Compared teacher and observer ratings of young children's social behaviors during peer play and examined the construct validity of the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale. Findings indicated that both teacher and observer ratings revealed factor structures reflecting play interaction, disruption, and disconnection. Observer ratings distinguished…

Examines how student perceptions of instructor argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness are associated with their perceptions of the classroom climate, their reported levels of classroom apprehension, and their reported levels of state motivation. Finds that perceived instructor argumentativeness was not related to perceived classroom climate…

A study analyzed reading level and readability of 20 behavior treatment plans developed by certified behavior analysts. Those with higher readability levels had somewhat better treatment outcomes. A second study involving four individuals found that manipulations of reading grade level and readability of behavior treatment plans greatly enhanced…

Suggests use of Gordon Allport's "The Nature of Prejudice" as basis for diagnosing the degree of prejudice expressed on a high school campus. Describes five degrees of negative actions that individuals may manifest in the expression of prejudice. Recommends assessment and encouragement of curriculum development that attempts to deal…

Operant and cognitive behavior modification procedures were used to decrease impulsive aggressive responding by six hyperaggressive children, aged 7-11, in interpersonal problem situations. The procedures sought to improve participants' alternative response repertoires and develop internal speech as a self-control mechanism. Compared to controls,…

Responses of 1,135 Australian children and adolescents to 6 televised excerpts portraying violence were studied. Although no single pattern of age, social class, or gender differences was found, younger subjects were more likely to endorse authority positions whether these were accepting or rejecting of violence. (SLD)

Presents an analysis of discipline referral data collected in an urban middle school and discusses the impact in terms of time and resources devoted to discipline at the expense of learning. The article describes a strategic plan formulated by middle school faculty and administration, as well as other student-centered techniques, in creating more…

Ratings of emotional responsiveness of preschool children revealed more aggression among males than females during the infant-toddler period, but no interaction effects of group care entry status and sex of child were found. When young males exhibit differentially more aggression and noncompliance than females in daycare settings, other factors…

Psychosocial, psychosomatic, and psychodynamic factors were evaluated in 33 female psychiatric patients who had been victims of incest. Sexual abuse experiences in childhood were related to feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and powerlessness, which, with a lack of support from the mother, led to ego weakness, and an autoplastic model of coping…

Thirteen children (ages 3.1 to 5.2 years) referred for developmental delay and excessive eating (without obesity) were evaluated. Commonalities included being in foster care, prenatal drug exposure, and abnormally withdrawn and/or aggressive behavior. (Author/DB)

Task-related and social behaviors of preschool children (n=21) at risk for behavior problems were examined in two school settings, a structured instructional context and an unstructured free play context. Results indicated that group differences in on-task, aggressive, and prosocial behavior depended on context. (Author/DB)

Examines how children's literature addresses the problems of bullying and victimization among pre- and early-adolescents. Books are reviewed and analyzed relative to the coping and problem-resolution strategies they portray. Individual and group techniques and strategies are suggested as means of incorporating children's literature into counseling…

Discusses perceptions that sixth graders and their parents have about their relationships. Sociable children were more likely to agree with their parents about the supportiveness of the relationship than were withdrawn or aggressive children. Mothers of withdrawn or aggressive children, and fathers of aggressive children, felt less supportive than…

Aggressive data from four experimental play groups of seven- and nine-year-old black males were coded to examine whether qualitative aspects of aggression serve to distinguish among the behavior patterns displayed by the groups. Found that age makes a great deal of difference in these behavior patterns. (Author/GLR)

A study of fatal and nonfatal interpersonal violence-related injuries over one year in a poor African-American community in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) reveals that violence-related injury is the most common injury type for persons aged 15-49 years. Results yield dramatic evidence of the extent of urban violence for adults and children. (SLD)