The role of religion and its relation to adjustment for 52 African American caregivers with a child with mental retardation is examined. Findings from the Religious Connectedness Questionnaire indicate religion in personal and family life and church support were related to positive outcomes in adjustment. (Author/CR)

Adult children and their parents can learn ways of relating to each other so that the dignity of each is maintained. Carol Gilligan's moral-development framework is used to assess adult child and parent moral-reasoning level and its impact on intergenerational conflict. (Author/EMK)

Due to milieu deficiencies and psychosocial handicaps, some groups are caught in a spiral of poverty, and experience serious obstruction to optimal self-actualization and the achievement of satisfactory quality of life. Article describes the problems of educating milieu-deprived students in the Republic of South Africa, as well as the implications…

The relationships between social stressors, parental attitudes, and family functioning are examined in parents of newborns (N=542). Significant relationships were found between number of stressors and more functional scores for each of the outcome variables. Results are discussed in terms of primary prevention programming. (Author/EMK)

Responds to a critique of an earlier article that reviews the multiple perspectives of African-American child-rearing experts and their implications for counseling. A starting point for understanding and appreciating the contributions of African-American child-rearing scholars is the recognition that one parenting perspective cannot address the…

Highlights the work of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco. Discusses her picture books in terms of themes, including family stories; "passed down" stories featuring a babushka; stories that emphasize diverse communities; stories that contain magic or a miracle; and stories that help to raise social consciousness. (SR)

A study of 204 patients operated on for idiopathic scoliosis by the Harrington method between 1970 and 1975 found that patients were content with their lives, tended to form families later in life, and had fewer sexual relationships. The patients felt their illness had mostly influenced their participation in work and in physical activities.…

Program materials used in more than half the U.S. counties that have court-connected educational programs for divorcing parents are reviewed. Sources of materials, conceptual foundations, topics presented, teaching strategies, and evaluation efforts are studied. Results and recommendations for design of programs are discussed. Program review form…

Reading is one way that children can get a current and accurate view of agriculture; farms; and today's educated, technologically-oriented farm family. Discussion of 25 children's books on farms and farming compares stereotypical books and books offering accurate portrayals of farm life, animals, and activities. Contains 28 references. (SAS)

Presents a model of musical culture development. Cites a study comparing musical development in 1- to 6-year olds taught with usual methods and those taught in optimal conditions; the study found that the teacher in optimal conditions was able to build up the rudiments of musical culture, including musical knowledge and skills, habits, and…

The mother of a 13-year-old boy with autism discusses the symptoms of autism from birth through 18 months and 18 through 36 months and her journey out of denial. The dreaded validation of the diagnosis and the support of other parents are addressed. Her husband shares some suggestions for stepfathers. (CR)

Addresses the increasing deprivatization of family life by presenting a constructivist approach to family studies that views the family as a social object constituted through interpretive practice. Documents how family images and meanings are rationalized, public accomplishments, and views the family as part of local culture and the result of…

Presents a short story about an adolescent boy whose troubled family life has led to a poor attitude in school and repeated discipline problems. Shows how the boy finds solace through his drawings, particularly those of his sister who ran away. (TB)

Examined 71 teenage African American mothers' experiences with their biological fathers, using in-depth life history interviews. Found three prevalent themes: fathers' residential history, father-daughter activity or interaction during more than one phase of daughter's life; and emotional tone and feelings about fathers. Results suggest…

Assesses variations in the levels and determinants of family support and family conflict in 3 age groups of noninstitutionalized physically disabled individuals (18-49; 50-64; 65-older). Results indicated life-course related differences in the levels of both family support and family conflict, with the oldest group perceiving the greatest support…