The personality profiles of nonathletes and baseball, football, and track team members were investigated as segmented types. The Personality Profile System found no differences in baseball players from nonathletes, and football players and track team members were more dominant and less patient than nonathletes. (Author/CM)

Reviewed experimental evidence for the efficacy of videotape and verbal feedback in behavioral couple therapy. Concluded that research does not permit definitive conclusions concerning either procedure. Evidence indicates that it is difficult to ascertain just how the communication behaviors of happy and distressed couples differ. (Author/JAC)

Reviews data on behavior and attitudes towards the aged in preliterate societies, indicating that the aged maintain meaningful roles and are not subject to the pervasive discrimination and negative stereotyping existent in America. Discusses theories providing a perspective on and understanding of biologic and psychosocial causes of ageism.…

Reports the reliability and validity of the Health Professional-Geriatric Patient Interaction Behavior Rating Code, an observational instrument that is used to quantify the interpersonal behaviors of health professionals in the care of the geriatric patient. Condensed 15 behavioral factors into 10 operationally defined behavioral categories.…

Adolescents' religious behavior, measured according to frequency of church attendance, Bible reading, and saying grace at mealtime, generally declined between 1964 and 1974 in the Texas community studied. In 1979, the trend continued among females but reversed among males. The gap between the sexes seems to have narrowed since 1974. (Author/MJL)

Provides a conceptual framework for discussing the role of alcohol in a person's life and for planning appropriate interventions when abuse is evidenced. Discusses drive reduction and the dynamic of alcohol involvement through four involvement stages. (Author/RC)

Analyzed limitations of empirical research models in terms of ability to reflect an interactional perspective on suicidal behavior. A new research model was developed. Findings indicated such real-life behaviors cannot be understood by recourse to individual differences variables alone or environmental variables alone. (Author/BEF)

In two studies undergraduates with low self-esteem followed reinforcement paradigms. Found overt events to be preferable as reinforcers, although no differences existed between reinforcement groups and both did better than controls. Also found desirable behaviors that occurred infrequently, and very frequent but neutral behaviors, to be the most…

Reviews recent research on mother-infant communication that takes into account both the infant's and parent's influences in interactions. Topics discussed include varieties of infant communications, cross-cultural research, the beginnings of communication patterns, assessment of communication effectiveness, and sequelae of differing mother-infant…

Identifies social behaviors observed in (N=115) preschool children while manipulating various toys and materials in a preschool setting. Discusses the resulting data on toy/material use in terms of selecting physical stimuli in social behavior modification efforts for positive social interaction. (Author)

A human sexuality course was offered to students at the university level. It was hypothesized that the course would result in decreased levels of sex guilt and would increase permissiveness toward premarital sexual intimacy. Findings suggest a decreased level of sex guilt for males and an increase in females' attitudes of permissiveness. (JN)

Studies the convergence between current drug use and the use of drugs in the future by adolescents. The overall pattern suggests sources other than previous drug experience must be considered in attempting to explain intentions for future use. (Author)

This paper emphasizes the importance of parent education, particularly in our current rapidly changing society. The history of parent education is briefly reviewed and a new program called STEP, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, is described. (Author)

Presents a model of brief therapy with families allowing the therapist to develop a cognitive map of triadic interaction with a completeness which words alone cannot capture. The family is viewed as an interlocking system of interdependent relationships. Case material illustrates the use of this model in changing dysfunctional patterns. (Author)