Evolutionary and biological approaches tend to suggest that social dominance is predominately an aspect of male social organization. Furthermore, when females behave non-normatively, they are less positively evaluated than males engaging in the same behavior. Alternate, less familiar models of females and dominance/aggression underlie the present…

In this article the authors review research on highly stressful environments that are known to support the development and display of aggressive behavior in childhood, adolescence, and beyond. They also examine some of the mechanisms through which such stressful environments may influence adolescents' aggressive behavior. The review concentrates…

A social dynamics perspective of aggression in school is presented. This framework focuses on the role of natural social processes in the establishment and maintenance of aggressive behavior in the school context. The five articles in this special issue are briefly reviewed and a synthesis of their contributions for understanding the social…

Studies gender patterns in five- and six-year-old children's social interactions with one another and variables that may influence these patterns. Findings suggest that differences between boys and girls in the use of aggravated behavior in interaction style is strongly influenced by the nature of the activity being performed and by the gender of…

The premise that "sports builds character" is scrutinized through a discussion of several contact sports--boxing, hockey, and football. The fine line between assertiveness and aggression is explored, and the interrelationship between society and sports is investigated. (JN)

Argues that research does not warrant Belsky's position that infant child care for more than 20 hours per week is a risk factor for infants' insecure-avoidant attachment and children's maladaptive social behavior. Suggests that quality of care and family characteristics are major influences. (NH)

Reviews research on the relationship of high ambient temperatures to physiological adaptation, performance, and the social behaviors of attraction, aggression, and helping. (EF)

This volume and its companion offer an update and elaboration of information presented in the 1972 Report of the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Television and Behavior. This volume largely incorporates edited versions of commissioned integrative reviews of the scientific literature of the past decade which were used in the formulation of…

This essay attempts to describe how age relations are important to the social behavior of preschool children. Major behaviors examined are sociability, friendship, aggression, and dominance. Imitation, cognitive development, social cognition, nurturance, and prosocial behavior are also briefly considered. (Author/SJL)

Recent research on argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness has examined the influence of these two predispositions on marital/interspousal violence and cross-cultural communication. The line of inquiry regarding intrafamily violence and aggression is beginning to emerge. R. J. Gelles and M. A. Straus have identified two intraindividual…

This article provides an overview of the literature on relational aggression of school-aged children and adolescents, with the specific aim of making this information relevant to school settings and education professionals. Relational aggression is discussed in terms of definitions, terms, and the importance of the school context. The literature…

This program is designed to assist teachers in remediating social behavior problems. The program is structured to provide for evaluation of circumstances surrounding the problem behavior, as well as assessment of the student's behavior at a level sufficient to remediate the problem. Twenty-three specific prosocial skills drawn from classroom…

The sex-differentiated socialization emphases of parents and other representatives of societal institutions are considered as they influence personality development and behavioral orientations. Such emphases, shaping behaviors, and teaching styles are evaluated with regard to the nature of "meta-messages" conveyed to children. (Author/RH)

Violence is a part of daily life in the United States, which leads the world in homicides, rapes, and assaults. Violence is also part of the daily reality for many children in today's society, both at home and in school. The school system can be a key intervention point in providing students with the information necessary to understand and prevent…

Presents an overview of available research and clinical understanding of the effects of exposure to violence on school-age and younger children. Suggestions for future research and public policy initiatives are offered. (GR)