Estimated effects of marital dissolution on several measures of children's well-being at 2 points in time using a nationally representative sample of 1,197 children. Regression estimates suggest that marital dissolution has pervasive, long-lasting effects on problem behavior, psychological distress, and academic performance. (RJC)

Relationships between teacher characteristics and their ratings of problem behavior and likelihood to refer students to special education were explored with 230 Dutch primary teachers. Teacher self-efficacy and pupil problem type (learning or behavioral) proved to be significant predictors of problem ratings and referral chances. (Author/DB)

Integrated research findings of gender differences to suggest possible explanations for gender differences in adolescent psychopathology. Adolescent girls showed greater depressive vulnerabilities and reactivity to stressful events involving others. Gender differences were not found in adolescents' self-critical depressive vulnerability and in…

This article demonstrates the impact of functional analysis methodology on clinical work, by describing the evolution of assessment procedures based on "brief functional analysis" methodology at University of Iowa outpatient clinics. It discusses the positive impact functional analysis has had on outpatient clinic assessment as well as…

Describes a straightforward, workable strategy that involves a teacher checklist and short individual or student group conferences, with the goal of academic or behavioral improvements. Teachers can easily tick off marks on the checklist and return the form to the counselor; additionally, students can easily understand the format of the checklist.…

Presents a systematic counseling intervention philosophy based in the public school. School-based outreach network counseling is a communications and systems model that emphasizes the counselor's responsibility to enhance the possibilities for the problem child and his or her family to change. Focuses on the emotional and trust-based aspects of…

Rational behavior training is a proactive teaching model concerned with helping students with behavior disorders or serious emotional disturbances develop rational thinking and appropriate social skills. Describes a seven-session sequence for teaching rational behavior skills in a middle school setting. Pre- and posttest data revealed significant…

Behavioral psychology measurement methods helped assess antiepileptic drug behavioral side effects in five individuals with mental retardation who could not verbally communicate presence of side effects. When the suspected antiepileptic drug was altered, an 81% reduction of maladaptive behaviors occurred. The measurement methods enabled systematic…

Notes that while hitting-aggressive behavior is probably the greatest single behavior concern of teachers, children can be taught appropriate behavior for the classroom. Offers tips for dealing with: roughhousing; existing problems; grabbing toys; and war games, guns, or violent play. Suggests allowing children the choice of an alternative…

Although humor may be a key element in successful programs, little sophistication has been shown in understanding the various roles humor may play in helping troubled students. This report provides specific instances and practical examples of how humor might be used to provide education for troubled students. Draws on anecdotes and scenarios…

Research on resilience suggests that a sense of humor helps to stress-proof children in conflict. Reports on a workshop for educators and youth workers convened to explore ways humor is being used to foster positive development and resilience with troubled youth. Describes applications of humor front-line professionals report as useful in their…

Discusses results of functional assessments for three students referred for disruptive behavior. A descriptive assessment was first conducted to select one of three hypotheses for the behavior: teacher attention, peer attention, or escape from academic tasks. For each student, a different hypothesis was selected and the brief functional analysis…

This paper reviews the psychometric properties, treatment utility, and conceptual basis of instruments used to identify the functions of aberrant behaviors in people with developmental disabilities. Instruments include the Motivational Assessment Scale, Motivation Analysis Rating Scale, Functional Analysis Interview Form, and Functional Analysis…

Presents the 1985 resolution of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) for participation in the interdisciplinary effort to ban corporal punishment. Discusses distinctions between discipline and child abuse. Reports medical and psychological effects of physical punishment, and relationships between school corporal punishment…

For a sample of 96 adolescents, found that, when the affective nature of the parent-adolescent relationship was positive, adolescent adjustment was more likely to be positive when adolescents reported less rather than more emotional autonomy. When family environments were stressful, emotional autonomy was positively associated with adolescent…