As personality traits can influence important social outcomes, the current research investigated whether the Big-Five had predictive influences on communication competences of active-empathic listening (AEL) and assertiveness. A sample of 245 adults of various ages completed the self-report scales. Both Agreeableness and Openness uniquely…

Purpose: In this study, the authors examined how variability in classroom social communication performance differed between children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and pair-matched, typically developing peers. Method: Twelve pairs of children were observed in their classrooms, 40 min per day (20 min per child) for 4 days over a…

This paper examines general issues in the communicative skills and needs of elderly persons with mental retardation. It then compared 20 elderly and 20 young adults with mild to moderate mental retardation and found that elderly subjects were better able to respond to listener feedback and were more assertive in controlling the conversation. (JDD)