This study examined the interactive role of empathic disposition and affective perspective-taking ability (APT) in children's machiavellianism, prosocial behavior, and motive for helping. Children demonstrating low empathy and high APT were expected to be highly machiavellian and to cite self-oriented reasons for helping more frequently than would…

Moderate amounts of self-disclosure and willingness to let others disclose are considered essential in moving from casual to lasting relationships. Self-disclosure, however, is a private behavior which is seldom observed directly. Television provides a unique opportunity for the observation of otherwise personal behaviors, and may affect viewers'…

This study attempted to determine whether simple, naturalistic procedures could be used to increase the rate of physically affectionate behaviors directed at stuffed toy animals and at peers in the play of 4- and 5-year-old children. Procedures were developed for scoring affection and aggression during group play. The context of reading a story…

For a teacher of gifted students in a boarding school such as the Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire), the experience of the classroom and the experience of the dormitory can be radically different. A student who writes eloquently on the subject of charity may behave most uncharitably in the social interactions of the residence hall. The…

This study examines age and sex differences in nurturant behaviors displayed toward a male infant by 60 subjects, both male and female, from three age groups: preschoolers, preadolescents, and young adults. The infant was 12 months old at the onset of the study and 16 months when the testing was completed. Each subject was videotaped for seven…

This research study examines the types of social behaviors portrayed by families in various television series and explores children's impressions of the TV family members. Content analysis of nine family-oriented TV series was employed to describe the ranges of behaviors of fathers, mothers and children on television. Eleven shows from each series…

This report describes a study investigating the extent to which 2- and 3-year-olds, as they acquire language, continue to use infant nonverbal sharing behaviors (pointing, holding up, giving and partner play) or begin to use language to share in new ways. A group of 2- and 3-year-olds (12 of each) were observed in a playroom setting of three…

The paper reports three investigations devoted to enhancing the language and/or motor-gestural repertoires of developmentally delayed and severely handicapped young children (n=8). Briefly discussed is research relating to each of the investigations, as well as methodological issues central to modifying social interaction. Noted among study…

This research describes the attempts of 24 male and 24 female Kikuyu children (aged 2-9 years) to persuade other Kikuyu children and adults to comply to their demands. Examined was the sequence of behaviors beginning when a child encountered a noncompliant response from a target, and continuing until the child either gained compliance or gave up…

The jigsaw technique of classroom instruction utilizes small groups and peer teaching to help students develop the skill of cooperation. The authors review research on its effect on achievement, role taking abilities, and interethnic perceptions in Mexican American and Anglo students. Implications for desegregation are drawn. (SJL)

A three-year project integrating 40 antisocial children into a community center composed of prosocial children compared behavioral observations of children with inventories completed by children and their group counselors designed to measure the same behavior. Data indicate antisocial children can be incorporated into a community center with…

Reviews the literature on some of the major ways that parents and teachers influence the development of prosocial tendencies in children; they include child-rearing practices, social cognition, mood, modeling, and training. Also provides suggestions for parents and teachers to help children behave prosocially. (Author/BB)

There are many behaviors that young children must deal with, one of these being aggression. One strategy teachers can use to help children deal with aggressive behavior is reading children's stories with conflict themes. Stories encourage children's participation and discussion, enabling them to better communicate their often confusing emotions.…

This publication features articles on prevention of school violence and the development of student self-discipline. It describes programs to help students at risk socially and academically. Practical and promising approaches to positive behavioral interventions and strategies are presented in a step-by-step format. Approaches to school discipline…

This report examines the influence of peer substance use on school performance among 7th grade students in Washington State. The study consisted of two components. The first examined the relationship between substance use and school performance and explored the factors that affect school performance. The second examined the ways variables such as…