Findings only partially supported the hypothesis that interaction dyads would be initiated and responded to in the same mode (i.e., dominant, nondirect, or nurturant); instead, initiated dominance by teachers and conduct-problem children was the most influential interaction characteristic affecting the classroom environment. (DLS)

This article offers advice to the classroom teacher for dealing with a child subject to explosive temper tantrums. It discusses why such outbursts may occur; gives a sequence for controlling the tantrum and calming the child; and considers long-term methods for helping the child curb anger and aggression. (SJL)

Presents and evaluates the developmentally based taxonomy reflected in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders category of conduct disorder (CD). Focuses on subtypes of CD; pathways to CD; individual factors influencing development, such as age, gender, intellectual performance, neuropsychological difficulties, and temperament;…

Two samples of normal-range individuals (n=237) completed the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality and the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire, each assessing traits relevant to personality disorder. Convergence between the instruments and results support a replicable structure of maladaptive…

Study tested the hypothesis that the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship mediates the association between difficult temperament and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms. Results suggest that alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs should consider the role of basic temperamental characteristics in pathological drinking, and the…

Examines conflict between supervisors and "difficult" subordinates. Reports four patterns of difficult subordinate behavior: apparent compliance, relational leverage, alibis, and avoidance. Suggests that these behaviors differ markedly from those assumed by most models of conflict resolution. (MM)

Administered Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CSDS) and Psychopathic Deviate and Hypomania scales of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to 112 delinquent adolescents and to 141 high school students. Both male and female delinquents reported significantly higher levels of chronic self-destructiveness than did students.…

Dimensional measures of aspects of personality disorders (PD) were developed. Convergence of these measures with the "Big Five" personality factors was studied in 300 general population subjects. Results suggest substantial similarity between the five factors and PD measures, though the latter cannot be entirely subsumed by the Big Five…

Assessed childhood trauma experiences (sexual abuse, physical abuse, witnessed violence, early separation) and family environment characteristics of 17 depressed female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and 19 without BPD. Significantly, more BPD subjects reported histories of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnessed violence.…

Tests Cermak's diagnostic criteria for codependency against diagnostic criteria for odd, erratic, or fearful personality types. Results, based on 207 female clients, do not support a separate diagnosis of codependency. The presenting complaint of codependency may indicate a variety of other underlying personality disorders or a situationally…

Reviews possible links between obesity and borderline-personality disorder and discusses treatment approaches for those individuals demonstrating such comorbidity. Approaches include modification of current techniques for obesity treatment and incorporation of psychodynamic counseling specific to borderline-personality disorder. (Author/GCP)

Relations between the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Psychopathology Five (PSY-5), and the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) and its revision (NEO-PI-R) were studied for 170 community adults and 57 clinical patients. Correlations between the instruments showed meaningful relations between the two…

A Norwegian nation-wide sample of 1087 former adolescent psychiatric in-patients, 584 males and 503 females, were followed up 15-33 years after first hospitalization. On the basis of detailed hospital records from index hospitalization all were rediagnosed according to DSM-IV. The patient list was linked to the national criminal register and the…

A self-report inventory for the assessment of mindfulness skills was developed, and its psychometric characteristics and relationships with other constructs were examined. Participants included three samples of undergraduate students and a sample of outpatients with borderline personality disorder. Based on discussions of mindfulness in the…

In this article the author discusses some of the indications for short- or long-term parent-infant psychotherapeutic interventions in terms of what he defines as "problems of parenthood" and "problems of parental narcissism". Brief parent-infant psychotherapeutic interventions are most frequently indicated in the case of the former: more neurotic…