Group and organizational cultures play an important role in helping people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Culture can be assessed by looking at social expectations for behavior, called group norms. Cultural norms can be changed to support healthy lifestyles through a systematic and participatory process. Such a change effort would modify: (1)…

The American dream is a dream filled with inexhaustible resources, boundless opportunities, and untold wealth. Fueled by the "psychology of affluence"--a social attitude that encourages us to want and expect more of everything--the dream equates quality of life with material wealth and assumes that our fulfillment in life is independent…

This report on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) offers information on: (1) the medical definition of AIDS; (2) signs and symptoms; (3) the present situtation regarding the number of cases of AIDS and how the disease is transmitted; (4) how to protect oneself from AIDS; (5) what behavior is safe; and (6) what is currently understood about…

In vivo exposure is the most commonly used and generally the most effective behavioral treatment for agoraphobia. Follow-up studies are difficult to interpret because additional treatment does not necessarily indicate relapse and non-treatment does not necessarily indicate non-relapse. Relapse rates are difficult to estimate because of lack of…

The Protestant ministers' occupational characteristics affect their retirement experience. Unlike most retirees, Protestant ministers tend to experience residential and church moves. A national study was conducted to examine the effects of retirement experienced by retired ministers and anticipated by active ministers of the Presbyterian Church in…

This booklet is the first in a series of publications designed to provide parents with useful information about childrearing. Contents are organized into three parts. Part I focuses on the pregnancy, prenatal care, development of the baby, pregnant lifestyles, nutrition, common discomforts, and problems of pregnancy. Part II provides information…

In an effort to broaden the audience for the performing arts, attitudinal, life-style, and socioeconomic data on marginal and regular attenders of theater and symphony concerts in Atlanta (Georgia), Baton Rouge (Louisiana), Columbia (South Carolina), and Memphis (Tennessee) were collected. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1491 respondents…

In April 1987, a pilot study was undertaken to develop an instrument designed to assess the effects of life events on undergraduate students' academic performance. Focus was on the design and construction of the instrument--the Life Events and Academic Performance Questionnaire (LEAPQ). Subjects were 75 male and 75 female undergraduates at a large…

Life goals and commitment are integral to developmental processes and satisfactions in adulthood and aging. Yet the maintenance and pursuit of appropriate goals and commitments during the aging years may pose particular challenges for the individual within the social context of normal aging. This study examined goals, activity participation, and…

This walking primer is intended for teachers and parents who are interested in early childhood wellness. The manual contains 40 photographs and 60 fitness walking exercises, walking games and fun workshops in nutrition and children's weight control, walking field trips, and guidance for the walking teacher. Attention is given to winning parental…

Topics covered in the upcoming AAAS Annual Meeting on "Science and the Quality of Life" are outlined and briefly discussed. (DT)

The last of seven articles that address the alternatives availablee to institutions of higher education in meeting the space needs of new programs and new attitudes, as well as a wider constituency, without resorting to new building. A review of general approaches to restructure campus housing is supplemented by examples selected from 10 indepth…

Cajun culture has endured against efforts to suppress its French patois language and against treatment of Cajuns as second-class citizens. Today, Louisiana's Cajuns fight to hold onto their culture, language, and water-centered way of life. (Author/KM)

This paper discusses a treatment approach to addiction counseling which emphasizes the need for information in the areas of major life problems, problem-causing behaviors, early family experiences, and self-esteem or self-image. This treatment process is outlined. The Danic Quick Personal Inventory Scale is presented in a sample case study.…

Relationship-centered satisfaction was significantly greater when subjects perceived themselves as similar rather than dissimilar to the counselor in terms of values or life-style preferences and when the counselor was informal rather than formal. The results underscore the utility of separating the satisfaction concept into relationship-centered…