Outlines a theory of human motivation that focuses on the unpredictability of life, innate and noninnate differences in individual characteristics, individual responsibility for actions, importance of a meaningful life, intrinsic physiologic rewards of behavior, gender differences in behavior, adult psychological maturation, and limitations of the…

Adolescents who were more internally focused were more able to discern which symptoms actually covaried with blood glucose (BG) fluctuations; those with higher trait anxiety tended to misattribute non-diabetes-related symptoms to BG levels. Interactions suggested those who both attend to internal physical sensations and experience-heightened…

This study attempted to operationalize, measure, and increase happiness among five adults with profound mental and physical disabilities. Happiness indices were defined and observed. Most preferred stimuli-produced increases in happiness indices, and practitioner ratings of participant happiness coincided with observed indices. Discussion focuses…

A survey of 52 rehabilitation service providers in New Zealand found that practitioners who characteristically cope with stress by exercising restraint, planning, and positive reinterpretation experienced greater positive affect and life satisfaction. Seeking social support for emotional reasons was also associated with job satisfaction. (DB)

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.…

Data from 604 depressed patients in The Medical Outcomes Study showed improvements in measures of functioning and well-being associated with patients who were employed, drank less alcohol, had active coping styles and higher levels of social support, who had active and less avoidant coping styles, who were physically active, and who had fewer…

Investigates the effects of specific health conditions on perceived quality of life for retirees (n=451). Pulmonary disease was a predictor of dissatisfaction for both sexes. Pulmonary disease and heart attack were the strongest predictors of dissatisfaction with health for men, followed closely by stroke. Arthritis was the strongest predictor of…

The effect of child sexual abuse on female adult mental health and physical self-esteem was studied, based on a mental health survey in which 98 women reported sexual abuse and 110 served as comparisons. Women sexually abused as children obtained lower scores on well-being and physical self-concept measures. (SW)

Embedded a context effect experiment in a structured telephone survey of renal transplant recipients. Results indicated that context effects interacted with the treatment adherence status of respondents such that noncompliant recipients were less susceptible to context manipulations. Respondents' characteristics as potential moderators of item…

Compares level of work role commitment with indexes of psychological well-being among multiple-role working women. Results indicate that women who tried to participate in work and relationship roles equally or chose work over relationships experienced significantly higher levels of depression. (JPS)

Emphasizes importance of educating students about stress and stress management, because students will confront stressors throughout their life span. Summarizes major stress theories and shows how stress theory and stress management strategies can be integrated into existing school curricula. (Author/NB)

Describes a high school circuit weight training (CWT) program which promotes physical fitness and helps students understand relationships between health and physical activity. It consists of upper- and lower-body weight lifts and cardiorespiratory exercises. Research indicates that CWT improves even difficult to improve health-related components.…

This study provided descriptive data on the typical population in Colorado (n=133) using a modified questionnaire (The Consumer Satisfaction Survey) used to evaluate services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Results suggest the importance of distinguishing between factors necessary for basic levels of satisfaction and those which…

Analysis of data from 668 black adult respondents to the 1980 National Survey of Black Americans suggests that subjective well-being among black Americans is multidimensional. A three-factor model of subjective well-being encompassing strain (depressive symptoms), life satisfaction, and self-esteem was empirically supported and consistently…

Reviews literature on Black families from 1980s. Looks at Black families in relation to ages, genders, and family roles; substantive issues of relevance to Black American families, including social support and psychological well-being; and an examination of recent demographic trends in Black family structure. Suggests areas for future research in…