Most research on participation in adult education has focused on participative presence. However, learner involvement and control are far more important in adult education, and this disjunction leads to research findings of little practical value. More interpretive or critical research approaches would yield more valuable results and make…

The relationship between adolescent autonomy and parental stress (PS) for 139 parent-adolescent dyads in a family-oriented educational program was studied via questionnaires. Stress levels were significant for parents of younger adolescents and parents of first-borns. Adolescents' adherence to parental advice and desire for autonomy strongly…

This study, which brought together various perspectives on separation and individuation processes during late adolescence and young adulthood, found significant associations with sex, age, and marital status for the factors of connectedness, competence, and emotional autonomy. Cluster analyses identified several empirically distinct and…

This paper describes a customer-driven approach to supported employment in which people with disabilities are able to exert choice and control. Best practices in supported employment are reviewed and contrasted with practices presently operating. Specific information on how a customer can select a supported employment provider (renamed a community…

Meeting the challenge of providing supported living for people with developmental disabilities calls for new relationships among people receiving support, those providing support, and families. The focus should be on assisting people with developmental disabilities to establish a sense of place, security of place, and effective personalized…

This article suggests ways for group-home employees to support residents in the active expression of their faith while protecting the freedom of others who choose not to be involved in religious activities. The 1992 American Association on Mental Retardation definition of mental retardation is seen as assuming the capability for choice. (Author/DB)

Forms of guardianship for U.S. individuals with disabilities are reviewed, and Swedish legal and public policy innovations that replace guardianship with personal support services, such as mentors and personal assistants, are considered. The impact of Sweden's reforms on autonomy, independence, and integration is addressed. (Author/SW)

This study assessed the validity and reliability of a modified, self-report version of the Autonomous Functioning Checklist for use with adults with mental retardation. Adolescents and adults (n=409) with mental retardation were interviewed. Results generally supported the instrument's validity and reliability and previous studies' findings that…

Challenges the assertion that education is necessarily political. Suggests that discussion of education often focuses on its trappings, rather than the overall subject. Argues that education neither produces good workers and enterprising citizens nor autonomous, free thinking students who love learning. Concludes that such goals are best achieved…

Treats the suitability of Level 2, a program designed to teach French as a Foreign Language. The goal of the program is learner autonomy. The use of authentic materials and an emphasis on culture are recommended. (AG)

Examined racial differences in composition of care-related decision-making networks. Data from 244 family caregivers revealed that African Americans were significantly less likely to identify older care recipient as involved or as key decision maker when compared to whites. Older individuals' physical and mental impairments were also important…

Examined the nature and degree of autonomous behavior among groups of elementary students from Montessori schools and from traditional public schools. Results indicated that Montessori students demonstrated higher levels of independence, initiative, and self-regulation than students from traditional schools. (PAM)

This hypothetical letter to a junior high school student with visual impairments stresses the child's abilities and possibilities rather than limitations as well as the importance of the child's individual development and assumption of personal responsibility. The letter is primarily intended to help teachers think about how to best help such…

A study of 20 cooperative education students and 20 controls found that participation in cooperative work experience affects students' development of autonomy, sense of purpose (appropriate education plans and mature career and lifestyle plans), and mature interpersonal relationships. (SK)

Fifty unemployed men completed measures of depressive symptomatology, sociotropic or autonomous motivation, social support, and activity. Found significant interactions between autonomy and activity but not between sociotropy and social support. Other findings suggest that psychological impact of unemployment is moderated by complex interactions…