Compared the interactional patterns of distressed (N=22) and nondistressed (N=17) couples through base rate and sequential analyses of communication samples that were coded with the Marital Interactional Coding System. Nondistressed couples emitted higher rates of problem-solving, verbal and nonverbal positive, and neutral behaviors. (Author)

Younger (age 20-35) veterans showed better performance on learning and psychomotor tasks than did older (age 55-70) veterans. Positive attitudes toward aging, and greater life satisfaction were associated with better performance on the behavioral tasks in the older group. Results suggest age-related behavior may be related to psychosocial…

Examined two explanations for the strong relationships between indices of social class and characteristics of marital attitudes and behavior. Results indicated that, education aside, neither female nor male occupational groups differed with respect to 14 indices of marital attitudes and behavior. Education emerged as a major predictor. (Author/RC)

Presents literature relevant to initial group structure and advances a model of group development based upon personal construct theory. The proposed model illuminates the relationship between initial structure and the psychological processes underlying group development. Research questions are posited to advance empirical tests of the model. (RC)

Reports the reliability and validity of the Health Professional-Geriatric Patient Interaction Behavior Rating Code, an observational instrument that is used to quantify the interpersonal behaviors of health professionals in the care of the geriatric patient. Condensed 15 behavioral factors into 10 operationally defined behavioral categories.…

Adolescents' religious behavior, measured according to frequency of church attendance, Bible reading, and saying grace at mealtime, generally declined between 1964 and 1974 in the Texas community studied. In 1979, the trend continued among females but reversed among males. The gap between the sexes seems to have narrowed since 1974. (Author/MJL)

Provides a conceptual framework for discussing the role of alcohol in a person's life and for planning appropriate interventions when abuse is evidenced. Discusses drive reduction and the dynamic of alcohol involvement through four involvement stages. (Author/RC)

Examined the effects exerted upon compliance behavior by two types of dispositional self-conciousness. Subjects (N=65) were induced to make incorrect responses on a perceptual task by means of simulated group pressure. Results indicated that private self-conciousness was associated with the tendency to make judgments using internal perceptions.…

Male (N=24) and female (N=24) college students at two southern universities role-played situations requiring them to either make or refuse a request. Results indicated that population differences exerted some influence on assertive behavior but sex differences did not. (RC)

Examined the effect of level of nonverbal behavior and mode of presentation (audio, audiovisual, visual, and printed transcript) on ratings given to a confederate "job interviewee." The results showed significant main effects and an interaction between level and mode. A poor visual presentation results in the lowest interviewer ratings. (Author)

Presents a theoretical framework for viewing adolescent contraceptive usage. The problem-solving process is used for developmentally examining the competencies that must be present for effective contraceptive use, including: problem recognition, motivation, generation of alternatives, decision making and implementation. Each aspect is discussed…

Outlines a procedure for teaching students to be responsible. Argues that the procedure can not only promote personal growth in students but free time for teachers to assist students who need extra help. (FL)

Professionals (N=228) were interviewed about their case experiences with neglect and abuse of the elderly. It was suggested that environmental contexts and situational problems trigger such behavior, and that the behavior is primarily based on flawed development of the perpetrator and disordered family relationships. (Author)

Offers brief descriptions of research concerning (1) media bias toward business, (2) foreign affairs coverage in elite and mass periodicals, (3) how emphasis on people affects coverage of crime, (4) antisocial and prosocial behavior on prime-time television, (5) network news coverage of Iran, and (6) magazines' reporting on insects. (FL)

Investigated the effects of selected spatial-environmental conditions on counselor and counselee interview behaviors. Rated excerpts from initial sessions. Results indicated significant effects of distance on counselor concreteness, lighting on counselor communication of cognitive sets and distance on counselee affective self-disclosure in later…