Global self-esteem and social-contextual incongruity in factors contributing to the development and maintenance of self-esteem were studied as predictors of the emotional, behavioral, and academic adjustment of 213 young adolescents. Higher reported levels of global self-esteem were associated with more favorable scores on most measures of…

Examines predictive relationships between assessed functional limitations and vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provided for five homogeneous client groups. Results indicate that specific functional limitations were determinants of some VR services but were largely irrelevant to provision of other services. Predictive relationships between…

Tests the extent to which personality, environmental factors, and conventional behaviors predict drug taking among a sample of 199 Australian high school students. Results support the view that personality and environmental factors as well as conventional behaviors are related to drug use. Predictors of drug use vary with the drug in question.…

Analyzes the importance of incorporating both individual and neighborhood risk factors into predictive mental health needs assessment models. Data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Survey and the 1980 Census suggest that, with the exception of neighborhood social rank, neighborhood social area dimensions rarely make substantive contributions…

Examines in-season and off-season use of alcohol by high school athletes. Changes in the odds of use were determined for gender, grade level, race, school classification, and geographic region. Results show that the odds of high school athletes using alcohol were less, both in- and off-season, in 1996 than in 1988. (MKA)

This survey examined the prevalence and predictors of corporal punishment in Alexandria (Egypt). Among findings were that more than one-third of children were harshly disciplined physically, of whom one-fourth received physical injuries. Predictive family background factors included crowded living facilities and family quarrels. Predictive child…

Analysis of data from the clinical records of 100 sexually abused boys and girls, ages 3-7 years, identified five variables predictive of sexual behavior problems, including sexual arousal of the child during the abuse, perpetrator's use of sadism, a history of physical and emotional abuse, and who the child blames for the abuse. (DB)

Evaluated psychometric properties of the Aggression Scale, a self-report measure of aggressive behaviors for middle school students. Found that reliability scores were high. Found no significant variations by gender, ethnicity, or grade level. Also found stability through 2 years, and positive association with independent ratings of student…

Analyzes the Canadian National Survey data on woman abuse to compare results for geographic regions, types of schools, and whether the students took the survey in French or English. None of these factors influenced the results. Male peer support measures did strongly affect male behavior in both physical and sexual abuse. (Author/JDM)

A study examined the types and extent of academic deficiencies of 130 adolescents held in a regional detention facility. Most participants' achievement scores in reading, language, and mathematics were below their grade-level placements, students with experience in special education scored lower than other offenders, and males scored lower than…

A study investigated the situation and characteristics of people with mental retardation reported to exhibit challenging behaviors in two areas of England. Results indicate challenging behaviors were shown by 10-15 percent of people with mental retardation, two-thirds were men/boys, and close to two-thirds were adolescents or young adults.…

Reports on a longitudinal study using the computer-based cognitive assessment system CoPS, and considers the applicability of this system in the early identification of cognitive strengths and limitations that affect the development of reading. Concludes that short-term memory is an important predictor variable for reading, in addition to the more…

The article highlights the fact that children with disabilities are at higher risk for maltreatment. Factors are identified that contribute to maltreatment. An ecological perspective is considered as an approach to prevention of maltreatment that uses the medical home model and links it with ongoing monitoring and support for families. (Contains…

Explores the relationship of gender, gender role identity, and type of relationship-same-sex friendship, cross-sex friendship, or romantic relationship-to-relationship behaviors and beliefs among 429 college students. Discusses implications for individual and group counseling, consultation, and primary prevention on college campuses. (Contains 32…

Parents of 69 students with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) were surveyed about their perceptions of, and their satisfaction with, educational services. Parents of nonverbal children rated classroom environment and education team variables more highly, as did parents of younger children and parents of more than one child with PDD.…