Tests of executive functions and control tasks not assessing executive function were administered to 19 individuals (ages 6-28) mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP) and 19 controls. Tests of academic skills and behavior-rating questionnaires were also administered to the group with MHP. No group differences were found for any measure. (Contains…

This article critiques the research methodology used by Mudford, Hogg, and Roberts (1999) that resulted in a failure to achieve inter-observer agreement on adults with mental retardation when using an experimental, 13-category behavior state code. Arguments are provided on why their videotape study does not meet requirements of acceptable…

Evaluated the Philadelphia Early Childhood Collaborative, a program designed to improve child care by increasing cooperation among organizations that deliver professional resources to child care providers. Found no long-term effects on provider behavior, attitudes, or knowledge, although child care providers rated services highly. (SLD)

The association between help-seeking and nearly lethal suicide attempts was evaluated using data from a population-based, case-control study. Measures of help-seeking included type of consultant contacted, and whether suicide was discussed. Findings suggest efforts to better understand the role of help-seeking in suicide prevention deserves…

This observational study of the social interactions of 16 children with autism or Down syndrome in their homes found that differences in the frequencies and complexities of children's behaviors depended on behavioral intent in both groups. Socially intended behaviors were less frequent, less self-initiated, and less complex in children with…

This study is an initial examination of behavioral and emotional differences between male and female juvenile offenders using an omnibus self-report personality inventory. Differences between male and female juvenile offenders were found on 6 of 14 comparisons. Findings provide support for differential treatment planning in addressing the needs of…

Studied sexual harassment, including mild forms of harassment, experienced by male and female college students (n=369). Men and women were harassed with similar frequency, and more subtle forms of harassment were common. The very frequency of these subtle behaviors may explain why they are less likely to be labeled as harassment. (SLD)

Examines the biological, psychological, and social developmental changes that characterize the years from 6 to 14, and highlights ways in which the organization of programs, schools, and family life can support positive outcomes for youth. In these years children forge a personal identity and form a self-concept and orientation toward achievement…

Demonstrates how the latent growth model can be applied to the evaluation of programs targeting HIV risk behavior among drug users. Multigroup piecewise latent growth models were fit to longitudinal data with three repeated response measures. Participants were 430 drug users and their sex partners. (SLD)

This study compared perceptions of parents of 64 children identified as either language delayed (LD) or language normal (LN) at age 2. Reassessment was conducted at age 5 or 6 for 26 families. Parents of LD children reported themselves to be less nurturing, less oriented toward independence training, less sociable, and more externally oriented…

Reflecting on his early days in youth work, Dr. Henry Maier discusses his days on the front lines at Pioneer House as a young colleague of Fritz Redl and David Wineman. Pioneer House, in Detroit Michigan, was a home for boys that provided a treatment approach to behavior problems. (BF)

Investigated whether the coping framework developed with younger adults with schizophrenia could be applied to people over 50 with schizophrenia. Results indicated that coping strategies used by older people were similar to those of younger populations. However, it was reported that efficacy of coping strategies had increased as participants had…

Seventy-six late adolescents and their peer partners participated in a study that focused on possible selves tied to anticipated career, marriage, and parenthood roles. Control theory and the concept of psychosocial moratorium were integrated to explain identity construction processes. Integration of theory with concept offers explanations for…

Three hundred fifty lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths aged 14 to 21 years were questioned about suicidal thoughts and behaviors; families' reactions to youths' sexual orientation; and suicidality among relatives and friends. Results confirmed an association between sexual orientation and suicidality. (BF)

This study examined the association between adolescents' religious development, social integration, and risk-taking behaviors. Religious development was tracked along 4 trajectories from sophomore to senior year in high school: low religiosity (sophomore)-low religiosity (senior), low-high, high-low, and high-high. Civic integration was measured…