This case study of families of normal private preparatory school students and families of substance abusing/mood disordered students examines the relationship between substance abuse and mood disorders and the following factors: parental marital discord, degree of family satisfaction, and family problem-solving styles. Results showed that all…

Attempts to identify how perceptions by black men of problem severity may be influenced by social, economic, and familial factors, working from the assumption that problem severity determines when stress becomes distress. Perceptions of 583 black adult fathers show that stress coping is not as problematic as expected. (SLD)

Tested the relative influence of relationship variables in the family of origin and sexual abuse characteristics in predicting the long-term adjustment of child sexual abuse survivors. Subjects (n=103) completed self-report measures. Persons with histories of sexual abuse reported greater parental conflict than did their nonabused counterparts.…

Using longitudinal data, examined the impact of parental marital quality, divorce, and remarriage on the exchange of assistance between parents and offspring. Found that family members were able to adapt to alterations in family structure in a way that minimized the effects of changes by maintaining patterns of needed support. (RJM)

A sociometric rating scale and a measure of social problem-solving skills were administered to 61 Chinese kindergartners. In comparison to Canadian children examined in an earlier study, Chinese children were less accepting of each other, less prosocial, and more authority oriented in social problem solving. (BC)

Instruction types and amounts were observed for 30 educably mentally retarded, 30 learning-disabled, 32 emotionally/behaviorally disabled, and 30 nonhandicapped students in grades 2-4. The groups were compared on time allocation, grouping arrangements, student responding, qualitative nature of classroom instruction, and the home learning…

Studied connections between parent involvement programs, teachers' attitudes, and teachers' practices in inner-city elementary and middle schools. Examined patterns according to academic subject, classroom organization, and level of support for parent involvement. Found that each variable has implications for the strengths of school programs and…

Takes the position, contrary to that of Sandra Scarr, that the details of socialization patterns are crucial to an understanding of normal and deviant development. Research is cited to support the argument that better than adequate parenting optimizes the development of both normal and vulnerable children and that parents' belief in their own…

Twenty-two preschool children with cognitive delays were observed during independent play at home and group free play at school. Assessed developmental age was more predictive of play behaviors in home independent play than in classroom free play. Findings highlight the need to consider contextual variation associated with play-based assessment…

Estimates the influences of home background and formal schooling on adult intelligence quotients using the LISREL computer program and longitudinal data collected in Sweden for 671 men. Shows the importance of formal schooling in increasing the intellectual capital of a nation and highlights policy and practice implications. (SLD)

This literature review examines the ways in which children's personal premise systems concerning the nature of relationships develop through the process of attachment to the caregiver. The manner in which the premise system becomes a generalized model of self and others is considered. (Author/GLR)

The welfare system was designed with good intentions but has been manipulated to the detriment of those who were intended to benefit. The many drawbacks of the welfare system and some suggested reforms are described. One definite starting point is education. (SLD)

Data from a national survey for 872 white adolescents (470 males and 402 females) are used to examine the relationships between parental control and juvenile delinquency. Parental controls significantly inhibit delinquency more often for males than females. For males, these controls are more effective in middle adolescence. (SLD)

Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of 1,601 children to investigate the utility of a statewide (Ohio), first-step screening procedure called Developmental Profile II. With developmental delay specified as the outcome variable, six independent variables representing environmental and biological determinants were identified.…

Focuses on strengths of African-American families and how they function, relevant conceptual approaches, and trends and issues in studying African-American families that can facilitate understanding. A shift from studying dysfunctional families to more positive aspects can help African-American families meet societal challenges. (SLD)