Presents a model of developmental adaptation that explains the process of adaptation to life stress on the basis of adverse childhood events and paternal care, and internal and external resources available for adaptation to current life events. The appraisal of past and current events, as well as coping behaviors, are hypothesized to influence the…

Considers how effective teaching can be generated in school by arguing that effective teaching involves the development of personal growth and intellect. Explores the issues in relation to effective teaching in the learning/understanding context because some classroom practices may impede student learning. (CMK)

Three 2-week international courses using a holistic experiential program design--dramaturgy--were evaluated. Seventy participants completed questionnaires 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the courses. Dramaturgy enhanced the challenge to participants through innovative nonphysical activities and can be adapted during the program for specific…

The best way to reach self-realization, an ever-widening identification with nature, is through the Norwegian tradition of friluftsliv, a nonaggressive, environmentally sensitive approach to being in nature. When risk is associated with friluftsliv and not pursued for its own sake, it helps one achieve self-realization. Reliance on technology for…

A biopsychosocial model of the development of adolescent chronic conduct problems is presented and supported through a review of empirical findings. The model posits that biological dispositions and sociocultural contexts place certain children at risk in early life but that life experiences with parents, peers, and social institutions increment…

In this article an Irish mother reflects on her experience of raising a child with Down syndrome, how his presence affected the family, and how she as a person changed as a result. Professionals are urged to recognize the importance of effective listening, ongoing coordinated support, and learning to work in partnership with families. (Contains…

Research consistently correlates early pubertal timing with problem behaviors. Social and biological processes, which differ among ethnic groups, may also explain the relationship between pubertal timing and delinquency. Interviews with 5,000 boys ages 11 to 17 showed that early pubertal timing predicts nonviolent and violent delinquency for Anglo…

Although 1980s school reform efforts focused on improving student achievement, they overemphasized content coverage and testing for content retention. Future secondary reforms must transcend student "production" to reach all students consistently, emphasize application of curricular content, model critical thinking and decision-making, and foster…

Explains that rhetorical invention can be viewed as an invitation to openness, whereas structure can be a closure. Describes a writing instruction method in which students write replies to the instructor's weekly letters, providing a genuine need that must be genuinely answered. Argues that rhetoric can enhance and enrich life. (SG)

Qualitative analysis of perceptions of five mothers of hearing-impaired adolescents identified the following themes: (1) the personal growth experienced by the mothers, (2) the quality of the mother-child relationship, (3) parent-professional relationships, (4) support systems, (5) educational programing, (6) and the importance of fluent…

A new test of young children's computer aptitude and knowledge about computer technologies was given to kindergarten children and third-grade students. Results are reported. Implications of the research for basic and applied developmental psychology are discussed. (RH)

Faculty development programs ignore the dimensions of personal development that are crucial to effectiveness. The context in which faculty careers evolve are described and the opportunities that exist for "enlightened" colleges and universities to act responsibly and productively in promoting faculty development are outlined. (MLW)

Of senior faculty members (n=40) surveyed about mentor relationships, most thought mentor activity feasible in their departments but felt few residents had mentors. Most had been a mentor, and more had had mentors. All those who were mentors felt it helped their career advancement, personal development, and stress management. (Author/MSE)

Higher education does not address the central challenges of daily interpersonal life--being a parent, spouse, friend, and offspring; dealing with change, loss, sickness, death. But education can instill "tacit knowing"--knowing in the bones, prior to conceptualization or verbalization. This knowing can be imparted by great literature. (MLW)

Described is an empowerment and self-advocacy training program for individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities, called Partners in Policymaking. Discussed are first-year activities, program evaluation data from participants, and both quantitative and qualitative short-term outcome data collected from first-year…