This article proposes a definition and model of self-determination for individuals with mental retardation. Self-determined behavior is seen as autonomous, self-regulated, based on psychological empowerment, and self-realizing. Evaluation of the definition with individuals with mental retardation indicated that measures of essential…

Suggests the film "The Piano" reflects themes addressed in the fairy tales "The Little Mermaid,""Bluebeard," and "The Handless Maiden." Demonstrates how the film can be used with clients to address archetypal motifs of silence, betrayal, and the search for a voice. Discusses the film's symbolism using a…

The Technology Proficiency Self-Assessment (TPSA) questionnaire was administered to 978 elementary and middle school teachers from Mexico City, and 932 elementary and middle school teachers from the Dallas, Texas, metroplex in the USA, in order to examine self-efficacy similarities and differences for technology proficiency self-appraisals in a…

This study explored the manner in which abused women cope with loneliness. Eighty women, victims of domestic abuse, were compared to 84 women from the general population who have had no history of abusive relationships. A 34-item yes/no loneliness questionnaire was utilized in order to compare the "beneficial" ways of coping with loneliness in the…

Despite educational expansion, girls and women still face unequal educational and training opportunities. A fundamental cause is the perpetuation of assumptions, beliefs, and prejudices that ignore, belittle, and hinder the aspirations, needs, and capacities of girls and women. Since educational and vocational guidance can promote equal…

Discusses Maslow's philosophy of self, which posits a unique nature in each individual needing discovery; and Knowles and Rogers' minimizing of societal effects. A list of questions is presented that the authors suggest should be asked and answered by practicing adult educators. (CT)

Concepts of self-confirmation, interpersonal diagnosis, and prototype construction are used to integrate research and clinical findings concerning depression. Various theoretical accounts and bodies of data that fit within this integrative conceptual framework are examined, and implications for psychotherapy are discussed. (SLD)

Distinguishing between motivation and cognition in goal-directed activity is discussed; goal and energy are assessed from motivational and cognitive viewpoints. Motivation is a broader concept than cognition. If a problem or goal-solving activity is ego-involving or self-challenging and affects the individual's personal standards, the term…

Cultural and political interest in people's emotional well-being encourages the idea that education should play a prominent role in fostering students' emotional intelligence, self-esteem and self-awareness. This resonates increasingly with a broader therapeutic ethos that supporters claim promotes better personal relationships and democratic…

In Alex Haley's "Autobiography of Malcolm X" (1965), Haley recounts the life of an historical personage of enduring controversy. Whether one reveres or reviles Malcolm, "X", Little, his is a fascinating story of lifelong learning. Rather than conforming to one theory, Malcolm's learning is well explained by certain theorists at certain times in…

The five lectures reprinted in this monograph were presented at the past five national conventions of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. They offer messages concerning future needs and goals to leisure professionals and students seeking entry into the field. Part I contains: (1) "The Mild Blue…

This study assessed Egan's hypothesis that a contract, spelling out in advance sensitivity group goals and member behaviors, facilitates positive interaction and interpersonal growth. Although results were not definitive, the contract group did seem to receive some additional benefits from sensitivity training, when compared to the non-contract…

Argues against the criticism that medical students are self-centered moral relativists lacking a sense of social responsibility, illustrating this thesis with the Rush University (Illinois) community service program serving the poor and disadvantaged. Suggests that such community service experiences, given unconditionally to those in need, broaden…

A program that encourages knowledge generation and reflection is peer-assisted leadership (PAL), where principals shadow one another and conduct reflective interviews. Principals' reactions reveal their concerns about professional isolation, their need for relevant information, their frustrations as instructional leaders, and their desire to avoid…

Uses interviews to examine how the self-help book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" shapes the identity of organization members who read and use the book. Suggests that such people are simultaneously enabled and constrained as they confront tensions between individualism and community, competition and cooperation, and domination and…