Results suggest that the nature of parent-child communication and effects of that interaction depend not only on messages stressed by the parent but also on the child's own cognitive abilities and goals. (JD)

Clarifies definitions of simulation, game, drama, and exercise, and describes a study of 17- to 19-year-old students which was designed to determine their public speaking anxiety level after using seven classroom simulations to prepare them for the experience. Students' personal development and behavior throughout the experience are discussed.…

The article discusses four major objectives of programs in the state of Oregon for students with severe disabilities: building social skills and a social network; building community competence; building a work history; and ensuring that parents have an active involvement in their children's program and future. (Author/JW)

Twenty-three computer assisted instructional packages for primary and intermediate/middle levels are listed with sources. Courseware was selected on the basis of high interest and probability of initial success with learning logic, science, social studies, and business areas represented. (DB)

The AIDS epidemic is spurring social scientists to try to understand the social and sexual forces that spread the sexually transmitted disease, to learn how to change the personal behavior that makes up those forces, and to improve and prolong the lives of those who have the disease. (MLW)

Parents of mildly-disabled (learning-disabled, behaviorally-disordered, mild mentally retarded) six- to eight-year-olds (N=14) called a telephone service to hear weekly spelling lists, suggested techniques for helping children learn the words, and children's performance on weekly spelling tests. Results showed an increase in the average number of…

An initial exploration of the validity of 15 scales designed to assess adaptive ego processes in adolescence is presented. Diabetic youngsters, psychiatric patients, and high school students with no illness are compared using the scales. Correlations are found between the scales and a separate, conceptually related measure of ego development.…

Examined ninth graders' self-reports of peer social activity in two separate years. Data from four administrations each year suggest that peer social activity is correlated with social self-esteem, enhanced social self-efficacy, and teacher's ratings of social engagement. Social isolation appeared to be an independent dimension related to lowered…

A program of behavioral practice, assertiveness training, and social and contrived reinforcers was successful in establishing and maintaining automobile safety belt use by 16 children (ages 4-7) who never used them during a five-day preobservation period. Safety belt use occurred during 76%-90% of follow-up observations after two-three months.…

Art therapy and group discussion aimed at self-exploration and interpersonal learning formed the core of a group treatment model for 13 mentally retarded, emotionally impaired adolescents. Students were divided into two groups according to levels of functioning. Group structure and issues processed by group members are described in detail. (JW)

Studied the interactions between four key individuals in the child care system: the father, mother, day care center teacher, and child. Naturalistic observations of 18 three-year-old children and their caretakers were conducted in homes or day care centers. Findings offered evidence of behavioral interconnectedness within all but the…

To better assess infant behavior and development in developing countries, cross-cultural psychologists need to more systematically address the following issues: (1) demographic constraints; (2) risk factors; (3) infant care; and (4) the transfer of Western technology to the developing world. (Author/BJV)

Key developmental tasks of adolescence and the unique problems that face the learning-disabled adolescent are outlined, focusing on the role of social competency and communication effectiveness. Components of a comprehensive social competency training program include the nature of the learning disability, the affective-defensive pattern, adaptive…

Misconceptions of giftedness and factors influencing underachievement are outlined. Key sources of vulnerability that place intellectually gifted children at risk for learning difficulties include parent/teacher expectations, the child's self-concept for academic achievement, the child's learning style and educational needs, and the potential…

Sensory integrative therapy as a treatment for self-injurious behavior (SIB) was contrasted with an attention control condition involving a 15-year-old multiply handicapped boy. Lower rates of SIB during but not following treatment sessions were effected. Effects of such therapies are concluded to be highly variable across individuals. (Author/JDD)