The Automatic Interaction Detector (AID 3) was used to develop a model based on the interaction of predictors of life satisfaction. Predictors were used representing demographics, environmental variables, and social psychological variables. The most important predictors of life satisfaction were family life satisfaction, personal health…

A national sample of 305 rural development administrators was used to define "green" rural development officials (GRDOs). GRDOs were found to possess strong environmental attitudes in three areas: (1) rural environmental problems; (2) environmental policy options; and (3) environmental policy considerations. (JOW)

A study of 59 Australian people with an intellectual disability and 69 university students evaluated a new scale to measure the life quality of people with an intellectual disability. The Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale--Intellectual Disability was found to be a useful instrument to measure comparative life quality. (Author/CR)

Discusses the use of animals in communicating with severely impaired children. Explains the biology of the relationship between humans and animals and the path toward alienation from animals that humans often take as they develop. (DDR)

Examines four ecological principles and their misapplication in common models of environmental ethics. The principles include balance in nature, the fragility of nature, high diversity yielding high stability, and interdependence in nature. Also suggests an alternative way to incorporate each principle in a working environmental ethic. (AIM)

Investigated how students who were identified as perfectionists within a general sample of 132 middle school students differentially perceived their quality of life. Found that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionist subtypes reported significantly higher global life satisfaction than did nonperfectionists, whereas adaptive perfectionists…

Challenges representations of rural communities as inclusive, closer to nature, and therefore ideal places for youth to grow up and of urban areas as alienating and distanced from nature. Presents findings from rural and urban case studies focusing on young people's experiences of public space. Examines how youth describe the sites where they…

This paper offers a framework for measuring outcomes for students with disabilities using quality of life principles identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, namely: (1) equality of opportunity; (2) full participation; (3) independent living; and (4) economic self-sufficiency. It urges that these goals guide curriculum and…

This article examines issues in the measurement of quality of life (QOL) within the field of learning disabilities. Discussion considers objective and subjective measures, value-based and value-free approaches, and traditional versus participatory approaches. The issue of using self-reports or proxies to gather and measure QOL data is addressed. A…

This account of the life of a mentally retarded man describes his early institutionalized years, his failure to retain employment, and the impact of uncontrolled diabetes on his health. The man's death is attributed to his societal devaluation and to failure of the human services field to engage in "life-sharing." (JDD)

Examined problems of 41 dual-career Black couples. Findings indicated that dual-career Black couples experienced a number of problems related to their lifestyle. Found unique problems perceived by dual-career Black families. In addition to problems experienced by White dual-career couples, Blacks also faced racial discrimination, social isolation,…

Aerobic and resistance exercise are currently prescribed by physicians to treat chronic pain. However, patient fitness level must improve before he/she feels better. Pain management programs help patients become more active so they can function at work and home. (SM)

Adolescence is described as a challenging and frightening time for parents of a child with a disability. The parents' role involves providing opportunities for the child to exhibit independence, developing the child's strengths, and working with professionals as a partner in developing plans for the child's future. (JDD)

Discusses the causes of common vestibular disorders and their effects on children and young adults. Illustrated by a personal account. (BB)

This study attempted to operationalize, measure, and increase happiness among five adults with profound mental and physical disabilities. Happiness indices were defined and observed. Most preferred stimuli-produced increases in happiness indices, and practitioner ratings of participant happiness coincided with observed indices. Discussion focuses…