Kohlberg's (1966) hypothesis that the attainment of gender constancy motivates children to attend to gender norms was reevaluated by examining these links in relation to age. Ninety-four 3- to 7-year-old children were interviewed to assess whether and how constancy mediates age-related changes in gender-related beliefs. As expected, results indicated a general pattern of an increase in stereotype knowledge, the importance and positive evaluation of one's own gender category, and rigidity of beliefs between the ages of 3 and 5. Moreover, the stability phase, rather than full constancy, mediated some of these relations. After age 5, rigidity generally decreased with age, with relations primarily mediated by consistency.

This article focuses on patients' feelings of anxiety and fear and the relationship of these feelings to stress. A model is described that identifies four steps in the perception of environmental stress and the emotional responses to it. A second model describes the stages of responses to stress. Both models are applied to the patient experience, and suggestions are offered for basic facilitative physical therapist behaviors. A strong request is made for physical therapists to observe the affective behavior of patients, perceive it in the context of stress, and respond effectively.