Adolescents' understanding of societal conflict and of compromise resolution in the context of peer and authority relations was investigated. Six conflict stories were prepared for three social issues, and adolescents were asked to develop dialogues from the stories. Responses were categorized on a three-point scale. (Author/LMO)

Investigated friendship patterns among four-year-old mildly developmentally delayed and three- and four-year-old nonhandicapped children participating in a series of mainstreamed playgroups. Most children preferred a specific peer, but only a few mildly delayed children and three-year-olds were able to establish reciprocal friendships. (SKC)

Seven profiles of extremely gifted children under the age of four are presented. Examination of the cognitive, social, and emotional profiles of these children suggests that no singular pattern characterizes their functioning. (DB)

Introduces this thematic issue of CHILD DEVELOPMENT which addresses schooling and child development. (PCB)

Describes the sex-related differences in young children's play patterns. Finds that young children interact most closely with their own sex and that boys use more inventiveness and assertiveness in play to gain the more desirable toys. Concludes that play patterns may reinforce sex role stereotypes and contribute to later female underachievement.…

Discusses what may be considered aggressive behavior, what motivates aggressive students, and possible teacher responses to aggressive behavior. Describes four points on which teachers can focus to diminish the attractiveness of aggression and ensure that it is not rewarded. Identifies learning activities which provide aggressive students with the…

Investigates distinctions between the theories of Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan, and Marx by considering some unresolved problems in how Innis conceptualizes both the historical process and the impact of media on social organization. Argues that certain fundamental notions in Innis' work inaccurately analyze key features of the historical…

Handicapped adolescents often have problems developing social skills. Suggestions for helping these children become comfortable with friendship, dating, and sexuality are offered. (DF)

Third and fourth-grade learning disabled boys were compared to low-achieving third and fourth graders (N=24) matched on sex, race, grade, classroom, and reading achievement. No significant differences were found between these two groups in terms of levels of classroom acceptance, social knowledge, and social behavior as rated by their regular…

The social maturation of adolescents with disabilities is examined in terms of early, middle, and late adolescence, and studies are reviewed on disabled adolescents' self-esteem/self concept, independence/dependence, sexuality, and social relationships with family, peers, and school. (CL)

The work group's discussion centers on seven factors affecting disabled adolescents' social development. Each of the following factors is addressed in terms of potentially important research, service, and policy initiatives: self esteem, peer groups, parenting, family, services, enforced dependency, and positive sexual socialization. (CL)

Each of the seven factors that affect adolescent social development is presented together with a description of potentially important research, service, and policy initiatives within each topic area. The factors are self-esteem, peer group, parenting, family, services, enforced dependency, and positive sexual socialization. (CT)

Social and cognitive values of different play materials for 21 normal and 21 handicapped preschool children were examined. Analyses showed that handicapped preschoolers exhibited comparable amounts of symbolic play but lower quality of symbolic play than that shown by nonhandicapped preschoolers. Symbolic play by handicapped children depended much…

An ongoing, structured, low-intensity exercise program designed to foster physical, social, and cognitive functioning was evaluated in 128 seniors ranging in age from 55 to 101 years. The program appeared to be providing an opportunity for social interaction among participants, and the exercises appeared to be mentally stimulating. (Author/CT)

Research is reviewed on the communicative ability of learning disabled (LD) adolescents and its effects on acceptance by peers. Difficulties are noted in social perception, oral language, and social experience. Suggestions for enhancing communication and social skills include using group-contingent reinforcements and exposing LD students to normal…