A social interaction intervention program implemented with three groups of preschool hearing-impaired children increased positive interaction, sharing, and conversation. Generalization of skills was observed when toys incorporated into intervention activities were presented during free-play probes. The importance of incorporating generalization…

Group affection activities were used to increase the interaction of three autistic children (four- and seven-years-old) with nonhandicapped peers in an integrated early childhood setting. Increased interactions included initiations by both autistic and nonhandicapped children, with reciprocal interactions occurring more frequently with…

Compared interpersonal cognitive problem solving skills of 30 mainstreamed learning disabled (LD) and 30 non-learning disabled junior high school students. Found LD students scored significantly lower than peers on four of five measures of interpersonal problem solving skills, but did not on measures of classroom social behavior. Found no…

The study examined effects of varied punishers (overcorrection, time-out, or a verbal "no" compared with the single presentation of one punisher (a loud noise) on occurrence of inappropriate behaviors in three developmentally delayed children (ages 5-6). Both formats produced a decrease in target behaviors, with the varied-punisher format slightly…

Current hypotheses explaining the link between learning disability and delinquency are evaluated. An alternative hypothesis is proposed which postulates that ineffective social cognitive problem-solving skills increase risk for delinquency in learning-disabled youth. (Author/DB)

Outlines the difficulties of the bisexual lifestyle, the resistance to treatment, and the supportive experiences of counseling groups for bisexual men who are married or cohabiting with women. (Author/KS)

Despite recognition that children with learning disabilities frequently lack social competence and peer acceptance, the focus of both diagnosis and remediation continues to be almost exclusively academic. To truly serve this population, it is necessary to attend to their social and emotional needs as well as their academic progress. (Author/VW)

A social skills training program for deaf adolescents was developed which stresses (1) observable positive social behaviors and (2) social problem-solving thinking skills. Pilot evaluation of the eight-week program with 35 male adolescents revealed that the experimental group scored significantly higher than controls on a test of social skills and…

Used quasi-experimental design to examine impact of a variety of methods involving humanistic, didactic, and experiential modalities in training students (potential health professionals) in empathy-sensitivity and interpersonal skills. Eclectic, multimodal approach using audiovisual technology, role playing, observation, and discussion was found…

Organizes and critically reviews recent research relevant to classroom approaches for fostering prosocial behavior in early childhood. Conceptualizes seven of these, such as positive reinforcement and role-playing, and finds some support for the effectiveness of certain approaches. Offers suggestions for future research. (Author/GEA)

Presents concepts and philosophies of positive peer culture (PPC) treatment approach and describes implementation of PPC approach in state youth center. Notes PPC can be effective behavior management tool. Considers PPC not easy to implement and develop, yet sees implementation as worthwhile for both students and staff. (NB)

The authors focus on personal and social skills needed for employability. They suggest strategies for teaching employability skills. (CH)

Results of the second research project in the Oregon Developing Understanding of Self and Others (DUSO)-2-Revised Research Studies Series suggest that the DUSO-type programs may be imperfect tools for building a complete cognitive, affective, and behavioral structure for developing self-esteem and social skills. (ABL)

Participant observation of 32 mildly learning handicapped and 32 nonhandicapped adolescents in a high school setting found that handicapped adolescents had fewer friendships than did their nonhandicapped counterparts, less stable friendships, and less evidence of intimacy and empathy between pairs of handicapped peers. (Author/DB)

Describes five studies that developed and validated a self-report instrument for assessing affinity-seeking skills. Indicates that the Affinity-Seeking Instrument, which is comprised of two scales, (1) has internal consistency, a stable factor structure, and concurrent discriminant validity; and (2) measures social tendencies that are observable…