Examined psychological adjustment in 159 homeless and 62 low-income, at-home children. Homeless children had greater recent stress exposure, more disrupted schooling/friendships. Behavior problems were above norms for homeless children, particularly for antisocial behavior. Behavior problems in both samples were more related to parental distress,…

Quantitative growth curve models for estimating individual developmental functions from various types of longitudinal data are discussed in the context of investigator assumptions and research design characteristics. Linear and nonlinear models that estimate growth curves are illustrated, and contrasted when they are fit to speech development…

The development of understanding of Biblical parables on the part of 28 Swiss subjects of 7 to 50 years of age was studied. It was found that Biblical parables were interpreted through the lens of one's stage of religious judgment in the manner described by Oser's and Gmunder's (1988) model. (BB)

Discusses the relationship between Lawrence Kohlberg's cognitive-stage theory as a further development of Piaget's moral theory. Argues Kohlberg describes moral thought and not the formation of the independent moral function. Finds Kohlberg's major interest is in the characteristics of stages of individual moral reasoning and the principle of…

Tested children for recall of paired associates. Traditional measures of recall suggested that older children displayed better retention than younger children. But when data were reevaluated using a technique that statistically controlled for degree of learning, developmental differences in retention disappeared. (BC)

Children and adults listened to stories that contained a goal sentence and an inconsistent outcome. Several encoding and retrieval factors were simultaneously manipulated in the stories. Interaction effects in situations with weak encoding constraint decreased with age. (BC)

Examines how African-American youngsters maintain their self-esteem in spite of some dissonant signals from their environment. By looking at several dimensions of self-esteem simultaneously, attempts to identify weaker links in Black youth self-efficacy. Follows the development of these dimensions relative to age, gender, and academic history. (AF)

Discusses Piagetian stages of infant development during the first two years of life. Describes activities that caregivers can use to foster infant capabilities at each developmental stage. (BB)

Presents recent research in developmental psychology that supports conclusion that understanding of dynamics of self-development within social context of group is necessary to curriculum development in ethics education. Suggests that group work is central to successful implementation of any ethics education program and that group discussion of…

Efforts to enhance student motivation can be more effective if they are approached from the perspective of psychological models of what drives human behavior including social learning theory, personal growth as a primary goal, cognitive development theory, self-efficacy theory, and expectancy-value theory. (Author/MLW)

Literacy is often based on a type of need (a good to which all should have access, escape from isolation, tool of productivity). The delivery of "packaged" skills based on these approaches ignores the capacity of adult learners to articulate their own needs. (SK)

Because they are not guided by an overall goal based on scientific theory, the six national education goals are fragmentary, contradictory, and insufficiently concerned about developing student autonomy--education's true aim. Teachers can help children develop autonomy by encouraging them to make decisions and enforce their own rules, fostering…

Examines research on developmental differences among groups of older preservice teachers and how those groups differ in relation to more traditional students. Student teachers completed questionnaires about their experiences, attitudes, and expectations. Results indicated differences were minimal, but those that did exist were age-related…

The president of the American Association on Mental Retardation looks at recent trends in the field in the context of moral values. The paper notes positive trends toward more inclusionary programs and policies and emphasis on consumer empowerment and urges professionals to support and assist clients as they exercise their right to…

Four canoeists who had completed four or more solo canoe expeditions of two weeks or longer were interviewed to understand their solitary wilderness experiences. Discussions of their motivations and experiences illustrate the opportunities that wilderness solitude provides for connection with nature, reflection on one's life, self-exploration, and…