Many psychologists assert that boys are in dire straits in U.S. society, but in fact, there is no evidence of an emotional or behavioral epidemic for either sex. If there is any truth to the claim that boys are in trouble, it results from practices that foster aggression. It is a mistake to regard either gender as "fragile." (SLD)

Explored externalizing behavior problems in suburban Head Start children. Found parents identified almost one-quarter of children as having externalizing problems in the borderline/clinical range, with twice as many girls as boys having borderline/clinical levels of behavior problems. Found children with parent-identified externalizing problems…

This study examined whether female undergraduate students who share with male undergraduates similar demographics, perceptions, and alcohol use locations, also share similar alcohol usage patterns, negative consequences, and predictors for both. Secondary analysis was conducted using 1992 and 1993 U.S. Department of Education Core Survey data…

Comparison of teacher perceptions of either behaviorally disordered or socially normal students (total N=410 and ages between 8 and 15) indicated teachers perceived more prosocial behavior by normal, female, and older subjects. Teachers perceived an increase in negative social behavior for normal secondary-age students but not for behaviorally…

Measured problem drinking of college students (N=613) by statistical analysis of reported drinking behavior, psychological involvement and consequences of alcohol use. Results showed alcohol problem scores for 72 percent of students questioned, higher scores for males than females, and no differences as a function of age or class standing.…

Observations were conducted to identify student behaviors that relate to students' functioning, defined first as social status within the group, and second as behavior problems perceived by the teacher. Fifty-four fifth grade boys and girls, from seven classrooms that were organized into two units, were observed over a 10-week period during both…

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)

Examined behavior problems of African American children attending Head Start in violent neighborhoods. Found Child Behavior Checklist externalization scores significantly higher than standardization sample; higher percentages of boys than girls had severe internalizing problems; higher percentages of girls than boys had severe externalizing…

Assesses the locus of control orientation within an alcoholic population and relates this orientation to the degree of cognitive dysfunction. Results suggest that female alcoholics, specifically those who need inpatient treatment, may be a relatively more disturbed group compared to alcoholic male inpatients. (Author/PC)

Causes and expressions of alcohol abuse in both men and women were examined in this study. Subjects (N=365 women and N=1,657 men), all of whom were first admissions to the Alcoholism Division of the Denver Fort Logan Mental Health Center, described their drinking symptoms and behavior patterns after excessive drinking. Over 60 symptoms were…

Results indicated that the two component solution of the Behar Preschool Behavior Questionnaire had a simpler structure and was easier to intepret than the three component solution. In addition, the two component solution was found to be stable across sexes, ages, socioeconomic populations, and cultures. (PCB)

Assessed the cross-sex similarity of behavioral disturbance dimensions as measured by the Bristol Social Adjustment Guides (BSAG) using a sample of 2,527 Ontario schoolchildren. Results confirmed the cross-sex equivalence in the factor structure and support the use of the BSAG's under- and overreaction scales as indicators of maladjustment. (JAC)

Examined mother-child interaction predictors of initial levels and changes in child aggressive and disruptive behavior at school from kindergarten to third grade in 585 mother-child dyads. Found that for boys, high coercion and nonaffection were particularly associated with the high-increasing-aggression trajectory, but for girls, high levels of…

Investigated the relationships of problem behavior, emotions, and psychosocial factors using a three-dimensional model of three elements: positive/negative coping resources, rebellion from/ conformity to adult norms, and secretive/obvious behavior. Found that the model fit for both genders. Results suggest that males who do not have positive…