A dozen common sense ways to respond to and counter the teacher burnout syndrome are briefly discussed. Strategies include physical exercise, stress controls, recultivating special relationships, self-expressions, celebrations, enthusiasm maintenance, and professional support. The aticle is designed to help educators maintain a perspective on…

As the belief that social support and coping can moderate the impact of stress becomes part of the common wisdom in the mental health field, the demand for support-oriented interventions has increased. However, a review of the stress-buffering research indicates that the effect of support is more modest and more complex than most researchers…

To reduce risk factors for adult disease in our society, we must tackle the problem of toxic stress in early childhood. This condition is associated with the excessive release of a stream of hormones whose persistent elevation can disrupt the wiring of the developing brain and the functioning of the immune system. Children who experience toxic…

Behavioral and cognitive behavioral stress management interventions aimed at school-related stress for students and teachers are reviewed. Schools may be sources of stress because they provide a context in which performance and relationship demands are made. School psychological services may promote the emotional and physical health of…

This article looks at one way for teachers to make classrooms emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy places to learn--places where tensions and stresses are lessened and where teachers and students are concentrating, yet relaxed. "Harmonious language learning classroom" is the term the author coined to describe this kind of language…

This volume offers a collection of papers which explores the relationships between major economic changes and individual and collective mental and physical well-being, including individual distress, deviant behavior, and other symptoms of underlying pathology. The contributors examine the processes leading from macroeconomic change to social and…

International Society of Sport Psychology clarifies the psychological benefits of physical activity, noting the positive relationship between physical activity level and mental health. Exercise can reduce anxiety, decrease depression levels, reduce neuroticism and anxiety, reduce stress, and have beneficial emotional effects for both sexes across…

This paper offers a commentary on the articles in the special series on cognitive behavior therapy with older adults (Carmin, 2012-this issue), noting the commonalities found across discussions of diagnostic interviewing and cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment for late-life insomnia, depression and suicide risk, PTSD, and OCD. These case…

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…

Defines primary prevention in mental health as the building of health and competencies from an early age to prevent adverse psychological outcomes. Describes potential approaches to primary prevention for young children, such as early detection and intervention; helper therapy; mental health education; competence training; social system…

Contemporary society has trained us to prejudicially view and fear the sensual and nature as an enemy, villain, or child that must be developed, improved, or managed. By learning and teaching the Natural Systems Thinking Process, we may reverse destructive thinking by letting nature itself help us bring sensations and their integrity back into our…

The phenomenon of "burn-out" is most frequently experienced by people who, in the course of their jobs, work with other people such as students, patients, or clients in situations that involve intense personal interaction. The complex symptoms of the burn-out syndrome are described in this paper. The most common of these symptoms is a change of…

For adults, fear of death is universal, but young children are exposed to realities of death only infrequently and are often shielded from it by parents. Because parents realize the extent of a child's fear of losing a parent, parents sometimes take precautionary steps, such as avoiding both parents' travelling on the same airplane or designating…

The combined concepts of holism and general systems theory have led to the belief among health care professionals that people cannot be fully understood unless the mind and body are seen as having an integral relationship. The relationship between nutrition and behavior is one area in which the holistic approach is relevant for the field of…

Noting that the physical and mental growth of children are influenced by many environmental and familial factors, this paper explores improving the well being of children. The first part of the paper discusses child rearing, emphasizing three fundamental themes: creating an environment where children are born healthy and wanted; helping children…