Examined depression, life stress, cognitive distortions, cognitive rigidity, problem-solving, loneliness, and family support in college freshmen (N=158) using self-report measures. Results suggest that depression has important interpersonal correlates. Loneliness and poor self-appraised social problem-solving combined and interacted with life…

Comparison of the community integration of 60 mildly retarded former special school students and 60 nonretarded regular school students found that 77% of special school students were employed (60% in open employment) compared to 80% of regular students; and that 55% of regular students had married compared to 12% of special students. (DB)

A systematic program for the training of broad-based social skills is necessary for some visually impaired children. Research on social skills programs has focused on the use of behavioral therapy, verbal and nonverbal social skills intervention, early intervention, and a team approach. (Author/JDD)

A social skills curriculum for learning disabled students involves assessing strengths and weaknesses, choosing target skills, and teaching target skills. In the area of nonverbal communication, suggested activities can help students understand facial expressions, gestures, and vocal intonation. Opportunities should be provided to practice new…

Sixty gifted students (ages 9-11) were studied to identify differences in perceived competence, social adjustment, and peer relations between those in regular classrooms and those in segregated settings. Regular-classroom subjects reported greater perceived cognitive competence while segregated subjects were rated more positively by their teachers…

Investigated peer social status of 6- through 13-year-olds. Found anxiety-disorder children significantly less liked than normal children, but anxious and conduct-disorder children similarly liked. Conduct disorder children received more "like least" and "fight most" nominations, with anxious and nonreferred groups alike. The anxious group…

Two studies examined the development of children's knowledge of the situations that provoke emotion. English and Dutch (Study 1) and Nepalese (Study 2) children were presented common emotional terms and asked to describe situations likely to provoke each emotion. In both cases, the determinants suggested by the children indicated that children…

Describes two studies of 25 molecular behavior items relevant to the domain of conversational skill. The first study finds that the behaviors themselves explained 36% of the variance in self-rated competence. The second study indicates that rater effects are identifiable, localized, and therefore, probably manageable. Discusses the use of the…

A review of research on the role of social competence in the community adjustment of developmentally disabled persons indicates that facilitation of such adjustment should focus on remediation of maladaptive behavior, instruction in social skills and behavioral competencies, assessment before placement in the community, and continued on-site…

Rates of negative interactions immediately decreased during recess periods in which three male students (age 7) monitored their first-grade classmates' play behavior by awarding or withdrawing points. These and related results suggest that appointment to the role of peer monitor may itself function as an intervention. (Author/JW)

Gifted children are vulnerable to the following problems in growing up because they are different from other children: (1) myths surrounding giftedness; (2) unrealistic expectations; (3) pressure to perform; (4) constant criticism or praise; (5) pressure to conform; and (6) difficulties finding friends. (PS)

Forty-eight girls aged 8-9 and 48 girls ages 12-13 viewed videotapes of a same-age, same-grade peer exhibiting either socially appropriate or inappropriate behaviors. Half the subjects were told the child was in a special class for the retarded. Negative social behaviors affected peer attitudes, while the label did not. (Author/JW)

An elective workshop offered to Wright State University medical students focuses on intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, collegial, educational, organizational, community, and existential aspects of communication and combines cognitive skills and training approaches to developing effective communication skills. (MSE)

The author discusses trends for the future in employment, including (1) wealth creation versus job creation, (2) growth of human services, and (3) growth of entrepreneurship. He states that education for future employment should stress reading, relating, and reasoning. (CH)

Pedagogical research emphasizes the need for teachers to be involved in developing the personal skills and interactional abilities of students in their classrooms. The role of counselors in teacher training and the implications for teacher and counselor interaction in training and practice are discussed. (KS)