Investigates the personal concerns and causes of difficulties perceived by Hong Kong adolescent students (N=2,103). Results reveal that academic achievement was perceived as the most pressing concern, while problems at home and maladjusted behavior were seen as lesser concerns. Discusses implications for psychologists working with adolescents in…

A study involving four boys (ages 8-9) with developmental disabilities and autism found that a four-step procedure (functional analysis, descriptive assessment, establishing operations analysis, and follow-up evaluation), was effective in identifying methods of instruction that decreased the likelihood of destructive behaviors without disrupting…

The efficacy of noncontingent reinforcement with variable-time (VT) schedules was evaluated by comparing the effects of VT and fixed-time (FT) reinforcement schedules with two individuals with moderate to severe mental retardation and severe behavior problems. Both VT and FT schedules were effective in reducing problem behavior. (Contains…

Two studies involving five students (ages 9-17) with autism found that stereotypy was multiply determined or occurred across all assessment conditions (attention, demand, no-attention, and recreation conditions) and that the presumed association between response topography and behavioral function may be less important than previously realized.…

A study compared the effects of two interventions (high-probability requests and preferred item as a distractor) on the success of classroom transitions of two 6-year-olds with behavior problems in inclusive classrooms. Results indicated that both interventions were effective in increasing successful transitions and were found to be socially…

A study investigated the use of functional assessment for the transition difficulties of an 11-year-old girl with multiple disabilities who engaged in flopping to the ground during transitions. Assessment information led to the scheduling of a period for interaction immediately following problematic transitions and resulted in reduced rates of…

Asserts that teasing and bullying are hurtful to children physically and emotionally, and can seriously affect the child who does the teasing or bullying, the child who is teased or bullied, and bystanders who see it happening. Offers suggestions for Head Start to take positive action to address this behavior before it takes root and grows. (SD)

Presents findings of a nationwide survey into the extent to which United Kingdom schools for students with emotional and behavioral difficulties reintegrate their pupils into mainstream schools and on the problems they have encountered. Results indicate that very few of these pupils ever return to mainstream school. Considers study's implications…

Compared adjustment of maltreated and nonmaltreated 5- to 12-year-olds. Found that maltreated children showed less academic engagement, more social skills deficits, lower ego resiliency, and more externalizing and internalizing behavior problems than nonmaltreated children. Effects of maltreatment on academic maladjustment were partially mediated…

Examined associations between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parenting quality, family functioning, and emotional/behavioral adjustment of 3- to 7-year-olds. Found that IVF mothers reported greater protectiveness than mothers of naturally conceived children. Teachers rated IVF mothers as displaying greater warmth but not overprotective or…

This paper calls for research on reducing the incidence and prevalence of antisocial behavior, focusing on testing such interventions as advocacy and community organizing within small communities. Availability of validated school and clinical behavior interventions can assist communities in increasing forms of youth supervision and social and…

Effects of extinction and negative reinforcement on latency of responses (including aggression and self-injurious behavior) following activity requests to an adolescent girl with mental retardation and autism were evaluated. Results showed that latencies occurred in a predictable order. The response class was expanded to include an appropriate…

This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of the physical and mental health and educational status of children in kinship care. Study results indicated a prevalence of health and behavior problems and an increased risk of school-related problems. Intermittent and systematic health assessments, and monitoring of school performance…

Because bullying affects school climate, schools and parents must address it by collaboratively developing guidelines for zero tolerance, effective monitoring, well-publicized consequences, and supports for the parents of both victims and aggressors. (SK)

Examines the effects of different types of domestic violence on adolescent adjustment. High school students (n=935) participated in this study. Results revealed the amounts of parent-child violence and interparental violence witnessed were significant predictors of both externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Significant effects were…