Background: Behaviour problems and a preference for adult contact are reported to be prominent in the phenotype of Smith-Magenis syndrome. In this study we examined the relationship between social interactions and self-injurious and aggressive/disruptive behaviour in Smith-Magenis syndrome to explore potential operant reinforcement of problem…

This study examined structural characteristics and environmental variables in the stereotypic behaviors of eight individuals with developmental disabilities. Findings indicated that structural characteristics (percentage of time, bout length, and bout length variability) were highly correlated. Also, stereotyped behaviors were more likely to occur…

Maternal ratings on internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) behaviors were collected in a large, population-based longitudinal sample. The numbers of participating twin pairs at ages 3, 7, 10, and 12 were 5,602, 5,115, 2,956, and 1,481, respectively. Stability in both behaviors was accounted for by genetic and shared environmental influences.…

Investigates the importance of temperament as a predictor of children's sleep problems. Subjects were 57 toddlers ranging from 12 to 36 months. Discusses case studies to further illuminate other possible factors such as parental handling. Results indicated that children with reported sleep problems were more likely to obtain an intermediate high…

Analyzed limitations of empirical research models in terms of ability to reflect an interactional perspective on suicidal behavior. A new research model was developed. Findings indicated such real-life behaviors cannot be understood by recourse to individual differences variables alone or environmental variables alone. (Author/BEF)

A random sample of 195 undergraduates revealed distinct sex differences in drinking type, quantity, variability and frequency of alcoholic consumption. Collegiate drinking typifies sex-role appropriate behavior. Alcohol education programs are needed to offset sex-role drinking norms. (Author)

Effects of passive environmental conditions (quiet, radio, and television) and manipulable objects (no toys, toys, toys plus staff interaction) on stereotypic behaviors of four institutionalized mentally retarded adults with high rates of stereotypic behavior were evaluated. (Author)

Three areas of research have supported the conceptual relevance of Reduced Environmental Stimulation (RES) techniques in the management of psychological dependencies. First, preliminary studies through the late l960's indicated that relatively short periods of RES had a facilitative effect on the type of subject who might be most vulnerable to…

Parallels between the abusive parent and the abusive teacher are drawn, demonstrating problem areas that need to be determined in order to stop the abusive behavior. Problems include parent being abused as a child, failure to understand the child, society's attitude toward abuse, environmental stress, and lack of positive role models. (CT)

Focuses on "goofing off" and the meaning of that activity to students involved. Describes goofing off as an adaptive behavior which occurs within a particular organizational context. Discusses factors that affect the presence of this behavior. Analyzes what goofing off shows about early adolescence in the context of schooling. (RC)

The behavior of 80 individuals with mental retardation living in community residences was assessed to investigate the influence of architectural features identified with homelikeness. Results found that adaptive and maladaptive behavior covaried with homelikeness ratings. Associations between specific architectural features and the behavior of…

This article explains Family of Origin Education, a cognitive approach to helping students change maladaptive behaviors through understanding the historical and environmental contexts of such behaviors. Three phases of the approach, including staff preparation, student training (an eight-step process), and application to nonadaptive behavior, are…

This guide discusses using Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to find out why a student is behaving inappropriately and to enable the provision of appropriate positive behavior intervention. It stresses that a FBA goes beyond looking at antecedent behavior and consequence to review everything in the entire environment of the student.…

This paper discusses the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE). It then presents information from biological and adopted parents of 14 individuals (ages 4-23 years) diagnosed with FAS or FAE, based on a parent survey concerning behavioral and educational histories of their children.…