This study was designed to test two alternative explanations for the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. It was found that the issue similarity variable had no effect on compliance. However, within the similar issue condition there was a cumulative effect of persuasive message and small request. (Author)

Social capital treats learning as both outcome of individual acquisition of knowledge and skills and a function of social relationships, norms, and values. Although social networks can have negative influences, the idea of social capital is useful in rethinking educational practice. (SK)

Examines the function of complaining and characteristics of complainers. Addresses implications for camp, in allowing everyone to be heard and in dealing with complainers. A New York study of 49 therapists and child protective services workers found that interpretations of the "reasonable cause to suspect" clause of child abuse laws…

This study examined compliance parameters for 18 children (ages 2-10) who had been referred to a clinic for behavior problems and for 35 non-referred children. Although there were significant differences for percentage compliance, there were no significant differences between the referred and nonreferred in terms of initiation or completion…

A survey examining social group participation of 584 whitewater kayakers found that friends and fellow paddlers of similar skill were the most popular choices as kayaking companions. Social group choice was predicted by psychological outcomes, personal involvement in kayaking, and group size. Discusses implications for development and marketing of…

Drawing from psychologist Eric Fromm's work, this article confronts the relationship between individualism on one hand, and the ability for individuals to think collectively and transform social structures on the other. States that in this context, atomization becomes a dimension of both fascism and capitalism, one that positions freedom as the…

Examines how computer-mediated communication partners (undergraduate students) exchange personal information in initial interactions, focusing on the effects of communication channels on self-disclosure, question-asking, and uncertainty reduction. Illuminates some microstructures previously asserted but unverified within social information…

Examines whether social phobics differ from nonanxious controls in occupational adjustment. Results indicated that social phobics were underemployed and believed that their supervisor would rate them as less dependable. Social phobics were more anxious when starting their current job but did not differ in job satisfaction. Discusses results…

Compared observations of family interactions among anorexic, bulimic-anorexic, bulimic, and normal families (N=74 families) consisting of father, mother, and teenage daughter. Benjamin's structural analysis of social behavior methodology differentiated clinical from normal families. Found unique patterns among subtypes of eating disorders which…

Reviews biological bases of twinning and descriptions of 10 research designs. Summarizes findings from a selected sampling of twin studies of learning disabilities, personality and temperament, attitudes, psychopathology, and social behavior. Discusses findings with special reference to the activities of mental health practitioners and counselors.…

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)

A study of 90 learning-disabled and 94 nonlearning-disabled students, aged 9-12, found that the peer status of subjects was related to their social behavior and to their placement in the school system. These findings lend support for Judith Wiener's Reciprocity Model of Peer Status. (Author/JDD)

Investigates developmental change and gender differences in sympathy and personal distress reactions in children. Examines interrelations among indexes used to assess sympathy and personal distress. (PCB)

Evaluates the pattern of celebratory activities in United States homes that accompanied television viewing of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Finds that those watching the Olympics were more likely to be in a group, to have visitors, to plan their viewing, and to pay close attention to the television. (MS)

Examined the stability and circumstances of helping behaviors of 51 children of 41-69 months in a preschool classroom. Frequency of helping behaviors was not correlated with age or sex and was not stable over four 10-minute observation periods. Most helping acts were performed during nonimaginary play. (RJC)