This digest examines the ways in which self-talk, or inner speech, can help change people's health states. The digest first examines research theories that underpin the concept, then discusses the development of a positive mental attitude, and finally offers some conclusions as to how individuals can best face challenges through taking an active…

This monograph purports that American society limits the behavior of older individuals based on the arbitrary criterion of chronological age and proposes the concept of empowerment--gaining a sense of personal power or control over over's life--as the antidote for older persons who face devalued status as they age and the for the accompanying drop…

It has been suggested that self-efficacy expectations may have a cognitive influence on career decision making (CDM) and vocational achievement (e.g., range of career options and persistence in career exploration). Personal self-efficacy expectations may influence the CDM process and career motivation. This study explored the role of self-efficacy…

This digest discusses empowerment for older adults, examining the aging of the population and the adverse effects of societal attitudes toward aging on the self-esteem, locus of control, and emotional health of older adults. The Social Reconstruction Syndrome (SRS) is discussed as a model for interventions to offset the adverse effects of social…

This digest discusses why special education teachers may become stressed by role overload and lack of autonomy, and presents strategies for successfully managing stresses related to teaching. Strategies include: (1) setting realistic expectations; (2) making distinctions between job and personal life; (3) finding ways to exercise professional…

Teacher mentoring programs have increased dramatically since the early 1980s as a vehicle to support and retain novice teachers. However, researchers and facilitators of mentoring programs are recognizing that mentors also derive substantial benefits from the mentoring experience. This digest examines research on how mentoring contributes to the…

This digest discusses promoting self-determination in students with disabilities. It begins by describing self-determination and explains why self-determination is important for these students. Teaching strategies are then provided for students at the elementary and secondary levels. For students in early elementary grades, educators are urged to…

The premise of this paper is that, although career choice implies options, issues of gender, race, and class may constrain the occupational choices an individual makes. Dominant career development theories are being reexamined for their appropriateness to diverse groups. This paper reviews the following theories: Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad, and…

The Career Introduction Model discussed in this chapter is an early intervention strategy intended to support the first-generation freshmen enrolled in the Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). The model is an interactive approach to assist students in connecting their academic pathway to their…

This digest reviews current literature on self-esteem, addressing its defining characteristics, discussing its importance, citing significant research findings on the development and benefits of self-esteem, and providing suggestions for counselors who seek to enhance their clients' self-esteem. Five references are included. (TE)

This booklet addresses the issues involved in working with children and adolescents who have disabling conditions and use alcohol and other drugs. An introductory chapter notes the need for increasing attention to alcohol and drug problems among individuals with disabling conditions. The second chapter provides evidence suggesting that the…

Self-efficacy is mediated by individuals' beliefs or expectations about their capacity to accomplish certain tasks successfully or demonstrate certain behaviors. When individuals have low self-efficacy expectations regarding their behavior, they limit the extent to which they participate in an endeavor and are more apt to give up at the first sign…

This publication is designed to broaden exposure to the ideas presented at the 2001 International Career Development Conference. It provides authors with an international forum for communicating their current research, proposals, and projects to the international career development community. The articles in this symposium include: (1) "Chaos,…

This report reviews the literature on learning theories and frameworks applicable to instruction of undergraduate college students. An introductory section provides an overview and discusses the importance of learning frameworks. The first half of the volume addresses various theoretical frameworks in detail. These include: motivation theories,…

Students exhibiting failure syndrome approach assignments with low expectations of success and tend to give up at early signs of difficulty. This Digest delineates the nature of failure syndrome, suggests strategies for coping with failure syndrome students, and discusses how teachers can help. Some students, especially in the early grades, show…