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Examines the relationship of social problem solving to health behaviors as reported by 126 undergraduate students. Findings revealed significant relationships between elements of social problem solving and wellness and accident prevention behaviors, and traffic and substance risk taking. However, correlations revealed differences between men and women. Implications for campus wellness programs are discussed. (RJM)

College students (Study 1, n=104) and persons with severe physical disabilities (Study 2, n=102) completed measures of depression, psychosocial impairment (Study 2 only), problem-solving appraisal, and social support. Problem-solving appraisal and social support were significantly associated with depression among students; with both depression and psychosocial impairment for disabled. Independent variables did not interact in prediction of depression. (Author/NB)

Describes a stress management seminar for employees experiencing corporate acquisition which was attended by 40 men and 16 women. Presents information regarding specific types of stressors experienced by these employees. Notes that participant reactions support the design and utility of this type of program for employees experiencing corporate acquisition. (Author/NB)

Examined relations among problem-solving appraisal, self-reported study habits, and academic performance for 63 college students enrolled in developmental course for academically unprepared students. Found problem-solving appraisal significantly predictive of study habits and semester grade-point average. Suggests problem-solving appraisal is related to academically at-risk students' study habits and academic performance, and problem-solving appraisal encompasses more than social skill. (Author/PVV)

Argues that lack of clarity regarding roles, functions, and research of psychologists in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings has prevented establishing guidelines for training graduate students to work in rehabilitative settings. Asserts that students should have core training in psychology and receive coursework and practica in working with disabled persons. (JS)

Examined relationship of personal assertiveness and social support in two independent samples of college students (n=442). Results provided evidence that personal assertiveness significantly augments specific types of social relationships to predict psychological symptoms under stressful conditions. (Author/ABL)

We examined the rate of depression among 110 parents of children with disabilities and tested a model to determine the unique factors associated with parental depression. Consenting parents completed measures [...]

Although much is known about the risks to health and well-being that occur among family caregivers of children with disability, little is known about the unique group of caregivers of [...]

The Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised Scale (SPSI-R) has been shown to be a reliable and valid self-report measure of social problem-solving abilities. In busy medical and rehabilitation settings, a brief and efficient screening version with psychometric properties similar to the SPSI-R would have numerous benefits including decreased patient and caregiver assessment burden and administration/ scoring time. Thus, the aim of the current study was to identify items from the SPSI-R that would provide for a more efficient assessment of global social problem-solving abilities. This study consisted of three independent samples: 121 persons in low-vision rehabilitation (M age=71 years old, SD=15.53), 301 persons living with diabetes mellitus (M age=58, and SD = 14.85), and 131 family caregivers of persons with severe disabilities (M age = 56 years old, SD = 12.15). All persons completed a version of the SPSI-R, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Using Rasch scaling of the SPSI-R short-form, we identified a subset of 10 items that reflected the five-component model of social problem solving. The 10 items were separately validated on the sample of persons living with diabetes mellitus and the sample of family caregivers of persons with severe disabilities. Results indicate that the efficient 10-item version, analyzed separately for all three samples, demonstrated good reliability and validity characteristics similar to the established SPSI-R short form. The 10-item version of the SPSI-R represents a brief, effective way in which clinicians and researchers in busy health care settings can quickly assess global problem-solving abilities and identify those persons at-risk for complicated adjustment. Implications for the assessment of social problem-solving abilities are discussed. Keywords: social problem solving; rehabilitation; screening; health conditions; medical settings

Our objective was to examine the effectiveness of a brief individualized problem-solving intervention for family with caregivers of persons with recent-onset spinal cord injury (SCI). Family caregivers were randomly assigned to a usual care control group (N = 30) or an intervention group (N = 30) in which participants were to receive three face-to-face problem-solving training sessions (PST), educational materials, and telephone contacts as requested over the first year of caregiving. The participants included 60 caregivers (49 women, 11 men). The Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression, and the SF-36 were administered at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Caregivers in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in dysfunctional problem-solving styles scores over time; there were no observable effects for PST on caregiver depression. There was also some indication that the intervention had beneficial effects on caregiver social and physical functioning. An intervention for new caregivers featuring brief PST, education, and contact may be associated with lower dysfunctional problem-solving styles over time and may promote certain aspects of caregiver quality of life. We also discuss limitations and implications of the present study. Keywords: caregiver; randomized controlled trial; spinal cord injury; problem solving

The authors support the assertion that counseling psychology expertise should be present at all levels of therapeutic activity that may benefit persons who live with chronic health conditions. They consider the impact of the increasing rates of chronic health conditions on health care systems, society, and health service professions. In order for the field to have an influential role in service delivery and policy formation that benefit individuals with chronic health conditions, the authors offer four recommendations: (a) Participate in, promote, and reward interdisciplinary research and service; (b) conduct, promote, and reward policy-relevant research programs; (c) promote and utilize participatory research methods; and (d) consider the implications of these activities for our training programs.