This case study applied functional assessment methods to problem behavior of an adult male with severe mental retardation within the natural home setting. The problem behaviors did not occur when the subject was able to participate in a more preferred activity regardless of whether he chose the day activity program or it was chosen for him. (DB)

This study used surveys, interactive focus groups, and telephone interviews to explore the concept of advocacy and advocacy activities experienced by 32 parents and 11 individuals with developmental disabilities. Advocacy activities and supports (such as communication skills and networking) and barriers to successful advocacy (such as costs and…

Parents from families referred by a social service department completed a questionnaire measuring ego differentiation among family members and provided information from which a genogram of families' multigenerational relationship systems was constructed. Results indicated that families had lower levels of differentiation than a nonclinical norm…

Ideas about parent and adolescent responsibilities were explored in a sample of 195 adolescent females, 192 mothers, and 153 maternal grandmothers to study generational differences. Survey results indicate that adolescents were more likely to link parental provision of material goods with autonomy issues than were their mothers or grandmothers.…

Examines the influence of parent-child collaboration on children's social competence with peers and the role of parents' and child's gender. Provides evidence that when parents collaborate with children, children's social competence with peers increases and that children's social competence is influenced more by the parent of the same sex than by…

Addresses the issue of whether the child must be presented with a lesson before choosing it, or should be allowed to choose any work desired. Presents arguments for each philosophy, and the pros and cons of each choice. Asserts that the free choice option is most consistent with Montessori philosophy. (SD)

Describes an urban high school's homeroom classroom calendar that is maintained by students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The calendar is used to record students' schedules, including individualized education program meetings, assemblies, doctor appointments, and other events. It assists students in taking responsibility for their own…

Cites empirical evidence contrary to Goodman's assertion that preschool children are egocentric and incapable of moral reflection. Offers evidence that heteronomous regulation of children leads to numerous undesirable outcomes and that encouragement of children's autonomy leads to positive outcomes. Points out numerous misconceptions of…

Investigates possible differences in need for control, attachment style, and relationship satisfaction between a sample of adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and adult children of nonalcoholics. Analyses reveals that ACOAs reported a significantly higher need for control and significantly lower relationship satisfaction. Includes a discussion of…

This study examined ways in which adolescent attachment security is manifest in qualities of the secure base provided by mother-adolescent relationships among at-risk ninth- and tenth-graders. Findings suggest that security is closely connected to the mother-adolescent relationship via a secure-base phenomenon, in which the teen can explore…

This study assessed a microswitch-based program in which three request and one choice microswitches were used for two participants with multiple disabilities. Each request switch was linked to different stimulation opportunities. Both participants learned to use the microswitches very rapidly. Responding levels were high during intervention and…

Measured the psychosocial development of college students with and without learning disabilities using the Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory. Found significant differences between groups in terms of their academic autonomy and mature interpersonal relationships. (EV)

Among 316 Canadian educational institutions and agencies engaged in educational research with child subjects, most acknowledged the existence of risks and ethical issues and expressed concern for the personal autonomy and welfare of child subjects. However, this concern was neither universal nor consistently reflected in actual research review…

Discusses, from a feminist perspective, issues of anger, power, autonomy, and gender role stereotyping and their importance for women in counseling relationships. Reviews recommendations for training counselors in feminist or nonsexist therapy. (Author)

Examined relationship between career indecision and family-of-origin enmeshment. Administered Career Decision Scale and 2 scales (Intergenerational Individuation and Triangulation) from Personal Authority in Family System Questionnaire to 557 college students. Found that graduate students were more decided than undergraduate students and that…