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The present study examined gender and age differences in adjustment among children whose parents have separated. Measures designed specifically to assess family hnctioning during thc divorce process (the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised, and Child Divorce Adjustment Inventory), along with a measure of self-esteem and interviews with children, provide an in-depth exploration of the experience of families during the transitional period of separation. Results indicate that (I) parents of girls reported higher resolution of the separation, (2) high self-esteem for girls was mediated by residential parents' high socioeconomic status, (3) older children exhibited higher adjustment than younger children, and (4) father-headcd families indicated higher adjustment before and after separation. Using a model of divorce as a process, results are discussed in relation to findings from studies of post-divorce and pre-separation families to provide a more complete picture of the divorce experience and child adjustment to that experience. [Article copies available for a fee f i m The Haworrh Document Deliveiy Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail add~vss: gerinfo@haworth.con1]

Reduced social competence following severe acquired brain injury (ABI) is welldocumented. This pilot study investigated a peer-led group intervention based on the claim that peer models may be a more effective mechanism for behaviour change than clinician-led approaches. Twelve participants with severe ABI were recruited from a post-acute neurorehabilitation setting, and randomly assigned to either a peer-led intervention or a staff-led activity group (usual care) (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02211339). The groups met twice a week for 8 weeks. A peer was trained separately to facilitate interaction in the intervention group. Training comprised 16 individual sessions over 4 weeks. Group behaviour was measured twice at baseline, after intervention and at maintenance (4 weeks), using the Adapted Measure of Participation in Conversation (MPC) and the Interactional Network Tool (INT), a newly devised measure of group conversational interaction.Outcome measures showed differential sensitivity. The groups did not differ in baseline behaviour. Findings showed a significant improvement in the treated group on the MPC transaction scale post-intervention (p=.02). The intervention group showed more balanced interaction post-intervention on the INT and at follow-up.Findings show preliminary evidence of advantage for peer-led groups. The INT shows promise as a method to detect change in group communication behaviour.

I thank Royce Simpson, Patrick Bamwine, and Clarence Rohrbaugh who provided statistical guidance and assistance. I also thank the students who served as participants in this study.

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