An information-processing view of personal problem solving is presented, involving the way people take in information, process that information into plans for solutions to personal problems and carry out those plans. An abbreviated view of how we view the effect of some important individual differences is presented. We present a definition of problem, which we see as allowing research that can use methods analogous to those employed in research informal problem solving and in the study of 'experts.' We hope that such research will allow us to target interventions according to particular client weaknesses. We suggest some research directions that have promise of future pay off. Suggestions for counseling are made that derive from our experience in counseling college students.

Investigated the level and types of distress in a sample of 379 psychologists, using survey methodology. Overall, Ss were healthy and satisfied with work and interpersonal relationships. 10% of Ss experienced distress in the areas of depression, marital/relationship, physical illness, alcohol use, and loneliness. A distress band was calculated and ranged from 9% for multiple categories to 19% for single categories of distress. A subsample of Ss in distress from alcohol use were characterized by use of controlled drinking strategies with notable failure of these options to reduce distress levels. The authors conclude that (a) distress is a multifaceted phenomenon requiring careful examination on several levels; (b) controlled drinking strategies do not function to reduce distress among problem-drinking psychologists; and (c) verification of the distress band prevalence is needed to guide planning of intervention efforts on a state and national basis.Questions of accountability and maintenance of professional standards within the field of psychology have led to major efforts and activities at both state and national levels to develop standards for competent client care and professional services. Laliotis and Gray son (1985) reported that efforts to deal with the impaired psychologist have been woefully inadequate. Their analysis of state licensing laws revealed that states tend to define impairment as that category of problems that adversely affect performance so as to necessitate legal sanctions, ethical sanctions, and license revocation. There is evidence that this view of impairment is broadening to include syndromes best treated by a combined sanction/rehabilitation effort (Laliotis & Grayson, 1985). Currently, the American Psychological Association (APA) has commissioned the Advisory Committee on Distressed Psychologists to develop a manual (Schwebel, Skorina, RICHARD W. THORESON received his PhD from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1963. He is a professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology and director of the graduate program in rehabilitation counseling at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has served as a member of the American Psychological Association Ad Hoc Committee on Distressed Psychologists, teaches courses on counseling theories and counseling practicum, and conducts research in the areas of alcoholism and related disorders, men's issues, and the academic career. MARINELL MILLER is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. At the time of this study, she served as Coordinator of Field Experiences for the Rehabilitation Counselor Training Program at the

The purpose of this study was to replicate a study examining the relationship of client and counselor sex, experience level, and type of referral to the return rate of clients after intake interviews. In addition, the effect on return rate of clients referred to another counselor versus those who continued with the counselor at intake and the agreement between client and intake counselor on the nature of the problem were examined. Most of the differences related to sex were not significant. No differences were found relating to counselor experience level. Significant differences were found in return rates relating to counselor/client agreement on the nature of the problem and to the decision to keep or refer clients. The replicated finding that counselor experience level does not seem to make any difference is not reassuring. The inconsistent findings relating to sex suggest turning to other variables for further study.

The prevalence and effects of alcohol misuse and mental health problems on work behavior among professionals were examined using psychologists as prototypic of professionals in general. Members of the American Psychological Association (APA; n = 507) completed the Needs Assessment Survey developed by the authors concerning colleague alcohol misuse and mental health problems. Results indicated that at least one third of the respondents knew of colleagues who misused alcohol on the basis of fairly overt signs of impairment. Only a select few of the respondents (« = 61) confronted colleagues about their alcohol misuse; those confronters tended to be older men who saw clients with alcohol problems. In contrast, many more respondents confronted colleagues about their mental health problems (n = 182) and had better treatment outcomes. Considering the ambivalence of psychologists to confront colleague alcohol misuse in the presence of job-related detriment, use of the employee assistance program model of confrontation on demonstrable evidence of job decline seems appropriate. The roles of professional self-help organizations such as Psychologists Helping Psychologists in facilitating recovery of alcohol misusing psychologists and of APA in assisting psychologists in distress are discussed.

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