Twelve autistic children (ages 4-6) were given a choice between their mothers' speech and the noise of superimposed voices. In contrast to comparison groups of mentally retarded and normally developing children, the autistic children actively preferred the superimposed voices or showed a lack of preference for either audio segment. (Author/JDD)

Reviews research conducted on adult populations dealing with correlates or predictors of proficiency in a second language. Four classes of individual difference variables are considered, including (1) attitudes and motivation; (2) language aptitude and intelligence; (3) language learning strategies; and (4) personality variables. (83 references)…

Examined whether performance on scales reflecting problem-solving dimensions of personality could predict ego-strength in college students (n=348). Findings did not support statistically significant relationship between all problem-solving scales and ego-strength. Individually, evidence supported hypothesis that ego-strength can be predicted from…

Compared five indices of differentiation for Holland's model for two data sets: Iachan's indices and Spokane and Walsh index. Tested differentiation and career decision relationship of Pakistani college students (N=376) and Canadian high school seniors (N=138). Found neither index superior in terms of criterion of relationship with career…

University women (N=277) completed questionnaires providing retrospective reports of childhood abuse. History of psychological abuse was uniquely associated with low self-esteem, physical abuse was linked to aggression toward others, sexual abuse was related to maladaptive sexual behavior, and physical and emotional abuse together resulted in…

Stress and burnout in collegiate coaches were examined. Surveys of the coaches indicated significant main effects for gender and time of season. Coaching issues and hardiness predicted perceived stress for males and females. Social support satisfaction was predictive only for males. Stress and burnout were problematic issues for collegiate…

Presents typology for differential assessment of and intervention with shoplifters. Notes that model identifies five major categories under which client motivation can be classified: entitlement, addictions, peer pressure, stress, and impulsiveness. Addresses requisite social work knowledge and skills for addressing this costly social problems.…

Approximately 30% of 171 college students reported some dysphoria. Depressed mood states were associated with dysfunctional attitudes and self-esteem problems; not with gender or self-reported problem-solving ability. First-year students reported highest levels of dysphoria, but there appeared to be consistent, gradual improvements, such that by…

Examined effects of student temperament, instructional method (computer versus teacher), and interaction between 2 on observed off-task behavior and problem-solving performance among 78 kindergarten students. Found that students with highest Task Orientation exhibited almost no off-task behaviors with either method, whereas students with lowest…

In "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference" (1993), Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips argue that misguided and mythical ideal of racial-social integration in America is the only reasonable and effective foundation for real African empowerment in American society. Serious intellectual battle will be required to…

The relationship between emotional maturity and the developing self in the gifted individual is examined. Emotional maturity is seen to involve the integration of intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of the personality. The developing self is thought to be more than the sum of its components and becomes a global factor in the development of a…

Examined relationship between anxiety and memory in 160 high- and low-trait-anxious sixth through eighth graders. Found that anxiety predicted memory bias toward negative relative to neutral information during conceptual but not perceptual tasks. Anxiety predicted memory bias toward positive relative to neutral information on procedural tasks and…

Cites ten qualities of individuals embodying the values of a liberal education: the ability to listen and hear; read and understand; talk with anyone; write clearly and persuasively; solve varied problems; respect rigor as a way of seeking truth; practice humility, tolerance, and self-criticism; understand how to get things done; nurture and…

Describes the concept of cognitive styles and discusses why they are of interest to psychologists and educators. Describes motivations for theory and research on cognitive styles, and reviews some of the principal literature on cognitive style. A theory of mental self-government is presented as an approach to the study of cognitive style. (SLD)

A teacher recounts her experiences with students who were successful telling their stories through writing and using their writing as a vehicle for expressing their emotions. Explains how helping students "find their voices" through writing can crack tough exteriors and help youth reconnect to school and themselves. (Author/MKA)