Structural equation modeling was used to test a conceptual model and alternative models of competence in 191 children. Found that competence had at least three distinct dimensions in childhood and five in adolescence. These dimensions reflect developmental tasks related to academic achievement, social competence, and conduct important to both age…

Movement of all types can become a healthy part of classroom activity. Movement can be an activity in and of itself, or it can become part of existing activities, for example, having children act out a concept being studied or the actions of people or objects in stories being told. (JW)

Discusses the three "developmental crises" that take place during infancy and early childhood, namely birth, weaning, and opposition to parental authority. The latter crisis is best overcome by presenting toddlers with choices and working with them to demonstrate their importance in the family as independent human beings. (MDM)

Assessed relationships between early temperament and behavior problems in a longitudinal study of 850 children from age 3 to 15. Temperament dimensions at ages 3 and 5 were correlated in theoretically coherent ways with behavior problems that were independently evaluated by parents and teachers at ages 9 and 11 and by parents as ages 13 and 15.…

Addresses the controversy regarding the conceptual overlap between difficult child temperament and behavior problems using treatment outcome study data. Forty mothers of preschool children were randomly assigned to either a temperament-focused parent-training program or a wait-list control group. Results suggest that the observed associations…

Studied effects of previous amount of day care on social adjustment of children in kindergarten. Parents provided child histories; children were later assessed by teachers, peers, and observers. Children with higher day care (in 0-1, 1-4, and 4-5 years categories) scored higher on negative adjustment and lower on positive adjustment assessments in…

Children ages 3 to 5 were tested for their cognitive style (field dependence independence) and their play behaviors were observed and recorded. Results suggest that recognition of distinct play elements that have strong relationships with cognitive style can motivate and guide the development of optimal environments for young children's play and…

Types of psychiatric and behavioral disturbances were reviewed for 169 preschoolers with developmental disabilities admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Differences were found in the proportion of some diagnoses and behavior problems across cognitive functioning level and across age; 72 percent had 1 or more medical diagnoses. (Author/SW)

Home observations recorded how 33-month-old younger siblings act as third-party interveners in family disputes. Disputes usually involved house rules when mother was absent. Children who supported elder siblings had more harmonious sibling relationships than those who did not support their siblings. Results demonstrate ways in which children are…

Describes three kindergarten programs in Beijing and Kunming, China. Focuses on children's behavior, the role of rote memory in learning Chinese characters, children's respect for authority, the importance of the concept of community, the group support given to the individual, the lack of competition, and the uncritical affection for children.…

Explored ways selected characteristics of parents, children, and family context relate to mothers' parenting behavior in a sample of 73 mothers and their 5- to 7-year-old children. Found that mothers who experienced many stressors stemming from their personal adjustment, social relationships, and children's behaviors were more likely to…

Analysis of National Survey of Families and Households data suggests that parental conflict is partly responsible for negative associations between divorce and child welfare (academic achievement, other school-related variables, delinquency, health, and psychological well-being). In some areas, marital relations prior to divorce apparently helps…

Reviews the DSM-IV criteria for conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), comparing their counterparts in DSM-III-R. Results from DSM-IV field trials indicate interrater and test-retest reliability were only marginally improved compared to prior criteria. Although overlooked in DSM-IV, community factors, gender differences,…

To evaluate an innovative counseling service, two groups of children of divorce were studied: one that was receiving counseling and a noncounseled group. The differences between the two groups were examined in relation to such areas as self-esteem and their relationships with their parents prior and subsequent to separation. (Author)

Examined the relationship between more and less developmentally appropriate learning activities (MDAP, LDAP) and stress and nonstress behaviors of first graders during a computer-based literacy laboratory. Found that children exhibited more stress behaviors during LDAP learning activities than did children during MDAP learning activities. No…