Life planning workshop volunteers were randomly distributed into four independent groups. The problem of obtaining separate-sample controls when all participants participate in the experimental treatment was solved. Workshop participation significantly facilitated achievement of life planning goals. Utility of the Rotter I-E scale as an instrument…

Comments on "On What Basis Hope? Modern Progress and Postmodern Possibility" (Danforth), which argues that advances in social science have had a negative impact on the lives of individuals with mental retardation. Argues that Danforth distorts the contributions of the scientific method in positively affecting human lives. (CR)

A questionnaire queried 203 international professionals working in the area of mental retardation/developmental disabilities to assess the meaning of 10 quality of life (QOL) concepts across seven cultures. Differences found between Japan and the other countries are discussed in terms of individualistic and collective cultures. (Author/CR)

This article explains and supports the policy statement on consent recently approved by the Board of Directors of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Provides ethical and practical suggestions for dealing with issues of consent among adults with mental and developmental…

Social workers assessed the quality of life (QOL) of 92 at risk children at the time of and six months after a decision to either keep the child in or remove the child from his/her home. Results supported these decisions as QOL either improved, stayed the same, or declined in accordance with the decisions and their implementation (or…

Proposes an expansion of the definition of special needs children and individualization of programs. Discusses reasons for serving special needs children, consequences of failing to serve them, and what teachers and caregivers have to offer to special needs children. (DG)

Discusses the chemistry of the stratosphere at mid-latitudes, the Antarctic phenomenon, and temporal trends in ozone levels. Includes equations, diagrams of the global distribution of ozone, and halogen growth projections. Concludes that studies of stratospheric ozone demonstrate that the global environment is fragile and is impacted by human…

A deaf perspective on success, fulfillment, and autonomy is needed, which calls for accepting every way of being deaf as adequate and valid. Education of children with hearing impairments focuses too much on correcting their disability rather than accommodating their disability and giving them self-esteem and rich, full lives. (JDD)

Discusses issues which concern children born to families in developing countries. Focuses on: (1) population impact on children; (2) family planning; (3) infant feeding; (4) oral rehydration therapy and immunizations; and (5) education. (RJC)

Results of this study of 96 sibling dyads demonstrated necessity of going beyond the examination of between-group differences in the study of divorce effects to look at the processes by which developmental outcomes for children are enhanced or undermined. Findings draw attention to the heightened vulnerability of dyads containing older boys in…

Conducted baseline interviews with 642 caregivers of aged Alzheimer's disease patients, then assigned one-half to formal respite care. Over 12 months, families with respite care maintained Alzheimer's patient significantly longer in community than did caregivers without respite. Respite care was ineffective for caregiver burden and mental health,…

Consists of six articles on home economics education, with some emphasis on Hawaiian education. Topics include (1) home economics history; (2) the secondary curriculum; (3) teaching practical reasoning; (4) the basics in Hawaiian home economics; (5) teaching family living and human relations; and (6) changes in home economics. (CH)

Families in individual-orientated Western society spend little time together and tend to focus on accomplishments rather than belonging. Proposes that human development is not an individual but a group process and that a nest of ongoing support during childhood encourages a sense of belonging. This support should include at least 10 minutes of…

Eight families deciding to use a feeding tube to meet the nutrition needs of their children with disabilities were interviewed over a two-year period. Family decision making in the context of quality of life was examined using a theoretical family systems model. Implications for future interventions are addressed. (Author/SW)

Wellness is a lifelong process that must be updated constantly to maintain a high quality of life. Only the individual determines the path to total wellness. Restructuring lifestyle (eating habits, physical activity, attitudes) and understanding what it takes to be healthy take time. Evidence indicates that corporate wellness initiatives are…