This commentary focuses on the promises and challenges facing the Social and Character Development (SACD) consortium in evaluating the effectiveness of seven universal SACD programs designed to enhance student behavior and school climate under conditions of real world practice. In this commentary, we highlight that the opportunity costs associated…

Finds that Erikson's model of ego development fails to see the relationship between individual crises and the modern postmetaphysical world view, where the meaning of life is in question. Suggests that Erikson's description of crisis and ego integration remains sound but should be tied to the specific problems associated with living in modern…

Discusses the article by Lewis in this issue in the context of complex systems theory. Reviews several concepts of complex systems theory, including self-organization, entropy, phase transitions, stochastic processes, nonlinearity, and attractors. Notes that Lewis highlights the need for psychological models to treat nonlinear processes, chaotic…

Although multicultural education is helpful for developing perspectives of various traditions, the significance of individuality should not be overshadowed. Equal time should be given to individual development, internal locus of control, and nurturance of stable, consolidated personality. (SK)

This paper traces some of the major theories and research findings concerning the development of self-identity during the first two years of life. The discussion begins with some basic assumptions of identity formation, offers an historical perspective with discussion of William James' major aspects of self, and concludes with observations on the…

A psychological/ritual model of criticism is used to examine the movie "The Deer Hunter" as a rhetorical event in which males undergo psychological change through their war and postwar experiences. The critical model depends on understanding a Jungian interpretation of the human psyche, the form and function of initiation rituals, and…

The world view of students was investigated, measuring covert causal assumptions about the relationship between the person and physical and social reality. The results indicate that people place themselves in particular intellectual arenas because of their preexisting ideology. Suggestions for further study are made. (PS)

The life of British feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain demonstrates that an attempt to understand the relationship between personal experience and political activities should take account of the following: (1) the centrality of political values in an individual's identity; (2) the individual's life stage and life history; and (3) the individual's…

Mainstreaming children with mild physical disabilities may contribute significantly to the development of positive self-image and normal social adjustment, as this account of one child's experience in changing from special education to regular classes suggests. (LH)

Peer relations contribute substantially to both social and cognitive development. The essentials of friendship are reciprocity and commitment between individuals who see themselves more or less as equals. Affiliation and common interests, the main themes in friendship relations, are first understood in early childhood. Friends serve as emotional…

The article discusses the impact of cultural pluralism (the degree of cultural differences which are fostered and encouraged by society) on teacher training and advocates a broader, empirically based approach to teacher training in the area of multicultural special education. (DLS)

Emphasizing the influence of television on children, this pamphlet explores some of the major criticisms of television and discusses ways parents can help their children get the most out of television. It is argued that the major problem with television is the amount of time that it steals from our lives, time that could be spent in developing…

Research in the fields of management, leadership development, and human development is reviewed. The research suggests that the quality of an individual's personal life, the effectiveness of his/her professional work, and the lasting public value of his/her social contribution are contingent upon a coherent sense of personal integration and…

"Schools of Hope" seeks to resurrect the historic, liberally educating vision of arete, or all-around human excellence, as the only proper and realistic goal for preparing today's students for their future. It is based on the assertion that only students who can think creatively will grow, mature mentally, and adapt. From this perspective, schools…

The paper reviews research trends and findings on the development of personality in deaf individuals. The first section, "Adolescent and Adult Deaf Personalities," focuses on studies in the psychological literature that tend to promulgate stereotypical views of deaf people by reflecting researcher bias rather than researcher findings.…