This state-of-the art paper focuses on the issue of linguistic giftedness, somewhat neglected in the second language acquisition (SLA) literature, attempting to reconceptualize, expand and update this concept in response to latest developments in the fields of psychology, linguistics and neurology. It first discusses contemporary perspectives on…

The literature provides evidence of links between measures of personality and vocational interests as theorized by Holland. Personality and interest assessments offer critical information for predicting career success. Personality assessment reflects the individual viewed by an observer and interest measurement reflects the individual's…

The DSM-IV categorizes 10 personality disorders, long-term patterns of personality traits that result in impairment of social and occupational functioning. The author details steps in the recognition and diagnosis of personality disorders, with emphasis on using the DSM-IV diagnostic framework. (Author)

The literature review classifies reported sources of negative attitudes toward the disabled into 13 psychodynamic and sociological categories and stresses the difficulty of quickly changing such negative attitudes. (MC)

Research in the field of developmental disabilities has found direct links between severity of a personality trait or psychopathology and particular pathology of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). From studies of behavior phenotypes, new psychiatric disorders are being recognized, such as Williams syndrome. The formulation of valid behavior…

This article describes a continuum of definitions of giftedness from conservative to liberal and discusses how these definitions relate to the development of the 3-ring conception of giftedness. In this definition, above average ability, task commitment, and creativity are seen as 3 interactive clusters of traits that gifted students may exhibit.…

Discusses several clusters of personal and situational variables which are characteristic of runaways as compared to nonrunaways. Highlights results of qualitative research on suburban runaways. Develops five-point continuum of parent-youth conflict. Suggests integration of typologies is important in the development of basic assessment tools for…

Reexamines the assumptions of the change grid regarding the channeling of masses of clients into change strategies programs. Penal organizations specifically select and place clients so that programs remain stable, rather than sequence programs to meet the needs of clients. (Author)

Demonstrated the advantages of using all three letters of Holland codes. Urged that the Compatibility Index (CI) be used to supplement high point code-letter research. The CI use of secondary and tertiary scales gives valuable information about groups or individuals that is lost in single-scale reporting. (JAC)

Examined a trait-oriented job analysis technique based on 33 defined traits encompassing elements of the physical, mental, learned, motivational, and social domains of the work world. Discriminability tests showed support for the technique and indicated that job incumbents requiring a particular trait scored higher on measures of that trait.…