Subjects who reported that their parents used more punishing- and controlling-type behaviors were found to have greater expectations of control by powerful others, while subjects who viewed their parents as using unpredictable standards had stronger chance orientations. (ST)

Dutch adolescents, ages 12 to 14, completed the Utrect-Groningen Identity Development Scale, which encompasses separate scales for commitment in exploration for relational, school, and occupational identity. Results show that relational identity becomes consistently stronger as adolescents age, and that for girls, relational identity is much more…

Social learning theory maintains that parents incluence sex development by modeling and reinforcing masculinity and femininity. To further examine the effects of parental modeling and reinforcement antecedents on sex role development, 103 college students (52 female, 51 male) who had been previously categorized as masculine, feminine, or…

This brief report summarizes the findings and conclusions of studies concerning the relation between birth order and various aspects of personality and intellectual development. Major topics discussed are the relation between birth order of the child and: (1) the effects of sex and spacing between siblings on personality characteristics of the…

Examined the self-esteem of middleborns compared with firstborns and lastborns. Studied the number, spacing, and sex of siblings of the middleborn. Data were obtained from a national sample of over 2,200 adolescent males. Results suggested that middleborns have a significantly lower self-esteem than firstborns and lastborns. (Author)

The sex-differentiated socialization emphases of parents and other representatives of societal institutions are considered as they influence personality development and behavioral orientations. Such emphases, shaping behaviors, and teaching styles are evaluated with regard to the nature of "meta-messages" conveyed to children. (Author/RH)

A review of literature pertaining to the effects of parental absence on children suggests that various types of absenteeism affect children differently. One-parent homes are examined with reference to effects on sex-role development, academic achievement, intellectual development and delinquency in children. (MS)

Early personality and environmental characteristics that predict later problematic aggression and depression in children were investigated longitudinally. A developmental psychopathology approach was taken. (This approach assumes that patterns of adaptation and maladaptation in development can best be understood when explored simultaneously and…

A study of fourth graders and their parents was conducted to determine the relationship between parents' locus of control and their children's locus of control, anxiety, intelligence, achievement, and behavioral adjustment. The relationship between mothers' locus of control and children's characteristics was more consistent than between fathers…

Analyzes the attributional patterns of 48 junior high school parents who rated their children's math ability. Discusses the implications of sex-biased parental perceptions on the child's developing self-concept of math ability, future expectations, and subsequent achievement. (FMW)