This study examined attitudes toward the Special Olympics of 41 experts in mental retardation and 40 parents of Special Olympics participants. Generally, both groups viewed the program as highly beneficial, particularly in terms of social adjustment and life satisfaction. However, some experts noted segregative aspects of the program and parents…

Discusses three measurement approaches to assessing quality of life for individuals with disabilities (quality of life as measure of life satisfaction across life domains, measure of adaptive functioning/environmental mastery, and measure of changes in response to services provided). Provides examples of approaches and discusses implications for…

The report describes a demographic survey of 122 people with severe intellectual impairment over 50 years of age in a British community. Seven relatively independent clusters were identified: contact with relatives, community activities, community independence, friendship, service pathways, geriatrics/mobility, and physical treatment. (Author/DB)

Tested multidimensional model of retirement adjustment with self-report and interviewer indexes from 157 voluntary early retirees. Structural relations modeling indicated that social support did not directly influence adjustment but was associated with increases in goal continuity, which was linked to increases in leisure quality and life…

Argues that there are insuperable problems in assessing subjective indicators of quality of life and that this approach should be abandoned. Also notes this approach may serve to extend the license of services to exert control over all facets of a person's life. (Author/CR)

Describes the development and evaluation of the Choice Questionnaire, an instrument designed to measure the availability of choice to people with intellectual disability. The scale can be administered by interviewing the consumer or may be completed by a knowledgeable proxy. Very satisfactory reliability and validity have been determined.…

Investigates the association between quality of life and attitudes toward, and experience of, sexual activities during adolescence. Findings demonstrate the importance of relationships and sexual experience to satisfaction with life. Discusses results in terms of the significance of sexuality for adolescents' general well-being. (Author/GCP)

The pragmatic question of assessing a client's situation with regard to rational suicide is raised. A review of the nine criteria for a diagnosis of clinical depression is suggested as a good way to explore the possibility of clinical depression in a terminally ill person who is considering suicide. (Author/EMK)

Examines frequency, costs, and quality of life losses associated with unintentional childhood injuries in 1996, using analyses of national and state data sets. Summarizes the cost effectiveness of several child safety measures and discusses current federal funding patterns for health care research on the subject. An appendix presents methods of…

A needs assessment was conducted to explore the educational interests of 28 residents of a retirement community in the Niagara region of Ontario. Most were interested in education for leisure and personal development, specifically related to health maintenance and quality of life. (JOW)

Illustrates some of the changes in research practice associated with and exemplified by quality-of-life studies. Examples of research development in Down syndrome involving quality-of-life concepts are briefly described, indicating the way that quality-of-life studies can affect aims, direction, structure, and interpretation of research.…

Compares subjective quality of life of elderly Poles living in Poland, and Polish immigrants and Polish-American ethnics living in Chicago as part of a secondary data analysis of a study initially conducted in Poland. Conclusions lend support to the idea that U.S.-born elderly people and elderly immigrants to the United States have a significantly…

Describes a transition in a mature Special Care Unit for Alzheimer's patients, where patient mix had become too diverse for intended programming. Since the patients were unable to become involved in premove planning and preparation activities, preparation of staff substituted for the involvement of residents. Improved discharge policies maintain…

This article considers the relation between symptoms of movement disturbance and symptoms of autism. Analysis points out the difficulties posed by current definitions of "autism" and ways that a movement disturbance can affect a person's experience of life as well as how he/she is perceived by others. (DB)

Examines attitudes toward life and death, alone and in combination with life events, to determine suicide risk for young adults. Used the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale for Adolescents, Life and Death Attitudes Scale, Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire, Death Anxiety Scale, and Life Experiences Survey to measure responses of 140 young adults…