Previous findings on the association between theory of mind (ToM) and aggression in children are mixed. The "social skills deficit view" regarded ToM as a "single-edged sword" and proposed that a lack of ToM can lead to aggression, while the "double-edged sword view" proposed that children with advanced ToM can still…

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the research base of interventions focused on reducing bullying, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior in recess settings through behavioral-based interventions. This review extends the literature by synthesizing findings from experimental, quasi-experimental, and single-case research on the…

In this systematic review, we evaluated the quality and rigor of the current evidence base for the Second Step social-emotional learning program in middle schools. Eleven studies were coded using the "Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education" with an 80% weighted criterion. We…

This systematic review aims to synthesize and analyze existing evidence on the practices of bibliotherapy in the educational setting. A systematic literature search was conducted using four leading databases. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to ensure the articles' relevance in the review. Articles that involved bibliotherapy or reading therapy…

Social Stories (also known as social narratives) help individuals participate in and understand social situations. This scoping review identifies and synthesizes social narrative research targeting behavior change in individuals with ASD. Using the following questions as a guide: (a) What is the scope of social narrative interventions used for…

Physical education is a relevant setting to develop students' social competence. The sport education model has the potential to promote social competence as it provides students with meaningful socialization opportunities. The purpose of this literature review paper was to: (1) describe the inherent structures and characteristics of the sport…

This article reviews the extant literature on the links between peer victimization and academic performance and engagement among children and adolescents. Although most of the research on this association is based on cross-sectional investigations, research using longitudinal designs is starting to point to the fact that peer victimization does…

Extant literature in developmental psychology has documented the co-occurrence of aggressive and affiliative behaviors with various measures of social dominance. While these findings have been taken as evidence for the functional value of aggression, they have not been integrated into a more general theoretical frame accounting for contextual…

As young people transition through childhood to adolescence, they often face developmental challenges that can impede their quest to become flourishing, healthy adults. While both males and females experience difficulties, there are certain risk factors to which males are more susceptible. Compared with females, males tend to be more likely to…

This review critically evaluates the existing research literature on the peer relationship problems of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Empirical evidence suggests that children with the disorder are severely impaired in the social area and strongly rejected by peers. The purposes of this article are to provide a review of…

Advantages and disadvantages of environment-focused methods (such as operant and parent training techniques) and of person-focused approaches (such as social skills training) with aggressive children are examined. A synthesis of the two approaches is urged. (Author/CL)

The present study attempted to replicate the findings of the Zahavi and Asher (1978) study with Head Start preschoolers. These authors found that brief oral instructions decreased observed aggressive behavior. This study found limited support for the effectiveness of brief oral instructions. Teacher ratings did reveal significant improvements in…

The number of adolescent firesetters increases every year; therefore it is essential that mental health professionals be aware of the characteristics of firesetters. Describes the individual and environmental factors that relate to the etiology and levels of firesetting. Specifically, discusses the different types of firesetters and their…

This review describes four major hypotheses related to aggressive behavior and reviews current means for assessment. Hypotheses suggest that aggressive behavior is the result of a social skills deficit, positive or negative reinforcement, environmental deficits, or deficits in the cognitive processing of social stimuli. Changes in assessment…

A pilot study evaluating the Second Step, Middle School/Junior High program was conducted to determine its effect on students' attitudes regarding aggression and perceived difficulty of performing social skills. Relative to nonparticipants, Second Step students in their second year of school decreased in their overall endorsement of aggression and…