Discusses the phenomenon of false fire alarms, the deliberate, intentional false reporting of fires, by mentally troubled persons as a primitive kind of help-seeking behavior. Several common themes found by reviewing false alarm cases are presented. Suggests that identifying the intrapsychic dynamics of false alarm reporters could be useful in…

Learned helplessness--the belief that a person's actions have no influence on the outcome of an event--is similar in many respects to the crisis state and depression. The author shows how this impaired social and psychological functioning occurs and identifies techniques that the social worker can use to prevent it. (Author)

Examines why the role of housewife may actually foster depression. Presents the concept of learned helplessness as a tool for understanding and treating depressed housewives. Suggests social workers use a task-oriented approach in treating women who feel they have no control over their lives. (Author/JAC)