A B S T R AC TThe current study examined subjective well-being (SWB) in parents who raise children with special needs. Previous studies that focused on parenting children with special needs stressed increased risk of depression. This study examined parental level of hope, the significance of being involved in a partner relationship and parental perception of the seriousness of their child's disability, each a factor that may influence parental SWB. A random sample of 92 parents raising children with special needs in Israel participated in the study. They completed three questionnaires, examining parent's perception of the severity of their child's disability, parental SWB and parents' level of hope. Results revealed that a high level of hope, being in a partnered relationship, and perception of the child's disability as having some positive influence on central aspects of the parents' life, are all significant contributors to raising parental SWB. Study findings show that 'agency', a component of the concept of 'hope', is a significant factor in predicting SWB in parents of a child with special needs. Perhaps awareness of how they can improve their SWB by using certain aspects of their lifestyle to their advantage can help improve quality of life for parents of children with special needs.

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Adolescent boys must cope with physical changes that hamper their ability to form a positive body image. Sociocultural messages influence the concepts of body image, personal appearance, and weight, encouraging men to develop lean and muscular bodies. The current study examined adolescent boys’ body image and its relationship to their subjective well-being (SWB) and the effect of the parent–adolescent relationship on body image and SWB. Participating in the research were 107 adolescent boys in Israel, aged 13 to 18 years. Four questionnaires were utilized: demographic, body mass index, Body Investment Scale, and Personal Well-Being Index. The findings indicate a significant, medium positive correlation between SWB and body image. After controlling for the variable of parent–adolescent relationship, the correlation weakened, indicating that the parent–adolescent relationship has no effect on adolescent boys’ SWB and body image. Body image was reported to be a predictor of SWB.

The current study examines the academic self-efficacy of students at risk for attrition in higher education in the north of Israel. The students participated in the STIC (Short-Term Intensive discipline Courses) program also called "learning marathons", offered in their compulsory subjects in preparation for final exams. The study examined the conditions required for success with academic tasks according to the following variables: academic self-efficacy, emotional intelligence abilities, and coping with stress. The research population included 132 students whose admissions scores ranged between −10% to +10% from the minimum score required by the Departments of Science and of Humanities and Social Sciences. Research instruments included four questionnaires: Academic self-efficacy questionnaire, self-reporting emotional intelligence questionnaire, stress appraisal coping questionnaire, and demographic questionnaire. A correlation matrix was created for the difference between the data before and after participation in STIC. The results indicate that short-term intensive support learning that is carried out in small groups and taught by experienced teachers significantly reduces student attrition rates. Moreover, the courses promoted the development of emotional intelligence, enhanced the sense of academic self-efficacy, and advanced the use of coping strategies among students.

This study suggests that maternal NER and reappraisal play an important role in child anxiety and should be considered in prevention and intervention of childhood ADs.