Parents of mildly-disabled (learning-disabled, behaviorally-disordered, mild mentally retarded) six- to eight-year-olds (N=14) called a telephone service to hear weekly spelling lists, suggested techniques for helping children learn the words, and children's performance on weekly spelling tests. Results showed an increase in the average number of…

An initial exploration of the validity of 15 scales designed to assess adaptive ego processes in adolescence is presented. Diabetic youngsters, psychiatric patients, and high school students with no illness are compared using the scales. Correlations are found between the scales and a separate, conceptually related measure of ego development.…

Examined ninth graders' self-reports of peer social activity in two separate years. Data from four administrations each year suggest that peer social activity is correlated with social self-esteem, enhanced social self-efficacy, and teacher's ratings of social engagement. Social isolation appeared to be an independent dimension related to lowered…

A program of behavioral practice, assertiveness training, and social and contrived reinforcers was successful in establishing and maintaining automobile safety belt use by 16 children (ages 4-7) who never used them during a five-day preobservation period. Safety belt use occurred during 76%-90% of follow-up observations after two-three months.…

Art therapy and group discussion aimed at self-exploration and interpersonal learning formed the core of a group treatment model for 13 mentally retarded, emotionally impaired adolescents. Students were divided into two groups according to levels of functioning. Group structure and issues processed by group members are described in detail. (JW)

Studied the interactions between four key individuals in the child care system: the father, mother, day care center teacher, and child. Naturalistic observations of 18 three-year-old children and their caretakers were conducted in homes or day care centers. Findings offered evidence of behavioral interconnectedness within all but the…

To better assess infant behavior and development in developing countries, cross-cultural psychologists need to more systematically address the following issues: (1) demographic constraints; (2) risk factors; (3) infant care; and (4) the transfer of Western technology to the developing world. (Author/BJV)

Key developmental tasks of adolescence and the unique problems that face the learning-disabled adolescent are outlined, focusing on the role of social competency and communication effectiveness. Components of a comprehensive social competency training program include the nature of the learning disability, the affective-defensive pattern, adaptive…

Misconceptions of giftedness and factors influencing underachievement are outlined. Key sources of vulnerability that place intellectually gifted children at risk for learning difficulties include parent/teacher expectations, the child's self-concept for academic achievement, the child's learning style and educational needs, and the potential…

Sensory integrative therapy as a treatment for self-injurious behavior (SIB) was contrasted with an attention control condition involving a 15-year-old multiply handicapped boy. Lower rates of SIB during but not following treatment sessions were effected. Effects of such therapies are concluded to be highly variable across individuals. (Author/JDD)

Forty second grade and 40 fifth grade elementary school children participated in a study to examine the relationship of three factors to the development of trust in children's peer relations: participation in a best friend relationship, social status, and changes in factors children consider when making judgments of trust. (RWB)

A program is described which successfully improved writing and communication skills in adolescents with learning and behavior problems. The students, inpatients at a mental health hospital, wrote "jargon journals" on topics from a student-generated list. The journals had therapeutic as well as academic benefits. (Author/JDD)

The computerization of the campus has had a profound effect upon the way in which students, faculty, and administrators work and interact with each other. Some of the unexpected changes in human interactions are described, and theoretical considerations, managerial concerns, and implications for planning are addressed. (Author/MLW)

Mandler's theory of emotion is suggested as a framework for investigating affective issues in problem solving. Several dimensions of the emotional states of problem solvers are specified. Implications of this framework for research on affective issues in problem solving are also discussed. (PK)

Teaching style preferences of 157 teachers of gifted students were correlated with percent of time spent in teaching gifted children, years of teaching experience, and teaching level. Of the styles identified (Sensing-Thinking, Sensing-Feeling, Intuitive-Thinking, and Intuitive-Feeling), more experienced teachers revealed a preference for the…