For many students who have a mild to moderate learning, emotional, social, or mental problems, the school librarian is an unparalleled resource, and the library becomes a refuge and an important support system outside of the general classroom. This article provides a brief review of literature and concrete information on creating a supportive…

A literature review of communications, psychological, physiological and other sociobehavioral research literature reveals a number of paradoxes regarding the emphasis by information gatekeepers, media, and audiences on messages that are negative, critical, pessimistic, conflict-and-tension-producing, skeptical, punitive, threatening,…

If human service personnel are to serve clients effectively, they must understand the condition of human need and the objects of need which satisfy the condition. While definitions of need vary according to academic discipline, a review of literature in ten academic areas revealed that need as a human condition is based upon the existence of…

Relationships between individuals and society have often been presented from the perspective of the social institution. Social psychology has addressed the variables that affect the individual in relationships with larger groups. Social individualism is a conceptual framework that explores the relationship of the individual and society from the…

The theory of transactional analysis (TA) originated by Eric Berne in the 1950's is typified by structural analysis and is comprised of the ego states of Parent, Adult, and Child. Linkages are the life scripts of the individual. One ego state is usually in control at any given time. Pathology results when ego boundaries become rigid or break down…

The optional functioning of the family unit is dependent on the health and happiness of each family member. When the wife is professionally trained and yet feels "trapped" by the presence of children in the home with no available transportation, baby-sitting, or part-time employment options, the family unit can suffer or the wife suffers. The…

Need-based theories of work motivation are considered with particular reference to university faculty; it is hypothesized that three different types of people are attracted to the academic setting: (1) those who want to teach, (2) those who want to do research, and (3) those who want to do both. According to need theories, certain fundamental…

Characteristics and problems unique to the rural aged have drawn considerable attention in recent years. Location and environment influence the extent of needs, the availability of services, and a person's willingness to use such services. Religious and ethnic clusters also differ in service needs for their elderly and their willingness to accept…

The elderly make up 11% of the total population of the United States, and senior citizens, particularly those aged 75 and over, are the fastest growing group in the country. Although one-fourth of the federal budget is allotted to their support, many older persons have difficulty in gaining access to the programs designed for their benefit. The…