The study observed interactions of mothers and infants in the homes of 20 families with infants having cerebral palsy (CP) and developmental delay and 20 families of nonhandicapped infants. Among findings were that mothers of CP infants were more verbally and physically directive and engaged in fewer positive behaviors in their initiation and…

Developed and tested model of how mothers' (n=147) interrole conflict and satisfaction with role of employed mother affected children's behavior. Found relationship between maternal employment role experiences and children's behavior was mediated by personal strain and parenting behavior. (Author/ABL)

This study examined behaviors reflecting mastery motivation in 17 young (ages 2 and 3) children with moderate and severe cognitive delays. Results supported the application of the mastery motivation model to this group of children who used mastery behaviors significantly more often than lower level exploratory behaviors. Use of mastery behaviors…

Although educators are becoming familiar with fetal drug exposure, few realize how early alcohol exposure can cripple children's physical, social, academic development. Unlike some drug-affected kids, alcohol-exposed children seldom outgrow symptoms such as impaired IQ, impulsiveness, erratic sleeping patterns. Schools must identify and refer…

Children identified as late talkers at 20-34 months of age were followed yearly throughout the preschool period. Data suggest that the longer a language delay persists, the less the chance of spontaneous recovery during the preschool period. Late-talking girls had less chance for spontaneous recovery than did late-talking boys. (Author/JDD)

A review of research on state behavior among students with profound disabilities is presented, and a model depicting interactions of state with endogenous and exogenous variables is offered. Applications of the model are illustrated through four case studies displaying different state patterns. Measurable attributes of state having implications…

Compared communications patterns and conflicts over psychological distance in 25 nondistressed couples, 15 clinic couples, and 22 divorcing couples. Compared with nondistressed couples, both distressed groups had less mutual constructive communication, more avoidance of communication, more demand/withdraw communication, and more conflict over…

Explored whether college students' reported participation in one of four theoretically distinct family alignments (noncoalition, mother-coalition, father-coalition, triangulation) was differentially related to their scores on multidimensional measure of college adjustment. Results from 815 college students suggest that students' academic and…

Explored within empirical study context complexity of organizational commitment construct and respondent-generated behavioral manifestations of job attitude among plant workers (N=156). Found each commitment dimension related differently to work outcomes and that none of the dimensions was able to predict absenteeism or tardiness. (Author/CM)

Studied the individual and social connections between teenage and adult sexual outcomes over time, by race and locale, and by individual liaison using data from 28 counties in California. Results show that teenagers display behaviors virtually identical to those of adults of the same backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Implications for…

Discusses coping and personal adjustment to chronic pain for adolescents with sickle cell anemia and presents a model of illness behavior for these adolescents. Offers a framework of disease severity and disease impact, and suggests using functional ability as an index of coping and personal adjustment. Contains 59 references. (SLD)

Investigated differences between father absence and father presence among 433 male African-American adolescents in a Midwestern city. Results for the 74.1% who were "father absent" support the importance of the father's presence, although the mother's involvement was a buffer for some delinquent behaviors. (SLD)

Analysis of descriptive reports about individuals with autism included case studies, diagnostic reports, single-subject research studies, family accounts, and autobiographies. Seven distinct types of descriptions were identified, including a child on a specific occasion, typical behavior, what a child should have done, how behavior was…

A study of 1,207 male veterans admitted to a substance-abuse program found a history of sexual abuse was related to spiritual injury and low stability of spiritual behaviors, but not to overall rate of current religious behavior. Abuse was related to increased frequency of prayer and of spiritual experience. (Author/CR)

This study investigated the incidence, antecedents, consequences, and policy implications of compulsive buying among college students (n=300). Details contributing factors and discusses the relationship between credit card use and compulsive buying. Discusses the implications for consumer policy and suggestions for further research. (JOW)