Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Though we have hundreds of entertainment options today--video games, the Internet, CD and MP3 players, home entertainment centers, sporting events, megamalls, movie theaters, and even robotic toys--Western culture is battling an insidious disease. It's an epidemic of boredom. Intrigued by this "deadness of soul," Richard Winter uses the latest historical, physiological and psychological research to probe the nature, causes and effects of boredom. He explores

• why some people are more likely to get bored than others
• the indifference and the loss of meaning among youth
• the attraction of extreme sports
• how advertising promotes apathy
• the link between boredom and addictions to violence and pornography

Honored in 2006 as a "Year's Best Book for Preachers" by Preaching magazine. Perfect body. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Perfect house. Perfect job. We strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. And there's nothing wrong with a healthy, mature pursuit of excellence. But what begins as healthy and normal can sometimes become neurotic and abnormal, leading to debilitating thoughts and behaviors: eating disorders anxiety and depression obsession and compulsions fear of failure relational dysfunction In Perfecting Ourselves to Death, Richard Winter explores the positive and negative effects of perfectionism on our lives. He looks at the seductive nature of perfectionism as it is reflected in today's media. He examines the price and perils of perfectionism. And he explores the roots of perfectionism, delving into what originally awakens this drive in us. After analyzing the negative feelings and defeatist behaviors that unhealthy perfectionism births, he provides practical strategies for how to change. "The important thing to see," writes Winter, "is that we are to strive to become better people, not just to be content with who we are or how we measure up to the standards of the culture around us." For Christians this means becoming more like Christ in every area of our lives. Here is the "perfect" book for those who struggle with perfectionism and for those pastors, counselors and friends who want to understand and help perfectionists.

Action research is a form of research closely linked to practice which can readily be undertaken by practitioners and service users. This handbook offers a comprehensive guide to action research as a strategy for inquiry and development in health and social care. It can be used by individuals or groups working independently on their own projects or as a basis for a tutor-led course. It features
* an introduction to the theories behind action research and other forms of research related to it
*lively case studies from social work, nursing, mental health care and community work
* a step-by-step study guide.
The theoretical section of the book provides a general definition of action research, compares action research with other forms of social research, outlines the nature of a 'culture of inquiry' in the workplace, and describes the links between action research and service-user research, management,community development, evaluation, reflective practice, feminist research and anti-racist research.
This practical study guide covers issues such as preparing a proposal, ethics and principles of procedure, gathering and analysing data, writing a report, the links between action research and critical reflection. It will be particularly useful for groups wishing to undertake action research on an independent basis

eBook available with sample pages: 0203199677

This book explains and demonstrates how creative writing can be used successfully in the context of professional education where traditionally a more distanced approach to reporting on professional experience has been favoured. It is based on many practical examples, drawn from several years' experience of running courses for social workers, nurses, teachers, managers and higher education staff, in which participants explore their professional practice through imaginative forms of writing. The participants experience of the work is presented through a discussion of interviews and evaluative documents. The book includes a set of distance-learning materials for those wishing to undertake such work for themselves or to establish similar courses, as well as a full analysis of the link between professional reflection and the artistic imagination. The book makes available a new and more broadly-based approach to the process of professional reflection, and the concept of the patchwork text has general relevance for debates about increasing access to higher education qualifications.

Based on lessons learned from the ASSET programme, a national project to develop a competence-based model of curriculum and assessment, this text presents a research based description of a possible future for higher education and for education of the profession.

Based on lessons learned from the ASSET programme, a national project to develop a competence-based model of curriculum and assessment, this text presents a research based description of a possible future for higher education and for education of the profession.

This book explains and demonstrates how creative writing can be used successfully in the context of professional education where traditionally a more distanced approach to reporting on professional experience has been favoured. It is based on many practical examples, drawn from several years' experience of running courses for social workers, nurses, teachers, managers and higher education staff, in which participants explore their professional practice through imaginative forms of writing. The participants experience of the work is presented through a discussion of interviews and evaluative documents. The book includes a set of distance-learning materials for those wishing to undertake such work for themselves or to establish similar courses, as well as a full analysis of the link between professional reflection and the artistic imagination. The book makes available a new and more broadly-based approach to the process of professional reflection, and the concept of the patchwork text has general relevance for debates about increasing access to higher education qualifications.

Depression strikes millions, across all ages and demographic groups. Approximately one in eight will have a severe depressive episode at some point in their life. Women experience depression twice as often as men. And over fifty percent of people with serious depression do not get adequate help. What can be done? Psychiatrist and theologian Richard Winter explores the complex medical and psychological issues surrounding depression. He sorts through recent scientific research on its biochemical and genetic causes and examines social and cultural factors. Winter also dispels common Christian misunderstandings of depression and looks at how biblical characters experienced severe despair. Throughout he offers ways to help the suffering. Even in the shadow of the valley of death, there is hope for healing and deliverance. This book is a helpful guide for those who find themselves, their loved ones or those they counsel vulnerable to depression. Find here a framework both for understanding depression and for rediscovering hope.

Action research is a form of research closely linked to practice which can readily be undertaken by practitioners and service users. This handbook offers a comprehensive guide to action research as a strategy for inquiry and development in health and social care. It can be used by individuals or groups working independently on their own projects or as a basis for a tutor-led course. It features
* an introduction to the theories behind action research and other forms of research related to it
*lively case studies from social work, nursing, mental health care and community work
* a step-by-step study guide.
The theoretical section of the book provides a general definition of action research, compares action research with other forms of social research, outlines the nature of a 'culture of inquiry' in the workplace, and describes the links between action research and service-user research, management,community development, evaluation, reflective practice, feminist research and anti-racist research.
This practical study guide covers issues such as preparing a proposal, ethics and principles of procedure, gathering and analysing data, writing a report, the links between action research and critical reflection. It will be particularly useful for groups wishing to undertake action research on an independent basis