Describes issues facing policymakers dealing with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Addresses six challenges for policymakers: (1) protecting people from discrimination; (2) designing testing and screening programs; (3) developing safe and effective antiviral drugs; (4) planning for future vaccine trials; (5) organizing and…

Introduces series of seven articles presenting some of the issues and methods that characterize emerging mental health services research. Discusses five major areas of concern identified by the National Institute of Mental Health. Invites researchers and methodologists to contribute articles focusing on mental health services research…

Objective: Studies examining psychological trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ethnoracial or sexual minority groups are relatively few. The "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" recently published 4 articles (Balsam, Lehavot, Beadnall, & Circo, 2010; Harrington, Crowther, & Shipherd, 2010; Lester, Resick, Young-Xu, & Artz,…

Notes little empirical research exists on mental health issues of lesbians/gays. Contends that whether researchers choose to define sexual orientation by sexual behavior, self-definition, or membership in lesbian and gay community groups will impact results. Sees mental health research that includes lesbians, gays, and heterosexuals allowing…

Considers stress management and coping studies in health care insufficiently grounded in theory; researchers have not adequately considered demands presented by stressor under study. Explores this theme in five areas: (1) effectiveness of problem- versus emotion-focused coping strategies; (2) effectiveness of interventions; (3) role of individual…

Discusses a Viet and Ware (1983) article which presented evidence from which they concluded that a strong, hierarchical factor of mental health underlay factors of psychological distress and psychological well-being. Reexamines the data using confirmatory factor analytic methods to assess the plausibility of their central model. (JAC)

Asserts that therapeutic gains for children may be maximized if important systems serving their mental health needs collaborate. Contends that collaborative efforts between clinic- and school-based practitioners may increase ecologically valid treatment options. Explores both the gains and the potential pitfalls that may arise when school- and…

Child abuse research has provided information on psychological sequelae of sexual molestation, with findings helpful in informing social policy and guiding mental health practice. Because of recency of interest, costs, and time investment associated with more rigorous longitudinal research, many studies have used correlational designs and…

Notes that research to date has yielded important findings for primary prevention efforts for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and has identified psychological dimensions relevant to mental health interventions for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sees pressing need for more systematic intervention outcome research in…

Outlines models for health education and community interventions targeted at reducing human immunodeficiency virus-Type 1 transmission. Notes significant gains made with regard to sexual practices among homosexual and bisexual men in some acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epicenters. Stresses need for more programs to address other high-risk…