Stressful Events in the Lives of UK Children: a glimpse

A total of 366 UK children in four different schools, one in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and two in England, were asked to respond to 20 potentially stressful life experiences. Each event was rated on a scale ranging from 7 (the most upsetting) to 1 (the least), and the scale value and interquartile range were calculated. In addition, whether or not a given event was actually experienced was noted. Across the groups, there was a very high degree of agreement on all three measures, the median correlations being 0.95 for scale values, 0.70 for interquartile ranges, and 0.92 for incidence. Furthermore, the pooled UK results were found to correlate equally closely with the figures previously obtained in the USA and five other countries. The possibility of a prevalent ‘culture of childhood’, cutting across geo‐political boundaries and ethnic groupings, appears to receive further support.     

New Guidance on the Use of Reasonable Force in Schools 1998

Bernard Allen, Headteacher of Southfield School, Wokingham, considers the implications of recent guidance concerning physical restraint and the use of reasonable force in schools.     

LIFE SATISFACTION OF RETIRED PROFESSORS: THE CONTRIBUTION OF WORK,HEALTH, INCOME,AND LENGTH OF RETIREMENT

This study investigates the effects of work, health, income, and length of retirement on the life satisfaction of retired professors. The sample contains 90 professors retired from four midwestern colleges and universities. Results indicate that the life satisfaction of these professors was high. Their life satisfaction was enhanced by an opportunity to continue involvement in selected professional activities when this was desired. Good health and an adequate standard of living also contributed to life satisfaction.