Notes that special education policymakers have debated whether to exclude conduct-disordered students from special education services. Sees mandate for special educators and mental health professionals to find methods of teaching and counseling antisocial students. Notes that number of gang members who present problems in community would meet…

A dual taxonomy is presented to reconcile two incongruous facts about antisocial behavior, that it shows impressive continuity over age, but its prevalence changes dramatically over age, increasing almost tenfold during adolescence. Studying delinquents earlier in life may yield more information about the causes and antecedents of antisocial…

A scientifically sound methodology for identifying offenders about whose presence the community should be notified is demonstrated. A stepwise multiple regression was calculated among incarcerated pedophiles (N=52) including both psychological and legal data; a precision-weighted equation produced 90.4% "true positives." This methodology can be…

A study used the Questions about Behavior Function Scale to examine the functions of five severe problem behaviors (self-injurious behavior, aggression, stereotypies, pica, and rumination) in 417 institutionalized persons with mental retardation. The most common function for all behaviors except aggression was nonsocial. Aggression was maintained…

Highlights an approach that guides adolescents who have committed sexual offenses to learn healthy/prosocial ways to meet their sexual needs. Article is divided into an overview of literature, review of the sex education component of an intervention program for these adolescents, and discussion of practical considerations for professionals.…

Reviews the DSM-IV criteria for conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), comparing their counterparts in DSM-III-R. Results from DSM-IV field trials indicate interrater and test-retest reliability were only marginally improved compared to prior criteria. Although overlooked in DSM-IV, community factors, gender differences,…

This article examines the role of school climate in guiding programs designed to reduce academic failure and antisocial behavior among students defined as "at risk". Suggestions are offered for improving such educational programs in a manner consistent with research on school climate and effective schools. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article briefly summarizes how peer associations, hierarchical social structures, and social roles contribute to the development and maintenance of antisocial behaviors. Questions are provided that interventionists must consider in shaping interventions. The need for interventions to change social contextual support for problem behavior is…

Reports on the prevalence of behavior disorders in a sample of residents (N=360) in adult day health care programs. Findings indicate relatively high rates of behavior disorders. Most prevalent were the affective disorders (seeking reassurance, depression, crying) and verbal-vocal agitation. Differences between formal and informal caregivers'…

Examined classroom social integration of elementary students with mild disabilities. Used questionnaires to assess peer group membership, peer-assessed behavioral characteristics, and associates' peer-assessed behavioral characteristics. Found that most belonged to peer groups. However, they were overrepresented as social isolates; differed from…

Recounts that studies of adolescent conduct have found that exemplary and antisocial behavior can be predicted by the manner in which their moral concerns are integrated into their descriptions of self. Proposes a new method, "The Youth Charter," for promoting adolescent self-identification with a coherent set of moral standards. (DSK)

Discusses how to help students learn to manage anger, highlighting four critical concepts of anger management (anger cues, anger triggers, anger reducers, and communications skills) and explaining how to teach students to consider the different aspects of anger, use anger positively, examine anger triggers, cool down, and handle frustration. (SM)

Extends research on effects of victimization in terms of fear of crime and constrained behavior by examining micro- and macrolevel factors. Addresses the way in which contextual indicators of ambient risk affects individuals' perceived risk and lifestyles through main effects, and moderating effects where the latter cause the effects of…

Social behavior of 122 students in grades 6-8 who participate in a prevention program for behaviorally at-risk youth was rated by a parent, general education teacher, and at-risk program teacher. Parents and special program teachers were more likely to provide positive ratings of behaviors than their general education teachers. (Author/CR)

This article presents an overview of the Regional Intervention Program (RIP) and describes ongoing studies to examine the long-term effects of behavioral skill training for parents of preschoolers who engaged in severe forms of aggression and antisocial behavior. Findings from the program indicate positive outcomes for adults and children.…