Children's avoidance responses were conditioned and then extinguished in a laboratory analog of a social threat situation. (DP)

Study supported by grants from the Ontario Mental Health Foundation (42), the National Institute of Health Service (HD-01456-02), the Defense Research Board of Canada (9401-24), and the National Research Council of Canada (APA-94).

Based on a doctoral dissertation presented by the first-named author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree under the supervision of the second-named author

Retrospective accounts of 42 married couples were used to construct a developmental model of courtship. A basic three-stage pattern was found to characterize the majority of relationships from initial acquaintance to marriage: Casual Dating, Serious Dating and Engagement. Changes in the relationships were measured through the use of a standardized…

This monograph attempts to provide a new framework in which to understand children's perceptions of one another and suggests some methods for effecting positive change in interpersonal attitudes and behavior. Section one of the document provides a general introduction to the others-concept, a term which refers to a person's perceptions of others.…

This report presents an overview of the nature and uses of bibliotherapy. The concept is defined in complex as well as simplistic terminology within its historical context; and its dynamics, principles and objectives, and particular applications are discussed. The requisite qualities and skills of the bibliotherapist are analyzed and bibliotherapy…

THE PRESCHOOL IS A COMMUNITY OF REINFORCEMENT CONTINGENCIES WHICH WILL SHAPE AND MAINTAIN AN INCREASING REPERTOIRE OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND WILL PUT THAT BEHAVIOR UNDER THE CONTROL OF PEERS. THIS STATEMENT WAS DEMONSTRATED IN A PROGRAM WHICH ANALYZED PROBLEM BEHAVIORS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN. IN GENERAL, THE PROGRAM CONSISTED OF TWO PROCESSES--(1)…

This paper elucidates the implications of life-span developmental psychology for theory and method in the field of child development. Emphasis is given to three theoretical issues: (1) historical-evolutionary versus ontogenetic components of change, (2) the role of chronological age, and (3) continuity versus discontinuity in the description and…

Fantasy activities are part of everyday experience. The author imagines hugging or touching someone, daydreams about sitting on a bench or riverbank, visualizes standing up during a boring meeting and shouting "let's wake up and do something!" Fantasy is also a tool that can be used in experimenting with new behavior, becoming more aware…

Behavior can be modified because it is governed by its consequences. Observable behavior, excluding its causes, is modified by the application of techniques derived from B.F. Skinner's operant learning theory. Optimum effects can be achieved only after thorough knowledge of the child is gained, particularly in the area of his capabilities. The…

This document presents an analysis of the early attending responses and orienting reactions of infants which can be observed at birth and shortly thereafter. Focus is on one specific orienting reaction, the early direction and maintenance of one's eyes and head toward certain stimuli instead of others. The physical properties of stimuli that…

The play behavior of young children is viewed as a behavioral manifestation of nonverbal thinking. Discussed are issues of relevance to the understanding of the development of thought in general and of the symbolic function in particular. A line of development is proposed which leads from early nonverbal thought as manifested in play, either…

A sample of family therapists responded to three hypothetical cases depicting a problem that could be normal for each of three developmental levels. For each case, chi square analyses showed no differences according to sex, education, parent status, and age of own children for proportion of counselors giving developmental responses. (Author/CH)

Examines the interplay between genes and environment and argues that the development of much individual variation can be explained in terms of relatively simple forms of underlying regulation. Looks at "sensitive periods," during which variation is produced by experience received at a particular age. Includes a discussion of the…

Three preschool children with significant behavioral and developmental delays were taught to participate and respond to teacher commands during large group instruction, important skills for later mainstreaming. Techniques included increasing "opportunities to respond" through increased rates of teacher commands to the group and instituting a group…