Examines group relational factors in negotiations regarding humor. Examples from a self-analytic group are discussed. Proposes humor can turn into hostility unless it periodically comes under negotiation and efforts are made to place it under normative regulation. (JAC)

Describes the purposes, membership, tasks, and outcomes of two women's organizations in India as a prelude to discussing the characteristics of group processes and strategies for building and improving women's organizations. (SK)

In general, "hurt" individuals emerged from programs involving here-and-now social interaction, confrontation, rejection, low structure but with some support, and anxious trainers. Positive outcome was related to programs involving low dynamism, low confrontation, little interpersonal feedback, and high structure with nonanxious…

The daily behavior of 240 mentally retarded adult residents and 75 staff members was analyzed in relation to facility size (ranging from 6 to 20 residents) and other environmental variables. Staff behavior was remarkably homogeneous and generally unrelated to facility characteristics. In contrast, resident behavior differed significantly across…

This paper describes some of the more current research in the area of social networks of the early adolescent (ages 10 to 15), and discusses the direction of research in adolescent social networks. (KC)

The English were described in significantly less favorable terms than the Irish. The strife in Northern Ireland was reflected in stereotypes about subnational Irish groups. While Catholics and Protestants were seen as different from each other, these differences were overshadowed by distinctions between Northern and Southern groups. (Author/BEF)

Presents ethnographic analyses of two school boards which are characterized by their decision-making processes. One is described as elite (conflict exists between the board and the dominant need of the public), the other as arena (representative segments of the public conflict with one another). (KC)

Although the roles of Archie Bunker and Ralph Cramden were quite similar, those of Edith Bunker and Alice Cramden in their reactions to similar strong personalities were quite different. Results suggest that one's role depends on individual personality structure and personality structures of group members. (Author)

Reports findings of a two-part study on the influence of dormitory architecture on patterns of social relations among college undergraduates. The first part investigates how dormitory architecture affects patterns of freshman acquaintance, while the second part studies changes in these relationships over the college years. (Author/WB)

Presented at the National Conference of the Forum for Death Education and Counselling, Washington, 1978, this paper explores the effects of childhood malignancy on family dynamics. Problem areas include marital difficulties, forgotten siblings, and the necessity of alternating between a "sick" and "well" world. Constructive approaches are…

Graphic family therapy based on changing family dysfunctioning through self-discovery is described. The stages of this design are discussed and specific graphic excercises for eight categories of family dysfunction are described. Two illustrative cases are presented. Conclusions regarding results, future research, training and other clinical…

Examines group structure and process through a serious consideration of word play of group members. Issues explored include ways in which metaphors externalize emotions, human identities are constructed metaphorically, interactional situations are managed metaphorically, and humor is related to dominance. (RC)

Summarizes and critiques 114 studies on small group communication published in speech communication journals between 1969 and 1979. Classifies the literature into three new lines of research focusing on communication variables of small group processes and three traditional lines of research, namely, leadership, discussion, and pedagogy. (JMF)

Identifies and compares the patterns of communication of groups making risky and cautious decision shifts. Risky- and cautious-shift group discussions displayed nonrandom and statistically different distributional and sequential structures. Findings are discussed in terms of two explanations of the risky- shift phenomenon. (JMF)

Discusses the history, constitutionality, and advisability of group libel legislation in light of increased activism on the part of hate groups and their appeal for First Amendment protection. (JMF)