This heuristic study involving seven coresearchers, which included the author, explores the experiences of women from mother-present/father-absent homes and their ability to form and maintain close female friendships. The heuristic research model was chosen to provide the opportunity to conduct research in a very personalized, collaborative way…

Approximately fourteen percent of English-speaking Americans are functionally illiterate. Given this high figure, it is important to understand the barriers that undereducated adults face when they decide to return to school to improve their literacy skills. This qualitative study examines spousal support as one of these barriers. Through…

The authors assert that the essential elements of attachment theory and Individual Psychology are similar to each other. In particular, both theories include a coherent and stable view of the self and the world and both acknowledge the importance of social interaction for the expression of these patterns. Additional suggestions for areas in which…

Presents the major conceptualizations of John Wallen, as they relate to interpersonal relations. Wallen advises readers to be aware of three basic conditions of human existence: (1) individual experience is private; (2) each person is different; (3) people are interdependent social beings. Four skills are outlined which help bridge interpersonal…

A cognitive analysis of loneliness is presented. Loneliness is defined as occuring when a person's achieved social relations are less numerous or less satisfying than the person desires. Factors that cause loneliness by altering the person's achieved or desired social relations are discussed. (Author)

Comparison of 79 normally hearing and 42 hearing-impaired adolescents found no differences regarding the intensity of their remembered positive experiences. Hearing-impaired subjects reported more positive interpersonal experiences, rarely experienced positive experiences "with self," and showed less desire for transpersonal commitment,…

Currently it is recognized that psychology of people may involve both an implicit theory of interpersonal warmness and the personality trait of warmness. Just as the trait of dominance depends on the relative strengths of interactants, so may perceivers expect the trait of warmness to derive its meaning from an interpersonal context. Elements of…

This study reports the initial results of an attempt at introducing and validating the theoretical construct of loneliness. The conception of loneliness included four components: intensity and types of missing relationships; rationalizations and defenses of feelings of deprivation; time-perspective; and perception of personal abilities to change…

Feelings of loneliness result from the lack of opportunity to relate to others on an intimate level and express one's thoughts and emotions freely, without fear of rejection or misunderstanding. American society frustrates this need by emphasizing individual fulfillment and downgrading the importance of commitment to others. (Author)

Presents a theory of friendship based on a conception of self that regards a central motive to be the person's concern for the well-being of one's self. Considers several facets of friendship growth, change, and rewards. (JMF)

A study was made of small workgroups, each of which was assigned to complete an empirical investigation. These workgroups were observed by students. The framework for the observations was Tuckman's (1965) proposed model of group development. The goal was to test the fit of Tuckman's model to the actual development of the workgroups observed in the…

Examined the effect of divorce and remarriage on global happiness. Remarried men report themselves significantly more happy than men in first marriages. Remarried women are less happy. Observed differences in global happiness seem to be systematically related to differences in social integration, socioeconomic status, and general and marital…

The concept of androgyny refers to the psychological wholeness of a person defined as the ability of an individual to identify with both masculine and feminine characteristics, depending on their appropriateness in various situations. This paper presents an overview of the construct of androgyny, describes the Bem Sex Role Inventory as a measure…

Investigates the effect of counselor similarity self-disclosures to general client/counselor attraction and relationship. (Author)