Compares patterns of friendship in infants, toddlers, and preschool children who attended either a child-care center or a program for emotionally disturbed children. Younger children had fewer and more stable friendships; emotionally disturbed children limited friendships to single partners. Complexity of social interaction increased most within…

Studies of personality integration in children and adults show that certain personality characteristics that predict effective behavior appear to be remarkably continuous regardless of differences in age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The studies point to the importance of self-esteem for effective behavior. (PP)

Explores five categories of counselor acting out: (1) attentional failures; (2) empathic failures; (3) aggressivity; (4) sexual and seductive behaviors; and (5) logistical failures. Several intervention measures are presented and discussed. Counselors must be accountable for their behavior and engage in self-monitoring when necessary. (Author/JAC)

Compared physically abused male preschoolers (N=11) with nonabused matched controls on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities and the Wide Range Achievement Test. Significant differences were found on the Verbal and Memory Scales and the General Cognitive Index of the McCarthy. No behavioral differences were noted. (Author/JAC)

Studied predictors of alcohol use and misuse in 1,823 college students who completed the Student Alcohol Information Survey. Results showed students who began drinking younger reported more alcohol-related problems. Students introduced to alcohol with parental consent, who were the majority, experienced significantly fewer problems. (JAC)

Presents a model of vocational theory which considers the problems generated by normative theories, using a cognitive model of behavior and incorporating life-style parameters. Outlines research implications of the model. (WAS)

This article explores linkages between stress and effective job performance: while too much stress can lead to burnout, too little stressful stimulation can result in boredom. Generating the proper amount of stress for optimal job performance is discussed. (PP)

Four features of early adolescent friendship have received the greatest attention in the literature: intimacy of conversations, friends' responsiveness to each other's needs and desires, the degree of similarity or complementarity between friends, and the stability of friendships over time. Each of these features and its potential effect on the…

The theoretical and practical implications of viewing difficult temperament as a characteristic of the individual rather than as a social perception are discussed, with an emphasis on an interactionist view of developmental process. (Author/MP)

Tests the traditional two-part hypothesis that partisan predispositions motivate a person to be selectively exposed to political campaign communications, which in turn serve to reinforce those original predispositions. Draws inferences about differences in these processes that exist between adolescents and their parents. (PD)

Measured problem drinking of college students (N=613) by statistical analysis of reported drinking behavior, psychological involvement and consequences of alcohol use. Results showed alcohol problem scores for 72 percent of students questioned, higher scores for males than females, and no differences as a function of age or class standing.…

Using a computerized content analysis, the authors demonstrate changes in speech behaviors of prison inmates. They conclude that two to four hours of public speaking training can have only limited effect on students who live in a culture in which "prison speech" is the expected and rewarded form of behavior. (PD)

Suggests that intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts are influential in marital relationships. Results indicate happy couples had predispositions for productively managing conflict; clinical couples had higher aggressiveness predispositions. Happy couples also had more loyalty to their communities, more energy for tasks, and more positive…

Tested three hypotheses focusing on the role of religion in the personal adjustment of older age cohorts. Examined life satisfaction as it relates to age, physical disabilities, and church attendance. Results of interviews with 1,170 older adults suggested physical disabilities may explain decline in church attendance with age. (RC)

Studied 15 adolescent runaways in an inpatient long-term treatment setting. Results showed that more runaways were male, and most were away only a short time. In many cases, behavior improvement resulted. Impulsive behavior and anxiety were related to the short time and distance of elopement. (Author/JAC)