Discusses potential beneficial effects of children's illnesses on their behavioral development. It is argued, on the basis of clinical experience and related research, that minor illnesses give children many opportunities to increase knowledge of self, other, prosocial behavior, and empathy and to realistically understand the sick role. (Author/RH)

Following a brief consideration of the nature of "stress" as implied in the articles in this special section, the possible role of biological measurements in the study of behavioral development is examined. (PCB)

Research on perceptual and cognitive capacities of the newborn has revealed that state variables typically interfere with or override the neonate's attentional and stimulus processing tendencies. This finding argues for the power of early state variables as behavioral determinants and, further, that neonatal state measures might provide good…

Reflects on G. Zivin's framework on the development of expressive behavior. Stresses the need to include noncognitive, as well as cognitive, affective activation in the framework, and the necessity for the adoption of an inclusive, synthesizing strategy at this stage of knowledge. (HOD)

Details some problematic features of G. Zivin's framework on the development of expressive behavior. (HOD)

The role played by neuroembryological forces in shaping brain development is well documented in Nowakowski's (1987) article. Additional mechanisms whereby experience may influence brain structure and function are outlined. Several routes exist by which postnatal experiential influences may produce long-term alterations in behavior and…

Comments on G. Zivin's model of expressive behavior development, presenting support for (1) affect-induced and (2) spontaneously generated emotion and expressive behavior. Argues that these phenomena are mediated by sensorimotor and sensory-perceptual processes. (HOD)

An interactionist model of creative behavior is proposed, combining elements of the personality, cognitive, and social psychology perspectives on creativity. The model considers the interplay of factors including antecedent conditions, creative behavior, consequences, the individual, cognitive style/ability, personality traits, contextual…

Described is an ongoing study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, separated in infancy and reared apart. Discussed are the procedures and results of this study with interpretations of the results. The effects of parenting, education, and other interventions are considered. (CW)

Examines professional education and current research trends in developmental psychology in Italy. Current trends have been investigated by a multi-dimensional content analysis of the studies published or accepted for publication in qualified journals between 1978-May 1983. (Author/AS)