Summarized a 16-hour marathon group for illicit drug users (N=12) in residential treatment. Content analysis showed the group spent more time on interpersonal relationships and relatively little time on group process. Drug users were able to successfully participate in therapeutic group discussions involving self-investment. (JAC)

Presents various concepts and principles presently being used to develop social skills training methods for children from a cognitive-social learning perspective. Identifies skill deficits that may lead to later social difficulties and suggests methods to remediate each type of deficit. (AOS)

Steps for enhancing skills and motivation for solving interpersonal problems are included. In addition, reference is made to planning intervention for learning disabled students. (Author/SEW)

Convergent and discriminant validity of the Iowa Social Competency Scale-Preschool form was investigated using the Campbell and Fiske validity model. The methods involved were observer, mother, father and teacher ratings whereas the traits were three test factors of social activator, reassurance, and hypersensitivity. Subjects were 92 pre-school…

Research bearing on three aspects of small group learning is examined: (1) the relationship between interaction and achievement, (2) cognitive process and social-emotional mechanisms bridging interaction and achievement, and (3) characteristics of the individual, group, and reward structure that predict interaction in small groups. (Author/PN)

Examined differences between students who perceived themselves as "successful" and "unsuccessful" problem solvers. Results revealed "successful" and "unsuccessful" problem solvers differed in number of problems acknowledged, on self-report ratings about the personal problem solving process, and on ratings made by interviewers on several cognitive…

Parents should counter the common perception of the developmentally disabled as eternal children and foster social acceptability through encouraging normal speech, teaching appropriate touching, and providing age appropriate experiences. (SW)

Results indicate that mainstreaming physically handicapped children into regular classes is having some positive consequences. Nonhandicapped children participating in the mainstreaming program show more ability to communicate with the handicapped than those not participating in the program. Handicapped children, however, are still not in the…

Investigated the appropriateness of self-disclosure in relation to the concept of disclosure flexibility defined as the modulation of disclosure in accordance with target and setting conditions. Subjects rated contrived protocols with varied disclosure appropriateness. Results indicated perceptions of self-disclosure were contingent on…

This study lends support to the modes of speech continuum and points to a relationship between linguistic and communicative competence. Results indicated that communicative competence of preschoolers increased with age and suggested a hierarchy from context-centered through topic-centered probes. Correlations with linguistic competence indicated…

The identification of facial expressions of emotion was studied in normal and psychiatrically disturbed children. Schizophrenic children were significantly less accurate than other children in emotion identification. Anxious-depressed children made more errors than unsocialized-aggressive and normal children. Normal and unsocialized-aggressive…

Describes a premarital group counseling program involving 35 committed couples. Results indicate that few role models were available for couples and that communication difficulties were apparent among many of the participants. Suggests counselors consider group premarital counseling as a valuable process for their clients. (Author)

Describes a contracting workshop for couples which is designed to strengthen their relationship. The counselor helps the couple make explicit and implicit agreements and rules by which the relationship operates. Through experiential exercises, minilectures, and group work, the couple's style of communication and decision making skills are…

Trigger films (short situational films followed by discussion) are seen as a suitable medium for teaching the intricacies of the interpersonal relationship, legitimate behavior patterns following doctor-patient interaction, and the sensitivity and ability to detect nonverbal and accessory communication. Guidelines for the production and use of…

Provides data on behavioral problems and competencies, identifies differences related to demographic variables, and compares normal children and those referred for professional help. Parents' responses to Child Behavior Checklist items reveal significant differences in socioeconomic status, children's age and referral status. Behavioral problems…