Reviews approaches to attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) that are alternatives to the biomedical model. Addresses the general problem of description and classification of behaviors into the ADHD diagnosis and discusses perspectives on sociocultural factors in ADHD behaviors, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Maintains that ADHD…

This study developed and examined a multidimensional, interdisciplinary model of social status among 487 fourth- through sixth-grade students. Seven subtypes were identified based on dimensions of likability, perceived popularity, and social dominance (high status, perceived popular/dominant, well-liked/dominant, average, low dominant/unpopular,…

Describes features of the concept of involvement, or quality of a child's activity, and a training package for observing children's involvement at child care centers. Recounts use of Leuven Involvement Scales to examine activities of over 600 children in 8 German child care centers. Findings reveal the prevalence of sex-typed activity preferences…

Describes one teachers' system of democratic discipline in which the children deliberate and construct the list of rules for the classroom. Addresses: (1) introducing democratic discipline; (2) daily routine; (3) typical problems, typical solutions; (4) novel solutions; (5) recurring problems; (6) unintended results; (7) context for children's…

Describes the posttraumatic stress, impact of the event, and behavioral responses of 56 schoolchildren, ages 6 to 17, following a fire in their homes. The children were tested two separate times: posttraumatic stress scores, impact of event scores, and problem behaviors decreased significantly from the first time to the second. Other results are…

Stresses the importance of camp staff understanding why campers misbehave. Offers recommendations for helping campers to learn responsible behavior, including setting clear expectations and consequences for camper behavior; teaching campers self-discipline and problem-solving strategies; asking campers thought-provoking questions; avoiding power…

A study of 31 Latina mothers and their preschool children enrolled in a Los Angeles Head Start program found that 77 percent of mothers and 45 percent of children had witnessed community violence. About a quarter of mothers had significant levels of distress symptomatology, which were related to child behavioral problems. (Contains 69 references.)…

Studied teachers' perceived control over child behavior among Swedish preschool teachers working in school preparatory classrooms. Found that a high proportion of children with externalizing problems and a high proportion of boys in the classroom were the most salient aspects for teachers' perceived control. The importance of teachers' perceived…

A study involving teachers of eight children with severe autism found they interpreted many gestures, body movements, and facial expressions as if these were forms of communication. Observation data indicate some of the communicative forms identified by the teachers were associated with the communicative functions that they specified. (Contains…

Observed the social behavior of 27 preschoolers in the in parent-cooperative preschools. Found that when, their parents were working in the preschool, children engaged in less high-level peer play, initiated play with peers less often and expressed more negative emotion and spent much less time in proximity to adults than when their parents were…

Describes a group-counseling approach to teaching elementary school students social skills designed to reduce their use of aggressive behaviors in the school environment. Eight sessions are described that have activities designed to influence the affective and behavioral components of these behaviors. Several suggestions are described to assess…

Discusses cases in which there is a conflict between what educators perceive as being best for children in light of their program's mission and what parents believe to be best in the context of home life. Suggests looking at problems of this nature from the perspective of each of the key players, one by one. (AA)

Infants' attachment security with parents, parental behavior, and child behavior were assessed at 18-24 months; problem behavior was assessed when the children were in first grade. Found that mother-child relationship predicted later problem behaviors; father-child relationship did not. Also found that attachment security, maternal acceptance, and…

Analyzes seven characteristics of childhood play and describes way in which current computer technology for young children either allows for, or detracts from, creative play experiences. Argues that refinements are necessary before the computer can approach the effectiveness of more traditional materials in stimulating creative play experiences…

A shortcoming of traditional caretaking models is an emphasis on telling children what not to do. The adaptive alternatives caretaking approach is based on behavior shaping: it minimizes blaming, breaks problems down to manageable size, makes children partners in problem solving, and creates positive relationships by focusing on alternative…