Interviews with 14 middle-class women aged 59-85 uncovered contradictions between their need for support and security and desire to be independent and self-sufficient. Low expectations of public services and a sense of marginality in their families exacerbated the conflict. Ways to help elderly women shape supportive environments were proposed.…

Examines ethical considerations regarding advocacy and social action in atmosphere of uncertainty. Considers use of discretion and protection and defense of fundamental human rights in absence of organized, informed constituency. Examines informed consent and client's best interest when neither individual not collective group has autonomy through…

Identifies fundamental principles of psychology to explain how the self begins and develops over the life span. The influences that contribute to the creation of false and true selves in gifted children are discussed and strategies for promoting the true self of gifted children are offered. (Author/DB)

Considers the tension between shared, constitutive values and the premises of liberal inclusiveness in school communities. Evaluates three candidates for school-community values (comprehensive doctrines, caring, and democracy). Concludes that constitutive values are inconsistent with liberal inclusiveness. Advocates a vaguer, thicker middle ground…

Defines the concept of self-determination and discusses the importance of family involvement in affecting the development and expression of self-determination in adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. Strategies to promote and support parental involvement in self-determination instruction are discussed. (Author/CR)

The effect of a program to develop knowledge and skills for self-determination in adolescents with autism was examined through students' in-class contributions and through pre-post interviews with 23 adolescents and parents. Following the program, students initiated more discussion and used a number of skills and concepts in other settings.…

Three institutions of higher education piloted peer tutoring/guidance arrangements. Results suggest that students have an enhanced role to play in a renegotiated tutor-student relationship. Uses the darkness metaphor to convey the transition students undergo as they move from their early university days toward a more enlightened position.…

Gender and lowest stage of cognitive development were found to significantly contribute to the variance in lower levels of white racial identity in a study of white counselor trainees (N=82). Significant relationships were not found between the higher stages of cognitive development and higher levels of white racial identity. Examines gender…

Interviews male and female primary-health-care patients aged 66 to 83 years (N=14) in regard to their fears in connection with their present symptoms and in general. Results show that diseases believed to entail disability, bodily changes, and/or loss of control over body and environment were the most feared. (Author/MKA)

Introduces the conceptual background of a model of youth development that utilizes the principles of the Native-American Circle of Courage. Discusses the four principles of the Circle of Courage: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Discusses the development of the model and the life of the artist who developed that artwork for the…

Investigated value priorities and autonomy expectations in 59 pairs of Caucasian and 66 pairs of Asian teenagers and their mothers in Hong Kong. Findings support models that predict persistent family interdependence despite adoption of many individualist values in modernizing collectivist cultures. (SLD)

Provides strategies for reducing the risk of youth retreating into depression when faced with adversities in life, by helping them develop the building blocks of resilience (trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity). Reports that these building blocks have proven effective in fostering and strengthening resilience. (Author/JDM)

Presents a theoretical framework that classifies autonomy as procedural/technical, personal/practical, or critical. Discusses sociocultural barriers to learning motivation and identifies which assessment practices foster which type of autonomy. (Contains 71 references.) (SK)

Undertakes research into tension between structural planning and individual autonomy in the teaching of English and the dynamics of English departmental work in secondary schools. Examines the nature of constraints to individuals' autonomy, such as the British National Curriculum, to arrive at tentative conclusions as to whether they constitute a…

A study collected data on the quality of life and self-determination of 50 individuals with mental retardation to examine the contribution of self-determination to quality of life and the relationship between these constructs. Participants who reported a higher quality of life were also identified as more self-determined. (Author/CR)