Stresses the value of silence, the right to have silence, and how technology has manipulated the sound environment and therefore taken silence out of common availability. Discusses noise pollution and the manipulative use of sound for private gain. Suggests taking action to restore the right to silence. (LP)

Assesses the impact of the 1992 Los Angeles (L.A.) civil disturbances on psychosocial functioning. The impact was worst in the south central communities of L.A. Higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found among respondents who reported disturbance-related experiences. Exposure to an acute event was predictive of current PTSD…

Maintains that, as with previous generations in the early childhood profession, the current generation of early childhood educators must continue to advocate for the lives of young children and their families, thereby serving as guides for future generations of early childhood professions. (BB)

The quality of marriage and family life depends on the quality of the relationship between the adult partners, who create the emotional environment. A marriage education program based on adult learning principles should be a continuing process reaching into each developmental stage of the family life cycle. (SK)

This paper examines policy underscoring the importance of choice and self-determination in physical environments of children with disabilities; reviews research in this area; and discusses four laws which address opportunities for choice and self-determination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education…

Curriculum integration is best achieved when an organizing center lies at the heart of human concerns and interests. Drawing upon existing knowledge to illuminate those interests connects life with learning in a meaningful way. (SK)

Investigates the effects of specific health conditions on perceived quality of life for retirees (n=451). Pulmonary disease was a predictor of dissatisfaction for both sexes. Pulmonary disease and heart attack were the strongest predictors of dissatisfaction with health for men, followed closely by stroke. Arthritis was the strongest predictor of…

The intensive case management service provided by a mental health consumer team of case managers was compared to services of nonconsumer case managers. Results from 91 clients with serious mental illness found significant differences in outcomes after a year only in the areas of patient satisfaction and contact with family. (SLD)

The influence of demographic variables on the quality of life was studied for 1,805 persons with chronic mental illness. In general, predicted variations in quality of life experiences based on studies of the general population were not upheld, and modest demographic influences were noted. (SLD)

Assesses the well-being of populations in 41 countries as it relates to regime ideology, state strength, multinational corporate investment, trade dependency, and position in the world economy. Concludes that models of basic needs provision should include both international economic and internal political factors. Contains 30 references. (SV)

This study evaluated effects on creativity of a Quality of Life Program for 55 older adults. Subjects participated in a variety of creative activities. An increase in scores (particularly in fluency and flexibility) by the experimental group supported a growth theory of lifelong creativity. (DB)

A follow-up study was conducted of the adult functioning of 19 people who were severely battered as young children. Results indicated highly variable outcomes. Little evidence of overt aggression was found, but resentment and suspiciousness scores were high. Findings indicate that early abusive trauma and adult functioning have no simple…

This study provided descriptive data on the typical population in Colorado (n=133) using a modified questionnaire (The Consumer Satisfaction Survey) used to evaluate services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Results suggest the importance of distinguishing between factors necessary for basic levels of satisfaction and those which…

Compares and contrasts value orientations of personal independence and collectivism in the United States and Canada and examines their relationship to concept of quality of life in aging. Explores implications of the analysis for expanding understanding of importance of value dimensions in comparative gerontology, and suggests ways of integrating…

Three small Colorado towns that faced a declining economy as the mining resource ran out used gambling-based tourism as a strategy for community development. Although economic benefits to the towns have far exceeded expectations, negative social, environmental, and political changes, such as crime alcoholism, traffic problems, and conflicts…