The selection of acts from the stream of infant behavior is examined. Adults (140 mothers, fathers, and other men and women) viewed videotapes of 9-, 15-, and 21-month-old infants. One half noted meaningful acts; the other half noted intentionally communicative acts. Parents selected more meaningful acts than nonparents and agreed more about…

A nationwide survey of 25,872 noninstitutionalized mentally retarded people in the Federal Republic of Germany found an estimated self-injurious behavior (SIB) prevalence among 1.7 percent. Prevalence of stereotypic behavior among SIB individuals was 65 percent compared to 62 percent among persons without SIB. (Author/CB)

In response to a previous article proposing perceptual reinforcement of stereotyped movements in autistic and mentally retarded persons, it is argued that this theory fails to take into account biological findings and theory regarding pathological stereotyped acts. An alternative theory derived from neurological concepts is suggested. (Author/DB)

The authors respond to criticism of their paper proposing a perceptual reinforcement of stereotyped movements in autistic and mentally retarded persons. The alternative theory based on neurobiological factors is judged to be insufficiently detailed and inadequate in scope. (Author/DB)

The study compared characteristics of 91 mentally retarded victims (ages 11-74) of abuse by residential caregivers with characteristics of nonabused subjects in the same facilities. A significant relationship was found between abuse status and such subject characteristics as level of functioning and frequency of maladaptive behaviors. (Author/DB)

Examined client records to compare 50 subjects admitted to a drinking-driver program and 50 subjects admitted to an outpatient alcohol treatment clinic. Highly significant differences were found between groups on 10 of 12 drinking indices, suggesting that clients referred for alcohol-related traffic offenses represent a population different from…

Reveals differences across age groups in communication patterns in speaking of the loss of significant others--openness of talking about loss, stress ratings of loss, and how communication was used to cope with loss. Discusses findings in terms of self-engagement, family relations, and self-disclosure. (NKA)

The article describes an observational playroom procedure (Structured Observation of Academic and Play Settings) used for evaluating symptomatic behaviors of hyperactive boys in the clinic setting. Case studies are presented to illustrate the differing pattern of playroom behavior in boys with different types of externalizing disorders. (Author/DB)

To determine what factors contribute to possible pregnancy and birth control usage among a sample of college women, a survey questionnaire was distributed to students who requested pregnancy tests at a university health center. Answers from 140 respondents are reported and analyzed and their implications are discussed. (JL)

Suggests criteria developed within context of Erikson's first five psychosocial stages that may help in evaluating self-concept and ego development. To assess strengths and weaknesses in self's growth as it progresses through the stages, five behavioral expressions tables are presented, each illustrating possible behaviors and implicit attitudes…

Examines factors that influence Australian high school seniors' plans to attend college and their actual entry into college. Uses the Fishbein-Ajzen model of attitude-behavior relations to link intentions to continue school with the realization of those intentions. (RB)

Examined patterns of heterosexual cohabitation among a national sample of never-married young adult women. Found that heterosexual cohabitation was common; the prevalence of cohabitation varied with social, psychological, and demographic variables; and several factors differentiated cohabitors from noncohabitors. Cohabitation appeared to be a new…

Examines the relations of Type A scores of parents to Type A scores of their children. Parent-child correlations were found for father-son pairs. (PCB)

Reports data assessing recent changes in college students' knowledge of alcohol and their drinking patterns gathered by Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students (BACCHUS) during spring break at Daytona Beach. Found an emerging trend toward reduced consumption of alcoholic beverages among students. (Author/ABB)

Examines patterns of aggression as culturally sanctioned forms of relationships governed by recognizable rules and voluntarily selected. Results indicated that although uninvolved, spectators of aggression expect, advise, and condone the escalation of aggression to the point of physical violence. (SRT)