Reviews a book assessing the effects of central grid rural electrification on the social and economic development of 192 communities in India and Colombia. The study examines the impact on agricultural productivity (through increased irrigation), the quality of life of women and children, business activities, and regional inequities. (SV)

Reviews book, "The Selling of the South: The Southern Crusade for Industrial Development, 1936-1980" (Cobb, 1982). Describes socioeconomic influences and history of industrialization in southern United States. Emphasizes development's negative effect on people and environment. Suggests that rural Southerners should reconsider and…

Stresses the interrelationship of career development and mental health and lists future research questions related to the quality of life as a product of work satisfaction and life satisfaction of service delivery that enhances both career and personal adjustment. (SK)

Finds that, among 1104 Wisconsin households surveyed in 1981-82, nonmetro households reported lower income needs and lower expenditures than metro households. Suggests that the differences are related to lower nonmetro incomes and higher numbers of nonmetro residents with paid-up mortgages. (SV)

Generalized future expectancies of personal life success (optimism) and failure (pessimism) were examined in a cross-sectional study, with Japanese fifth- through ninth-grade students (n=584). Average optimism scores were lower and average pessimism scores were higher after the transition to junior high school. (JBJ)

A new questionnaire instrument, the Life Satisfaction Index for Adolescents (LSIA), has been developed for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This article reviews the conceptual basis of the LSIA, its development, and its reliability and validity (established with 15 male adolescents with DMD). (DB)

Describes the One to One program, which mobilizes communities to support mentoring, pioneers new mentoring approaches, and leverages resources by taking a business approach; leveraging support from diverse sectors; creating a partnership of catalysts; capitalizing on diversity; helping communities think and achieve big; reaching hard-to-reach…

In a study of relationships and life satisfaction, 82 independently-living older adults and 91 younger adults completed measures of their relationships with family and friends. For elderly people, the quality of relationships with their friends was more important than the quality of relationships with their children. The discussion focuses on how…

The validity of the Five Dimensional Life Satisfaction Index was evaluated with 48 adults with moderate mental retardation. Results showed reliability of alternate forms and internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, and construct validity. (Author/DB)

Outlines a framework for organizing discussions of quality of life for elderly persons with disabilities, reviews relevant empirical research, and develops a framework for understanding the different interpretations of quality of life as it is used in communication among health care providers, elderly patients, and their families. New models of…

Studied interrelation of six facets of control and their ability to predict older persons' well-being. Found modest correlations between control measures. Neuroticism and sense of coherence predicted negative affect. Established tendencies of independent association of mastery with global well-being and of social inadequacy with positive affect.…

Used data from a longitudinal study of elderly which began in 1979 with 534 individuals in rural North Wales to study relationship between social circumstances and longevity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated there is no prima facie evidence that survival is affected by social networks or quality of life factors. However, socioeconomic factors…

Communication activities in participatory development programs include (1) theater for development in Africa; (2) workshops on cultural identity and politics in Colombia; and (3) Project DELSILIFE, improving the quality of life in Manila. (SK)

A survey of 216 adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities who belong to self-advocacy groups found that individuals unemployed and employed in sheltered settings perceived themselves as having less control than individuals employed competitively. Results are examined in light of quality of life findings, focusing on the need to include…

This study investigated the long-term impact of the Master of Science Degree in Creative Studies at Buffalo State College (New York) on the personal and professional lives of 38 graduates. Results indicated that graduates have integrated their knowledge of creative problem solving into both their professional and personal lives. Six tables detail…