Retrospective accounts of 42 married couples were used to construct a developmental model of courtship. A basic three-stage pattern was found to characterize the majority of relationships from initial acquaintance to marriage: Casual Dating, Serious Dating and Engagement. Changes in the relationships were measured through the use of a standardized…

The criminal development of habitual felons was examined by means of lengthy interviews with 49 prison inmates, all armed robbers serving at least their second prison terms. Results are not considered generalized, but should be regarded as 49 case studies. Although some of the findings were consistent with traditional images (juvenile offender…

Children (N=408) from three experimental infant schools in Israel were observed during their free play for three consecutive weeks, using observational categories based on Parten's (1932) work. Findings based on 2,157 observations provide norms of social behavior and organization for ages five to seven, an age group which was not studied…

The purpose of this research was to study expectations of elementary school children in two ways: experimentally and observationally. Expectations may be roughly defined as a child's ideas of his own ability at a particular task. From the data it appears that childrens' expectations could be raised experimentally by a suitable adult and high…

Preschool children were shown eight pictorial representations of substance abuse. All children could identify some of the behaviors and relate some health benefits or hazards of the behavior. Parents and television were the primary sources of knowledge. Preschool children may be a suitable target population for substance abuse and other…

Life skills are problem solving behaviors applied appropriately and responsibly in the management of one's life. The purpose of this book is to make available evaluation reports on the use of the life skills course conducted by a variety of organizations. Each evaluation study was based on a different experimental design and in some cases the…

Studies the convergence between current drug use and the use of drugs in the future by adolescents. The overall pattern suggests sources other than previous drug experience must be considered in attempting to explain intentions for future use. (Author)

The theoretical perspective of Sullivan proposes that during preadolescence, a "chum" relationship increases a child's sense of self-worth. Subjects were 60 male sixth graders, with an equal number in the chumship and non-chumship groups. Self-concept was measured with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. The results show that…

This study investigated the moderating effects of previously conditioned, stable behavior characteristics on subsequent behavior resulting from a different set of reinforcement contingencies. The college students, who were the study subjects, were required to perform the task of solving anagrams under various modes of conditioning moderated by…

The relationship between self-control and role-taking deficits as exhibited by 37 female institutionalized juvenile delinquents was assessed by Chandler's measure of social egocentrism. Subjects, matched on the basis of their scores on the Matching Familiar Figures (MFF) Test, were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. The treatment…

This paper is a summary of a study concerned with identification of risk variables which affect the development of social and emotional behavior in young children. Families with pre-schoolers responded to a questionnaire designed to screen children who might be considered high risk. The screening results were validated with behavior observations…

This study was carried out with a group of 98 female volunteers. The control group consisted of 27 who had not lost their fathers; the experimental group consisted of 71 who had lost their fathers due to death or divorce. All subjects were administered two checklists to measure personal adjustment and security. Results revealed that fatherless…

The purpose of this paper was to examine trends in major components of career development across grades 8 to 12. A set of 11 scales was used to assess various components of career development. Both cognitive and behavioral components of career development were assessed. Longitudinal data from four high schools were analyzed in conjunction with…

Using a counseling technique format of video and audio-taping, feedback, modeling, and role playing, the effects of taking an active counseling role by the counseling supervisor was shown to produce changes in counselor-trainee personality characteristics, as measured by the MMPI. Significant changes were noted in seven of the 15 variables,…

Providing several examples of current research efforts, this report describes the research on maternal and child health supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The Institute conducts a coordinated program of research and research training to advance knowledge related to pregnancy and maternal health,…