Trained observers used the Standardized Observation Codes III to observe interactive patterns within the homes of 23 mother-child dyads in which the mother had physically abused the child and 24 similar dyads with no history of abuse. Among other findings, results indicated the great classificatory and predictive value of this measurement.…

Reviews anecdotal research and empirical studies that examine the relationship between work addiction and family-of-origin dysfunction and its impact on family development. The latest empirical research, although tentative at best, was found to corroborate earlier anecdotal reports on nearly all the variables studied. Presents intervention…

A study of 22 Australian families whose relatives were living in an institution found families expressed their opposition to deinstitutionalization for the following reasons: adverse effects on themselves and on their relatives with intellectual disabilities; inadequate community-based residential settings; and provision of good services by the…

Examined the links between young adolescents' everyday experiences and parental depressed mood. Found that adolescents with depressed parents, especially girls, reported less positive mood when with their families. Identified characteristics that distinguished between adolescents with depressed parents who themselves were experiencing elevated…

An instrument to assess the risk of child abuse in families affected by substance abuse is presented. The assessment tool is intended to be used as a guide in data gathering and case planning and for monitoring family progress and evaluating the outcomes of services. Data on the instrument's reliability and validity are presented. (CR)

A survey of approximately 375 Chinese college students in Hong Kong examined parental abuse toward adolescents. Of the sample, 62.2% had been verbally abused by the parents, 13.2% experienced minor physical violence, and 8.5% reported severe physical violence during the past year. (CR)

A study of 29 single-parent families, 35 two-parent families, 17 families of children with Down syndrome, 16 families of children with hearing impairment, and 29 families of children with developmental delay, found that parents of children with Down syndrome or with developmental delays experienced a greater proportion of child-related stress. (CR)

Behavior problems were examined in 225 three-year-old children with or without developmental delays. Staff-completed Bayley Behavioral Scales and parent-completed Child Behavior Checklists (CBCLs) showed children with delays were 3 to 4 times as likely to have a score within the CBCL clinical range. Behavior problems caused more parent stress than…

A study of 405 Irish children (ages 2-18) with Down syndrome, autism, and cri du chat syndrome, and 280 siblings found most had some level of self-feeding skills. Chewing problems were reported for some children, including siblings of children with Down syndrome and autism. Behavioral problems at meals were common. (Contains references.)…

Presents four articles on children's anger in preschool, chronic parental anger, and the teacher's role in identifying and defusing anger: (1) "'I'm bery, bery cwoss!' Understanding Children's Anger" (Marie D. Hammer); (2) "Parental Anger: Causes, Triggers, and Strategies To Help" (Roberta J. Wilburn); (3) "The Language of Anger: The Words that…

Examines major work/family problems faced by employees; relationship of work/family programs and productivity; emergent trends in companies; and how some leading scientific companies and universities are responding to work/family issues. Examines child care, elder care, work time and relocation, job demands and autonomy, supervisory relationships,…

The parents of a boy with Down syndrome and two nondisabled girls developed marital conflicts about their roles in managing the home, helping with schoolwork, spending time with the children, and setting realistic expectations for the children. They learned to more clearly express their feelings about their own needs and their children's needs.…

Examines whether the special features of VCRs lead to transformations in families, or whether preexisting family relationships and media orientations determine the uses of VCRs. Finds that VCRs mainly augment and extend family television patterns, and suggests that VCR use is both a cause and a symptom of family conflicts. (KEH)

An outreach program focusing on group intervention helped children and adolescents in a distressed Minnesota farm community to cope with the stress of family change. The program provided support groups, taught problem-solving and decision-making skills, and encouraged expression of feelings and group cooperation. (SV)

Examined the consequences of parent care reported by 150 husbands of women who were principal caregivers of their elderly disabled mothers, and compared the men's perceptions of the caregiving situation with those of their wives. Overall, the husbands and wives disagreed on the extent to which relationships in the nuclear family were affected by…