The author was favorably impressed with the breadth, scope, and quality of the articles in this issue that dealt with the various aspects and correlates of social behavioral functioning as well as assessment and intervention considerations. Each of these articles dealt with a unique aspect of social behavioral functioning in children and youth and…

The collection of articles in this special issue on relational aggression gives a glimpse into the complex social networks, first, of children's relational aggression and, second, of the collaborators who develop and validate children's prevention programs. The programs described in this special section are among the first to address relational…

The paper discusses H. Goddard's identification of the "moron" and advances the thesis that mild mental subnormality developed as a "scientific" explanation for the socially unacceptable behavior of economically marginal persons, with Goddard's classification being grafted onto a traditional identification based upon judgments…

This paper argues that transitions, such as the transfer from primary to secondary school, are particularly significant with regard to exploring changes in identity and construction of self. A particular identity (seen as the way the self is represented and understood by an individual and by others) may be viable in one setting and not in another.…

Discusses behavioral momentum and the general behavioral relation between the persistence of behavior and the rate of reinforcement obtained in a given situation. Strategies for establishing the generality of behavioral relations are reviewed, followed by a brief summary of evidence for the generality of behavioral momentum. (Author/CR)

This commentary discusses John Nevin's article on establishing compliance via behavioral momentum involving high-probability procedures, and questions whether applications of behavioral momentum can be derived from the theory, whether applications could have been developed if the theory not been formulated, and whether the theory will add…

Considers four issues pertaining to aggression and adaptation: (1) conceptual and operational definitions of aggression; (2) how aggression relates to adjustment difficulties for boys and girls and for children from different ethnic and socioeconomic groups; (3) whether specific forms of aggression relate to truly positive correlates and whether…

Defines normalization and deviations in child development. Discusses the three different levels in the normalization process. Asserts that guiding the process of normalization should drive the practice of Montessori education. Concludes that whenever there are brief episodes of normalization, the true nature of the child shows itself. (JS)

The decline of manners prevalent in American audiences can be reversed only by finding and addressing the causes for poor behavior. One theory suggests that social stresses have a ripple effect, eroding generosity and spawning a meanness of spirit that is eventually reflected in audience behavior. A related theory suggests that audience rudeness…

Argues for the need to provide more counseling services to families with disabled children. Describes three basic frameworks, considered necessary for counseling professionals, including understanding (1) the parent-professional relationship, (2) the psychological functioning of individuals, and (3) the process of counseling. (Author/DST)

Three vignettes are used to illustrate the varied backgrounds of the "invisible" or overlooked child in the classroom. Discusses the causes of social isolation in elementary-age children; suggests teaching activities that help to identify and deal with related problems, including an example of a sociometric test and scoring procedures.…

The role of British Columbia's rehabilitation programs for socially maladjusted and disturbed youth is described, and attention is directed to provincial policies, factors related to successful outcomes, and program evaluation needs and results. (SEW)