This study investigates the image of the American family presented in six recent basal readers published by Allyn and Bacon, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Harper and Row, Laidlaw, Macmillan, and Scott Foresman. It compares these model families to social reality in terms of family structure, ethnicity, and father and grandparent roles. (Author/SJL)

Describes a seminar in which undergraduate students in home economics were provided with research training and the opportunity to work together on a research project which included housing, clothing, nutrition, consumer services, child development, and family relations. Students also explored difficulties international students encounter in…

Indicates that a child's self-esteem is not significantly related to reading gains in individual remedial reading instruction. (FL)

Used questionnaires and Experience Sampling Method (i.e., electronic pagers) to investigate relationships between talented adolescents' family contexts and school activity experiences. Found link between family support and feelings of spontaneous interest and between family challenge and goal-related interests. Revealed that combination of these…

Examined changes in sense of family obligation (FO) among an ethnically diverse group of 745 Americans in transition from secondary school into young adulthood. Found that FO increased for all young adults, with slight variations according to ethnic and financial backgrounds. Implications of FO for employment and educational persistence depended…

Discusses how Montessori infant and toddler communities provide an occasion for child development education for upper elementary and adolescent students within the school. Uses a question-and-answer format to illustrate how the program addresses the reality of lifestyles other than that of the traditional family. (Author/KB)

Three focus groups examined stress and conflict among 30 older African American women in Boston. Stress stemmed from worries about functional disability, accessing transportation, conflicts with family and peers, and grandchildren's lack of respect. Participants tended to use avoidant strategies to deal with stress and conflict. A training program…

Surveyed administrators of 463 long-term care facilities concerning overt suicides and intentional life-threatening behaviors. Data revealed that White males were highest risk group. Refusal to eat, drink, or take medications were most common suicidal behaviors. Depression, loneliness, feelings of family rejection, and loss were significant…

Household survey data and family histories from three highland Philippine communities were analyzed for differentials of age, sex, and birth order of siblings relative to the contributions they made to brothers and sisters. Apparent specializations among siblings provide evidence of role complementarity. (Author/TE)

Considers developmental and prognostic implications of early peer relations. Reviews evidence concerning peer difficulties as risk factors and family and peer relations in social development. Advances a conjunctive model of socialization. (BB)

Discusses results of a longitudinal study of effects of divorce and remarriage on children's adjustment. Results suggest that individual characteristics play an important role in either protecting children from negative consequences associated with their parents' marital transitions or in making children vulnerable to such consequences. (RJC)

Presents results of a survey of 50 dual-earner families whose preschool-aged children entered day care either before six months of age or during the second year of life. Parents reported on their perceptions of day care environment and effects, and on various factors related to personal and job satisfaction. (NH)

Demographic and socioeconomic status of Hispanic Americans, and particularly of the elderly, are discussed. The leadership roles and legacy of older persons in the extended multi-generational Hispanic American family are examined, and a case study is presented. Programatic efforts are needed to support close family ties and intergenerational…

Examined discrepancies between adolescent sixth- and seventh-grade students (n=74) and their parents' perceptions of family functioning. Effect of gender of parent and adolescent perceptions were explored. The relationship between discrepancies in perceptions of family functioning and adolescent emotional adjustment was explored. Adolescents…

Discusses the use of human figure drawings (HFDs) to uncover children's perceptions of the remarriage family. Such techniques may help counselors gain information, generate hypotheses, and plan interventions to improve children's lives. HFDs may provide counselors with the details needed to help children reframe problems and resolve conflicts.…