Investigated the effects of the consensus and sentence structure of single sentence descriptions of different behaviors on causal attributions. High consensus produced less person attribution than did low consensus, and passive items produced more stimulus attribution than did active items. (Author)

Several current views on the origins and meaning of adolescent intoxication are reviewed and the validity and utility of each perspective discussed. It is concluded that each occurrence of teenage drunkenness should be analyzed individually. (SJL)

Investigates the hypothesis that individuals perceiving threat to behavioral freedom will be motivated to restore this freedom. A study using a pretest-posttest, with-in subjects design was conducted with undergraduate freshmen as subjects. The findings did not support theoretical expectations. (Author)

Analyzes this definition of suicide: a behavior that seeks to find a solution to an existential problem by making an attempt on the life of the subject. Theoretical implications and the relationship between suicide and mental illness are discussed. Reprint of first chapter of book entitled "Suicides." (CC)

In many disturbed and abused adolescents, acting out is the alternative to despair. The treatment task is to understand the significance of the acting out and to be able to give it a positive meaning. (Author/SJL)

Compares the effectiveness of cognitive modification, systematic desensitization and speech preparation in the reduction of speech and general anxiety. Results indicate that the cognitive modification program is highly effective in reducing both types of anxiety. (MH)

Experiential learning can be understood as a process in which learners recognize and develop their "action-theory." The aim of outdoor development programs--whether mainstream education, corporate training, or therapy--is to facilitate this process. A "reflection-in-action" approach to facilitation is presented and situated in…

Explores the foundation of therapeutic theory from the perspective of social constructionism. Proposes a theoretical description of the interaction between an individual and the social context in the formation of therapeutic theory. Then explores this description in relation to the early life and subsequent therapeutic theory of Carl Rogers. (RJM)

Discusses whether humans have a capacity to care about others, or if the target of concern is always oneself. Presents evidence that supports the empathy-altruism hypothesis, suggesting that humans are capable of empathy and caring for another in need. Discusses limits on human capacity for altruistic caring. (JS)

Reviews the papers in this special issue of Early Child Development and Care on child abuse and neglect. The papers focus on theory and research, and on intervention, treatment, and prevention practices. (RJC)

Examines how strategic communication is linked to specific relational features. Finds that integrative strategies were positively linked to competence, whereas distributive and avoidant strategies were negatively linked to competence. Supports the view that competence perceptions mediate the link between conflict messages and relational outcomes.…

Presents a model to help teachers and curriculum developers identify priorities for health instruction. The model combines ideas from many accepted theories in health education. The paper examines basic questions for curriculum planning, then describes the development and use of behavioral maps. (SM)

Uses a behavior model from control systems theory to analyze how we coordinate our own and each other's physical movements. Tests one person controlling a cursor with one handle or two, and two people controlling a cursor with two handles. Shows that control theory accurately predicts the results. (CH)

A public choice theory of school board member behavior is proposed that makes two contributions to the study of school governance. It provides a theoretical framework for microanalyses of school governance. Furthermore, it has the potential to increase the power to predict behavior and events in school governance. (TJH)

This issue's special section on canalization of behavioral development is introduced. In the special section, an invited paper by Gilbert Gottlieb, adopts a systems approach that stresses the complex interaction of genes, behavior, and environment. Several comments on the Gottlieb paper are also included. (BC)