Research suggests that self-control or self-regulation may play a role in the connections among spirituality, health, well-being, and social behavior. Within the framework of social-cognitive developmental theory, we explore the question of how do children and adolescents learn to think of themselves as gendered and spiritual beings within the…

Comments on a article by Blass (January 2009) who pointed out his historical perspective on human welfare problems facing a democratic society. The author would like to add some information from the cognitive-developmental framework that seems most pertinent to these larger issues of obedience and disobedience. It is relevant to note that a number…

Krebs and Denton (2005; see record 2005-08166-005) proposed that Kohlberg's cognitive developmental approach to morality be replaced by a pragmatic approach more relevant to everyday social behavior and the cooperative moral orders of society. Although the Krebs and Denton article raises some legitimate questions, their proposal is at best…

In response to Gibbs' (see record 2006-08257-011) defense of neo-Kohlbergian models of morality, the authors question whether revisions in Kohlberg's model constitute a coherent refinement of the cognitive-developmental approach. The authors argue that neo-Kohlbergian measures of moral development assess an aspect of morality (the most…

Discusses differences between authors' view of conversation and Ervin-Tripp's (included in this issue) on the similarities between adult and child conversation, planfulness in achieving topic coherence, the generalization of research results to other groups, and the socialization of conversational behavior. Also presents evidence supporting their…

The author discusses how to inculcate in pupils the capacities for liberty, equality, and fraternity, or, stated in other words, the capacities for creativity, for "give and take" among equals, and for perceptiveness of the real needs of others. (MJB)

Examines research that measured the effects of early child day care and how adverse findings affect the public-debate about how to provide care for U.S. children. Areas addressed include day care's effect on the mother/child relationship; its effects on child cognitive development and social development; and who is ultimately responsible for day…

Social learning theory is evaluated from a historical perspective that goes up to the present. Sears and others melded psychoanalytic and stimulus-response learning theory into a comprehensive explanation of human behavior. Bandura emphasized cognitive and information-processing capacities that mediate social behavior. (LB)

Argues against the unity principle of time and space in terms of objectives of the educational system: enhancement of learning, sociability, and autonomy; socialization to the labor force; propagation of social norms; and concept of identity. Suggests that declining impact of these in Western society necessitates new schooling structure that…

An analysis is made of the reciprocal relationship between play and three areas of interaction between the brain and human development: (1) the affective characteristics of play and the brain; (2) developmental theories of cognition and play; and (3) creativity as a continuation of the brain's need for play. (JN)

Piaget's conservation experiments have been criticized and reinterpreted in the light of various theoretical orientations. Some research studies suggest social as well as cognitive factors to explain children's answers. Other research indicates the importance of interaction variables in the conservation task. Actually, interaction in the…

A consideration of readiness for kindergarten must take into account the kindergarten program and the teacher's expectations of the child. This digest first examines kindergarten teachers' expectations for children's social, behavioral, sensory-motor, cognitive, and language abilities upon entrance to kindergarten. The issue of kindergarten…

Underlines two major differences between moral judgments and moral behavior. For behavior, the moral situation is construed from an observer's perspective after the event and typically involves conflicts between moral and other kinds of pressures. For judgment, the situation is interpreted from the self's perspective in advance and often involves…

Comments on the issues introduced by Saltzstein (PS 522 554) in this issue. Elaborates on Saltzstein's proposed social cognitive factors that may account for discrepancies between moral reasoning and action, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. (AA)

Describes the problems of a child who is academically underachieving and has problems making friends. Analysis of the problem was presented by three physicians. Emphasizes the role of pediatricians in working with schools to assess children's aptitude and emotional functioning. Concludes that more research is needed to define cost effective…