Sudden event-related crises can produce developmental shifts as part of the normal progression of the adult life cycle. Observations of individuals in crisis reveal the occurrence of profound structural changes in perception and experience. (Author)

In this comparison of volunteer programs in mental health institutions, the institution that placed a high value on the work of the volunteers and provided work-related satisfactions for them attracted volunteers who differed from those attracted by institutions that used volunteers only in ancillary capacities. (Author/BEF)

The concept of citizen governance has been implemented with marginal success. This paper presents an orientation and training program for citizen boards aimed at raising their competence in certain key areas including policy planning, program evaluation, public relations, organizational management and fund-raising. (Author)

Reports areas of difficulty (including funding issues, management and personal bias issues, and theoretical issues) which emerged in the development of five treatment groups of depressed and suicidal patients. Groups reflected efforts between the city-county mental health system and funding agencies. Strategies for overcoming difficulties are…

Mental health agencies have been subjected to extensive criticism. Reformers suggest agencies should place more emphasis upon prevention, outreach, and crisis-oriented services and make more use of planning, research, and citizen contributions. Insufficient attention has been given to staff attitudes toward these reforms. A theory for analyzing…

Demonstrates the importance of shape of the hazard function in determining rate of accumulation of chronic patients. New facilities characterized by length-of-stay distributions with decreasing hazard functions may at first appear to prevent chronicity even though eventual, steady-state patient mix includes many more long-stay patients than…

Dr. Patterson is interviewed regarding his theories of social learning and research on the effective treatment of aggressive children and their families. (JMF)

In developing training models in mental health and aging, it is necessary to synthesize existing expertise in areas such as life span development, clinical psychology, and community psychology in order to create a conceptual foundation and a set of intervention approaches for these training programs. (Author/WI)

A mental health program in the schools is described which uses a nurse trained in mental health, with the support of a psychiatrist, to coordinate a mental health team and act as a liaison between the school and the health professionals, to assess referrals and arrange team meetings to plan interventions. (JMF)

Studies effects of behavior rehearsal and audiotaped vignettes added to an assertion training lecture series for third graders. While clear increases in assertion were found, no effect on neuroticism or trait anxiety was noted. It was recommended that school mental health programs include an assertiveness segment in their curriculum. (Author/BEF)

Describes two health programs giving attention to the rural population: the Rural Health Initiative Program, focusing on primary health care, and the Health Underserved Rural Areas Program, which seeks to demonstrate how public and private agencies can work together to alleviate the shortage of health care services in underserved areas. (Author/RK)

Considers various social trends and how these trends combine to change the fabric of our social system. Discusses the role of mental health education in informing specific target groups as well as six general areas mental health education programs should be channelled to create a greater sense of community. (Author/RK)

Patients (N=3,006) admitted to a psychiatric in-patient service because of a suicidal state were contacted to determine if post-discharge plans were followed. Half of those who refused treatment were contacted by telephone or letter on a set schedule. Evidence is that a high-risk population for suicide can be identified. (Author)

"Mental health services in the USSR are provided primarily by the medical profession through state mental hospitals and psychiatric sections in general hospitals and clinics. Drug therapy is the main treatment method used there, but psychotherapy is beginning to make some inroads. Family therapy settings are the newest additions to preventive…

This special issue focuses on several methodological issues in the evaluation of the largest mental health and substance abuse project for children and adolescents conducted at a single site, the U.S. Army's Fort Bragg Child and Adolescent Mental Health Demonstration program. The introduction and seven articles describe this program and the…