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A group of 213 respondents in rural communities were interviewed about their help-giving and help-seeking behaviors related to 11 problems of living. Respondents were asked whom they had talked to within their natural community networks, who was most helpful, and how effective they rated the helping. The results indicate that over 80% of the respondents saw themselves as active help-givers and receivers in exchanges with spouses, friends, relatives, and others. A wide range of helping activities were reported, led by attempts to understand another person's situation and feelings and just listening. Differences in help-giving and help-seeking were noted. Respondents indicated a general willingness to tackle problems, a preference for help from people within their networks, and that this type of help is effective.

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A random sample of 140 graduates of associate degree mental health/human services programs were studied to determine their work activities, adequacy of work performance, and job satisfaction. Seventy‐seven percent were employed in relevant human services jobs. On site interviews with these workers and their supervisors revealed that they were performing virtually the entire range of traditional mental heath service functions and performing them well. A majority were satisfied with their work, although low salary levels and restricted opportunities for future advancement were recognized as problems. Many were receiving little supervision and the user agencies had, for the most part, not developed appropriate in‐service training programs. The findings appear very supportive to the notion that the mental health associate is a valuable new source of manpower for the mental health/human services field.

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