All too often, one behavioral intervention is used universally to handle a variety of problem behaviors, regardless of the function of the misbehavior. This article describes how a functional assessment of behavior can be used to identify the purpose of misbehaviors and plan effective behavioral interventions. (Author)

A model combining a behavioural approach with Reality Therapy was used effectively in controlling a group of behaviour problems in the classroom. In this design the children earned and/or lost certain rewards depending on their daily classroom behaviour. Some difficulties that may arise, and suggested solutions to these, are discussed. (Author)

Examines the role of gender in preschoolers with behavior problems. Child characteristics, parent characteristics, and independent assessment of mother-child interactions were conducted. Few differences between the sexes were observed for any variables. Girls and boys shared more similarities than differences in terms of origins and developmental…

A growing body of evidence indicates that for some children, early incidences of challenging behaviors are predictors of later difficulties. These incidences of challenging behaviors may predict mental health issues, social adjustment issues and/or increased challenging behaviors that will impede school success and impact transition to adult life…

The activity level of preschool boys relative to preschool girls was observed to find whether a sex-linked pattern of hyperactivity is observable in the general population. Boys were found to be more active than girls, with patterns similar to those included in definitions of hyperactivity. (GO)

Three examples of children (five to nine years old) with acting-out behaviors are cited to illustrate the author's contention that such behavior is indicative of specific developmental levels of social and emotional functioning. The need for intervention appropriate to the developmental level is asserted. (CL)

Examined associations between tympanic membrane (TM) temperature asymmetries and biobehavioral attributes of 4- to 8- year-old children. Found shared patterns of associations that linked TM temperature lateralities to individual differences in behavior and socioaffective difficulties. Found that warmer left TMs were associated with affectively…

Reviews studies involving noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) for the treatment of challenging behavior such as aggression, self-injury, and extreme tantrums in persons with developmental disabilities. A clinical guide for implementation is delineated. Among the advantages of NCR is ease of implementation. NCR appears particularly relevant for…

Individuals can change negative, self-defeating behaviors through positive self-talk. Steps towards improving self-talk and developing a supportive environment include tuning in and evaluating thoughts, revising negative thoughts, and practicing positive thoughts. (DF)

A total of 192 high-risk infants and 85 full-term healthy newborn infants were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. A principal component analysis was performed separately for the high-risk and control infants. Results suggest that the high-risk infant is similar to the normal infant in behavioral development, especially when…

Argues that a thorough understanding of factors that influence aggression in children cannot be achieved without including behavior genetic studies that allow examination of the effects of shared versus non-shared environment, as well as genes, on aggressive behaviors. Details the growing body of evidence on the genetic effects on aggression.…

Assessed the relationship between temporally distant antecedent events (TDEs) and the frequency and function of aggressive and out-of-seat behaviors occurring in school. Results were consistent with previous literature that describes certain antecedent events as establishing operations. Discussion includes how these events interact to alter the…

The current study examined the mutual influence of parenting and boys' externalizing behavior from 4th to 8th grade, how these relationships change as children develop, and the stability of parenting and child behavior in a sample of 122 boys. Child behavior predicted poor parental monitoring at 6th and 7th grade and inconsistent discipline at all…

Written in the form of programmed instruction, this book is designed to help parents and teachers understand and correct situations in which a child's behavior is distressing. The book utilizes the social learning approach (that people learn most behavior patterns from other people). The first section discusses how parents and children learn and…