An approach to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders is presented that considers the difficulties in relationships and communication secondary to sensory and motor processing deficits. These difficulties are conceptualized as Multisystem Developmental Disorder (MSDD), and case vignettes illustrate typical patterns of MSDD and…

This study investigated the relative influence of parent attitudes and behaviors on the scholastic and social adjustment of 720 low-income inner-city black sixth graders in the Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk. Findings suggest that affective characteristics of parents deserve attention in educational reform and intervention efforts. (SLD)

Four eighth and ninth graders with learning problems were studied, focusing on their learning environments, learning behavior, and subjective experiences in the classroom. Ego-involvement and self-protective behaviors were noted. Results are discussed in terms of self-worth theory and motivation theory. (SLD)

Examined the role of two psychosocial stressors, self-concept and alcohol-related attitudes, in mediating alcohol use among Hispanic junior high school students and explored the link between the two factors in early adolescence. Concluded that Hispanic adolescents with more positive self-concepts and attitudes are less likely to use alcohol or to…

Explores the effect of variations in caregiver sensitivity on the timing of their severely and profoundly deaf infants' acquisition of communication skills. Found that caregivers of deaf infants showed considerable variation in comparison to the caregivers of normally hearing infants. Contextual factors of a dynamic nature operate with varying…

Two studies with four adolescents with behavior disorders investigated the relationship between antecedent events and aggressive behavior in school and home settings. The use of videotape recordings and behavioral rehearsal of alternative responses resulted in decreases in the frequency of aggressive behavior and associated antecedent events. (DB)

Investigates the influence of ethnic cultural background and multicultural interaction for 120 males drawn from Aboriginal, Anglo-Saxon, Chinese, and Lebanese cultural communities in Australia. Responses to the Work Cognitions Questionnaire reveal differences in the structure of achievement goals and work values for the 4 groups of 30 subjects…

A survey of 549 biomedical trainees (graduate and postdoctoral students, medical students, residents, fellows) investigated training in research ethics, observation of scientific misconduct, and willingness to select, omit, or fabricate data to win a grant or publish a paper. The efficacy of current ethics instruction is questioned. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the narrative report, which is an alternative to the traditional report card for reporting children's development and progress to parents. Examples of entries in a narrative report are included. (BB)

Studies sex differences in play behavior across early elementary school years and the relationship between sex-typed play and peer acceptance for 86 second graders and 81 fourth graders (72 males and 95 females). Results indicate significant age and gender differences, with boys more often boisterous and aggressive than girls. (SLD)

Reviews studies of the effects of prenatal drug exposure on child development, and reviews ideal early intervention programs. Researchers agree that prenatal drug exposure is only one of many factors that can influence a child's development. Specialized treatment programs and family support can ameliorate prenatal drug exposure effects. (SLD)

Studies the prevalence of self-reported drug use behavior related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the effects of school-based HIV instruction and HIV knowledge on these behaviors in a probability sample of 8,098 high school students. HIV knowledge and instruction may help sustain low drug use. (SLD)

Stability from morning to afternoon and from year to year of 25 kindergarten and first grade teachers was examined for time and frequency of interactions during reading, story reading, and all instruction. Possible reasons for the lesser stability of first grade teachers are discussed. (SLD)

Evaluation of 26 children (ages 24-55 months) with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) while interacting with either the mother, a familiar female teacher, and an unfamiliar male doctor. PDD subjects were most severely impaired during the mother episode. During the teacher episode, PDD subjects were twice as variable in interpersonal response…

A problem-solving strategy for dealing with disruptive student behavior in the college classroom is outlined. It uses a series of questions designed to provide perspective on the problem and aid in generating responses. Steps include clarifying the problem, identifying critical elements, describing context, analyzing emotional and behavioral…