Describes cooperatives as a new socioeconomic strategy for rural economic development. Cooperatives involve local control, local ownership, and empowerment through organization. Categorizes and gives examples of cooperatives in agriculture, retail grocery, credit, crafts, and health. Suggests some reasons why cooperatives tend to be ignored in…

Five case studies of individual and collective learning projects in India demonstrate that (1) the impetus for civic action arises from local conditions; (2) transformative action requires sustained adult learning; and (3) civil society is a complex concept reflecting diverse priorities and perspectives. (SK)

Interviews with 120 rural Nigerian women found that 96% participate in self-help community development projects and 68% were engaged in farming. Constrains on participation included domestic responsibilities, lack of funding and resources, male domination, and politics. There was a significant relationship between their sociocultural beliefs and…

Discussions with women in rural areas of India analyzed government-initiated development programs regarding availability of information, suitability to women's needs, and perception of problems. Most programs were top down with little input form women; self-help approaches problematized the "self" and did not consider the realities of…

Examines the therapeutic use of writing therapy in London, England. Discusses the power of writing as a self help vehicle and highlights developments in computer mediated counseling and therapy. Explores the therapeutic uses of writing therapy through cross disciplinary research and practitioner reports. (Contains 68 references and 1 table.) (GCP)

The present study investigated the attitudes of neighborhood residents toward a particular type of substance abuse recovery home (i.e., Oxford House). Individuals who lived next to these recovery homes versus those who lived a block away were assessed regarding their attitudes toward substance abuse recovery homes and individuals in recovery. The…

Cognitive therapy as espoused by A. T. Beck (A. T. Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979) is increasingly used as a therapeutic modality and applied to a variety of cultural groups throughout the world. However, the majority of the literature on empirical and clinical practice has been focused on the use of cognitive therapy for Western cultures. In…

Two trends are emerging in sexual counseling: use of self-help programs, and increasing reliance on group therapy to overcome specific sexual complaints. The weekend sexual enhancement workshop represents a synthesis of both trends, but efficacy regarding outcome has not been well documented. This article attempts such documentation. (Author)

A technology transfer project for getting initial community adoption of childhood asthma management programs is described. The evolution of the project, including development of programs, packaging considerations, establishment of partnerships, implementation, and evaluation are discussed. (Author/CH)

Reviews the growth of self-help groups and the current status of the movement. Suggests ways in which counselors can draw upon such groups in their professional practicies. Includes suggestions for evaluating groups and resources on self-help groups. (Author/ABB)

Describes a program for families of handicapped children that features educational programs and parent and sibling support groups. Notes that parents and siblings involved in the mutual-help project have uncovered salient issues and have taken an active role in community education and advocacy. (Author/NB)

The authors outline the field development of a self-advocacy program whose central purpose is to assist seniors to speak up for what they need to maintain control of their health and their lives. They state that results support the effectiveness of this model. (Author/CH)

Describes approaches to leadership interventions in mutual support groups that will increase participants' awareness of the groups' developmental phases and the most likely sources of support during those phases. (Author/ABB)

Personal responsibility for health is dependent upon accurate knowledge and skill in self-care. Testicular cancer incidence is the leading cancer in young adult males. This article describes the development and evaluation of a testicular cancer education program which is now available nationwide to college health services. (Author/MT)

The article describes the evolution of the self-help advocacy movement of persons with mental retardation. Ways in which self-help groups establish informal peer support systems within the community are noted along with improvements in self concept, opportunities for friendship, and societal change. (CL)