Describes Boys Town model which, grounded in research on development and dynamics of aggression, targets seven critical skills for creating safe, positive treatment environments that empower aggressive youth to change. Discusses these skills: relationship building components; praise and differential reinforcement; behavioral specificity;…

Subjects either punished incorrect or rewarded correct responses made by a confederate on a learning task. In three experiments subjects were, interrupted midway through the learning trials. Half were individuated and half were deindividuated; they were provided a "hot-line" to summon the experimenter. Found no reliable methods for inhibiting…

Bullying is an interaction which establishes group identity, dominance, and status at the expense of the victim; therefore, it is only through the development of values such as empathy, consideration, and unselfishness that the bully is likely to relinquish the behavior and function differently in a social setting. By involving peers, it is…

Discusses play as preparation for life, and the role of aggressive play. Provides guidelines for caregivers to help children modify their aggressive play, and for working with parents to help reinforce positive, prosocial behavior in children. (HTH)

Discusses the role of anger in young children and its relationship to learning and suggests specific approaches and techniques for managing aggression in young children. Cites over a dozen strategies for teaching children more effective mastery of their angry feelings. (BR)

This Boys' Town paper for parents examines the reactive aggression of children who respond aggressively to what they view as provocation. The paper differentiates between reactive and proactive aggression by presenting examples of each. Factors that can increase aggression in families are noted, including punishment acceleration, crossover,…

Describes the negative effects of anger and exposure to violence for male children in South Africa. Discusses the need for multiple interventions that are both individual- and environmental-centered. Offers detailed recommendations for effective culturally relevant psychoeducational policy initiatives and optimal anger replacement strategies for…

While most are familiar with the expression, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me," children are often hurt by name-calling. This video with accompanying six page study guide is intended to show the effects of name-calling and inspire children to treat others with kindness and acceptance. The 22-minute video…

Twenty-five adolescents with behavioral disorders in residential treatment participated in a 10-week aggression replacement training program. Comparison with 14 controls indicated that treatment affected participants' social skills knowledge but did not impact their observable behavior. (Author/JDD)

The study discussed in this article describes change processes in abusers and examines the dynamics of unsuccessful processes. In doing so, this study provides a useful evaluation of group therapy as it is offered to batterers. Implications for microethnographic methods are discussed for social work students learning to evaluate their practice.…

Recommends identifying elements in the physical classroom and the daily schedule that may contribute to children's aggressive behaviors. Suggests observing the child and looking at the daily routine as the basis for creating a suitable environment. Lists ways to reduce stimulation and stress, and identifies benefits of extended play time. (DLH)

This action research project evaluated a program for improving student discipline and developing a positive classroom environment. The targeted populations consisted of prekindergarten, first-, and fifth-grade students in two middle class suburbs of Chicago (Illinois). Changes in behavior were documented through behavior checklists, parental…

This Boys' Town guide for parents focuses on proactive aggression, how to recognize it, and how to deal with it. The guide differentiates proactive and reactive aggression, describes potential causes, and presents suggestions for eliminating inappropriate behavior. One parent-child scenario is described in which unwitting parents with the best of…

This book describes survey data and an intervention program conducted in Sweden and Norway as part of a government-led nationwide campaign against bullying. The survey data support some conventional wisdom about bullying, but also destroy many longheld myths about bullies and victims. The goals of the intervention program were to: (1) reduce or…

Based on the view that as parents and families explore the meaning of peace, they can create safe and harmonious homes in which all members can grow to the fullest and begin to combat violent tendencies in the larger culture, peaceful parenting evolved as a way to help parents become familiar with basic skills and to use them within their own…