Describes three kindergarten programs in Beijing and Kunming, China. Focuses on children's behavior, the role of rote memory in learning Chinese characters, children's respect for authority, the importance of the concept of community, the group support given to the individual, the lack of competition, and the uncritical affection for children.…

Explored ways selected characteristics of parents, children, and family context relate to mothers' parenting behavior in a sample of 73 mothers and their 5- to 7-year-old children. Found that mothers who experienced many stressors stemming from their personal adjustment, social relationships, and children's behaviors were more likely to…

Analysis of National Survey of Families and Households data suggests that parental conflict is partly responsible for negative associations between divorce and child welfare (academic achievement, other school-related variables, delinquency, health, and psychological well-being). In some areas, marital relations prior to divorce apparently helps…

Reviews the DSM-IV criteria for conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), comparing their counterparts in DSM-III-R. Results from DSM-IV field trials indicate interrater and test-retest reliability were only marginally improved compared to prior criteria. Although overlooked in DSM-IV, community factors, gender differences,…

To evaluate an innovative counseling service, two groups of children of divorce were studied: one that was receiving counseling and a noncounseled group. The differences between the two groups were examined in relation to such areas as self-esteem and their relationships with their parents prior and subsequent to separation. (Author)

Examined the relationship between more and less developmentally appropriate learning activities (MDAP, LDAP) and stress and nonstress behaviors of first graders during a computer-based literacy laboratory. Found that children exhibited more stress behaviors during LDAP learning activities than did children during MDAP learning activities. No…

Surveyed mothers and children at four constructivist and ten Montessori preschool classrooms. Found a near significant trend suggesting that temperamentally active boys were more likely to be perceived as behavior problems in Montessori settings, which are characterized by working quietly for long periods of time. No similar trends were revealed…

Discusses the problem of toddler biting behavior in child care settings. Describes reasons for biting by toddlers, recommends caregiver responses to toddler biting, presents tips for observing children to identify the biter's patterns, and outlines ways to prevent biting in child care settings. (KB)

Assessed preschoolers' peer aggression and emotional displays outside of and during aggressive interactions, their emotion knowledge, and peer acceptance. Found that connections between affective dispositions and aggression and peer acceptance varied as a function of the emotion context and the particular emotion involved. Significant connections…

Explores a study that quantifies preschool children's music learning preferences in teacher-intitiated environments by observing the children on video to determine their flow experiences where the challenge level and skill level are both high. Stresses that using flow to measure music experiences provides a means for teachers to evaluate student…

A comparison of adolescent children of Vietnam combat veterans with non-combat veterans found the majority of outcomes were not significantly different. However, children of combat veterans showed poorer attitudes towards school; more negative attitudes towards their father; experienced more depression, tension, apprehension, and anxiety; and…

Reviews the limited outcomes research on residential and inpatient psychiatric treatment of conduct disorder in elementary school children. Considers the literature on outcomes studies of outpatient treatment in conduct-disordered children and discusses the implications of these studies for a model of residential treatment. Outlines a…

Addresses six environmental variables that can influence the behaviors of young children with disabilities: theoretical orientation of the program, amount of space available, classroom arrangement, length of the play period, effects of social vs. isolate toys, and the effects of different quantities of toys. (Author/CR)

Recounts that studies of adolescent conduct have found that exemplary and antisocial behavior can be predicted by the manner in which their moral concerns are integrated into their descriptions of self. Proposes a new method, "The Youth Charter," for promoting adolescent self-identification with a coherent set of moral standards. (DSK)

Suggests that society is increasingly hostile to youth, fixating on progress and success rather than treasuring children's genuineness and carefree innocence. Recommends giving children space to grow; becoming aware of what children say, think, and want; and discovering the limitations of goodness as a goal for child behavior. (DLH)