Describes qualitative and ethnographic investigation based on structured interviews and observation of 14 college students from chemically dependent, dysfunctional, and sexually abusive families. Sexual abuse was found to be endemic in this subculture. Suggests counseling strategy to assist moving students through role development and toward…

Spousal feelings of resistance and resentment often complicate the relocation process. Individual counseling for the "trailing spouse" can help alleviate unrealistic expectations, too hasty job acceptance, passivity, and communication problems. (SK)

Examined relationship between welfare status and perceived financial stress and children's emotional and behavioral problems using data from National Survey of Children. Found that levels of depressive symptoms, impulsive behavior, and antisocial behavior were higher among children who experienced either type of economic stress at least once…

Discusses 10 common questions, gleaned from qualitative analysis of data from nearly 850 bereaved family members who participated in 9 distinct studies, asked by people whose lives are directly affected by the death of a baby. Offers guidelines for family therapists serving families bereaved by an infant death. (Author/NB)

Examined cognitive and emotional reactions to family discussions as experienced by 8- to 11-year-old sons (n=35) and their mothers from homes with physically aggressive (PA), verbally aggressive (VA), and low-conflict (LC) marital relationships. Sons of PA couples demonstrated more self-interference, self-distraction, and arousal and less…

This literature review found little information on the marital status of parents of gifted children and widespread perceptions that most gifted children live in intact, middle to upper-middle class families. The need for data on possible under-nomination of children of divorce in programs for the gifted and on the validity of current…

This study of depression and anxiety found (1) no significant differences between parents with (n=49) and without (n=47) children having mental retardation; (2) higher anxiety levels in women than men; and (3) higher anxiety levels in parents with shorter experience with the child. (DB)

Tested the effectiveness of intensive, in-home family reunification services in reunifying families separated by the placement of a child in out-of-home care. After 90 days, 93% of the families assigned to receive the intensive treatment were reunited, compared to 28% of families in a control group who received routine out-of-home care services.…

The study compared families with disabled children (43 families living in an Israeli kibbutz and 48 families living in an Israeli city) and similar families with nonhandicapped children. Findings revealed more dissatisfaction in parents of disabled children, greater differences between mothers and fathers of disabled children, and no mediating…

Full Circle Programs is an organization providing family preservation and reunification services. Full Circle responds to families uniquely, rather than according to predetermined models. Medical testing, counseling, and practical assistance are provided. (BC)

This study investigated the play of 40 sexually abused, physically abused, physically and sexually abused, and nonabused children, ages 3-10. Results are analyzed in terms of structural differences (representational or fantasy worlds) and thematic differences (such as domestic life, need for protection, need for nurturance, conflict, chaos, and…

Mothers (n=104) of children (mean age 10-11) receiving psychological evaluation completed a depression inventory. At least half of the mothers of children who were victims of intrafamilial abuse, extrafamilial abuse mothers, and mothers of nonabused children reported experiencing at least moderate depression. (Author/JDD)

Parent reports of behavioral and family functioning for 59 learning-disabled (LD) boys and 65 nondisabled boys aged 6-12 years found higher incidence of behavior problems among LD boys. Families of LD boys more frequently exhibited disturbed family functioning, although the boys in those families showed no more behavior problems than boys of other…

Several danger signals reflect our cultural disarray. Schools reflect larger societal breakdown and absence of common culture to support learning, discourse, conversation, or argument. In the "worst times," best educators preserve whatever transcends mere relativism, promote whatever survives of subcommunities that generate character,…

A comprehensive psychosocial investigation of 202 Mexican women who had never been out of Mexico and who were married to immigrant workers in the United States revealed that the women experienced stress associated with the welfare of the absent husband, acquisition of new responsibilities and obligations, and family disintegration. (KS)