Compares instructional methods used in interpersonal skills training courses delivered online to the methods used in similar courses delivered in a traditional instructor-led classroom. Discusses implications for performance improvement professionals who are responsible for selecting and designing interpersonal skills training interventions.…

A study of women's employment in European call centers showed that "feminine" social skills (communication, interpersonal) are considered central to the work; women are concentrated in the lowest paying jobs; and the highly regimented work organization limits further skill development. On the other hand, women's competencies are valued…

Examined relations of individual differences in regulation and negative emotionality to Indonesian third-graders' social skills/low externalizing problem behavior, sociometric status, and shyness. Found that children's low socially appropriate behavior/high problem behavior and rejected peer status were related to low dispositional regulation and…

Adolescents (N=1,198) in Reykjavik, Iceland were followed from ages 15 to 17 to explore their levels of psychosocial maturity in relation to alcohol consumption. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to examine interpersonal understanding, skills, and personal meaning in relation to alcohol use. Adolescents' psychosocial maturity,…

This article comments on results of a study (EC 629 869) on the reliability of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), a early detection screening test. It discusses concerns relating to clinic vs. population samples, data analysis, use of a parent questionnaire only to identify autism, and the age of screening. (Contains…

This article responds to comments (EC 629 869-70) on a study on the reliability of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), a early detection screening test. It addresses concerns relating to clinic vs. population samples, data analysis, use of a parent questionnaire only to identify autism, and the age of screening. (Contains 6…

This article discusses the differences between individuals with Asperger syndrome and gifted individuals. It describes the characteristics of students with Asperger syndrome, including highly literal speech, intensive focus, difficulties in social behavior, and inability to mind read. Characteristics of gifted students with Asperger syndrome are…

A review of the relationship of higher education policy and the world of work concludes that many experts agree that higher education must devote greater attention to generic competencies, social skills, and personality development; should prepare students for growing globalization and internationalization; and must serve students in ways that go…

Studied how the activities and social development of 9- and 10-year-olds in a variety of southern California neighborhoods are supported or constrained by neighborhood resources and problems. Findings show links between parent perceptions of the neighborhood, rules they impose on their children, and the children's experiences and social skills.…

A self-empowerment leadership program used a metacognitive approach to provide Native participants with a process for dealing with life's challenges, both personally and within their communities. Interviews with 42 participants explored their move toward self-sufficiency and how far they were able to go in transforming individual self-sufficiency…

Discusses the educational effects of social skills training on 14- to 16-year-old normal adolescents' social learning principles (social skills, self-esteem, well-being, and coping). Finds that the training was successful in several respects: (1) social anxiety decreased; (2) social activity increased; (3) self-esteem improved; and (4) used…

This study investigated differences in social skills among 203 institutionalized individuals (mean age 43) with severe and profound mental retardation grouped into those exhibiting self-injurious behavior, aggression, both behaviors, or neither behavior. Results indicated that individuals displaying maladaptive behaviors exhibited a restricted…

This study examined how Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale scores changed in individuals with autism as a function of age and initial IQ. Results revealed that subjects (N=440) improved with age in all domains. The rate of growth on Communication and Daily Living Skills sub-tests was related to initial IQ while rate of growth in Social Skills was…

Describes the basic tenets of social and emotional learning; discusses the emotional and social challenges that middle school children face; and provides suggestions for parents and teachers to help promote smooth sailing through these rocky middle school years. (SR)

Describes an exercise used successfully with a 5th- and 6th-grade classroom that helps students name their struggles and find common ground and even compassion. (SR)