Research into the experiential determinants of stress-related health measures has progressed dramatically in the last 10 years. Examination of the relationship between life events and psychological distress has been redirected from an early emphasis on major life events to a focus on minor events, i.e., the positive and negative happenings in…

The presence of support friends is related to general well being in successful aging. Some social gerontological research concludes that the positive effects of interacting with support friends can be attributed to the quality of these relationships; however, there is a gap in our understanding regarding the mechanism which accounts for this…

This document addresses the dilemma faced by families with an aging or disabled member and the stress associated with the role of family caregiver. Emotions experienced by family caregivers, especially when the caregiver is an adult child caring for an elderly or frail parent, are discussed and feelings of desertion, dependence, and sibling…

Papers presented at a 1985 regional conference of the Pacific Islands Women's Non-Governmental Organizations are provided in this document. Each paper reports on a different country and discusses developmental issues relating to women's role, such as medical programs, health, social status and welfare, education, employment, and other subjects.…

A study was conducted by the Presidents Academy of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges to examine problems faced by community college presidents following termination or forced retirement from their positions. Interviews were conducted with 12 former presidents who had been officially dismissed by their governing boards or…

This document presents the final report of the "As Families Grow Older" project, a continuing education program for aging network service providers and family members in 23 counties throughout New Mexico which was designed to promote family well-being. It describes how the project, which was in operation from April 1986 through January 1987,…

Research has sought to establish a connection between positive psychological state and physical health and longevity. It has been suggested that persons with a sense of purpose or meaning in life are better able to withstand stress, and enjoy better health. To study the link between a sense of meaning and a sense of physical well-being, 28 college…

This book reviews evidence in the biological and behavioral sciences relating physical activity to human well-being. The following articles are included: (1) "Physical Growth and Maturation" (Robert M. Malina); (2) "Acquisition of Motor Skills During Childhood" (John L. Haubenstricker and Vern D. Seefeldt); (3) "Development of Sensory-Motor…

Research indicates that aging processes include changes in health, social, and financial resources. A study was conducted to determine if three quantitative approaches to the measurement of longitudinal change would yield similar results when the relationship between subjective well-being and measures of health, social, and financial resources…

Data are presented demonstrating that the life expectancy of kibbutz members--both men and women--is higher than that of the overall Jewish population in Israel. These data add to and support other research findings illustrating the more positive mental health and well-being found among kibbutz members than among other comparative populations.…

A more productive approach to providing appropriate long-term care is to separate physical from psychosocial needs when performing functional assessment and to rearrange them into a matrix. By examining each need separately, and where needs overlap in the matrix, more direct assessment can be performed, and specified interventions can be designed.…

Used path analysis to test race, socioeconomic status (SES), and two intervening variables (self-assessed health status and problems experienced) on two attributes of life satisfaction (happiness and morale). Most effects of race and SES were mediated by self-assessed health status and problems experienced; these two intervening variables were the…

Examined the impact of marital status on the global happiness of Black adults. Generally, married persons reported higher global happiness than nonmarried persons. The relationship held regardless of age, education, or structure of the respondents' family of orientation. Regression effects indicated that marital happiness and age are significant…

Criticizes institutions of higher learning for their excessive concern with techniques, systems, and structures as opposed to people. Maintains that leadership that believes in its people plus people who are committed to the institution equal students who are satisfied. The prescription for institutional wellness is centered around leadership.…

Examined whether older adults dissatisfied with the amount of social support they had received were more likely to rate their health as poorer than elderly people satisfied with the support they had received. Found satisfaction with support to be an important determinant of self-perceived health. (Author/ABB)