Discusses the weaknesses inherent in Sidney Simon's values clarification method and Lawrence Kohlberg's cognitive moral development method, suggesting that single class, isolated instruction overlooks the affective, unconscious elements of character formation. Recommends an alternative holistic approach based on John Locke's concept of all…

It was hypothesized that adolescent females experience greater sex role strain than other kibbutz members. Loevinger's ego development test was administered to 40 kibbutz members. The findings supported the hypothesis and showed that adult women are significantly more likely to focus their dissatisfaction in the area of actual role behavior. (JAZ)

Configural frequency analysis (CFA) is suggested as a technique for longitudinal research in developmental psychology. Stability and change in answers to multiple choice and yes-no item patterns obtained with repeated measurements are identified by CFA and illustrated by developmental analysis of an item from Gorham's Proverb Test. (Author/DWH)

Examined interrelationships among masculinity-femininity, self-esteem, and peer acceptance in Black and White public high school students (N=195). Results indicated that among both males and females, an androgynous or masculine identity was associated with higher levels of self-esteem. Black students had significantly higher levels of self-esteem…

Reviews current research on the individual temperament of young children and recommends strategies to understand and build upon children's personality strengths. Discusses the influence of adult perceptions and misperceptions on children's personality development. (DT)

Inescapable shock given to weanling rats produced large deficits in adult escape behavior. Experience with escapable shock while a weanling immunizes the animal against the deficits produced by inescapable shock received as an adult. Implications of these findings for animal models of human depression are discussed. (Author/MS)

This book examines socialization science, which is the empirical effort to understand how children acquire traits from their families and cultures. This work proposes that one part of the family influence process--broad differences in family environments, except for those that are neglectful, abusive, or without opportunity--may exert little…

Based upon the view that character development is not by and large the result of special lessons, but is rather embedded in and the product of the child's growth, this book focuses on how the intimacy of the ordinary day stimulates and enhances the child's potential for morality, devotion, and idealism. The book identifies general themes in the…

This book claims that morality is a two-way street, and adolescent students learn by watching teachers. It argues that schools should incorporate morality as a pivotal tool in education, noting that the American school is an exhausting, inefficient, and often dehumanizing place of work for teenagers and their elders. Students learn not just from…

The 16 PF was administered to 105 females and 113 males who entered the work force after leaving high school and 177 females and 178 males who entered college immediately after graduation. Three kinds of results were observed; (a) a set of selective traits that differentiated the college and work groups initially; (b) changes in certain…

This investigation sought to compare male and female differences in play activities between 21 blind subjects and 21 matched control subjects in second through eighth grade. (Author)

Lawrence Kohlberg's empirical research does not, in itself, justify the claim that his higher stages of moral development are more adequately moral than lower stages; consequently, using Kohlbergian interventions to promote student development through these stages is unjustified. Empirical research, while necessary for planning and executing…

Argues for a view of adolescence as deriving from the nature of the interaction of adolescent thought and action in a social setting. Suggests the necessity for rethinking current definitions of adult as well as adolescent development and calls for a change in ways both groups are educated. (RC)

Presents a working definition of negativism and a reconstruction of its development in the first year of life. New issues concerning the origins and nature of negativism are raised in the light of recent findings concerning attachment, autonomy, and temperament. Special attention is given to the development of "No" and symbolic negation.…

A study examines environmental and personality factors as predictors of academic achievement among kibbutz and urban high school students. Results of a comparison of personality factors indicate that kibbutz students are more restrained, reserved, adaptable, and conforming. The higher scores of city students on intelligence tests may stem from a…