The use of self-psychology, a theory first developed by Heinz Kohut, is discussed and illustrated with case examples from child welfare practice. The cases demonstrate that self-psychology can enhance an ecological model. The ways in which self-psychology can enrich the social worker's therapeutic role in permanency planning are emphasized.…

Behavior disorders of children are conceptualized in terms of resistance to intervention; children are considered to have a behavior disorder if their behavioral excesses or deficits or situationally inappropriate behaviors persist at unacceptable levels after school-based interventions. The factors that contribute to resistance to intervention…

Used the confirmability model a method for assessing individuals' perceptions of other persons, to study developmental differences in the amount of information children and adults require to infer various traits. Found differences in the amount of information required to infer different traits and evidence of subjects' negativity and egocentric…

Examines various psychodynamic and behavioral theories in a discussion about obesity and mental health. It is revealed that modern theory finds no identifiable personality profile, behavior, or family structure influencing large weight gain thus discounting psychopathology as the cause of obesity. Individual assessments for causes of obesity are…

Subjects who self-reported episodes of abusing a child were compared to those without a history of child battery. It was concluded that self-identified child abusers have increased lifetime rates of antisocial personality disorder, alcoholism, and depression. (DB)

This study of five month olds compared global maternal opinion with reports on direct observation by mothers and observers. A common set of behaviors thought to index temperament was evaluated. Observers recorded infant behaviors on two home visits. Mother-observer agreement for assessments based on home visits was significant. (SH)

Discussion of making judgments about other people and forming first impressions focuses on a study in Northern Ireland that was concerned with the accuracy of first impressions based on nonverbal information. The use of video recordings is described, and correlations between actual and observed characteristics are examined. (22 references) (LRW)

The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) was parameterized using the 2-parameter logistic item response (IRT) model. Two samples of 1,000 adults were used. Results suggest that the 2-parameter model fits the MPQ data, and researchers assessing normal-range personality processes have much to gain from exploiting IRT models. (TJH)

Examined proposition that variations in career decision making are related to identity formation process by identifying relations between ego identity statuses and decision making in college students (N=99). Findings support proposition and suggest stable identity persons use rational and systematic decision-making strategies, foreclosed identity…

In 1982, a National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) task force began to construct a learning style paradigm and develop a psychometrically sound assessment instrument. The NASSP paradigm evolved from three precursors: personality theory, the information processing aspect of cognitive style research, and aptitude-treatment…

The coordinator of several administrative searches at the State University of New York (Cortland) offers guidance to administrative job seekers. As finalists often have similar educational and professional qualifications, elements of character such as style, personality, charm, and thoughtfulness may make the crucial difference. (DB)

Conducted meta-analysis of studies concerning social skills of children with learning disabled (LD). Children with LD were less liked and more likely to be rejected than normal achieving children. Children with LD were more likely to be rated as aggressive, immature, suffering personality problems, and having difficulty attending. Variations were…

Upon entrance and completion of teacher preparation, 150 prospective teachers completed attitude, anxiety, and personality measures. As candidates progressed through teacher preparation, anxiety decreased and attitude remained high and positive. Introverted candidates expressed more anxiety and experienced a smaller decrease in anxiety than…

Examined ability of sociological and psychological variables to discriminate between violent and nonviolent criminal offenses among population of juvenile offenders. Findings suggest that violent and nonviolent serious juvenile offenders may differ with respect to their prior criminal experiences, familial and interpersonal relationships,…

Defends domain theory approach to children's moral development based on limitations of Piaget's original theory. Argues that Fowler's characterization of domain theory research omits important features and studies. Maintains that distinctions between morality and convention cannot be reduced to differences in perceptible harm and punishment; it is…