Considers ethical dilemmas inherent in health care decision making and in patients' advance directives. Describes PRACTICE (patient, relationships, advocacy, conflicts, treatment/nontreatment options, interests, consequences, ethical principles) model which allows health care practitioners to think about ethical issues in structured and systematic…

Notes that, in long term care, conflicts over autonomy can begin at level of conceptualization, especially when basic distinctions and polarities are not adequately recognized. Indicates conceptual complexity by identifying and examining six polarities. Presents case studies to illustrate how each polarity can give rise to ethical problems in long…

The author provides a brief history of participatory research and presents this methodology as an alternative system of knowledge production. Benefits of participatory research are listed and continuities and ambiguities are treated. The author also discusses links between participatory research and contemporary social movements. (CH)

Notes that, in survey of 50 cancer patients offered living wills, 6 individuals declined to sign advance directives. Contains detailed evaluation of each of six cases. Discusses potential value of living wills in context of other, newer forms of advance directives, such as durable power of attorney for health care, and more detailed living will…

This document provides a theory on successful aging and describes a workshop method devised to inspire middle-aged and older adults to meet and embrace the challenge of growing older. A five-stage model is proposed, based on the assumptions that aging adults need not be victims of the various scenarios of aging that exist in American culture and…

Describes author's experiences after his own diagnoses of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Related Complex (ARC) and AIDS itself. Discusses six ways for social workers to provide empowerment to persons with AIDS, which focus on the positive, the healing power of caring, reconnections, direction, victim mindset, and advocacy. (ABL)

The Dependable Strengths Articulation Process (DSAP) is a systematic intervention which enables individuals to recognize, articulate, communicate, and use their Dependable Strengths. Dependable Strengths are those personal strengths that are clearly established and owned by the individual. They can earn the Dependable Strengths designation by…

Defines rational and irrational romantic jealousy and gives a brief recommendation for counseling the irrationally jealous person. (ABB)

Notes that the Toba Batak of North Sumatra provide internalized means of mediating mental health through religious-based notion of the tondi, or source of power, inside the person as the source of mental-physical health and illness. Discusses rituals necessary for maintaining health with rationale supporting those rituals. Describes applications…

This book presents an approach to learning that builds on trust and personal regard. It is based on the experiences of a second grade teacher and relates anecdotal experiences. Chapter I discusses beginning the transference of power, pre-planning for the school year, and creating an environment. Chapter II discusses building trust, focusing on…

Describes Comunidades Eclesial de Base (CEBs) or base communities which are self-help and mutual aid groups that assist in alleviating the effects of poverty and powerlessness in Latin America. Discusses two potential problems of CEBs - that they may encourage either passivity or increased violence. (Author/NB)

Tested conceptual model of context, processes, and outcomes of joint marital decision making of married couples (N=188) which specified spouses' process variables as individual-level measures and partners' consensus as a couple construct. Found context factor of spouses' emotional interdependence influenced both partners' coerciveness and degree…

Proposes tentative model for considering the nature of power and how counselors might use power to influence those who have impact on their clients and programs. Presents power strategies framework based on differing levels of interpersonal relationships as way to bring about desired change in interpersonal situations that are harmful to clients…

Results of research directly and indirectly applicable to life support indicate that patients and intimates suffer less psychological distress if those who have close positive relationship with patient maintain emotional closeness to patient and participate in making decisions concerning life support. Suggests that people feel less distress if…

Focuses on United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to examine childhood, child development, and child advocacy. Looks at social, legislative, administrative, and individual advocacy and raises issues dealing with children's rights. Considers developmental perspectives on children's rights and examines youth empowerment efforts. (NB)