The purpose of this study was to determine how well various peer nomination factors predict to long-term low frequency but highly disruptive elementary age classroom behaviors that result in school disciplinary action. Peer nomination measures to determine six factors (prosocial, social preference, overt aggression, relational aggression,…

A survey was developed to study anger in elementary school students drawing on the experience of school counselors and teachers. The final survey was distributed to elementary school counselors, school administrators, and teachers to use with children referred for anger control issues. In 7 elementary schools, 1 female and 36 male students in…

Addressing the problem of children being emotionally abusive to each other in the form of heckling and the more serious "put-down," this paper suggests that this behavior can stem from a need for attention, resistance, an inability to express feelings more appropriately, or a desire to test an adult's strength. It is important to listen…

Controversies continue regarding the effects of corporal punishment on children. Research has demonstrated an association between levels of corporal punishment and negative outcome behaviors such as aggression and other mental health problems. However, most of these studies have been cross-sectional and correlational in design, thereby precluding…

From a special feature on "Violence & Agression. Other articles in the feature include "Agression in the Classroom by Fritz Redl, "Anger in Children by George V. Sheviakov, and "Scapegoating by Beryce W. MacLennan.

Student misbehavior problems in the classroom today cover a wide spectrum. Ways to deal with and help hostile-aggressive, passive-aggressive, and withdrawn failure-image students are described. A case study of a teacher's dealing with a hostile student is presented. (CJ)

Explores how theories concerning socialization mechanisms may be operationalized and tested. Provides a preliminary test of this strategy using 57 boys being treated for conduct problems. Results indicate that the role of both negative reinforcement and affect dysregulation play a part in the development of a child's antisocial behavior. (RJM)

This study examined fourth- and fifth-grade girls' cognitions of their relationally aggressive peers as a function of their own relationally aggressive and sociometric status. Findings indicated that relationally aggressive girls tended to display a relatively cautious and wary social cognitive style in relationally provocative social situations.…

A review of 41 studies on behavioral interventions for children with autism (ages 0-8) found aggression, tantrums, self-injury, and stereotypy were behaviors most targeted. Results also indicate interventions should be developed based on a thorough analysis of biological, antecedent, and consequence events that control them. Behavioral support…

Examined differences between mothers of behavior-problem boys (MBPs) and mothers of average boys (MABs)in processing information in compliance situations. Found the MBPs made greater attributions of defiant intent toward the child and experienced more anger than MABs in ambiguous stimulus situations and that MBPs expected more resistance in…

Describes two ways in which substance abuse is related to violence: trade in drugs and being under the influence of drugs. The paper argues that reducing the demand for drugs by eliminating the market for them will bring about a reciprocal reduction in substance abuse-related violence. (GR)

Defined peer-rated, narrow-band dimensions of undercontrolled behavior of 362 third through sixth grade boys that was associated with peer rejection. Results revealed three narrow-band dimensions in the peer perceptions of grade school boys: (1) aggression; (2) hyperactivity; and (3) inattention-immaturity. (SH)

Behavioral techniques (positive reinforcement and nonexclusionary timeout) effectively decreased problem behaviors of noncompliance and aggression of a young adult male with severe mental retardation and Down's syndrome residing in the community. (DB)

Examined correlates of aggression in highly stressed urban children in second and third grade and again in third through fifth grade. Found that difficult temperament and lack of parental warmth related to aggression in early grades; learning problems and poor social skills related to aggression at both times. Early aggression predicted later…

The efficacy of a mediational model for predicting child behavior problems (N=45 five year olds) from marital discord measures was assessed. Indirect relations between marital discord and both social withdrawal and aggression in the child are discussed. Working models of parents' behaviors are found to guide the child's behavior. (EMK)