One of the criticisms of the existential approach to counseling is that it is more philosophical than empirical. Those who believe it is a valid approach do not reject technique but go beyond the constraints of strict adherence to create an atmosphere of lived, shared humanity. (PAS)

The author hypothesizes that the low quality of life and poor academic performance found in the Black Belt are culturally determined and therefore self-regenerating in an effect similar to the self-fulfilling prophecy. He presents supportive evidence and recommends empirical validation. Part of a theme issue on rural education. (SJL)

Attempts to replicate research on the activity theory of aging. Behaviorally based activity scales were drawn from daily activity inventories of residents of three retirement communities. Findings support the activity theory. Informal activities had the most positive affect on respondents' life satisfaction. (Author/JAC)

Argues that reading is a useful tool in successful living as well as a pleasure in itself and discusses the importance of making books accessible to children and teaching them how to select appropriate reading materials. (CHC)

The author explores several recent technological developments which will have an impact on future technical education. These developments include the revolution in information services, robotics, job changes and eliminations, changing role of the worker, and quality of life. (CT)

Gives a brief history of productivity improvement legislation in the United States and of the development and demise of the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life (QWL). Describes existing productivity and QWL centers, including their locations, scope, services, and activities, and urges greater support at the federal level.…

A survey of park and recreation retirees was done to see if, after retirement, they adhered to their former philosophies as recreation professionals. Results indicate that the retirees do, in fact, "practice what they preach." (JN)

Evidence suggests that living and labor conditions have improved very little among agricultural laborers and are particularly hopeless among migrants. Since the government, food producers, industry, and consumers are all beneficiaries of the present farm system, it is unlikely that farm workers will be able to unionize and control their own…

Studied the relationship between progressive hearing loss (presbycusic) hearing patterns and social involvement of the aged. Individuals (N=50) with presbycusic hearing patterns were asked specific questions about their social activities. Results indicated that social involvement was not related significantly to the amount of hearing loss in this…

Evaluated a causal model of life satisfaction by using four data sets with sample sizes ranging from 961-3,996. The proposed structural model fit the male and female samples and results were replicated across the four data sets. No systematic sex differences were found in terms of structural parameters. (Author/RC)

Examined the relationship between several social behavior and health-related variables across different levels of purpose in life. Individuals with low scores on the Purpose in Life Test reported increased use of drugs as well as more aches, poorer physical health, poorer dental health, and less quality of life. (Author)

Current governmental policy regarding long-term care of the elderly relies heavily on a medical-model approach that stresses institutionalization. This policy must be redirected to encourage development of viable alternative programs and to support the traditional role of families in caring for their dependent aged members. (Author)

Examines the impact of a workshop on death and dying on death anxiety, life satisfaction, and locus of control for a group of middle-aged and older adults. Results revealed a small but significant decrease in death anxiety in the experimental group. (Author)

Quality of work-life issues are described in relation to a changing labor force. Organizational issues affecting work motivation include opportunity and power. An integrated approach is taken to productivity and quality of work life. (JN)

Three recent developments are of interest to all concerned with improving the quality of life in rural America: (1) the federal Small Community and Rural Development Policy (1979), (2) the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980, and (3) the desire for local control made clear by the November 1980 elections. (AN)