A study involving 41 families investigated child and family characteristics associated with stable behavior problems in preschoolers. Results indicated that, at preschool age, children with stable behavior problems had mothers who used more controlling child-rearing practices and had parents who used more aggressive tactics during conflicts with…

Explored application of mediation approach to resolution of intrafamily disputes between parents and adolescents as a means of preventing child maltreatment. About 90 percent of 50 participating families were able to reach a mediation agreement, and 80 percent of these agreements were adhered to after 2 months. Results indicated considerable…

Cherlin argues that Gill's procedural criticisms of Cherlin's work are groundless, and underlying themes of both of Gill's articles do not guide public policy concerning children and families. Gill's response to Cherlin notes that anecdotal evidence shows that increased availability and social acceptability of divorce cause more marital problems.…

Summarizes a study of the Family Union, an agency intended to provide services to prevent the placement of children of client families in New York City's Lower East Side into foster care. Discusses child welfare policy recommendations and research opportunities. (BB)

Parents (n=79) of children with autism and related disabilities were surveyed about their children's challenging behaviors and what resources were needed to manage these behaviors. A high frequency of such behaviors was reported. Contingency management was the most effective management approach. Results are discussed in terms of families' needs,…

Comparison of 70 girls (ages 3 to 5 years) who had been sexually abused and 42 nonabused girls found abused girls exhibited more sexual behaviors and more internalizing problem behaviors. Girls abused by a member of their family showed slightly more symptomatology than girls abused by nonfamily members. (Author/DB)

Previous research has produced mixed findings on the role of child and family factors in the genesis of childhood cruelty. The authors examined the relationships of cruelty to animals to a range of child and family factors. First, the authors test the idea that cruelty is a callous aggression that will be more strongly associated with psychopathic…

Helping disruptive students successfully complete high school and learn how to develop self-control is a challenge for the school, parents, and society. Some of the specific family characteristics associated with disruptive behavior in the classroom and school are examined here. Parents of 105 adolescent males, who ranged in age from 15 to 17,…

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether there was a consistent relationship between various deviant personality patterns and the status of the home from which the child came. Subjects were 300 adolescents from a population of 834 Caucasian teenagers, aged 12 to 18, not mentally deficient or retarded, from across the U.S., who were…

There are four general approaches to treatment for the symptomatic child. In individual child psychotherapy, the child is seen alone and play therapy is often utilized to help the child become aware of his feelings and express them more appropriately. In conjoint parent-child psychotherapy and counseling, the child is seen together with one…

The relationship between the degree of marital adjustment and the emotional adjustment of the children within the family is widely accepted as is the corollary belief that the marital relationship determines the child's adjustment. A sample of 69 married couples with children was used to examine the interrelationships among several measures of…

The increasing divorce rate, along with other circumstances resulting in one-parent families, makes the study of the effects of living in a one-parent situation for children of crucial importance. Children of divorced parents have been characterized as having lower I.Q. scores, more behavior problems, and academic handicaps than children from…

Conducted a group experience for fourth and fifth grade children (N=17) whose parents had been divorced 2 months to 2 years previously and who were recommended by teachers or parents for divorce adjustment concerns. Results showed parents rated children less distractible and as having fewer problem behaviors; teachers ratings did not change with…

Approximately one in four children in the United States is exposed to alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence in the family. Countless other children are living in families in which there is illicit drug abuse. Growing evidence suggests that genetics and environmental factors can predispose children of substance abusing parents to behavioral problems…

Studied a rare condition, elective mutism in children. Results indicated (1) immature development, especially in speech; (2) high rates of behavior problems; (3) excessive shyness; (4) significantly greater incidence of lower range performance IQ; (5) family psychiatric problems; and (6) intractibility. (Author/DB)