Explores the hypothesis that parenting practices of abusive mothers are characterized by (1) greater use of power-assertive strategies, (2) less flexible behavior with respect to child compliance attempts, (3) more inconsistent use of parenting techniques, and (4) diminished affective quality. (HOD)

The assertive acts of 48 toddlers and the responses of peers and teachers were registered. It is argued that the higher response rate recorded for boys' acts informs the child that such behavior will produce an effect in his world, while the lack of response to girls' acts suggest the opposite to girls. (Author/RDN)

Reviews results of research related to the control system model of how parents and children regulate each other's behavior. Confirmed early formulations that postulated individual differences in children's assertiveness, activity, and person orientation as explanations for differences in parents' child-rearing techniques. (HOD)

Evidence indicates that a significant number of medical students have pervasive communication problems that affect their interaction with patients, faculty, clinical associates, and hospital staff. This paper describes the dynamics of the communication syndrome (clinically identified as "reticence"), discusses the manifestations and…