Designed primarily for parents of children with genetic disorders, the booklet provides information about parent groups. Part 1 describes parent groups, including organization, types of groups, and methods of outreach. A sample letter of invitation to attend a parent group and an outline of the initial meeting is included along with a list of…

The objectives of this paper are threefold: (1) to present the structure and functioning of a system of "self-paced mastery learning" as evolved by the department over the period May 1972 to March 1974; (2) to discuss perceived "flaws" in traditional college level "learning systems" and receive input from readers regarding the educational…

Two groups (experimental and control) totaling 239 low-income asthmatic children, aged 8 to 11 years, were studied. One group was exposed to an asthma health education program. Findings indicate asthma health education for children increases management skills, reduces symptoms, and improves school performance. (Author/CH)

Discusses the "hidden illness" of compulsive gambling. Describes course of the disease, theories of compulsive gambling, effects of compulsive gambling on gambler's wife and children, the organization Gam-Anon, and human service agencies' staff training and counseling intake procedures. Recommends self-help groups for all family members.…

Reviews and critiques 11 stepfamily self-help books for children and adolescents. Codes books on dimensions of appropriate audience, author background, issues, advice, and strengths. Rates general interest and quality of writing of books and assigns categories of recommendation. Discusses use of the books as an adjunct to therapy. (Author/NB)

Followed eight male smokers with chronic pulmonary or cardiac disease through a smoking cessation program of gradual nicotine withdrawal, self-management, and relapse prevention. At one year, half remained abstinent, while relapsers smoked substantially less than before treatment. Reductions in carbon monoxide and thiocyanate levels were…

Results of questionnaire data from 98 consumer groups in the United States and Canada are reported in terms of characteristics of local chapters, participants, and change occurring as a result of group involvement. Findings suggest the viability of the self-help/self-advocacy consumer movement for persons with mental retardation. (Author/CL)

Suggestions for the individual just getting into the field of psychological education of books, sources of activities and programs which would help him gain competency in this area. (JC)

Discusses a basic education program, established by the Bank of Montreal, that offers young Canadians, who have failed to complete their formal education, an opportunity to up-grade their educational skills towards the end of taking employment in the career stream of business and industry. (Author/AS)

Aboriginal Family Education Centres began in 1967 at a Baptist camp in New South Wales when a group of 45-60 Aboriginal people made plans for providing educational opportunities for themselves and their children under school age. Foundation aid has helped the growth of the project, which has similarities to the play group approach used in England…

Methods of successful weight loss and factors affecting dieting are discussed. Eating hints are given with the characteristics of an exercise program which has cumulative effects on weight loss. (CM)

In 19th-century England, mutual improvement societies developed, through which working class men attempted to educate themselves and engage in political discussion. Many were associated with groups that did not conform to the Church of England. (SK)

Discusses addictive model of compulsive sex among some homosexual men. Describes commonalities between two most prevalent and successful approaches used to treat this disorder: group treatment and self-help Twelve Step addictive model. Contends that, whether compulsive sexual behavior is accepted as an addiction, the addictive model itself seems…

Focuses on validity of measures of service delivery. Examines claims relating to benefits of attending self-help groups on mental health functioning of individuals with depression or manic depression. Discusses questions related to individual patterns of attendance, generalization of intervention's effects, and migration from "home" to other…

An urban renewal program in preunification Berlin involved self-help projects and a community school. The program demonstrated a holistic approach to urban regeneration and showed that the success of participatory community processes depends on community education. (SK)