A discussion of the strong emphasis on cognitive development in preschool education of disadvantaged children which may be inappropriate to the broader learning process. Suggests that a different approach may be needed to foster maturation in youngsters deprived physically and emotionally. (ST)

Investigates two questions of interest to persons who treat children with psychological difficulties: (1) What is attachment theory? and (2) Does it have relevance when working with disturbed children and their families? (Author/DB)

This article examines the descriptive influences of reading and learning disorders on personality development. It discusses the effects of biologic vulnerabilities and environmental interaction, the variant patterns of defense and symptom development at various life stages, and evidence that early development failures are key elements in later…

Defends domain theory approach to children's moral development based on limitations of Piaget's original theory. Argues that Fowler's characterization of domain theory research omits important features and studies. Maintains that distinctions between morality and convention cannot be reduced to differences in perceptible harm and punishment; it is…

Presents findings on the impact of economic pressure on the well-being of adolescents in Berlin. Shows that relative losses in purchasing power are related to decreased self-esteem in problematic family climates; school level, place of residence, and relative gain in purchasing power played a greater role in xenophobia and aggressive helplessness.…

Utilizing data from undergraduate students (N=197), research determined that childhood parentification is associated with shame-proneness in adults. Findings theoretically link to an earlier study that found a relationship between childhood parentification and both narcissistic and masochistic personality characteristics. Discusses implications of…

This symposium introduction outlines the first phase of an investigation of the mother-father-infant triad as an interactive system, influencing both parent attitudes and behaviors and child development. The focus of the research was on the early determinants of parental behavior. Subjects were 67 middle class, white parents and their first-born…

Children need to acquire the qualities of determination, carefulness, concentration, self-restraint, patience, conscientiousness, and endurance. These aspects of personal capability are important to the moral life in schools and thus should be part of their ethos. They must be modeled by teachers as ways to overcome and avoid difficulties. (VM)

A publication concerning the out of school or day care of children from ages six to fourteen is presented. It is pointed out that all good day care programs share at least two features: (1) They add to and strengthen the kind of care and guidance provided by parents; and (2) They aim at providing the child with experiences which will encourage the…

Findings are given of a cross-national study that explored the processes of children's development of identity by examining how children learn what their ethnic group is and how their group should act. Adults seem to influence cultural and personality development, with social standing being more important than ethnic background. (DF)

Parents constantly influence--positively or negatively--the formation of their child's psyche. Throughout all their life they carry--embedded in their unconscious or subconscious--traces of parental influence. (CK)

Domain theorists' findings in Piaget's work in children's moral development do not contradict Piaget because they are predicted by objective responsibility; research has not established that children distinguish between moral and conventional events. Claims that Piaget underestimated early morality are based on research that neglects children's…