Evaluation of peer relations of 53 intermediate grade students participating in a pull-out enrichment program found that these children, relative to classmates, were evaluated positively by peers, demonstrated greater awareness of reciprocity in friendship relationships, and were perceived less often as either an aggressor or victim of aggression.…

This paper reviews research on observational learning, including model characteristics and observers' responses, vicarious reinforcement as implicit punishment, vicarious effects on students with problem behavior, observers' other characteristics and vicarious effects, and aggression and vicarious processes. Regular class placement of students…

Examined the social factors that influence adolescent aggression and antiforeigner sentiment. Subjects were 158 East German and 138 West German youths. Found that for subjects from both regions, aggressive and antiforeigner attitudes are linked to stressful experiences in school and family but also to societal conditions as perceived by the…

Two steps in the social information process model were assessed for socially accepted and rejected children by verbal responses to stories embedded in computer games. Attributions of intent and aggressive problem solutions were correlated with contextual factors (interpersonal context, outcome of game, and story type) and with sex and social…

This article discusses what is normal and what is not regarding sibling rivalry, jealousy, and squabbling, and it provides some guidance for parents on handling conflict. The article also discusses three major sources of sibling conflict (jealousy, being left alone together, and family trips) and offers suggestions for dealing with each case. (SM)

Validates a behavior inventory that was developed to measure the physical and psychological abuse of women by their partners. For the study, 100 men and 78 women were divided into groups of abusers/abused and nonabusers/nonabused. Significant differences between the abusers and nonabusers groups' scores supported the instrument's soundness. (RJM)

Modified an instrument so as to assess the occurrence of psychological abuse in 1,625 college-age males and females. Results showed that males in a relationship reported higher levels of psychological abuse and fewer positive behaviors than did females. Psychologically abusive behaviors lowered relationship ratings for both males and females. (RJM)

Discussion of teenage television viewing focuses on a study of secondary school students in Belfast (Northern Ireland) that examined viewing habits. Highlights include the amount of television watched; effects on reading; the influence of violence; parents' responsibility and control over viewing; models for behavior; and negative views of…

A total of 95 boys between 6 and 12 years of age were assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on the presence or absence of aggression and rejection and were assessed for conduct problems, sociability, and adaptability to peer expectations. Discusses the distinct problem profiles that emerged. (MDM)

Suggests actions that teachers can take to challenge the use of violence by children. Actions include providing early intervention and teaching specific skills to help children resolve conflicts. Discusses adaptation to children's developmental levels and creation of classroom contexts supportive of nonviolence. (LB)

Bullying is a form of aggression in which one student or group of students physically or psychologically harasses a victim without provocation. Emotional bullying is widespread, and children say that educators do not take the problem seriously. Administrators must increase everyone's awareness, take a strong stand, and develop a student conduct…

Analyzed the differences between heroes, other characters, and themes from the Roy Rogers television show of the 1950s, and the Brave Starr show of the 1980s. Found the modern hero more prosocial, cooperative, fearful, and self-critical. The modern villain was more hostile, negative, and successful against the hero. Discusses implications for…

Notes that bullying affects 15-20% of all students in schools today. Discusses characteristics of bullies and their victims, school and family factors that affect development of bully/victim experience, and the school system responses to bullying. Provides components of comprehensive intervention plan for bullying. (Author/NB)

Teachers rated 948 boys from low socioeconomic environments on physical aggression at ages 6, 10, 11, and 12. Classified boys according to stability of fighting over time. Findings showed that developmental pathways of physically aggressive behavior for boys in low socioeconomic environments were related to familial adversity and poor parenting…

Considered the relation between peer status and aggressive behavior, the temporal relation between peer group behavior and emerging sociometric status, differences in behavioral correlates of peer status as a function of time that peers have known each other, and age differences in the consistency of status across settings and in behavior patterns…