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In the following we introduce a special issue of the journal Woman & Therapy, titled Women in Their 80s and 90s: Positively Vital. Our intent has been to provide a balance to the prevailing literature on older women which tends to present a negative view of the trials and tribulations of old age. We believe that this information is vital not just for old women but also for feminist psychologists who work with this population and for the world at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does a modern woman react to being defined by the role of wife? In our study, the authors examined the experiences, benefits, and challenges encountered by wives of college and university presidents. In a relationship where the husband has a prestigious and well-defined role, the female partner may still be expected to play a traditional role on a regular basis, bringing both benefits and challenges. Through focus groups, interviews, and a survey, women shared their experiences. Cluster analytic techniques identified six groups of women that were involved in, adjusted to, or conflicted by serving in the presidential spouse role. The authors employ the voices of the women themselves to illuminate their experiences, satisfactions, challenges, and frustrations. Wives indicated that they had to deal with loss of privacy, conflicted personal relationships, and increased ambiguity about their own identity. Interestingly, wives did not allow these challenges to undermine their marriage; instead, for those who had difficulty meeting these demands, the loss was to their own sense of self-worth. The results suggest that the role of presidential wife should be examined through the intersectional lens of gender and class. This intersection can be seen to shape the expectations of the wife herself, as well as the demands made by her spouse and others in her community. Her previous experiences, education, and career preparation provide insights into how she approaches the public role. Recognizing and giving voice to the complex sociocultural issues involved may help wives thrive in their roles as a college or university president's wife. "Additional online materials for this article are available to PWQ subscribers on PWQ's website athttp://pwq.sagepub.com/supplemental" (Contains 1 table.)

Suggests that cultivating U.S. sensitivity and knowledge about the world are the tasks of geographers. Reminds teachers not to ignore the newspaper as a source of information about world geography. Concludes that newspapers can help students develop an appreciation of how geography contributes to world events. Proposes teaching strategies. (SG)

The author examines a difficult case that confronted her with a variety of ethical issues: individual therapy within the context of couples' therapy, problems encountered by rural therapists, and the question of when to refer. She presented this case to graduate counseling students to analyze and critique. The students recognized, as a result of this activity, that real-life ethical dilemmas are more complex than textbook examples, that there is a difference between aspirational principles and absolute standards, and that the ethical decision-making process is key. When an instructor presents her own imperfect work, she encourages students to be open about their real concerns.

In this article the author reflects on her upbringing, in which she was admonished to be cheerful and happy and not acknowledge unpleasantness. Consequently, as a young adult and a new psychotherapist she found herself detached from her own feelings as well as those of her clients. She recalls the evening that she became a more whole, more sensitive human being, and credits her therapy practice and her clients for keeping her that way.

Phyllis Chesler started writing 'Women and Madness' on her way back to New York from the 1970 annual convention of The American Psychological Assn. in Miami. At the convention, she had been laughed at when she asked that an alternative to a mental hospital be established. Although she later on wrote other books, 'Women and Madness' is 'the' book of her lifetime. Chesler shares her experience as a radical feminist in the academe. She describes it as living in a war zone. She also talks about betrayal of women by women.

Women have been isolated from nature by staying indoors far too long. This is perhaps due to fear of being attacked or raped when striking out into the wilds. The collection of essays addresses the therapeutic side of the wilderness and how risk can enhance women's self-esteem. This is the first collection of writings which deals with wilderness therapy for women. The symbolic value of accomplishments in the wilderness to women's mental health is also addressed.