The role played by neuroembryological forces in shaping brain development is well documented in Nowakowski's (1987) article. Additional mechanisms whereby experience may influence brain structure and function are outlined. Several routes exist by which postnatal experiential influences may produce long-term alterations in behavior and…

Defines life-span developmental psychology as the study of constancy and change in behavior throughout the life course. Advances metatheoretical view regarding development. Stresses focus on the dynamic and continuous interplay between growth (gain) and decline (loss). Examines structural contextual factors and study of range of plasticity in…

Researchers examine how and why America's children are getting fatter and raise new questions about how to treat childhood obesity. (HOD)

The intellectual development and behavior of U.S. citizen infants with undocumented alien parents were compared with infants of documented alien parents or Hispanic American parents. Demographic and environmental variables were equivalent for both groups. Infants of undocumented parents scored significantly lower on the Bayley mental and…

Three examples of children (five to nine years old) with acting-out behaviors are cited to illustrate the author's contention that such behavior is indicative of specific developmental levels of social and emotional functioning. The need for intervention appropriate to the developmental level is asserted. (CL)

This article clarifies the concept of the nature of play for professional purposes. Evolutionary and biosocial analysis of play behavior is advanced and associated with current cultural views of play. Suggestions on how a culture can positively satisfy human play needs are offered. (Author/DF)

This study examined the ways in which exposure to moral reasoning statements affected the subsequent behavioral choices of 144 seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade boys at different stages of moral judgement. The presentation of reasoning had different effects on the behavioral choices of subjects at two different stages. (Author/SB)

The concept of classrooms as self-determining communities may be a hindrance to democratic education, since, typically, the main impediment to freedom for the young comes not from external interference but rather from the child's own limitations as to skill and knowledge. (MB)

Presents pro and con comments with regards to 1975 APA presidential address under the heading of genetic basis of behavior--especially of altruism. Other comments are subsumed under the heading of biological versus social evolution, and the value of tradition. (Author/AM)

Questions whther writing skills develop naturally in children or require a systematic instructional approach based on analysis and practice. (RL)

Four socialization environments, all of which included some modeling of altruism by an adult, were differentially effective in altering children's responsiveness to others in circumstances of distress. (Authors)

Character Research Project techniques are applied to religious classes at Union College in Schenectady, New York. (DS)

Studies the effects of mothers' presence and absence on two infants from birth to two years. (AJ)