This study evaluated the validity of the Type A behavior pattern as measured by paper-and-pencil questionnaires. The Jenkins Activity Survey, Framingham Type A Scale, Thurstone Activity Scales, a new bipolar adjective Type A measure, and measures of achievement and nurturance needs were completed by 418 students. (Author/BS)

Sex differences in verbal family interactions were investigated in a group of 79 adolescents and parents from normal and psychiatric settings. Individual speech in interactions was observed and scored using the Constraining and Enabling Coding System. Findings showed strikingly higher levels of cognitive enabling speeches expressed by fathers and…

Parental reports of disagreements and serious disagreements about rules were examined. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 200 families with seventh-grade boys and girls. No gender differences were found. Disagreements were significantly correlated (positively) with parental reports of child oppositionalism and (negatively) with parents'…

The way in which some elderly widowers living alone experientially organize time can be viewed as on a continuum structured around the notion of a "day" as a central organizing focus. Related to this is the role of a "daily highlight" in organizing daily activities. Certain factors may help structure this experiential continuum. (Author/ABB)

Indicates that relationship type did not affect the maintenance strategies that partners chose; however, the partners' relationship intent and the sex-composition of the dyad had a significant impact on the selection of directness strategies. Suggests that individuals are not necessarily more likely to select directness strategies than balance or…

A study tracked the developmental and behavioral recovery of infants and preschool children (N=12) who had suffered brain injuries. Significant developmental recovery and behavioral progress occurred during the first 3.5 to 4 months following insult. However, self-stimulatory and atypical rhythmic habit patterns increased as the children passed…

Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is proposed to aid sensory integration therapy. This allows the occupational therapist to quantify data, devise and answer research questions, and assess progress. Advice is given on establishing a behavior taxonomy. Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is examined and found valuable for…

Observation of resource room instruction of 66 elementary learning disabled (LD) and educable mentally retarded (EMR) students revealed no differences in instructional behavior of special educators holding differing teacher licensure and no differences in classroom behavior of students. Results suggest the categorical model is not appropriate for…

How young people respond to verbal abuse directed at them purely because they are unemployed was studied. It was found that since young unemployed blame themselves for their failure to gain a job, they do not regard abuse as unjust and, consequently, are unable to defend themselves adequately. (Author/RM)

Examined effects of methylphenidate on social behaviors of hyperactive children between ages of 6 and 11 during unstructured activities outdoors. The children received a placebo, a low dose and a moderate dose of methylphenidate. Trained observers coded the children's actions as either appropriate social, negative social, or nonsocial behavior.…

Studied the response of the extended family to a divorce, examining divorcing children's perceptions of their parents' behavior. Divorcing children experienced their parents' reactions as supportive, non-supportive, or "mixed." Categorized helpful behaviors and patterns of unhelpful parental behavior. Discussed approaches adopted by the divorcing…

Provides a rationale for the focus on working with youth in prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) targeting specific behavior patterns learned in childhood and youth that are implicated in the development of chronic diseases. Reviews promising community-wide strategies for youth and argues that they are efficacious and efficient for primary…

Compared perceived structure of occupations derived from judgmental data and behavioral data from 277 users of a computerized occupational information and guidance system. Structures derived from judgmental and behavioral data were found similar. Hierarchical and circular models of comparison are presented. (Author/KS)

Examined patterns of rural adolescent alcohol use and factors associated with such use. Found gender and grade in school to be significant predictors of alcohol use for age at first drink, frequency of drinking, amount of drinking, and a composite heavy drinking index. Time spent in social acitivities was also significant. (Author/ABB)

Indicates greater attention to televised news was related to subsequent increased fear, concern, and avoidance activity in the public's behavior. Finds no such effects for newspaper crime news attention, although greater concern was related to subsequent increased readership. (JD)