analyses of data from adolescent twin girls to offer new evidence that early menarche is associated with earlier initiation and greater frequency of smoking and drinking. Found that association of pubertal timing with substance use could not be explained by between-family confounds, and pubertal timing influence on drinking…

How young mothers construct life aspirations in the face of new parent roles was studied (N=58). Adjustment of expectations in the face of parenting demands, changes in aspirations, support for pursuing life goals, and access to resources are discussed. Characteristics of the most resilient stories are examined. (Author/EMK)

Caretakers' psychological factors are related to premature termination of counseling for their children (N=85). General hostility, anxiety, depression, and paranoia were studied. Descriptive statistics, correlations of variables, and a predictive discriminant analysis are reported. Effects of caretaker variables on early termination of treatment…

This study investigated the relation between personality traits (Five Factor Model), personal factors (innovativeness and self-efficacy), social factors (expectations or relevant reference groups), and motives (information, entertainment, and interpersonal communication) for going online among German high school Internet users. Demonstrated the…

Examines differences in attitudes between boys and girls after 5 years of modern language study through interviews with 75 students, 12 language teachers, and 2 headteachers. The significance of teacher personality and classroom practice emerged clearly from student interviews. Findings are discussed in the context of the British national…

Discusses empowering parents and communities to enhance loving and healthy family relationships through the concept of resilience and other factors, irrespective of different cultural understandings about bringing up children. Argues that good child-adult relations can reduce stress and help children develop tolerance, understanding, cooperation,…

Study investigates relationships among stressful circumstances, cognitive control, and distress among Korean immigrants in the U.S. It was hypothesized that cognitive control mediated the effect of exposure to stressful circumstances on distress. Results provide strong support for cognitive control in mediating the relationship between stressful…

The study discussed in this article describes change processes in abusers and examines the dynamics of unsuccessful processes. In doing so, this study provides a useful evaluation of group therapy as it is offered to batterers. Implications for microethnographic methods are discussed for social work students learning to evaluate their practice.…

These two studies extended research on the recently developed Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R; R.B. Slaney, M. Mobley, J. Trippi, J.S. Ashby, & D. Johnson, 1996). Cluster analyses were used to identify adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists and nonperfectionists. Differences between the clusters emerged on measures of self-esteem,…

Data are used from African American families in impoverished Chicago neighborhoods to address two questions: How well do modeling, supervision, and marital transition hypotheses explain the relationship between family structure and early sexual debut and pregnancy? Do higher levels of social support from parents and neighborhood adults decrease…

Fifty-six children (ages 43 to 83 months) participated in an event conducted by two undergraduates dressed as clowns. Ten days later, interviews found metamemory ability, intellectual functioning, and temperament were helpful in determining a child's capacity to accurately recall information, although for the most part age was the best predictor.…

Structured narrative has grown out of the tradition that uses writing in counseling. This article presents the theory and practice that underlie a structured narrative writing intervention, "A Write Way," used to orient and help students develop more effective learning stories during their transition into high school. It can be adapted to…