Three studies of stereotyped object behaviors conducted with 10 severely mentally retarded children (6 to 19 years old) found that context did not affect the level of object stereotypes, that most children responded to flexibility, and that judges could estimate only some of the feedback properties of the objects. (Author/CB)

The investigation of the effect of normative amounts of caffeine on the behavior of six normal kindergarten children found that caffeine exerted only small and inconsistent effects on such classroom behaviors as time off-task and gross motor activity. (Author/DB)

Examined health-related behaviors in 25 young adult cocaine users and 25 matched nonusers. Found cocaine users consumed more coffee and alcohol, and fewer balanced meals, than did nonusers. Users reported less relaxation and daily organization than did nonusers. Suggests that cocaine use is embedded in complex of interrelated unhealthy behaviors;…

The parent of a head injured young adult recounts her family's problems learning to cope and gives other examples of the effects of head injuries on sons and daughters, husbands, and wives. Successful and unsuccessful patterns of family coping are noted. (DB)

Leadership has a profound impact through its style. The dimensions of leadership behavior in academe communicate more about a leader than most pronouncements of opinion. Those dimensions include the directing of attention, use of language, attitudes, and personal demeanor. (MSE)

Examined the interrelationships among coping statements, a self-report measure of anxiety, and maladaptive overt behavior in a dental situation. Subjects were 23 adolescents. Found that as disruptive "in-chair" overt behavior increased, so did the percentage of coping statements; as self-report levels of anxiety increased, the percentage of coping…

Parents and teachers of 17 children (mean age 10.5 years) diagnosed as learning disabled were administered the Child Behavior Checklist. The results indicated that parents and teachers agreed with regard to externalizing type behavior. Parents' and teachers' disagreement was greatest for younger children when reporting internalizing type behavior.…

To assess effective school leadership behavior and enhance staff development programs, the DeKalb County, Georgia, School District developed the Profile for Assessment of Leaders (PAL), which contains eight generic competency areas and uses low-inference data obtained by supervisors, subordinates, and administrators being evaluated. Preliminary…

A mental skills program is presented that emphasizes the importance of providing coaches and athletes with a common behavioral definition of concentration. The role of the sport psychologist in training and competition and the need for working with and through the coach are illustrated in two case reports. (Author/MT)

Discusses various authors' experiences before student groups in school programs. (EL)

Reacts to A. Brand and J. Powell's report of a study done to examine emotions reported during the writing process by apprentice writers. (JK)

The symbolic play and social participation of six language-impaired (mean age 6:9) and eight normal language-learning children (mean age 2:9) were compared. Language impaired subjects demonstrated significant deficits in symbolic, adaptive, and integrative play behaviors in comparison with the linguistically equivalent normal subjects. (Author/DB)

Indicates that personal religious preference is the demographic characteristic best able to predict a religion journalist's use of a particular denominational news service. Shows that the journalist's own religious preference is a much weaker predictor than is the strength of the religious tradition in the newspaper's circulation area. (JD)

Obtained two-week sleep diaries and four nights of laboratory recordings from 40 persons aged 50 to 70. Results showed no significant effect on sleep structure associated with employment status. Retirement appeared to increase the amount of sleep, generally the result of earlier bedtimes rather than later awakenings. (JAC)

Examines the evidence on the effects of giving information about drugs as part of drug education programs. Discusses the impact of information on knowledge, attitudes, and behavior surrounding drugs and drug use. Concludes that the effects of drug information on behavior are best regarded as unpredictable. (BH)