The diagnostic significance of central placement of the first Bender-Gestalt design was examined by comparing protocols of clinic-referred and nonreferred children matched for age and IQ. As predicted, central placement occurred with greater frequency in the clinic group, but its clinical utility is unclear. (Author/RD)

Research on psychotropic drug use by the mentally retarded and associated behavioral toxicity is reviewed, and suggestions for future research are offered, with implications for community based service delivery. (SEW)

Presenting complaints and problems of 28 Southeast Asian adolescent refugees who were seen by therapists at a U.S. hospital psychiatry department are described. Journal Availability: Subscription Department, The Williams Wilkins Co., 428 East Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21202. (SEW)

The relationship between family life or stress events and rates of maternal reports of child behavior and child-rearing problems was studied in a birth cohort of 1,265 New Zealand preschool-aged children. Journal Availability: See EC 152 486. (Author/SEW)

Characteristics of the aggressive, severely behavior disordered (BD) child are discussed, with a focus on classification and identification criteria. Additional factors directly related to the behavior of an aggressive, severely BD child are also considered: biological factors, familial factors, cognitive factors, frustration (specifically…

Responses of 232 children or adults receiving medication for hyperactivity and 100 mothers of these children revealed that teachers were often not included in referral, diagnosis, or withdrawal of medication; standardized evaluation instruments were rarely used; and direct communication with the physician was virtually nonexistent. (Author/CL)

Results indicated that cooperative learning experiences, compared with competitive and individualistic ones, promoted more interpersonal attraction between 12 learning disabled and behavior problem fourth graders and 47 nonhandicapped peers and promoted higher self-esteem for all students. Cooperation promoted greater perspective-taking ability…

Provides parents, teachers, and counselors with innovative ways to deal with discipline problems and open up communication between child and adult. Innovations discussed include: (1) problem-ownership; (2) I-message; (3) active listening; and (4) brainstorming. Warns against placing labels on childrens' problems. Emphasizes use of positive…

Survey results show that planning and constant vigilance are the price of effective teaching. Effective classroom management involves awareness, good organizational skills, preparation, letting students know what is expected of them and following through, and the ability to diagnose student problems. (CT)

The Hand Test was administered to 51 Black adolescent males who had been referred for chronic disruptiveness in the classroom. Interscorer reliability was .88. The Acting-out Ratio exceeded norms. The Interpersonal-Environmental Response Ratio was significantly imbalanced toward Interpersonal. This ratio may be a useful predictor of overt…

Presents a five-level taxonomy classifying counseling problems in hierarchical order. Each level is composed of inappropriate behaviors, cognitions, or expectations. Discusses interrelated characteristics which decrease from the highest to the lowest level. Gives an example of the use of the taxonomy. (Author/RC)

Examined the relationships among academic, sociometric, and personality variables of 242 children who were selected by their teachers as having behavior problems, learning problems, learning and behavior problems, or no problems. Results were generally supportive of teachers' ability to distinguish between children with problems and children…

Children (N=101) from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade were assigned to a social skills training program or control condition. Subpopulations of subjects were identified. Results indicated underachievers improved social relationships, disruptive children increased academic skills, and exceptional children increased significantly in both areas.…

Problems teachers encounter with students receiving medication for seizures and behavior disorders were determined from 1,110 teachers in two types of programs--early childhood special education and classes for the trainable mentally retarded. (Author)

Reviews the ANSER System, a set of questionnaires designed to collect background information from parents, teachers, and students that would be useful in conducting indepth evaluations of learning and behavioral problems. Concludes that because it relies on subjective interpretations, its use should be limited to specialists. (FL)