The article by Lahey (May-June 2009) provided a timely and important review of a growing body of evidence linking the personality trait of neuroticism to a host of health and psychosocial outcomes with public health significance. Lahey (2009) highlighted the links between high neuroticism and mental health, physical health, and quality of life and…

Discusses the concept of suicide intervention which allows for the possibility of death facilitation as well as prevention. A proposed suicide intervention model is contrasted with the goals and methods of existing suicide prevention and crisis counseling services. (JAC)

The original authors (EC 232 976) respond to reactions (EC 232 977-980) concerning their proposals regarding nonaversive behavior management. Noted is the optimistic support for people with severe problem behaviors and the expansion of variables considered when building a support plan. Stressed is the need for nonaversive support technology based…

This article presents the authors' response to Gunther and Diekema's argument about growth attenuation and due process. As a case study, growth attenuation raises complicated issues. The authors address some issues that have not been sufficiently addressed. Those involve family support, assistive technology, constitutional rights to "self," the…

This article reviews research conducted by the author and colleagues over a 27-year period on enhancement of peer-related social skills in young children with behavioral disorders or autism. It argues that a logical positivist approach has yielded significant quality-of-life benefits to participants while effectively challenging many outdated…

Discusses principles associated with strength-based approaches to support families of children with disabilities: a philosophy based on family strength; a partnership approach to service; a family-centered agenda; an individualized response to family needs; a comprehensive view of family development; and an assessment of outcomes based on family…

The growing number of people with AIDS and the incidence of suicide within this population make it increasingly likely that the mandatory suicide intervention strategy of many professionals may be swayed after contact with an infected person. Thus, AIDS may provide an impetus to change the traditional absolutist approach of suicide intervention…

Negative stereotypes of older persons pose barriers to productive and successful aging. A social work intervention model provides ways to overcome the barriers by training social workers, conducting early childhood and elementary school interventions, providing intergenerational programs, and assisting older adults with employment, volunteering,…

This paper briefly overviews the economic and social conditions of the 11 million Black children and youth in the United States in the 1970s. Directions for social action are suggested and the aims of the National Black Child Development Institute are indicated. (RH)

Due to milieu deficiencies and psychosocial handicaps, some groups are caught in a spiral of poverty, and experience serious obstruction to optimal self-actualization and the achievement of satisfactory quality of life. Article describes the problems of educating milieu-deprived students in the Republic of South Africa, as well as the implications…

This review of behavioral research on teaching individuals with profound multiple handicaps found that behavior change has resulted from contingency management interventions, but the behavior changes cannot be described as beneficially affecting the individuals' quality of life. Explanations for this are offered, and suggestions for future…

This article comments on a paper (EC 231 901) calling for reduced preoccupation with the physical settings used for interventions with mentally retarded individuals. It recommends the application of normalization to both: (1) the social-psychological dimensions of environments and (2) the physical characteristics and strategies of service…

This presidential address discusses realities that may alter political, social, and economic priorities in the future; examines how these realities will affect the lives of people with mental retardation and their families; and addresses ideas for responding to these realities and promoting greater opportunities and quality of life for citizens…

This paper explores social and psychological issues facing those with acquired hearing loss, including self-identity, dealing with the loss, communication issues, and the impact of hearing impairment on significant others. Strategies and innovative approaches to promoting the well-being of deafened and hard-of-hearing individuals and their…

This paper presents a brief history of communication intervention and describes recent developments which have brought about shifts in intervention focus, perspectives, and strategies, especially with people having severe disabilities. In examining how communication is important to a good quality of life, the paper points out that the real point…