This study shows a change in ethnocentrism could be accomplished through use of behavior modification techniques. A total of 18 Caucasian subjects were divided into six groups: three control groups and three experimental groups. Results showed reinforcement was effective in producing attitude change. (Author)

Reviews research to date dealing with attempts to conceptualize a framework for analysis of communication skills acquired in early childhood years. (MH)

The relationship of unrealistic vocational choice to other unrealistic behavioral responses was examined by having subjects with judged realistic or unrealistic vocational choices estimate performance over trials on a visual pursuit task. Results did not confirmthe hypothesized relationship between unrealism in vocational choice behavior and…

A study involving 24 5-year-old children and their mothers was conducted to examine the relationship between children's oppositional behavior and the following two variables: number of commands issued and time from command presentation. (Author/SBH)

This followup study used data from a previous study to examine gender differences in risk factors that increase the probability of suicidal behavior among 3,461 students in grades 7 through 12. There were significant gender differences in that more aggressive behaviors increased the likelihood of males reporting suicidal behavior. (SLD)

The impact the father's attitude toward premarital sexual intercourse has on the sexual behavior of the father's adolescent child was studied with approximately 750 inner-city African American youth. Results showed that adolescent perceptions of paternal attitudes were predictive of teen sexual behavior independent of perceptions of maternal…

It is argued that behavior genetics should be part of social policy deliberations because behavior genetics studies can reveal which traits are more influenced by shared environments and thus are most malleable through environmental change. This is of particular interest in the case of IQ. (SLD)

Social information-processing patterns in 9- through 12-year olds at least partially supported 3 hypotheses: only reactive-aggressive children would demonstrate hostile biases in their attributions of intentions in provocation situations; only proactive-aggressive children would evaluate aggression in positive ways; and proactive-aggressive…

Possible antecedents of toddler gender separation were studied with 57 toddlers with a mean age of 35 months. There were no differences between gender-segregating and nonsegregating children regarding gender toy preferences or gender awareness, but teachers saw gender-segregating girls as more socially sensitive. (SLD)

A search of the literature to differentiate among definitions of physical discipline, corporal punishment, and physical child abuse identified five studies which revealed that abusive parents spanked their children more often than did nonabusive parents. Aggregated data from nonabusive parents suggested a "normal range" of daily spanking…

In a speech, Boston University (Massachusetts) president Jon Westling used "Somnolent Samantha" as an example of potential for student abuse of identification as learning disabled. Because Samantha was fictitious, 10 students have sued the university, charging Westling with holding an unfair view of students with learning disabilities.…

Assessed the risk, protective, alcohol and other drug (AOD) knowledge and attitudes, and AOD behavior of 1,797 high-risk youth ages 12 to 19. Results from the survey suggest that the more protective the behavior, the greater the AOD knowledge and positive attitude, and the lower the risk of AOD behavior. (SLD)

This article considers the perseverative and passive behavior patterns common in children with intellectual disabilities and often the focus of educational interventions. It suggests that, instead of always being an impediment to progress, these behaviors may sometimes be appropriate and adaptive responses of a slow mind to coping in a world that…

Reveals that 46% of the time with television was spent in some activity instead of or in addition to looking at the TV. Notes that social interaction was the most common nonviewing activity for all viewers, followed by playing and eating for children and reading for adults. Considers how nonviewing behaviors occurred most often during programming…

This article examines the clinical aspects of etiology-related behaviors in young children with genetic mental retardation syndromes. Discussion of the concept of behavioral phenotype leads to consideration of how interventionists can best provide more focused and more effective interventions for children with different genetic disorders and…