Attempts to identify the root causes of individual stress have been made for centuries. The result has been the development of a myriad of approaches and explanations as to the cause of stress by psychologists, educators, researchers, and self-help authors. Each approach carries a degree of validity in the context that individuals experience…

Work release in a rural state has functioned successfully for two years with a halfway-house-type model. Initial results suggest there is greater success in units isolated from the prison and participation should be restricted to persons having six months or less to serve on prison terms. (Author)

Upon the death of a family member societally imposed role expectancies emerge. The participant observer method utilized in the context of a bereavement self-help group revealed not only the emergence of distinct roles but also five groups to which these roles were related. Generally, the group members and the groups themselves spanned a continuum…

Subjects received self instruction on how to approach analogy questions. Instruction was directed toward knowledge of the general format of analogy questions in standarized tests and the 15 types of relationships commonly asked for in analogy questions. An analogies post-test showed a significant effect for the group. (Author)

The portion of the Personal and Social Development Program presented here is designed to help intermediate and secondary students with behaviors grouped into several categories: (1) self concept; (2) responsibility; (3) group consideration. (Author/CJ)

Supplementing a national survey of self-help group members, a study examined the functioning of an epilepsy self-help group in order to identify communication patterns establishing mutual aid. An examination of eight tape-recorded sessions was combined with an observer's field notes to develop a profile of the group. Analysis revealed a loosely…

This manual is designed to assist those helping professionals responsible for developing consumer education programs for older adults on the topic of food purchasing and costs. In a modular presentation format, the materials focus on the follwing areas of concern: (1) information on food buying; (2) planning the food budget; (3) shopping for good…

A 9-year-old impulsive boy was treated with a combination of verbal self-instructions and response cost. The program was sequentially applied to inappropriate "switches" in each of three target behaviors (topics, games, rules) according to a multiple baseline design. Positive change in all of the target behaviors was evident at posttreatment.…

When psychologists develop clinically effective behavior therapies that can be totally self-administered, a number of important issues are raised. The present article considers these issues and begins a discussion on the development and use of non-prescription behavior therapies. (Author/AM)

This volume of studies which focus on women themselves is intended for persons who want to know more about what current research is revealing about women, their lives, and their mental health. The research topics address the following areas of concern: (1) sex roles and sex stereotypes; (2) women and work both inside and outside the home; (3)…

Members of two types of self-help groups assessed the occurence of various helping processes in their groups. Found self-help groups emphasized supportive and expressive processes while avoiding confrontive processes; and behavioral techniques were used more frequently by behavioral control groups than by stress coping groups. (RC)

Time management may be the most important study skill. The effects of a specific teaching technique designed to alter the time management skills of undergraduate students in a voluntary study skills course were assessed. Of the 95 subjects, 34 were enrolled in the course and were exposed to time management instruction, 31 were future course…

A 5-week, 12-hour course given to the community emphasized understanding and coping with stress. At the beginning of the course several inventories were administered to the students, who also completed the instruments in a follow-up procedure 10-12 weeks after the end of the seminar. The course focused on recognition of stress signals and the…

Relapses in alcoholics, smokers, and heroin users are frequently provoked by stress. Individuals often return to using addictive substances when feeling angry or frustrated as the result of negative mood states, interpersonal conflict, or social pressure. A behavioral weight-control program used to treat 140 overweight college students was…

A self-image workshop manual for American Indians aims to help Indian people set goals and excel in whatever they plan in life. A section entitled "Are You an Eagle?" tells of the significance of eagles in traditional American Indian Culture, discusses those who merit an eagle feather for accomplishment, and lists characteristics of eagles (and…