A survey of 44 students (grades 4-10) with behavior disorders, 14 special educators, and 15 teacher assistants evaluated the social validity of level systems (behavioral management interventions applied to shape students' social, emotional, and academic behaviors to pre-established levels). While students were the most negative group, they…

Tested model of gender's moderating effects on behavior problems among early adolescents. Found that increasing girls' internalizing symptoms were partly explained by greater stability in girls' interpersonal vulnerabilities and greater magnitude in coefficients linking girls' relationships with parents and peers and internalizing problems. Boys'…

Related children's experience in after-school programs to first grade performance. Found that staff positivity was associated with fewer boys' behavior problems, whereas staff negativity was related to boys' poorer reading/math grades. Program flexibility was associated with better boys' social skills. More frequent negative peer interactions in…

This study examined factors associated with relative stability of peer rejection among elementary school-aged children. Results of prospective and retrospective analyses suggested that perceived social status, participation in extracurricular activities, locus of control, and parental monitoring were all positively related to status improvement…

Notes that obesity is the primary reason for peer rejection in America; examines effects of obesity on wellness, self-esteem, peer relationships, and social status of children/families and early childhood teachers. Suggests that early childhood educators: (1) educate all stakeholders about nutrition and body size issues; (2) speak out against…

Examined role of age, gender, and dating in Israeli high school students' romantic behaviors/perceptions and linkages between family/peer relationships and affective intensity with romantic partners. Found that intimacy and level of emotional involvement were similar across adolescence. Girls emphasized attachment and care more than boys.…

Evaluated the construct validity of the parent version of the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (PIPPS) and compared this version with the teacher version. Findings support the use of the PIPPS parent version. Parent version replicated the three-factor solution found with the teacher version, supporting the following constructs of peer play: Play…

Examined motivationally related variables among three types of students. In particular, students' perceptions of competence, control, and academic coping as well as parental, teacher, and peer autonomy support were investigated. Significant group differences were found on measures of perceived competence, academic coping, and parental autonomy…

Reports on Macalester College's (Minnesota) Learning Center peer-mentoring, speaker, and workshop programs, which were designed to focus on anti-racism activism and reorganization of multicultural affairs. Analyzes ambiguity of terms "racism" and "multiculturalism" and argues that a systematic approach is necessary to move…

Interviewed preschoolers about straightforward exclusion and inclusion for two gender stereotypic peer-group contexts: activities and role-play. Found that all children evaluated straightforward exclusion based on gender as wrong and used moral reasons. Preliminary inclusion decisions in the activity contexts were based on stereotypic…

Describes how the sociodramatic play experiences of a group of first graders served as a vehicle for integrating the classroom curriculum. Considers play as a curricular tool and adults' roles in sociodramatic play. Shows how first-graders' play in connection with creating a card shop incorporated reading, writing, and mathematical skills, and…

A classroom-based pragmatic language intervention program was conducted with 6 boys (ages 8-12) with emotional and behavioral disorders. The intervention positively influenced the ability of the participants to employ pragmatic skills, such as providing sufficient and detailed information, stating opinions, and using verbal language to negotiate…

This study examined the concept of relational aggression and its application to high-risk girls in treatment. Sixteen male practitioners from 9 different agencies serving young people were interviewed about their feelings and perceptions in working with female clients. The survey presents selected examples of manifestations of relational…

This study examined the role of adaptation in the first year of middle school (Grade 6, age 11) to affiliation with gangs by the last year of middle school (Grade 8, age 13). The sample consisted of 714 European American (EA) and African American (AA) boys and girls. Specifically, academic grades, reports of antisocial behavior, and peer relations…

We investigated whether there was a relationship between the amount of alcohol students drank themselves and the amount they believed other students drank. We further investigated whether peer relationships affected their perceptions on drinking more than their perceptions of student drinking in general. Three hundred six students at The Richard…