A framework is provided for selecting and analyzing social skills curricula for teaching students with learning or behavioral difficulties. The framework emphasizes analysis of such programing considerations as individualization, cost-effectiveness, assessment, maintenance, and generalization. Presented are a checklist for analyzing the curricula…

Examines issues surrounding detention of young people in Westchester County, New York, as the county attempts to deal with the increasing number of juveniles. Discusses length of stay, violation of the "least restrictive principle" and negative effects. Concludes that new statutory criteria must be developed for the admission of youths to secure…

The article reviews the method of topographic mapping of the brain's electrical activity. Multiple electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes and computerized analysis of the EEG signal are used to generate maps of frequency and voltage (evoked potential). This relatively new technique holds promise in the evaluation of children with behavioral and…

Seventy-five violent/assaultive students (age 7-16) attending a specialized day-treatment facility were studied to identify psychoeducational variables differentiating between successfully or unsuccessfully mainstreamed students. Differentiating variables were: follow-up contacts with the public school, numerical ratings on an ecological measure,…

This survey of 60 adolescents with behavioral-emotional disorders revealed significant gender differences in the frequency of suicide ideation and suicide attempts, with the females reporting higher frequencies in both areas. No gender differences were found in the rationales offered by the adolescents for suicidal behavior. (Author/JDD)

Noting that treatment foster care is a recent and expanding multisystem service, this article summarizes the empirical literature on treatment foster care and offers suggestions for future research directions. Results from program evaluations and experimental research suggest that treatment foster care is an effective alternative to residential…

This study compared homework problems among 42 students (ages 7-18) with behavior disorders (BD) and 42 students without disabilities. Students with BD scored significantly higher on a Homework Problems Checklist than did nondisabled peers. Suggested interventions to address specific habits and problems that impair students' homework completion…

Individuals (n=199) with mental retardation referred for behavioral and psychiatric crisis intervention services were studied to determine attributes differentiating physically aggressive behavior from other behavioral problems. Aggression was predicted by gender, level of mental retardation, and history of previous institutional placement; the…

Studies the application of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to chronically aggressive psychiatric inpatients. ESM allows for the sampling of behavior, thoughts, and feelings of persons across time and situations by signalling subjects to record these aspects using a questionnaire at random times. (JPS)

Analyzes the results of a project undertaken to measure foster parents' perceptions about the behavior problems of sexually abused children in their care. The types of behavior problems described by foster parents and implications for future research are discussed. (JPS)

Counteraggression is discussed as a biological function or survival instinct that escalates violence in schools. Expands Fritz Redl's explanation of underlying reasons why staff dealing with delinquent youth become counteraggressive. Preventing or controlling counteraggressive behavior through analysis of the reasons behind the reaction can help…

Examines how 92 practicing school psychologists rank 11 variables in their assessments of serious emotional disturbance in school-age children. Also examines the extent of school psychologists' reliance upon clinical and empirical criteria in assessing severity. Results indicate that school psychologists agree in their ranking of variables from…

The prevalence of compulsions in 210 adults with severe/profound mental retardation was studied. Prevalences were as follows: stereotypy (60.9 percent), self-injury (46.6 percent), and compulsion (40 percent). The occurrence of compulsions was positively associated with the occurrence of stereotypy, self-injury, and stereotypy plus self-injury.…

Systematic curricular accommodations reduced the problem behaviors of four elementary students with behavioral disorders. Assessments identified student interests and curricular assignments associated with high levels of problem behavior. Curricular modification was then implemented. Results support adaptations that incorporate student interests…

A panel of experts identified the top 19 articles published in the field of behavioral disorders, and another panel rank ordered the 19 classic works. The articles ranged in year of publication from 1959 to 1984, and three authors (F. Hewett, J. M. Kauffman, and W. C. Rhodes) each appeared twice on the list. (Author/JDD)