This book is a primer for practitioners and researchers striving to incorporate the assessment of human strengths, resources, and fulfillment into their work. Contributors examine the scientific underpinnings and practical applications of measures of hope, optimism, self-efficacy, problem-solving, locus of control, creativity, wisdom, courage,…

This "Compendium" is a comprehensive reference manual containing an extensive selection of instruments developed to measure signs and symptoms commonly encountered in neurological conditions, both progressive and non-progressive. It provides a repository of established instruments, as well as newly-developed scales, and covers all aspects of the…

This comprehensive "Handbook" focuses on the most used polytomous item response theory (IRT) models. These models help us understand the interaction between examinees and test questions where the questions have various response categories. The book reviews all of the major models and includes discussions about how and where the models…

Questionnaire data were collected from 64 direct-care staff members in a residential facility for people with multiple disabilities. Path analyses identified factors predicting levels of perceived stress, overall job satisfaction, overall life satisfaction, and perceived likelihood of leaving the organization. Factors included staff support, job…

Following a preface and a chapter tracing the rise of the women's movement, this report provides a brief overview of the Ford Foundation's ongoing funding commitment to the importance of the women's movement. The report is divided into three time periods: l973-l980, 1980-1983, and 1983 into the future. Early efforts emphasize issues of female…

Urges rehabilitation professionals to identify, through scientific studies, the factors that contribute to their client's quality of life on the basis of the client's assumptions, perceptions, goals, and values. Both culturally relevant theoretical foundations and measurement-methodology issues are addressed. (DB)

This qualitative study identified 4 major themes during interviews with 28 families whose children have dual sensory impairments. Concerns clustered around parental perceptions of a "good life" for their children, and their experiences with fear, frustration, and change. (Author/DB)

Monetary costs and benefits of supported employment to individuals with mental retardation (n=20), taxpayers, and society were assessed, as was the quality of life of supported employees. Supported employment was found to be cost-effective over a five-year period during which programs moved from sheltered to supported employment. (DB)

Maintains that analysis and interpretation of the global economy should consider its effects on cities and communities. Asserts that this relationship is more complex and symbiotic than generally perceived. Argues that this relationship is creating new socioeconomic structures of class, work, and power. (MJP)

This guide examines the evolution of human services systems toward the recognition that individuals with handicaps can make consumer choices and should be included in decision-making sessions. Consumers with disabilities are seeking empowerment through their presence and participation in political processes and community events. Choices regarding…

Presents a method of determining environmental improvement by calculating a ratio of the measurement of environmental quality before and after an improvement project. Applies the method for four case studies in South Wales. (TW)

A 1993 symposium was held in Missillac, France, to gather an international panel of experts to promote international dialog and cooperation, identify technologies for enhancing the lives of persons with learning disabilities, and establish research priorities. This article synthesizes key ideas and issues that emerged from individual presentations…

Discusses how biomass in the form of fuelwood, crop residues, and animal dung can be converted into fuels such as biogas and ethanol to replace or supplement fossil fuels. Argues for future decentralized, integrated biomass energy development. (TW)

Examines the effects of sex, grade level, region, and academic preparation of secondary school students on energy opinions. Assesses the responses of students on energy items related to the government, cars, and conservation. Results reveal significant regional and sex differences. (ML)

Compares survey findings from 1971 and 1981 on university student perceptions and attitudes on environmental/energy questions. Five major categories were assessed and significant differences were observed between the surveys. A more materialistic lifestyle with less concern for environmental issues and concerns was indicated in the 1981 survey.…