Supplementing a national survey of self-help group members, a study examined the functioning of an epilepsy self-help group in order to identify communication patterns establishing mutual aid. An examination of eight tape-recorded sessions was combined with an observer's field notes to develop a profile of the group. Analysis revealed a loosely…

Although studies have linked stressful life events with illness, good support resources have been found to mediate these effects. To investigate the processes involved in assessing one's social network, identifying areas where change is desired, and modifying specific social network variables, 18 undergraduate students (14 females, 4 males)…

To explore families as networks and communities from an evolutionary perspective, two studies were conducted with rural elders in West Virginia. In the first study, examining the social factors that influenced the use of public transportation, 28 elderly individuals, divided into three groups by transportation styles (users of public…

Recent research has established that the well-being of older adults is very much influenced by the quality and the quantity of their social relationships and their social support network. Weiss has argued that for adults in general, different relationships are needed to meet the diverse requirements of well-being. In this study the Weiss model was…

Operational and organizational principles are suggested for guiding the establishment of networks to facilitate ongoing interactions between the practitioner and scholar communities in mathematics, science, and technology. These networks would define problems that need attention, carry out research on the problems, and incorporate the results of…

A mathematical model that describes attitude change in human communication networks is developed in this paper. The parameters of the model are drawn from a review of the literature related to network analysis, small group influence, mass communication, and attitude change. The literature review identifies key variables that influence attitude…

Unconventional advice to help college graduates be successful is offered. Ways to find sources of money (i.e., jobs) are described, including: using services or products offered through the mail, making phone calls to build a network of contacts in a particular industry, attending seminars to further one's knowledge of a field, learning about…

Considered the relationship between social support and aggressive behavior in a sample of five- to seven-year-old children from low-income families. Indicated that the relationship between social support and aggression was influenced by both the category of network member and the type of support offered by network members. (Author/ABB)

Outlines a complex research agenda for understanding the contributions of informal social support to the quality of later life. Suggests a conceptual model for investigating informal support networks and well-being for the elderly and offers suggestions for operationalizing the model. (NRB)

Employment of Southeast Asian refugees in British Columbia is assessed. Refugees used self, sponsors, family, and friends to find their first job. Friends and family contacts led to more employment by Asians. In locating subsequent employment they assumed greater job autonomy. English ability developed less with those employed by Asians. (VM)

Although the Nisei ethnic group experienced much residential dispersal, members have not been absorbed into the majority group society, largely because of their tendency to maintain Japanese interpersonal style rather than accept the style of the United States. A primary cause of the Nisei's style is their expression of their subjective self. (VM)

Reviews current trends, predictions and statistics concerning single-parent families living in poverty, and appeals for networks which would coordinate the cooperative efforts of all organizations, institutions, businesses, agencies, groups, and individual volunteers who provide services for single-parent families. Offers guidelines for networks…

Findings reveal that most older persons place greater emphasis on the companionate nature of the relationships, rather than accentuating the passionate aspects of later life dating, and that the dating partner typically provides an emotional and sexual outlet which cannot be attributed to other members in the social networks of older persons.…

Focuses on the linkage between social support and social networks and health educational programs that involve interventions at the network and community level. Addresses programs enhancing entire networks through natural helpers; and programs strengthening overlapping networks/communities through key opinion and informal leaders who are engaged…

Reports findings of a study which revealed that selected school principal interactions, aspirations, and nonverbal behaviors are predictors of school administrator potential for promotion in an urban school district. Describes the administrator subculture as clanlike and guildlike and asserts that this pattern plays a crucial role in determining…