This study of the longitudinal speech performance of 48 cleft palate speakers with marginal velopharyngeal competence, from age 6 to adolescence, found that the adolescent subjects' velopharyngeal status could be predicted based on 2 variables at age 6: the severity ratings of articulation defectiveness and nasality. (Author/JDD)

A study of 143 "low-risk" pregnant women in Australia examined the contribution of a woman's background and attitudes to her relationship with her baby during the baby's first year. Women who perceived their social network as less supportive during pregnancy were likely to see their one-year-old babies as more difficult. (Author/DB)

Examined the effects of type of distribution and type of response scale on observed integration patterns in five, six, and seven year olds. Findings showed that the effect of two factors, age and type of scale, were significant. (SH)

According to data from national survey of 17,110 children under age 18, children living with single mothers or with mothers and stepfathers were more likely than those living with both biological parents to have repeated a grade, been expelled, been treated for emotional or behavioral problems, and to have elevated scores for behavioral problems…

A survey of graduating university students (n=165) investigated factors influencing their satisfaction with their majors. Career-related learning, communication skills, and parental influence in choice of major were the best predictors of satisfaction with major. Perceived quality of instruction and career opportunities/services were also highly…

Men (n=134) of different ages, races, classes, personality characteristics, and work statuses were assessed with Gender Role Conflict Scale, Personal Strain Questionnaire, and Personal Attributes Questionnaire. Two meaningful and independent male constellations linking 9 of 13 demographic, psychological, and strain variables with 3 patterns of…

Sixty-five subjects diagnosed as learning disabled and reporting police contact by the median age of 18 were interviewed at age 25. Analysis on parent and subject variables correctly classified 75% of subjects into persisting and nonpersisting delinquent groups and revealed that personality characteristics such as impulsivity and poor judgment…

A study of 521 teacher education students taking the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) revealed that students with American College Testing Program (ACT) composite scores of 21 or higher had a high probability of passing all 3 parts of the PPST at the first attempt at a cutoff score of 169. A state testing exemption for such students resulted.…

Describes a study of California public-school principals aiming to identify important parameters of secondary instructional leadership, estimate their effect on school achievement, and determine whether they are the same for secondary and elementary principals. The ways that principals govern the school, build school climate, and organize the…

Kindergartners and third and sixth graders chose classmates whom they would and would not like to have as teammates for an academic contest and as playmates; they also rated their classmates on likability and academic ability. At all ages, children's choices for academic competition and play were associated with their ratings of their classmates'…

Data collected from 128 third through sixth graders over a 1-year period demonstrated that individuals with withdrawn social behavior, low peer acceptance, few or no friendships, and an internal-stable attributional style were more likely to have higher levels of concurrent and future loneliness than individuals not exhibiting these…

Tested propositions concerning the relation of organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and perceived availability of alternative employment to intentions to leave or remain in child care work. Results indicated that commitment, satisfaction with pay and promotion opportunities, and perceived job alternatives contributed significantly to…

Platelet serotonin (5HT) levels of 5 autistic subjects (ages 16-37) who had siblings with either autism or pervasive developmental disorder were significantly higher than levels of 23 autistic subjects without affected siblings. Autistic subjects without affected siblings had 5HT levels significantly higher than 10 normal controls. Sex, age, and…

Reviews research conducted on adult populations dealing with correlates or predictors of proficiency in a second language. Four classes of individual difference variables are considered, including (1) attitudes and motivation; (2) language aptitude and intelligence; (3) language learning strategies; and (4) personality variables. (83 references)…

Examined mother-child interaction in play and teaching tasks. Mother-child interaction aggregates represented task orientation, positive emotion, and allowance of autonomy. Maternal interaction aggregates predicted teachers' ratings of children's positive social behavior, assertiveness, and sadness in the preschool setting. (BC)