A sample of battered women were surveyed regarding their perceived career barriers, self-esteem, locus of control, work-role attitudes, and self-efficacy for making career decisions. In addition, an investigation of these variables with respect to the battered woman's self-reported employment status was provided. Also included was an examination of battered women's beliefs about how the shelters could assist them in their career planning and implementation. Findings revealed that (a) unemployed battered women scored lower on career decision-making self-efficacy and endorsed a more traditional work role attitude as compared to employed battered women, (b) high self-esteem was related to greater self-efficacy for making career decisions, (c) an internal orientation was related to high self-esteem, and (d) higher perceptions of career barriers were related to an external expectancy. Further, self-esteem emerged as the most significant contributor to battered women's self-efficacy for career decision-making tasks. Battered women expressed assistance from shelters in finding secure employment and furthering their education.

The objectives of this investigation were to (1) identify elements that comprise an acceptable quality of life (Q-L) post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) from the perspectives of patients and families, and (2) explore patient and family satisfaction with treatment decisions relevant to QoL. The authors created, tested, and administered two forms (patient; family) of a 35-question interview to 33 participants in a longitudinal TBI study (14 women, 19 men) and 33 associated family members. Men associated ratings of QoL with numerous variables, while women's responses revealed no significant relationships shared by QoL and other variables. Women reported a poorer QoL than did men. Older patients reported a better QoL than did younger patients. Families emphasized the family relationship, emotional control, and ability to concentrate when considering overall QoL. Patients did not. The majority of patients and families expressed satisfaction with decisions made about acute treatment. QoL research is essential to illuminate best practice models.