The Tasks of Emotional Development is an apperceptive test that has the additional advantage of a specific developmental focus. Test administration and interpretation are described, focusing on use with adults with mental retardation. It is concluded that the test minimizes many biases plaguing accurate psychodiagnosis with this group. (JDD)

Discusses directions for future research on the importance of emotion during adolescence. Notes that such research should include an expanded focus on the normative range of emotional expression and on related adaptive behaviors, including competencies, coping, self-esteem, and creativity. The application of research to clinical problems and…

Since the arts humanize the curriculum while affirming the interconnectedness of all things, they are a powerful means to improve general education. Schools that overlook the arts are creating a less civilized generation. The arts provide a more comprehensive, insightful education because they invite students to explore the emotional, intuitive,…

Examined age differences in 9- to 15-year-olds' experiences with families and friends, and by themselves. Amount of time spent with family decreased with age. Affect with family became less positive through seventh grade; affect with friends became more favorable with age; affect when alone did not vary. (BC)

Examined the play activities of 49 at-risk (AR) and non-at-risk (NAR) elementary school students, using the Smilansky Scale for Evaluation of Dramatic and Sociodramatic Play measure. Found that AR students displayed higher levels of hostile acting out behaviors than did NAR students, whereas the NAR group engaged in more verbal communication…

Differences were examined in parent ratings of social-emotional behavior among 64 preschool-aged children referred for child find screening and assessment and 64 preschool-aged typical children. The children who had been referred were found to have greater social skills deficits and problem behavior excesses than the comparison group. (Author/CR)

This study compared a group of nine children (ages 3 to 8) with congenital blindness and an autism-like syndrome with nine sighted children. Children with autism had more severe abnormalities in terms of their relationships with people and emotional expressions, and were more impaired in the area of pretend play. (CR)

Explores the connections between learning disabilities and emotional problems in children. Discusses emotional aspects of learning disabilities, how learning disabilities may lead to emotional distress, how learning disabilities may exacerbate existing emotional concerns, how emotional issues may mask learning disabilities, and how emotional…

Although eliminating school violence is no easy task, understanding the biological basis of aggressive adolescent behavior and discussing it with colleagues is essential. Societal influences can trigger a predisposition for aggressive response in alienated, testosterone-elevated teens. Early-intervention programs that stress social and coping…

Discusses the educational theory underlying Steiner's Waldorf Kindergartens. Examines the influence of other theorists such as Montessori, Piaget, Buber, Hahn and Dewey on Steiner's educational ideas. Explores the need for kindergartens to nurture children's Emotional Intelligence and Motional Intelligence in addition to their Intelligence…

Examines developmental changes in children's self-esteem. Presents suggestions for parents to help their children develop an accurate self-perception, including encouraging children to value a wide range of competencies, accepting and acknowledging children's weaknesses and limitations, encouraging their attempts to change, supporting children…

Analyzes children's and mothers' accounts of the economic consequences of divorce for children in Botswana. Notes that most mothers and children reported economic hardship following divorce, although a few reported improvement or no change in economic circumstances. Traces the implications for the social and psychological well-being of children.…

To succeed, educational leaders must be able to forge working relationships with many people and be mediators and mentors, negotiators and networkers. Administrators must be self-confident, be able to modulate emotions, be unusually persuasive, cultivate positive relationships, and continually develop their emotional intelligence. The right kind…

A study that explored the gender schemata of a select cohort of 13 adolescent males found they had an androgynous sex-role identity. Most of the adolescents employed a sophisticated critical rationalism to construct their gender schemata; however, several expressed awareness of an asynchrony between their emotional and intellectual development.…

Describes patterns of interaction between hard of hearing and deaf children as well as hard of hearing children. Shows that an easily used sign language code enabled the children to take part in dialogs and had positive consequences for their play as well as their social and emotional development. (DSK)