Research indicates that socially supportive relationships and effective social networks have therapeutic value in mental and physical health. Counselors and psychologists believe support facilitates coping. Examines definitions, constructs, and theories of social support and summarizes studies concerning recently devised scales for measuring…

Analyzes the differences in social support available to a sample of 91 married and 183 nonmarried Black females residing in a metropolitan area. Results indicate that having a spouse has little influence on the number of socially supportive relationships or the most important sources of assistance with financial problems. (Author/ABB)

Results indicated the social support resources, supportive behaviors, and perceptions of support among Black and White college students were strikingly similar. However, sex differences are reported. (BL)

This study used the naturalistic inquiry technique of personal interviews to investigate the exchange that exists between illiterate adults and their readers. A nonmonetary payment pattern in the form of a service exchange was uncovered. Case studies are used to illustrate major aspects of the exchange. (Author/CT)

Compared the effectiveness of two visiting programs designed to increase social participation and psychological well-being in a group of 35 older adults. Results showed the network-building program, which encouraged community involvement, showed higher means on most variables, but few significant differences were found. (JAC)

Studied the role of such professional contacts as consultants, mentors, and advisors (specifically Blacks) in the selection and placement of Black school superintendents. Found that White consultants were disproportionately selected by school boards to advise on hiring decisions. Holds that sponsorship, mentorship, and networking control and limit…

This information packet presents five readings about community participation and social networks of people with developmental disabilities and an annotated bibliography. The first paper, "Building Stronger Communities for All: Thoughts about Community Participation for People with Developmental Disabilities" (Robert Bogdan and Steven J. Taylor),…

IMPACT II is an intercity teacher-to-teacher system whereby teachers who have developed exemplary programs can receive grants and join a network that enables them to disseminate their programs to other interested teachers. (MLF)

Describes a Job Club for still-unemployed students after graduation. Informal monthly meetings allow students to network; obtain moral support and encouragement; and get ideas, suggestions, and leads. Department faculty serve as informal brokers in bringing employers and graduates together and provide a support system for students during their job…

A case study of an official organization's attempt to organize Dutch rural women who had already formed their own informal groups illustrates issues of knowledge, power, and control. The resulting conflict demonstrates the wisdom of following local organizing practices when attempting development interventions. (SK)

Technology is driving much of education, but learning is socially constructed. Learning, including electronic forms, should be designed to create a social learning environment. This can help bridge the divide between the "analog" professor and the "digital" student. (SK)

Examines the role of several factors in shaping the employment outcomes of people with mental illness. While several aspects of work history and work competence were important for gaining employment, equally critical was the role of the social network, particularly family members and employers, in influencing employment outcomes. (Contains 31…

Presents a literature review that covers the following topics related to virtual communities: (1) information and virtual community; (2) virtual communities and communities of practice; (3) virtual communities and virtual arenas, including virtual community networks; and (4) networked virtual communities. (Contains 175 references.) (MES)

Examines the conceptual models that help to understand the development and sustainability of scholarly and professional communication forums on the Internet. An alternative information processing model that considers information technologies as Socio-Technical Interaction Networks (STINs) and a method for modeling electronic forums as STINs are…

Occupational expertise of Dutch employees in early (n=73), mid (n=106), and late (n=54) career stages in small/medium-sized businesses was examined in relationship to three variables: participation in social networks, participation in training, and career initiatives. Network participation increased with age. Early- and late-career workers…