Describes a study conducted to determine whether women who had recently completed a self-protection course had less or more fear of criminal attack. Indicates that participating women remained as fearful, but were better prepared to deal with victimization. Suggests that chemical agent/self-protection courses instill self-confidence. Includes the…

This document is a leader's guide for conducting a course in improving self-esteem for mature middle- and upper-class women. After a section on characteristics needed by group leaders and pointers on conducting group discussions, the document contains lesson plans for eight discussion-group lessons. Topics covered during the eight sessions include…