Observed 18- to 30-month-olds' use of force against peers. Found no sex differences in average aggression levels or in mothers' aggression ratings. Rate of hitting peers and mothers' ratings were stable over 6 months for girls only. Toddlers especially sensitive to peers' possible intentions hit peers more and were more likely than to use force…

Describes a model for group work with young adults from divorced families using an 8-session psychoeducational group intervention. Goals include reducing isolation, establishing connectedness, and building a stronger sense of identify. By educating young adults on topics such as assertiveness, communication skills, and self-esteem, it will give…

Forty neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and physiatrists identified neurologically relevant items (NRIs) in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Raters identified four sets of NRIs: one for brain damage in general and three partially overlapping sets for stroke, traumatic brain damage, and whiplash.…

Responses of 123 adults were used to develop a measure to assess expectations and stereotypes about adolescents. The developed scale was refined and tested with 361 college students and 112 parents of young adolescents. The measure's subscales demonstrate adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. (SLD)

A review of the research on relatives of people with autism indicates that relatives are sometimes affected by difficulties that appear conceptually related to autistic behaviors. These range in severity from pervasive developmental disorders to abnormalities in only one area of functioning, and possibly extend to personality traits. (Author/DB)

Schools cannot meet challenges of reform without first doing a better job of connecting with parents and the public. According to Public Agenda reports, educators are out of touch with typical views of parents and the public. Most people are doubtful about advocated practices such as detracking, holistic reading, early use of calculators, and…

This study analyzed the lifespan development of 80 women who are contemporary creative writers. Themes in the women writers' lives were characterized by developmental events, including nurturing of talents by both male and female teachers and mentors; professional situations; and core personality/personal attributes that were similar to men…

Disusses how lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth can often suffer disqualification ranging from internalized poor esteem and suicidality to physical danger. Examines how homophobia and heterosexism are both manifest and recovered from using case examples and offering therapeutic suggestions to clinicians. (Author/GCP)

Presents a model of moral identity formation. Examines the model using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (Child Sample) to assess the influence of family environment on moral identity formation. Reveals that cognitively- and socially-rich family environments and high levels of adolescent-parent joint activity facilitated…

Programs serving children in trouble have been shifting from a pathological perspective towards supporting and reinforcing children and family functioning. This strength-based perspective is described and the practices found to be effective with challenging children are outlined. Some practices include: building authentic relationships with…

Many schools and districts are effectively using a three-tiered approach to identify and eliminate risk factors and increase protective factors in students. Schools that use this approach believe that students must be taught not only appropriate behaviors but how to use these skills effectively in multiple environments. Article identifies programs…

Examined behavioral inhibition and psychophysiological markers of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry for children identified at 4 months as at-risk for later inhibition. Found that 4-month temperament predicted inhibition over first 2 years and behavioral reticence at 4. Infants remaining inhibited displayed EEG asymmetry as early as 9…

Two studies examined whether people are unrealistically optimistic only for their own futures or for the future of any individual. Results suggested that unrealistic optimism is a form of self-enhancement rather than person positivity bias. (JBJ)

Argues that while a Master's of Library Science (MLS) degree can be helpful for performing interlibrary loan (ILL) work, the most important skills and specific knowledge are often acquired on the job. Discusses ILL training in MLS programs, ILL and document delivery in the workplace, and work style and personality in ILL. (AEF)

Evaluates a measure of unconditional self-regard (USR) in four theories. Results indicated that USR was highly reliable and was strongly related to other measures of self-esteem and negatively related to depression, anxiety, and symptoms of psychological distress. Evidence for discriminant validity was provided by findings that USR was unrelated…