Adult self-directed learning is considered a process of self-instruction. This concept is inadequate because it fails to account for persistence in learning and excludes adults unable to plan self-instruction. These inadequacies can be addressed by studying self-directed learning as it relates to the learner's personality. (Author/CH)

The author describes the life and theories of Bertrand Russell, founder of Beacon Hill School. Russell's educational theories centered on the personal autonomy of the student and democratization of the learning process. (CH)

Examined elderly persons' preferences and expectations for advance directives and surrogate health care decision making in event of decisional incapacity. Exploratory findings from interviews with 40 older adults support view that elderly people have strong expectation for familial decision making in event of long term care and perceive this…

Suggests that good teaching, like good parenting, allows students to take responsibility for their own problems (writing, behavioral) and by extension their own ideas, the goal being maturity of thought. (JAD)

An argument that rationality is a learned behavior, rather than a natural facility, is developed vis-a-vis certain educational theories. The difficulties students face in maintaining a rational stance in an autonomous classroom are also discussed. (JL)

Suggests reassessing the value of being well-rounded and adopting a surrendered lifestyle as a way of achieving higher levels of self-direction. Presents examples of successful people who have surrendered themselves to their roles in life, empowered by being able to invest themselves in being somebody. (JAC)

Examines the debate over andragogy, including Knowles' influences; criticisms of it as a theory of adult learning; and social, philosophical, and other weaknesses. Considers the impact of social structures in shaping individual freedom, contrasting it to the andragogical emphasis on the isolated, autonomous self-directed learner. (SK)

Addresses and extends R. Garlikov's discussion (1998) of A. Rud's (1997) criticism of the Socratic dialogue to cover general notions of power and shows how these may affect Socratic discourse. In Socratic pedagogy the adverse effects of power are reduced, and the focus shifts from people to propositions. (SLD)

Followed inmates (N=120) at coeducational federal correctional institution while incarcerated to determine changes in ego-strength. Found significant increases among females. Whites had higher ego-strength than non-Whites at time of initial incarceration and at discharge. Results suggest that women may develop sense of autonomy after being…

Responses from 46 proteges (46 percent of sample) and 54 nonproteges (54 percent) in high technology service companies revealed that proteges have significantly higher needs for power and achievement. No differences appeared in need for autonomy or affiliation. Proteges' gender was not a significant factor. (SK)

A theory of ironic processes of mental control is proposed to account for the intentional and counterintentional effects that result from efforts at self-control of mental states. The theory holds that an attempt to control the mind introduces operating and monitoring processes that work together and separately. (SLD)

Compares American secular emphasis on individual rights and autonomous decision-making in "right to die" context with traditional emphasis on obligation in Orthodox Judaism. Explicates approach of Conservative and Reform Judaism to decision-making about life-sustaining medical treatments and considers proper balance and relative influence of…

Proposes that death anxiety is related to degree of individuation and self-actualization. Sees concerns about death increasing as people relinquish defenses, reach new levels of differentiation of self, and expand their lives and personal power. Notes that therapeutic progress poses existential dilemma. (Author/NB)

Critiques the codependency construct as it is currently applied and examines how the concept is used to blame and label women. The construct ignores economic and social reality, perpetuates victim-blaming, and uses the male emphasis on individuation and autonomy as normative. Codependency is reframed as a sense of social connectedness and…

Three studies analyzed stimulus feedback and the concept of control with three children and two adults having autism. The first study explored feedback from spinning tops, while the second and third emphasized control of various stimuli including spinning tops. Results indicate that autistic individuals' common interest in spinning tops is…