Analyzes the concept of self-directed learning, focusing on the facilitation of self-directed learning in the noninstitutional setting. Clarifies self-directed learning and follows with an outline and discussion of the ability of distance education to facilitate such learning. (CH)

Summarizes three lectures presented under the broad title of "Autonomy, Education, and Contemporary Society" and given as part of the bicentennial program devoted to Friedrich Froebel. (BJD)

A review of the literature was conducted on two aspects of adolescent egocentrism: the imaginary audience and the personal fable. Results of the review yielded contradictory findings in most areas of the research. Reasons for these contradictions are explored, and suggestions for future research are presented. (Author)

The article considers options for allowing a person legally or functionally incompetent to make decisions. Use of a proxy decision-maker for important decisions, use of financial devices to manage financial decisions, and questions to consider in deciding functional competence (and thus the need for legal guardianship) are covered. (DB)

Examines the relationship between autonomy and religiosity. Argues that the latter does not necessarily exclude the former. Outlines a theory regarding the development of religious judgment. Describes basic characteristics of religious education. Discusses questions concerning the universality of religion and the role of atheistic attitudes within…

The elderly patient's choice to die may only appear to be independent of the family's choices. Behind patient's choice often lie implicit interpersonal and overt personal reasons. These must be understood to provide optimal care for patient and family. Case examples of undeliberate and deliberate clarification are offered. (Author)

Examined data from national probability sample of individuals (n=244) who date to investigate thesis that individuals act to increase their level of control over others in those stages of dating relationships where control over situation has been threatened or disturbed by others either because of high conflict or lack of perspective taking.…

Empowerment is a contested concept, an ideology creating new forms of control. Conceptualizing it as a multilevel construct is a step toward building a new hegemony for the working class, by raising consciousness of control, participation, shared vision, and ownership. (SK)

The Self-Directed Search and two measures of psychological reactance (motivation to restore loss or threatened loss of behavioral freedoms) were completed by 186 participants. Three of Holland's types (Social, Investigative, Enterprising) significantly predicted reactance for both tests. (SK)

Although adult education values independence and autonomy in self-directed learners, non-Western cultures value interdependence. Interviews with five Korean women leaders suggest that there is value in developing both independence and interdependence in adult learners. (SK)

In this paper the authors take up James Marshall's work on the individual and autonomy. Their suggestion is that although the liberal notion of the autonomous individual might give us a standard of reference for the freedom of persons, the liberal tradition also circumscribes that freedom by prescribing it both as an attribute of persons and as a…

In a culture or society with high collectivism, contingent orientation and constrained autonomy are the prominent characteristics of adolescents' self-construal. This article examined whether Taiwanese adolescents' contingency and autonomy were associated with their prevalent preferences for buffet consumption. Findings in a panel survey indicated…

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among college age student's experiences in close friendship, emotional autonomy and reasons to live. This study was grounded in Attachment Theory and College Student Development. A sample of undergraduate students was drawn from one Southeastern U.S. university. A total of 441 participants…

Two scales of mothers' mediation of their children's writing based on Aram and Levin (2001) were developed and tested in 67 mother-child Hong Kong Chinese dyads in three grade levels--second-year kindergarten, third-year kindergarten, and first grade. With children's ages, grades, and non-verbal IQs, as well as mothers' education levels…

According to the skill transfer concept, people may use general technological skills to solve new problems. To test this concept, a technological transfer test was included in a randomized controlled-intervention study aimed at the causal relationship between computer use and autonomy of older adults. Older adults with and without exposure to…