The author of a study which followed up the 1979 deinstitutionalization of 10 adults with mental retardation reflects on his own professional career, his specialization in researching the cost-effectiveness of residential alternatives, and his surprise at the positive adjustment of these individuals to living independently in their own apartments.…

Describes potential areas for service-learning research involving older adults. Provides methodological recommendations intended to address such issues as recruitment, retention, and randomization of participants; appropriateness of assessment tools; student training in research methods; and treatment of topics such as sexuality. (Contains 46…

Reviews the fundamental components inherent in the process of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. It is proposed that psychosocial outcomes correspond to specific or global indicators of quality of life and may be categorized according to their functional domains, content areas, technologies or methods of assessment, and…

Examined the effect of 6-month hospital-based exercise training versus 6-month monitored home-based training in cardiac rehabilitation patients following surgery, investigating which conferred the greatest physical, quality of life, and social support benefits. Home-based training resulted in improvements in exercise performance as great as those…

Analyzes relationship between income insecurity and investment in human capital (education, health, and housing) for Virginia's resource-dependent counties and other counties. Reports that Virginia's Appalachian coal and timber counties suffer depressed levels of well-being because of income instability, an important component in perceptions of…

Examined changes in the suicide rate of teenagers and young adults internationally from 1970 to 1980. Twenty-three nations experienced increases (with Norway experiencing the largest percentage increase), while six experienced decreases. Unlike general suicide rates, teenage suicide rates were not related to the quality of life in the nations…

Reports the results of a survey from seven neighborhoods adjacent to hazardous waste sites. The survey asked residents to rate their neighborhoods, compare the quality of their present neighborhoods to the quality of their previous neighborhoods, and report on stresses associated with their neighborhood. (LZ)

A conceptual model of quality of life, developed at the Centre for Health Promotion at the University of Toronto (Canada), and associated instrumentation for collecting data from persons with developmental disabilities are presented. Results from a preliminary study with 41 participants support the reliability and validity of the model's…

Article proposes concepts that could be the basis for fitness attitudes and practices for all people regardless of skill, age, or expertise. An intrinsic definition of fitness highlights the importance of exercise and relaxation to fitness, integration of the whole self, and acceptance of self based on inherent worth. (SM)

Discusses the prevalence of cancer-related pain and identifies the barriers that undermine effective pain relief. Develops a model for social work intervention in terms of communication, assessment, problem solving, and psychological support for the patient. Emphasizes skills such as communication, assessment, problem solving, and psychological…

This paper presents the Institute of Medicine model of the dynamic nature of the disabling process of both primary disabilities and secondary conditions, and the interaction of that process with risk factors and quality of life. The components of a comprehensive disability prevention program are discussed. (Author/JDD)

Older women's economic, social, and personal resources are more vulnerable, which the predominantly leisure-oriented perspective of older adult education does not address. Education for older women should help foster social and political identity, develop economic equity, and negotiate later-life transitions. (SK)

Examined quality of life of women and men in 90 commuting and 133 single-residence dual-career couples. Found commuters more satisfied with work life and with time for themselves and more dissatisfied with family life, partner relationships, and with life in general. Commuters did not report more stressful lifestyle than single-residence couples,…

Reviews experimental and quasi-experimental studies of psychological interventions designed to help individuals diagnosed with cancer reduce emotional distress, enhance coping, and improve their adjustment to the illness. Treatment components and mechanisms are discussed. Future research directions and challenges to scientific advance are…

Discusses trends toward constant economic and technological change, ways in which increased access to information may affect our sense of community, and implications for the survival of small towns. Lists strategies for effecting positive community change. Discusses ways to build "lovable" communities, local economies, and communitywide…