From a special feature on "Violence & Agression. Other articles in the feature include "Aggression in the Classroom by Fritz Redl, "Temper Trantrums by A.E. Trieschman, and "Anger in Children by George V. Sheviakov.

Differences in problematic behavior of 50 Hispanic and 50 Anglo hospitalized inpatients of the Colorado State Hospital were assessed, using a list of 62 problem variables constructed from individual case records. Results indicated that socioeconomic conditions alone are insufficient in explaining the prevalence of mental illness within the…

Three groups of kindergarten-age children referred for hyperactivity, who varied with regard to symptom pervasiveness, were compared with each other and with a group of normal controls on a variety of biological, psychological, and behavioral variables. Direct observation, rather than biological and psychological test data, most clearly…

Examined the circumstances surrounding child maltreatment in 328 families. Results showed that physical abuse tended to be associated with child behaviors; emotional cruelty was associated with adult conflict that enlarged to involve the child; and neglect was characterized by failure of parents to assume parental responsibilities. (JAC)

Examines 16 major community surveys designed to measure prevalence of childhood emotional and behavioral conditions, discussing definitions of deviance, instruments, and methodologies used, as well as potential correlates of disorders studied. Suggests directions for research. (Author/MP)

Presents a case of successful treatment of compulsive handwashing in a thirteen-year-old boy through a cognitive behavioral intervention, showing the potential efficacy of these procedures with children for this type of behavior problem. The principal cognitive intervention was thought-stopping with which the child's obsessive ruminations were…

Investigated the relationship between self-concept and aggressive behavior in 229 third- and sixth-grade students. Analysis of variance revealed significantly larger aggressiveness scores among low self- concept children. Girls, while less aggressive than boys, became more aggressive with age while boys became less aggressive. No socioeconomic…

Describes the operation of the Vice Principal's Advisory Council (VPAC) at Montgomery High School, Skillman, New Jersey, which is used to provide a team approach to intervention in student problems. (JW)

The paper highlights motivation itself as a problem, suggests times when correction of the motivation problem should be the initial focus of intervention, and describes a framework and specific procedures for enhancing positive motivation and reducing avoidance as key aspects of correcting students' learning and behavior problems. (Author/MC)

The uses of corporal punishment with mildly handicapped students (learning disabled, behaviorally disordered, and mentally retarded students) in integrated public school settings were investigated. It was found that corporal punishment with mildly handicapped students occurs in virtually every region of the country, in communities of every size,…

Examined parental perceptions of child behavior, parenting self-esteem, and mothers' reported stress for younger and older hyperactive and normal children. Parenting self-esteem was lower in parents of hyperactives than in parents of normal children. Self-esteem related to skill/knowledge as a parent was age related. (Author/RC)

Describes the theory of self-defeating behaviors and discusses the theory's relevance for treatment of families' systems dysfunctions. Presents a case study illustrating the theory's application in a family systems approach for counselors. (RC)

Discusses destructive behaviors demonstrated over the past 25 years by American children. Argues that the decline of adult authority in schools, due to judicial decisions and the spread of legalistic relationships between students and faculty, are important causes of these problems. (MK)

Reports a follow-up of a behavioral self-control treatment of children's severe night fears. All but one of 40 children and their families significantly reduced or overcame night fears in a three-week training program. After three years, 31 of 34 families located had maintained improvement. (JAC)

Through a case study of the effects of a "paradoxical" intervention, the author shows how temper tantrums were reduced in a five-year-old cerebral palsied child. (Author/BW)