Although authorities recognize the importance of pregroup preparation, few step-by-step instructions for such preparation exist. This article offers practical steps for conducting an effective pregroup screening interview. Presents steps as interdependent components that group leaders can use as a general model for conducting pregroup interviews.…

This study identified the highest heart rates attained on a ropes course for a corporate population; examined relationships between highest heart rate and other physical measures (basal heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight, body girths, cholesterol, maximum number of pushups, and heart rate after brisk walk); and developed an equation for…

This study examined the internal validity and reasons for false positives for the Ten Question Screen (with and without probes), used by community workers in developing nations to assess type and severity of disability. Results support the use of the screen but only if paired with measurements of hearing and visual impairments. (DB)

Scores of 66 elementary students (referred for poor learning progress) on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) were below mean performance on all Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (SB:FE) area scores except memory. The study refutes the assertion that the PPVT-R is an appropriate screening instrument for the SB:FE.…

This study evaluated use of the Ten Question Screen (TQ) to identify disability in a 2-stage population-based survey of 5,478 children aged 2-9 years in Clarendon, Jamaica. Findings indicated varied sensitivity by different subgroups (age, gender, and disability) and an unacceptably high false positive rate. (Author/DB)

Schouten and Kirkpatrick's review of evaluations of the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers' predictive validity reveals unacceptably high error rates in target population identification. Miller's response suggests flaws in their argument, Humphry and King-Thomas suggest alternative interpretations, and Schouten and Kirkpatrick respond to their…

Examined psychometric properties of problem checklist used as part of counseling center intake procedure. Collected data from closed client files and examined frequency with which items were endorsed as presenting problems, factor structure, and reliability of subscales. Results indicated that checklist could be reduced to about one-half original…

Two cohorts of children (ages four and five, n=700) were screened with the Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test. Results suggest that the Fluharty is too insensitive for screening programs aimed at identifying preschool children with language disorders, although it appears to have promise for the identification of children with…

Discusses ramifications of the genetics revolution for child welfare and gives an overview of genetic disorders and genetic services. Presents findings of an exploratory study of the proportion of children in out-of-home care in two cities who were diagnosed as having genetic disorders and who met referral criteria. Discusses implications for…

Reviews empirical literature to highlight individual, family, and illness variables that alone and together may improve identification of patients and families in need of social work services. Notes that development of screening mechanisms may be useful vehicle for improved psychosocial care and for the planning of social work services. (Author/NB)

The Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) is validated by comparing 42 drug-using and -abstaining youth on several social and behavioral characteristics. All 10 POSIT domain scores for drug users are greater than those for abstainers. Construct validity is established by comparing POSIT domain scores with other instruments.…

Three studies are reported addressing the reliability of the Scale for Assessing Emotional Disturbance (SAED), a standardized, norm-reference measure linked to the federal definition of emotional disturbance (ED). Results indicate the SAED possesses acceptable test-retest reliability and reasonable interrater reliability and can assist in the…

Sequential, standardized patient-based tests were given to medical students at the University of Maastricht (Netherlands); the first test was a screening test that evaluated the efficiency/validity of cutoff scores. Findings indicated that stringent pass/fail cutoff scores on the screening test produced optimal results. Fewer than 0.2 percent of…

Osteoporosis screening of 107 adults, ages 40 to 60, with mental retardation who attended community-based training centers found 21 percent had osteoporosis and 34 percent had osteopenia. The most significant predictor of lower bone mineral densities were Down syndrome, mobility status, and race. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

This article examines creativity and talent of individuals that can be identified from perceptions of themselves. It describes two instruments that may be used to measure such predispositions. Several problems studied with these instruments are presented and a number of uses for the instruments are suggested. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)