Studied social interaction among a sample of children at risk for the development of later and more severe behavioral-control difficulties. Observed 121 children in pairs. Found that children in the high-risk group displayed significantly and consistently more aggressive behavior than did the children in the low-risk group. (JS)

Compared French and American preschoolers' behavior on playgrounds with parents and peers. Found that American parents watched and touched their children less than did French parents. American children played with, talked with, and touched their parents less and were more aggressive toward them than were French children; with peers, they showed…

Compared sociometric ratings, friendship nominations, and social behavior nominations of mutual friends to peer-nominated aggression for third- through six-graders. Found that aggression was negatively related to friendship and passive/solitary behavior nominations. Indicated that peers may support gender-normative aggression while rejecting…

This review considers the prevalence and nature of physically aggressive behaviors by people with mental retardation and describes possible causal factors. The present status of both behavioral and pharmacological interventions for aggression are assessed, and the importance of devising reactive management plans for aggressive behaviors is…

Assessed fourth-graders' peer clique characteristics as a function of socioeconomic status, gender, and aggressiveness. Found that rejected youth were less central group members than average-status peers; aggressive preadolescents were no less involved than nonaggressive peers; rejected preadolescents belonged to smaller cliques and cliques…

Discusses the role of the school psychologist as a consultant in the evaluation and restructuring of effective student discipline procedures and as a provider of direct intervention services to high-risk youth. Urges school psychologists to bring a prevention focus and their insight into the principles of learning and development to the design of…

Argues for the fundamental democratic right of children to be spared the oppression and humiliation of bullying. Presents survey figures on bullying and the effect of a specific school-based intervention plan. Indicates that bullying and antisocial behavior in general decreased significantly. Describes the program and its key principles. (DSK)

Uses longitudinal data to determine whether a positive view of perceived peer acceptance is a risk factor for continued aggression and social rejection for aggressive children. Results indicate that perceived peer acceptance did not predict aggression. However, children who reported higher levels of perceived peer acceptance received lower actual…

Investigates bully/victim problems among five classes of 11 to 12-year-old children attending five elementary schools in Hellas (Greece) using Arora and Thompson's "Life in School" questionnaire. The majority of the items in the questionnaire seemed to cross cultural barriers for assessing the incidents of bullying from an international…

Examined processes in socialization that might account for an observed relationship between early socioeconomic status (SES) and later child behavior problems. Subjects were 585 children, followed from preschool to grade 3. Found that SES in preschool significantly predicted teacher-rated externalizing problems and peer-rated aggressive behavior.…

A study examined the effects of wraparound services on the adjustment of four adolescents with severe emotional disturbances at imminent risk of long-term residential placements. Results indicate significant positive effects in the areas of compliance, appropriate peer interactions, extreme verbal abuse, alcohol/drug use, and physical aggression.…

A study assessed the prevalence and structure of antisocial behavior among 440 Head Start 4-year-olds. Findings indicate overall levels of aggression of the children were higher than in children in community child care classrooms, however, the percentage of highly aggressive children did not differ significantly between samples at this age.…

This paper highlights the scientific rationale and research base for Life Space Crisis Intervention, a psychoeducational model used with aggressive children. The model draws from a broad theory base to meet the diverse needs of troubled children. The method necessitates forming an alliance with youth and sees problems as opportunities for teaching…

Evaluation of a staff training program on aggression management and physical intervention in a Scottish special education school found staff reported increased confidence and use of verbal de-escalation techniques as a result of the training. Physical interventions used mainly low-level techniques. However, stress levels and psychological coping…

Describes complex issues involved in helping impulsive-aggressive youth who are devoid of emotional intelligence. Reviews anatomy of impulsivity and the irrational beliefs used as defense mechanisms by impulsive-aggressive students. Discusses two alternative intervention strategies, Life Space Crisis Intervention techniques and the Self Control…