This article describes three distinct yet interrelated elements of self-authorship: trusting the internal voice, building an internal foundation, and securing internal commitments. These elements, which emerged from longitudinal interviews with adults in their 30s, offer insights into the complexity and cyclical nature of self-authorship as well…

A 10-week plan was developed to help disadvantaged adults and college students realize that they can affect their environments if they learn the techniques of setting short-term goals to obtain long-term goals. According to the plan, the student selects a goal (not necessarily an educational goal) that can be reasonably accomplished in 10 weeks.…

A course taught at Pacific Lutheran University (Washington) encourages students to transform inner creative energy into an expression of their changing, developing identities. Students make shrines to their childhoods, create models, or costume themselves to express their inner lives. (MSE)

A survey of 510 practitioners engaged in support services to college students with learning disabilities investigated attitudes toward and practice of self-advocacy training and methods to reduce student dependence on programs and increase autonomy. While most expressed strong support for self-advocacy practices, it was found that far fewer use…

Investigated whether activities such as theater games, role playing, and dramatic play would increase college students' self-confidence, self-worth, spontaneity, and ability to relate with others. Found that these activities increased self-confidence and spontaneity. Concluded that creative dramatic courses can help students discover or develop…

Necessary developmental tasks concerned with identity development of gifted college women include developing competence, managing emotions, developing autonomy, establishing identity, freeing interpersonal relationships, developing purpose, and developing integrity. These issues may be used as counseling interventions to raise career aspirations.…

Six mildly learning-handicapped young adults were observed for one year following graduation from high school. All six floundered from job to job and from class to class at a community college. They expressed discontent and frustration with their present situation, but were unable to plan realistically for the future. (Author/JDD)

This study skills workshop guide, for the college level, is designed to help students assess their study skills and personal behavior goals for becoming academically effective and confident. Seven consecutive, 2-hour, weekly sessions emphasize learning as an active process and concentrate on specific skills: objectives and goals; time management;…