Examines patterns of social interaction among 19 cancer patients ranging in age from 8 to 21 years and their caregivers (i.e., medical personnel, teachers, family, and friends). Conditional probability analyses of patient behavior following caregiver vocalizations at three phases of medical treatment indicate variability and change in patients'…

Provides evidence that high and low self-monitors are distinguishable not only by their initial interactions but also by their cognitive summaries of these sequences. Found that students who are high self-monitors appear to be more linguistically competent, in part because their scripted understanding of appropriate conversation is more extensive.…

Examines the taken-for-granted assumptions students make about selection interviews and how these assumptions affect the interview process. (PD)

Describes the structure and emergence of extended argument sequences produced by preschool children. Provides a system for analyzing turns that initiate, elaborate, and terminate argument sequences. Draws conclusions regarding the development of proficiency in producing argument and interaction. (PD)

Investigated how majority and minority arguments are positively or negatively responded to by group members and the effects of such responses on the polarization process. Demonstrated that reactions to minority arguments, not the forwarding of minority arguments per se, were significantly correlated with the degree of group polarization. (PD)

Analyzed 10 interaction dimensions of group behavior and three emotional atmosphere categories among old and young participants in 12 "support-discussion" groups. Results showed significant differences with respect to frequencies of boundary, self-disclosure, and support behaviors. In addition, the young showed signs of boredom more frequently.…

This study investigated how "correct" and "incorrect" dissenters from erroneous group consensus affect conformity on visual and opinion stimuli under normative and informational social pressure. Results are consistent with earlier data. (Author)

The relationship between isolation in the elementary school classroom and self-concept was investigated. It was hypothesized that children who were isolated or rejected by their classmates would possess low self-concepts. No such relationship was found. Self-concepts of suburban children differed from those found in the rural sample. (Author)

Combining behavior analysis and behavioral ecology principles is considered in regard to gerontological research and application. For the behavior analyst, the basic unit of understanding is the person's behavior in its functional context. Issues related to extending this level of analysis are discussed from a behavioral ecological perspective.…

The affective quality of relationships between noninstitutionalized white, elderly (65+) parents and their adult (21+) children was explored through interviews with 54 parent-child pairs. The health and the attitude toward aging indicator were found to be statistically significantly related to the family relationship indicator. (Author)

Dormitory residents (N=16) participated in transactional analysis (TA) groups. Pre- and post-test results on the Omnibus Personality Inventory showed the experimental group having significantly decreased complexity scores (p greater than .01) and increased estheticism scores (p greater than .05) when compared with a control group. The use of TA…

Family involvement is compared with friendship and neighboring to determine which has a greater impact upon the personal morale of the 409 elderly widows who were surveyed. Contact with family members, does little to elevate morale, while friendship-neighboring is clearly related to less loneliness and worry. (Author)

This article focuses on (a) the types and incidence of casualties reported for encounter groups; (b) participant, group, and leader variables associated with negative outcome, (c) procedures for minimizing casualties, and (d) research considerations. (Author/AM)

Organization development consultants (N=75) asked to list the 10 "most important" diagnostic questions they would want answered before accepting the contract. These were seen as a function of the change agent's organizational model and predictive of the interventions these consultants would plan. (Author)

Relationship Awareness Theory is based on the premise that one's behavior traits are consistent with what one finds gratifying in interpersonal relations and with concepts or beliefs one holds about how to interact with others to achieve those gratifications. (Author)