Developed a Bayesian approach for structural equation models with ignorable missing continuous and polytomous data that obtains joint Bayesian estimates of thresholds, structural parameters, and latent factor scores simultaneously. Illustrated the approach through analysis of a real data set of 20 patterns of condom use in the Philippines. (SLD)

An ecological method was used to assess the patterns of goal-directed behaviors of eight children with autism and eight chronological and mental age comparable children with Down syndrome. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative behavior coding indicated that children with autism exhibited shorter and less overlapping goal-directed behaviors,…

Among 258 Midwestern male farmers and ranchers (average age 49), 87 percent coped with problems and difficulties by having faith in God. Respondents generally were reluctant to accept help from professionals, neighbors, or relatives, and were confident in their own abilities to solve their difficulties independently. Contains 22 references.…

Two studies with children (n=123) with mild mental retardation were designed to test whether specific clusters of beliefs would predict imitation and persistence behaviors in this population. The studies found that belief scores were significantly related to such behaviors. Implications concerning motivation, the developmental-difference…

Investigates concerns among both disabled and able-bodied individuals concerning helping behavior in three settings: a sheltered workshop, a social activity group, and a university. Finds that helping did not appear to be a serious problem, and proposes 17 tentative "rules" for helping the handicapped. (KEH)

Entrepreneurial business owners were surveyed concerning their attitudes toward factors related to entrepreneurial success. Various myths about entrepreneurship are presented, such as the perception that entrepreneurs are "wild and crazy," are ego-driven, rely on "gut feelings," and derive their successes from "gimmicks." These myths are then…

Analyzed 299 incidents involving 182 psychiatric patients over a 2-year period. Compared data with control group data from 100 nonincident patients. Findings demonstrated significant relationships between incidents and patient age, gender, diagnostic status, and number of previous incidents. (Author/NB)

Examines whether trained observers detect deception more accurately than untrained observers. Finds that trained observers judge veracity of low self-monitors and unrehearsed liars with higher deception detection accuracy. Reports that discrepancy between observers' actual ability to detect deception and certainty in their judgment accuracy is…

Although listening is the most widely used communication skill, it is rarely taught. This study of California and Arkansas principals explored how principals and their staffs perceived the principals' listening behaviors. Results suggest that principals and their staffs perceived the principals to be moderately good listeners. Includes 11…

Comparison of 31 elementary grade boys with learning disabilities and 52 boys with behavior disorders who either did or did not also display hyperactive behavior found significant differences between groups on the Classroom Behavior Inventory in three areas: Hostility versus Consideration, Extroversion versus Introversion, and Independence versus…

Discusses the problems caused for both users and systems by queries containing negation, and presents an algorithm for transforming Boolean queries with negated terms into queries without negation using a hierarchical thesaurus. A set of user requests submitted to an academic library are also examined to determine the pattern and frequency of use…

A questionnaire was administered to 153 of 181 13-year-olds who had been assessed at ages 8-9. Results supported the hypothesis that for the majority, aggressive behavior is not a stable trait and cannot be accurately predicted as a recurrent pattern when using the opinions of teachers, peers, or the children themselves. (SK)

What teachers believe and how they behave is a result of socialization in the culture of teaching. If long-term school reform is a goal of staff development, then strategies and mechanisms must be developed which focus on changing the culture of teaching. (JD)

It is suggested that Community Mental Health (CMH) should be more involved in the development of comprehensive behavioral services, which is now taking place outside the traditional mental health environment. Implications for CMH planning and financing are discussed, drawing upon a selective literature review and clinical illustrations. (SLD)

Examined kibbutz youth alcohol patterns and problems. Administered questionnaire on consumption and consequences of alcohol use to 54 high school-aged youth from Israeli kibbutz. Found that 69 percent of respondents reported using alcohol, with higher proportion of females than males saying they drank. Comparison with other studies showed that…