Two studies compared effects of different levels of cooperation (cooperative controversy, cooperative debate, individualistic; and intergroup cooperation vs intergroup competition) on cross-handicap interaction among 123 intermediate grade students (normal or learning/behavior disordered). Pure cooperation promoted more frequent cross-handicap…

Examined the social networks of families with a child at risk of placement into substitute care. Results indicated that both families who remained intact and families rated by therapists as low in case-difficulty engaged in a greater amount of community interaction than did high case-difficulty families or families who disbanded. (Author/BL)

The relationship between mothers' life changes, social support, and the preschool home environment of their children was analyzed three years after all study children were discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit. Regardless of number of life changes, mothers reporting more social support provided a more stimulating home environment.…

Explores effectiveness of interorganizational networks for impacting on public policy at local level. Examines efforts of community organizations in Columbus, Ohio, to increase citizen participation in school desegregation. Urges that resource sharing become the norm in community action. (RDN)

Describes an experimental program focusing on network approaches to the solution of social work clients' problems. The sample was composed of 156 residents of a Manhattan hotel. Only 16 percent of the problems were successfully resolved through network interventions, although some problems were more amenable to intervention than others. (JAC)

Describes the development of a taxonomy of social and psychological well-being for 900 elderly small town residents. Compares the four largest groups (partially engaged, fully engaged, disengaged, and frail) in terms of mental and physical health, contact with others, and activity. (JAC)

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, schools may need to plan to address the suffering and loss of many. These Guidance Notes discuss five areas in which schools can help students cope with loss: (1) Fostering Resiliency; (2) Facilitating and Fostering Social Ties and Resources; (3) Stages of Grieving; (4) Helping Students Deal with Loss; and…

The materials compiled into this information package focus on women and girls with disabilities and the specific issues they face in society. Part 1 contains the overview article "Obstacles to Equality: The Double Discrimination of Women with Disabilities" (Rannveig Traustadottir), which reviews the existing literature on women with disabilities…

Understanding collaborative writing as a form of networking is useful in that it highlights the fact that composition students do not have the same type of networks or networking skills. Composition assignments should take into account the digital divide and should foster networking across social class divisions because invention is a social act.…

A study examined the characteristics of the learning process when it is facilitated by computer-mediated communication in nonformal learning contexts. In this paper, learning is defined as the transformation of experience through reflection, conceptualization, and action. Such experiential learning often occurs in dialogue with others.…

Suggests that social support systems offer a new avenue toward primary prevention, since social networks provide social meaning and psychological import to the term "community." Examines the nature and health protective effects of social support in the light of the historical evolution of community psychology as a discipline. (Author/AOS)

Questionnaires were used to measure mothers' social networks, coping abilities, and life stress. A mother/child interaction situation was used to measure maternal control, maternal maturity demands, maternal nurturance, mother/child communication, and child compliance. Results indicated significant differences in the lives of single and married…

Investigates the social networks and help-seeking practices of Mexican-origin youth in San Diego, California, presenting data on adult, non-family informal mentors and role models. Data from surveys, interviews, and ethnography highlight adolescents' critical understandings of these significant figures in their lives, the rare and fortuitous…

A study of 101 Argentinean mothers of children who were hospitalized or attended an outpatient medical clinic examined the social support functions, sources, and temporal contexts of the mothers in relation to child abuse and neglect. Low-abuse/neglect mothers were found to have a stronger kin network than high-abuse/neglect mothers. (CR)

Examined impact of family organization on young adolescent Zimbabweans' perception of their social networks. Found that compared to counterparts in modified extended families, adolescents in traditional extended families perceived higher intimacy from their family; lower intimacy from non-family targets; lower support from parents, other adult…