In an effort to measure adolescents' perception of parental criticism, a questionnaire covering 18 criticizable behaviors or attitudes was administered to high school students. Gender differences were examined as were the relationship between perceived criticism and self-image and the differential impact of criticism in the context of parental…

Examined the usefulness of a daily report system for improving school behavior and motivation of an eighth-grade student. The system improved communication between the school and parents and resulted in improved behavior, effort, and grades, as well as increased responsibility and self-confidence. (JAC)

Surveyed 2,767 middle and high school students to examine demographic, personality, and behavioral factors related to drug use. Data indicated all drug users are not alike, and a variety of social-psychological factors (peer influence, grade point average) are significantly correlated with level of drug use or abuse. (LLL)

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of a self-control program that emphasized modification of external environmental-eliciting cues for eating behavior with an induced affect program that was aimed at decreasing eating behavior as a response to emotional states. Results are discussed. (Author)

Describes the extinction of demanding behaviors of a nine-year-old boy by placing responsibility for behavioral reinforcement directly under his own control. The therapist assumed that the behavioral pattern of the paranoid personality is characterized by an overdependence upon environmental reinforcers and therefore used the self-management…

This article discusses general aspects of our knowledge about autism, as well as behavioral and cognitive characteristics of autistic children. Attention is also directed toward treatment techniques, especially those of direct use for the educator. (Author)

"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. The article summarized in this "Data Trends" addresses the experiences of families across the United States with regard to parent-child contact when the children are placed out of their home for the…

Many studies have shown that media violence has an effect on children's subsequent aggression. This study expands upon previous research in three directions: (1) by examining several subtypes of aggression (verbal, relational, and physical); (2) by measuring media violence exposure across three types of media (television, movies/videos, and video…

This book highlights the natural challenges in teaching and provides the kind of skills and understandings that are essential to be a professional teacher. It provides accessible, realistic, honest and practical ways to address the natural challenges inherent in a multi-task profession like teaching. Each chapter addresses an essential facet of…

Eleven years ago, FPG Child Development Institute (FPG) launched a longitudinal study of a little known form of mental retardation known as fragile X syndrome (FXS). The Carolina Fragile X Project has since grown into a multidisciplinary team studying diverse aspects of the condition, ranging from early identification to school performance. The…

Children adopted when they are older come with histories, fully formed personalities, and intense anger over what they have lost. Drawing on stories of families who have adopted older children, as well as research, interviews with professionals, and opinions of adults who were adopted as children, this book explores the joys and challenges of…

This report describes a program for improving adolescent social skills in order to reduce inappropriate behavioral choices in the classroom setting. The targeted population consisted of third, fifth, and sixth grade students expanding from lower to middle class communities. The lack of social skills in their learning environment was recorded…

One of the best predictors of aggression among schoolchildren is their social environment and relationships with peer and teachers. This study investigated the association between classroom climate and level of classroom aggression. The study population comprised over 9,000 fifth and sixth graders in 97 schools and 360 classrooms in Israel. It was…

Noting that when adolescents select friends, they are creating a relationship context that will be an important source of influence, this study examined the criteria adolescents use when choosing friends. Adolescents in grades 7 and 10 were interviewed about the criteria they used when selecting friends, particularly the importance they placed…

Special education referral decisions for emotional or behavioral problems were investigated. A survey distributed to regular education elementary school teachers examined differences in referral decisions for internalized and externalized behavior patterns. The survey also looked at teacher gender and years of teaching experience as variables…