The nature of the processes involved in the phenomena of psychological change and self-development as related to the concept of self-help and mutual aid are examined in this paper. Awareness, motivation, and self-actualization are seen as part of a fundamental process of growth and development. It is suggested that a parallel to the personal…

This document features a collection of research bulletins on prevention of conditions that place students at risk. The theme is that the focus on at-risk kids should be shifted from prevention to a concentration on creating environments that nurture individual resiliency. Thirteen bulletins offer information on peer programs, collaboration as a…

Becoming successful through positive thinking can make a person a winner throughout life. Winners are specific and positive, are prepared, and accept personal responsibility for their actions. By mentally imaging a goal, an individual can gain the confidence necessary to accomplish that goal. An individual's life can be made easier by thinking of…

The role of the mentor is traced in the literature of adult developmental psychology. Four primary elements of that role are: pointing the way at a developmental crossroad, offering material and/or emotional support, challenging, and letting go at the appropriate time. (MSE)

Explicates the theoretical position that independence and interdependence are inseparable dimensions of self-development in all cultures and that self-development occurs through social interactions shaped by cultural values. Individualism-collectivism classify two multidimensional cultural value systems that shape different routes and goals of…

Describes the new dynamic found in exploring the role of discourse of discursive structures and normative practices through which teaching is figured and practiced. Develops an account that creates this new dynamic and encourages a missing conversation in the areas of emotions in teaching by discussing how sociopolitical and cultural aspects…

Uses the Cross model of Black identity development as a framework for discussion of the developmental stages of American-Indian identity: pre-encounter, encounter, immersion/emersion, and internalization. Discusses identity conflicts encountered in various scenarios related to biracial or bicultural status, adoptions, mixed-race families, parent…

This study identifies the factors that have contributed most to supporting growth of self-advocacy among people with developmental disabilities, by examining the history of self-advocacy and reporting on interviews with six self-advocates and six advisors of the self-advocacy movement. The study concludes that the growth of self-advocacy has been…

In the field of adult education, self-esteem is a concept worthy of exploration, for it is a crucial component of much that happens in the educational setting. However, although many studies have explored self-esteem in children, little has been written about adult self-esteem. Self-esteem has been defined as a component of self and has many…

The first part of this two-part paper provides a general review of adult development and is premised on an understanding of andragogy. Andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn. It is based on the following four assumptions about adults: (1) as people mature they become less dependent and more self-directed; (2) experiences serve as…

Imaging is creating a material picture in the mind that a person can scan as he or she would scan a real current event in the environment. The concept of imaging offers a way of explaining intrapersonal communication, the process of talking to oneself. Imaging also offers a useful way of looking at the role of language in intrapersonal…

In considering the aims or purposes of education in America today, this reflective discussion first reviews the aims of education since the founding of the United States, as well as those antecedent aims in the history of the Western education experience. An overview of changing trends in educational objectives illuminates the gradual development…

The literature of Polish, Greek and Italian American women has been largely neglected in the American literary tradition. Through an analysis of female characters in a number of white ethnic autobiographical novels, this paper stresses the importance of an awareness of women's struggles which coincide with immigration history. It also points out…

Stresses the need for theoretical justification for the development of humanistic education programs in today's schools. Explores Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs and theory of self-actualization. Argues that Maslow's theory may be the best available for educators concerned with educating the whole child. (JHZ)

Considers a commonly held proposition of humanistic psychologists/educators and argues for its validity: that human beings have an innate striving to be all that they can be. The stress-equilibrium dynamic is also used as a basis for support. Others are encouraged to offer constructive criticism. (JAC)