This study of 258 girls (ages 6-12) found that sexually abused girls and clinical controls had more developmental and psychiatric problems prior to the abuse and more past stressors than normal controls. In the sexually abused girls, prior developmental and psychiatric problems were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems,…

Reviews what is known about the factors that influence child's food-acceptance patterns, including children's sensory responsiveness, innate preferences, and ability to learn about food; the consequences of eating; and the effect of child-feeding practices on children's food-acceptance patterns. Suggests that early experience contributes to the…

Examines the role of the outdoors in child development. The expanse of outdoors teaches humility, yet does not judge, thereby teaching self-esteem. Nature's diversity teaches that difference is the norm, thereby teaching tolerance. Small nearby places that children favor--trees, brooks, ponds--nurture a sense of home. Early outdoor experiences are…

Maintains that one of the most difficult aspects of early childhood teaching is to set aside preconceptions and really pay attention to what children are doing. Maintains that music specialists who go into the early childhood room only at music time should seek other opportunities to observe students. (CFR)

Contends that the concept of levels of moral maturity in psychology focuses on character formation in children's development. Asserts that virtue theory in ethics can be helpful in pointing out the ethical implications of current work with children. Argues for the usefulness of ancient ethical concepts. (CFR)

Focuses on a group of children with moderate learning difficulties who exhibited a lack of interest or enjoyment in drawing. Attributes this to a developmental lag in the use of specific forms and drawing skills. Concludes that nonspecialist teachers could benefit from a greater awareness of developmental stages. (MJP)

Four experiments involving 101 first and third graders investigated developmental changes in children's knowledge about the types of strategies that are appropriate for achieving goals of comprehension or memorization. Only third graders distinguished between comprehension and memory by consistently selecting the appropriate strategy. (SLD)

This study first found that an adaptation of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children exhibited construct validity and test-retest reliability in assessing preschool children's sensitivity to age-related differences in peers' developmental abilities. Second, children with disabilities were viewed as less…

Identifies three categories of baby diaries--scientific, educational, and domestic--prevalent from the late 18th to late 19th century in Western Europe and the United States. Discusses the diarists and recurring themes in the diaries, such as the nature of instinctive behaviors and recapitulationism. Explores contemporary uses of the diary method.…

Comments on the article by Wallace and others in this issue. Discusses the history of diaries and diarists in child psychology and comments on modern diary studies. Examines some of the benefits and challenges of using diaries as a research method and suggests that old and new diary studies can contribute to the progress of contemporary…

Comments on the article by Wallace and others in this issue. Suggests that baby diarists kept records to clarify their own thinking rather than to contribute to a body of knowledge. Although noting the value of baby diaries, proposes a revival of similar methods that would enable researchers to address some of the fundamental issues in child…

Examined the cognitive development of 79 surviving high-risk, low birth weight children at 1, 2, and 3.6 years. Found that children at high biological risk were able to catch up on their cognitive delay in highly stimulating home environments; those at both low and high biological risk in less stimulating home environments showed a decline in…

The nurturing, protective environment of camp is important for the healthy development of children. In contrast to earlier times, adults today prepare children for the world by encouraging them to grow up quickly and accept more responsibility. Camp encourages children to cultivate trustworthiness, caring, and, most important, an enthusiasm for…

Offers a framework for the analysis and evaluation of actions taken on behalf of children upon their environment. Examines defining suitable child development outcomes for intervention programs. Discusses poverty and prejudice, two examples of environmental conditions that threaten children's development. Summarizes the characteristics of a…

Reviews five books for educators: (1) "Once upon a Folktale: Capturing the Folklore Process with Children" (Blatt); (2) "Integrated Studies in the Middle Grades: Dancing through Walls" (Stevenson, Carr); (3) "Conflict in Child and Adolescent Development" (Schantz, Hartup); (4) "Ways of Assessing Children and…