The Psychological Impact of Work Re-entry Training for Female Unemployed Sole Parents

This study examined the psychological effects of short ‘re-entry to the workforce’ courses on the population of female sole parents, neglected in previous unemployment research. The data for the study were obtained from 118 female sole parents participating in the course, who were compared with a waiting list control group at the beginning and end of the course, and at a follow-up four weeks after the course had ended. Results indicated that the course produced decreases in depressive affect, negative mood and minor psychiatric symptomology. On all psychological measures, increases in well-being were shown to be maintained several weeks after the course had ended. It was concluded that the course offered significant and enduring psychological benefits to participants.     

INTEGRATING TRANSPORT,LAND USE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY

Various recent policy documents stress the need for the integration of sectoral policies. In practice, policy-makers recognize the need for policy-integration but often do not have a complete picture of what it entails or how to put theory into practice. This paper reports on a research project that examines attitudes and approaches to integrating transport, land use and environment policies in three local authority case studies in Denmark, Germany and England.1 1. This paper is based on a research project funded by The Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment (NOVEM) as part of their research programme on Regional Transport Performance (VervoersPrestatie Regionaal or VPR). View all notes The paper reflects on how different institutional and political factors can affect policy integration, focusing particularly on the integration of transport, land use and environment policies. The institutional and political factors covered in this paper include the division of roles and responsibilities within an organisation, the nature of inter-departmental and inter-agency relationships, the diversity of professional skills and education of the workforce, and the role of political and public support.     

Dreams for the second half of life

Dreams in midlife and old age can reveal a process of spiritual growth described by Tornstam as gerotranscencence. This same process of inner growth has also been described in theoretical terms as self-actualization (Maslow), ego-integrity (Erikson), and individuation (Jung). The process is illustrated through dream symbols of transpersonal development, displaying the duality of self-fulfillment and self- transcendence. In lifespan development terms this process can be studied in detail in the autobiography of Helen Luke. The interpretation of dreams has importance for what has recently come to be known as Conscious Aging.