Reviews

Memoirs, by Cardinal Mindszenty, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1975, 341 pp., £6.

Staretz Amvrosy, by John Dunlop, Mowbrays, 1975, 176 pp., £1.95.

Christen im Schatten der Macht by Hans Brandenburg, Brockhaus, Wup‐pertal, 1974, 206 pp. English translation : to be published by Mowbrays in 1976.

Christen unter Hammer und Sichel by Winrich Scheffbuch, Brockhaus, Wuppertal, 1972, 200 pp. English translation: Christians under the Hammer and Sickle, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1974, 220 pp., $2.95.

Confucius, Mao and Christ, by Paul E. Kauffman, Asian Outreach, Hong Kong, 1975, 248 pp.

Derriere le Rideau de Bambou, by Sergiu Grossu, Editions des Catacombes, Courbevoie, 1975, 153 pp.     

Observational Learning and the Role of Confinement in Pigeons: Suppression of Learning as a Function of Observing the Performance of a Conspecific

Observational learning of a successive discrimination problem by pigeons was studied using conspecifics as models responding for either contingent or noncontingent reinforcement. We found that observation of these models was associated with poorer performance on subsequent testing than was shown by a control group that learned without first observing conspecifics' performance. No significant difference was found between subjects without observational experience and another control group that was confined in the observation apparatus and observed an empty chamber only.     

Heroes and Mentors: A Consideration of Relational-Cultural Theory and “The Hero’s Journey”

Derived from mythology around the world and over the ages, Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” provides a conceptual roadmap for confronting life’s challenges. The way in which clients navigate these challenges may also have a profound effect on their relational development. This article examines The Hero’s Journey through the lens of relational-cultural theory and illustrates ways in which counselors can aid clients in making sense of the struggles they face on their own personal journeys.     

Hurricane Katrina's impact on the mental health of adolescent female offenders

Abstract

Exposure to multiple traumatic events and high rates of mental health problems are common among juvenile offenders. This study draws on Conservation of Resources (COR) stress theory to examine the impact of a specific trauma, Hurricane Katrina, relative to other adverse life events, on the mental health of female adolescent offenders in Mississippi. Teenage girls (N=258, 69% African American) were recruited from four juvenile detention centers and the state training school. Participants were interviewed about the occurrence and timing of adverse life events and hurricane-related experiences and completed a self-administered mental health assessment. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to identify predictors of anxiety and depression. Pre-hurricane family stressors, pre-hurricane traumatic events, hurricane-related property damage, and receipt of hurricane-related financial assistance significantly predicted symptoms of anxiety and depression. Findings support COR theory. Family stressors had the greatest influence on symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for family based services that address the multiple, inter-related problems and challenges in the lives of female juvenile offenders.     

Seven Paths of the Hero in Lord of the Rings: The Path of Transcendence

Frodo's path transcends that of any other hero in literature. He is seemingly the least, always aware of his own fears, his own limitations, yet he accomplishes more than any of the apparently greater figures such as Elves and Dwarves, Kings and Wizards. When the great quest is complete, and everyone is satisfied at the accomplishment, Frodo alone knows no peace, for he can never again be whole. The Lord of the Rings is wise enough to recognize that there can be no happy ending for Frodo. Like Hamlet, Frodo can find no peace on earth. He has been too damaged in the process and has passed beyond all the normal hopes and desires of our world. At the end he is left to journey away with the Elves to a world that will undoubtedly fit him no better than this one. Beyond that, we presume he must find some new answer unique to Frodo, some way to transcend the limitations of life, as must each of us.     

Having “The Talk”: Individual,Family, and Partner Factors on Unprotected Sex among Female Adolescent Offenders

This study assessed the influence of individual age and substance use, family support and communication, and partner support and communication on the frequency of unprotected sex among incarcerated adolescent females. Subjects (n = 273) completed a survey on psychosocial correlates and risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Communication with male partners and sex while under the influence have a significant impact on condom use. Findings highlight the necessity of providing assertive communication skills training and increasing self-efficacy as STI/HIV prevention components for adolescent females thus empowering their decision-making processes.