Psychometric evaluation of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS) is reported. Factor analyses indicated the presence of a stable factor structure for both social skills and problem behaviors scales. Reliability studies indicated the PKBS has adequate-to-strong stability. Explorations of within-scale relationships yielded evidence…

A study compared the global self-concept, academic self-perception, social competence, and behavioral problems of 19 children (ages 8-13) with learning disabilities with their siblings. Although, children with learning disabilities did not differ in global self-concept and academic self-perception, parents rated them as less socially competent and…

Four studies tested a theory that high interparental conflict increases child mental health risk by shaking children's sense of security in the family. Findings showed that children's fear, avoidance, and involvement were prominent responses, especially relative to reactions predicted by other theories. Interparental conflict related to greater…

A study of 150 students, who were referred to school study teams, investigated schools' classification decisions on low IQ students with academic and behavioral problems and found a decline in the identification rates of mild mental retardation. Compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is discussed. (CR)

Discusses sex differences as they appear from a resource-oriented as opposed to a problem-oriented perspective. A study examined a sample of 10- and 13-year olds, collecting data from the children, their parents, and teachers in questionnaire form. Results portrayed girls as competence "winners," while boys became more visible than girls…

Examines the use of role play for early childhood teachers so that they may better understand children's emotions and behavior, better understand teachers' emotions and behavior, sort out and respond to children's needs, and discover new strategies for dealing with problem situations and challenging children. Offers advice for using role play with…

Describes a strategy used in a preservice teacher education program to help student teachers and practicum students deal effectively with inappropriate pupil classroom behavior. The three-step strategy helps student teachers effectively identify and modify the behavior of children who misbehave. (SM)

This article presents the challenges that urban special education administrators face in serving students with frequent behavior problems. New strategies for creating supportive environments are shared, including creating a positive school climate, increasing capacity to initiate and maintain research-validated practices, and implementing programs…

Tested two models of family economic problems and adolescent psychological adjustment. Found that the models did not differ according to age or gender, nor whether subjects lived with two parents or fewer. Found no support for coping as a moderator of stress. Reviewed implications and suggestions for future research involving coping with economic…

A follow-up study of 103 Australian individuals (Ages 14-25) who were sexually abused, found they performed more poorly than controls on measures of depression, self-esteem, anxiety, behavior, and despair. They were also more likely to have a history of bingeing, smoking, and using amphetamines. Potential risk factors are discussed. (Contains…

A study examined the variables that exacerbated or buffered the impact of child problem behaviors and/or physical differences on 16 Korean mothers and 16 Korean American mothers of children with disabilities. Overall findings from data analyses were consistent with qualitative findings that Korean mothers experienced more difficulties than their…

A multi-faceted training package for inappropriate social behavior was evaluated with five children with mild mental retardation and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a residential program. Residents were individually trained in self-management skills with video feedback. Direct-care staff also received training. Although staff increased…

To enable program leaders, teacher educators, and inservice directors to understand student behaviors that teachers perceive as problematic, a study was conducted on specific classroom discipline problems. Questionnaires were administered to 144 elementary and secondary teachers. Findings indicate that rebellion, insubordination, vandalism,…

Resource teachers' and regular teachers' ratings for 32 elementary-level learning-disabled (LD) students were compared to identify teachability characteristics and behaviors. Though the two groups of teachers did not note differences in problem behaviors of the same LD child in different settings, differences in cognitive/motivational and…

The mediation of family and peer social support and self-esteem in the relationship between chronic strain and psychological adjustment in children and adolescents with juvenile diabetes is investigated. Family support is more important than peer support for children, while the opposite holds for adolescents. Self-esteem benefits both groups. (AF)