This paper is mainly concerned with relating psycho-social functioning (i.e. family life, like or dislike for school or occupation, self concept, job stability, environmental stress, and adaptability to depressive reactions/frustrations) to primary hypertension in young black men. (AM)

Three short articles discuss the needs of various groups of students that tend to become disaffected with school, focusing in turn on mentally retarded students, obese students, and gifted students. (JG)

The author examines the problems of chronic respiratory disease in school-age children from a medical viewpoint, including recognition and diagnosis, commonly encountered diseases, their effect on participation in physical exercise, emotional factors, medication, and emergency care. (MB)

Evaluated were the psychosocial functioning levels of a group of 144 chronically ill (diabetic, asthmatic, cystic fibrotic, and hearing-impaired) children (5 to 19 years old) across a battery of standardized personality instruments. (Author)

Investigates relationship between ankle sprains and participation time in competitive orienteering. Examined 15,474 competitors in races in the Swedish O-ringen 5-day event in 1987. Injuries requiring medical attention were analyzed, showing 137 (23.9 percent) ankle sprains. Injury incidence was 8.4/10,000 hours. Incidence of ankle sprains was…

The special developmental needs of young children with congenital HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection require evaluation, training, therapy, and other supports. Such services should be guided by developmentalists in a child study center in close alliance with medical, educational, and community service providers. Concerns about the…

Discusses the causes of common vestibular disorders and their effects on children and young adults. Illustrated by a personal account. (BB)

Describes the astrocytes' function as equal partners with neurons in both the normal and the abnormal brain. Discusses the developmental scaffolds, inert scar tissue, Huntington's disease, psychiatric disorders, and the identification of these brain cells. (RT)

The increasing number of cases of pediatric Acquired Immonodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) presents unique issues for psychologists in the areas of prevention, clinical treatment, public education, research, neuropsychological effects, psychoneuroimmunology, and ethical concerns. (Author/DB)

Survey responses of 341 North Carolina public school teachers were used to determine frequency of teacher contacts with children with chronic health conditions and needs related to the educational management of these children. Information on teachers' greatest concerns and most helpful resources regarding these children was also sought. Results…

This study compared mothers' (n=32) and fathers' (n=25) perceptions of stress during their preterm infant's hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit. Although there were differences between mothers and fathers in number and types of stressors identified, most mothers and fathers chose stressors related to the infant's health and…

An overview of Prader-Willi syndrome, the most common form of dysmorphic genetic obesity associated with mental retardation, is presented, with an emphasis on associated causes, characteristics, diagnosis and counseling, intervention, and long-term consequences. (Author/DB)

Examination of 36 home-reared young adults with Down's syndrome found that 20 had abnormal echocardiographic findings. Thirteen had mitral valve prolapse, three had mitral valve prolapse and aortic insufficiency, two had only aortic insufficiency, and two had other mitral valve disorders. Theories of pathogenesis and relationship to exercise and…

Sixty infants (ages 11 to 26 weeks) were divided into 3 groups (healthy, preterm healthy, and preterm sick). Ten minutes of infant-parent interaction were videotaped, and mothers viewed the tapes and identified infant behaviors they interpreted. Differences in behavioral interpretations among mothers are identified, as are correlations among…

This paper reviews evaluations of family-centered intervention programs conducted in neonatal intensive care units. Of 10 studies identified, 3 focused on intervention to benefit the family system; 6 involved parents, but the primary focus was the infant; and 1 study combined the 2 approaches. All the studies had substantial limitations.…