A major decision confronting the basic communication course director involves the degree of instructional freedom to grant teaching assistants in regard to lecture/presentational materials, readings, written assignments, examinations, and grading procedures. In making these decisions, certain philosophical and pragmatic implications of possible…

Approximately 200 employees of small and medium sized businesses participated in a study to determine if their task characteristics affected the communication network roles they enact. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of variety, autonomy, task identity, feedback, dealing with others, and friendship opportunities on the network…

Examines the impact of pubertal status and timing, independent of chronological age, on the family relationships of adolescents in 204 families with a firstborn child between the ages of 10 and 15. Measures included adolescent and parental reports of closeness, confict, and autonomy and assessments of adolesents' pubertal status and pubertal…

Notes that rational client's decision to commit suicide may present complex ethical issues for therapist. Presents and discusses three-month account of therapy with client, from perspective of ethical values and principles upon which assessment and treatment decisions were made, and complex ethical dilemmas encountered as therapist juxtaposed…

Illustrates, with data from a sample of U.S. middle-class families, how the structuring of the child care environment is related to culturally defined parental goals and attitudes toward development. Mothers' child care practices seemed to reflect the mothers' emphasis on cultural values such as independence and exploration to further cognitive…

An argument in educational theory unfolds as the nature of an autonomous student is discussed. Questions, such as, "What sort of student attitude do we need in order to render ordinary schools into free schools?" are posed and discussed. The author's experience as a student is given as an example. (JL)

Conducted assertiveness training courses among students, emphasizing relationship between assertiveness and everyday problems, female and male socialization, differences between assertiveness and aggression, and self-esteem. Used behavioral rehearsal in role play situations on anger, giving and receiving compliments, requesting changes, and…

A questionnaire was used to gather data from school psychologists, school superintendents, and state education departments. Results indicated school psychologists play a significant part in defining their role. Major resources of influence are delineated as defined by survey respondents. Intervention strategies for role modification are discussed.…

In his assessment of the growth of universities of the third age, the author examines the movement's underlying challenge to the inequalities of traditional education. He discusses the idea and movement in France, the worldwide movement, and the different forms the movement has taken in different countries. (CT)

Tests the proposition that self-reliance promotes a sense of well-being among adolescents. Results support the proposition that students enrolled in tracks where close supervision is kept to a minimum and the exercise of initiative is emphasized tended to exhibit lower levels of fatalism. (Author/ABB)

Concerns ways in which consultants can learn about their clients' politics and address this content explicitly. Describes two modeling techniques that consultants might use in consultant-client interactions to facilitate the explicit examination and analysis of internal politics. Illustrates these techniques with case examples. (Author/ABB)

Reports a series of studies in the development of the Personal Authority in the Family System (PAFS) questionnaire, designed to measure family processes based on aspects of current intergenerational family theory. Results indicated that the scales have good internal consistency, and test-retest reliability, and supported construct validity. (JAC)

Explores the relationship between adolescent lifestyle and the development of autonomy. Suggests that the expansion of the high school system with its emphasis on continued dependence, and the rise of the market economy emphasizing economic independence, create potential discontinuity in adolescent socialization. (JAC)

Describes the principles upon which the author raised two very different and successful daughters. These include believing that one has a great impact on one's own destiny; encouraging differences and individuality; placing few limitations on aspirations; spending time with children; allowing children to explore their interests; and having a sense…

Family relationships can be strengthened through recreation and leisure activities. Articles dealing with leisure research, values, computers, recreation in rural areas, and youth sports are offered for those interested in facilitating the development of strong families. (DF)