Investigated the perceptions of 42 abused wives about their husbands and marital situations during counseling immediately following incidences of wife abuse. Results showed wives generally perceived their husbands as extremely possessive and often irrational. Wife abuse was often symptomatic of other marital problems. (JAC)

Studied the effects of geographic mobility decisions on adjustment to separation and divorce in 83 persons. Results showed female nonmovers based their decision significantly more often than male nonmovers on the availability of social supports. Among men, movers were more poorly adjusted; among women, nonmovers were more poorly adjusted. (JAC)

To study the effectiveness of counselor supervisory methods, three groups of supervisees rated specific supervisor behaviors for frequency and effectiveness. Results showed beginning trainees emphasized the mechanics and task of supervision, while experienced supervisees perceived a less structured interaction that was more supportive and more…

Investigated communication in happy and distressed married couples (N=58) in two studies. Problem-solving behaviors were evaluated by the spouses and observers. Half of the distressed couples received written feedback. Results indicated both happy and distressed wives engaged in more negative behaviors than husbands, and videotape and written…

Assessed the theoretical and practical utility of adolescent alcohol expectancies against demographic/background variables in the prediction of adolescent drinking (N=1,580). Results showed that expectancies equalled and added to the predictive power of the background variables. Adolescents who drank in a social manner expected alcohol to enhance…

Tested the use of interviews, specifically the Focus Group Interview technique, to generate information about how high communication apprehensives (CAs) characterize their attitudes, experiences, and behaviors. Found that much of what high CAs said about themselves corresponds with what has been conceptualized and tested quantitatively about…

Behaviors observed in 47 families interacting at home were recorded in terms of interactions between a target child and other family members. The types of behaviors emitted by a target child to parents versus siblings were analyzed as were the types of responses that parents versus siblings gave to the target child's behavior. (Author/RH)

Data from use of Rutter's Children's Behavior Questionnaire in a developing country suggest that the scale's factor structure is stable over sex and racial groups. (MP)

Emotional responses and coping behavior in children (eight boys and eight girls in each of three age groups: 6 to 12 months, 18 to 36 months, and 42 to 60 months) were observed during pediatric examinations. Results showed the effect of age and time period (before, during, or following the examination) on children's levels of negative emotion. (MP)

Mothers in one sample were interviewed when children were 1.5, 2, and 2.5 years old, while mothers in the other sample answered questionnaires when their children were 3.5, 5, and 7 years old. Strong emotional attachment to objects and finger-sucking were most prevalent around 2 years of age. (MP)

Reports analyses by topical cycle and group meeting of nine videotaped group discussions to extend Bales and Strodtbeck's often cited phase research. The analysis by group meeting suggesting an underlying motivational structure for phase progression, offers support of a three-phase hypothesis. (Author)

Surveyed 100 nondrinking adolescents utilizing a behavior analysis questionnaire designed to assess influences on learning not to drink. Results suggest that parents who did not drink had a strong influence. Effective modes of self-control were also discovered; teenagers revealed assertiveness skills in saying "no" to peer pressures. (Author/JAC)

Presents an overview of the development of motivational thought in the study of exploratory behavior and curiosity. Traces the way in which concepts of curiosity were considered from the perspectives of instinct and drive-reduction theories to the more recent notions of optimal stimulation. (Author)

Examined kinds of power strategies used by masculine, feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated people in their intimate relationships. Androgynous people reported using primarily bilateral strategies, such as persuasion. Undifferentiated people reported using primarily unilateral strategies, such as doing what they wanted, regardless of their…

Surveyed college women and men and found that caffeine was consumed by a large proportion of the respondents. Women consumed a larger amount of caffeine and used more substances containing this drug. An increase in caffeine usage with increased psychic stress was observed for women only. (Author)