The mediation of family and peer social support and self-esteem in the relationship between chronic strain and psychological adjustment in children and adolescents with juvenile diabetes is investigated. Family support is more important than peer support for children, while the opposite holds for adolescents. Self-esteem benefits both groups. (AF)

An 8-year follow-up study in New South Wales, Australia, examined changes in adaptive and maladaptive behavior following relocation of 10 individuals with severe or profound intellectual disabilities from a large residential setting to smaller community-based facilities. The study found no discernible changes in adaptive behavior and substantial…

Reports on a survey of 1,077 German students and 233 teachers about different forms of student violence. Finds that the perpetrators were nearly all male, while victims were both male and female. Observes that, in comparison with previous studies, the rate of school violence does not appear to be on the increase. (CFR)

Discusses effects of violence on children, focusing on steps that educators and child development professionals can take to mitigate the effects of violence on the development of at-risk children. Suggests that educators and professionals need to foster a caring educational environment, promote self-discipline, provide children with outlets for…

Social competence of elementary students (n=141) with learning disabilities, low achievement, or average to high achievement was examined. Ratings of social skills, peer acceptance, behavior problems, and self-perceptions were gathered from students, teachers, parents, and peers. Learning disability and low achievement groups were…

Reveals findings of a longitudinal study concerning high school dropout rates among African-American students. Identifies a link between maternal educational attainment and the likelihood that a child will complete high school. Concludes that initially poor academic performance, aggressive behavior, and poverty increase the likelihood of…

In a study of middle adolescents, the interrelationships between stressful events, perceived social support, internalization of problems, and externalization of problems were examined. Social support did not act as a buffer of stress. Stressful events and low family support predicted problem behaviors for adolescent girls. (BC)

Discusses a series of steps and strategies that teachers can use to work with and help "troubled" children. (BB)

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were used to examine factors related to the achievement and adjustment of 378 African American children in the early elementary grades. Consistent with past research, there was a positive relationship between the number of risk factors children were exposed to and the probability that they were…

Illegal parking in spaces reserved for people with physical disabilities was examined across three conditions: a vertical sign alone or in combination with a message sign announcing public surveillance or a message device dispensing reminder notes and announcing community involvement. Messages increasing expectation of negative social consequences…

A revised system was developed for documenting the rights restrictions of persons with mental retardation at a state residential facility. The system included a new form, response effort reduction, inservice training for staff, and staff feedback. Results showed an immediate and sustained reduction in documentation errors of 96 direct-care and…

Presents results of study of British elementary school boys aged seven to nine, comparing disruptive behavior to heart rate. Distinguishes this study from earlier ones that found relationship between low base heart rates and low reactivity to mild stress among high school boys. Reports that this study disproves prediction that results would be…

A counseling psychologist in private practice provides a psychoeducational report of an 8-year-old second-grade male experiencing behavior problems. Results of testing show the boy to be highly intelligent. After results are shared with family and school personnel, adjustments are made and the child's performance dramatically improves. (MKA)

Two studies examined fathers of preschool boys with and without clinic-referred behavior problems. Found that clinic fathers differed from fathers of matched comparisons on life stress, psychological symptoms, parenting attitudes, positive involvement, and harsh discipline. Harsh discipline contributed uniquely to clinic status. Teacher, mother,…

Associations between parental and teacher reports of conduct problems at age eight and psychosocial outcomes at 18 were longitudinally examined with 1,265 New Zealand children. Overall, conduct problems at age eight predicted elevated rates of educational underachievement, juvenile offending, substance abuse/dependence, and mental health problems…