Compared caregiving networks of demented and lucid older adults. Found that demented individuals were cared for mostly by household members while lucid individuals received primarily extra-household assistance. Demented subjects received fewer hours of care from outside the household and from formal providers. Findings suggest that, in cases of…

A survey of dropouts from a workplace General Educational Development class received 37 responses (33%). The highest rated deterrent to participation was time constraints; clique members were more affected by this factor than were isolates. Males had higher dropout rates and they considered the program a lower personal priority than did females.…

A study of 100 elderly people was carried out to determine whether well-being was more affected by having a confidant or by having a confidant and a social network (the Weiss model). The two models were evaluated by comparing the relative influence of the confidant variable with the peer group variable. Both were of equal importance to well-being.…

Presents case study of suicidal woman diagnosed as catatonic schizophrenic in state mental hospital. Account reveals much about woman's life history, suicide career, problems of living, needs for help, and perceptions of relevant systems. Proposed model would use parts of patient's story for preventive intervention regarding suicidal behavior and…

Explored effects of perceived social support from friends, family, and spouses on psychological adjustment of 135 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Initial data analyses revealed moderate correlations between greater psychological distress and lower levels of social support. When personality variable of social desirability was controlled…

This paper organizes concepts used to describe and measure social life of individuals with mental retardation. Social life involves the people (social network) with whom an individual experiences social interactions and the impact (social support) that network members have on the individual, in the context of social interactions, particularly…

Provides a framework encompassing components of the migration experience to aid research on human adaptation. The framework is a response to the argument that social networks, socioeconomic status, and culture should be treated as intertwining transitional experiences and therefore juxtaposed in research to examine their effects. (GLR)

Approximately 230 Louisiana principals and assistant principals were surveyed about social networking behaviors and topics discussed with other administrators. There were no differences by location, except that rural administrators discussed student discipline less often than other administrators. Among rural administrators, there were no…

Describes the process 1 family used to facilitate friendships for their 10-year-old daughter with Down's Syndrome. The article explains to teachers how children who are mainstreamed into regular schools can feel lonely without a support network to provide social interactions that might not otherwise occur. (SM)

Examines health-oriented conversations in informal, interpersonal networks. Investigates the network structure, nature of relationships, contents of interactions, and impact of support manifested in a "stay-at-home" mothers' toddlers' play group. Identifies members' roles, and characteristics of opinion leaders, and includes anecdotal…

Argues that developing and internationalizing discipline-based networks are effective ways to develop and disseminate good practices in learning and teaching, and to promote the structures necessary for accomplishing these networks. Calls on geographers in other countries to develop educational networks and suggests that all geographical networks…

Reviews the literature on technology-based groups and presents the results of a survey of group practitioners which focused on their experiences with telephone and computer groups and other factors. Results show that this technology increased accessibility, convenience, and anonymity. Discusses implications of using telephones and computers for…

A study investigated various psychosocial factors related to the distress of 102 mothers whose children disclosed sexual abuse. Emotional distress was related to a maternal history of childhood sexual abuse, a maternal history of adolescent sexual abuse, lack of social support, and greater use of avoidance coping strategies. (Author/CR)

Tests socioemotional selectivity theory among African Americans and European Americans. Older people reported as many close partners but fewer peripheral partners as their younger counterparts, thus confirming the theory. A greater percentage of close social partners in social networks related to lower levels of happiness among the young age group…

Tested for social class differences in social support among older adults. Data suggest social class differences emerge when measures of contact with friends, support provided to others, and satisfaction with support are examined. Significant differences failed to emerge with indicators of contact with family, support received from others, and…