Recent developments in infant mental health are outlined, with implications for work with at-risk populations. Discussed are: the biobehavioral-developmental perspective, the infant as a social being, the infant-caregiver relationship, the transactional model of the infant-parent relationship, assessing developmental disabilities, conceptualizing…

Investigates sex differences in same-sex friendships of 312 undergraduate students in terms of the intersection and social penetration model of relationship development, and Bem's theory of sex role orientation. Finds significant sex-related differences in depth, duration, and involvement. (FMW)

Tested the effectiveness of a framework that linked developmental and multicultural counseling theories for use among elementary-school-age students (n=117). Designed to help students develop a variety of social and interpersonal skills that would increase their ability to resolve conflicts resulting from negative prejudices, the intervention was…

Assessed effects of maternal employment on infants with mothers working 20 or more hours per week or fewer than 20 hours per week. Found that neither differences in maternal employment during child's first year, nor child's entry into nonmaternal care before age one, predicted differences in cognitive and socioemotional development at ages two and…

Discusses the Swedish family support system and presents the results of a study of the intellectual and socioemotional development of 110 Swedish children from early childhood through age 16. Found that socioeconomic background and the age when they first entered public day care had a significant influence on the subjects' intellectual and…

Four articles in this special section discuss (1) ideas for making discipline a positive experience for child care staff and children (Karen Stephens); (2) scenarios illustrating the power of adult messages to children (Karen Stephens); (3) classroom environments that facilitate positive discipline (Marjorie K. Kostelnik); and (4) strategies for…

Describes an undergraduate psychology course focusing on children's social development during the middle childhood years. Students select, view, and analyze a feature film using theory and research presented in the course. Includes a table listing 18 films used in the course. (CFR)

A perspective that sees adult literacy only in job-related terms is too limiting for a participatory democracy. In place of the prevailing metaphor "adult literacy as consumerism," a view of adult literacy education as an imaginative, social, and communal process of story telling promotes individual and social development. (SLD)

This study found that the Individualized Education Program (IEP) annual goals of 21 students (ages 11-15) with mild mental retardation, whether in categorical or cross-categorical programs, were almost solely academic, with few behavior, social, vocational, or life skills. Students were also receiving instruction in content areas not stated on…

The effect of inservice teacher training on student perceptions of classroom environment was investigated. Teachers received training on lesson format, classroom management, and instruction in either September or January. Their students completed the Classroom Environment Scale. Student groups differed in perception of student affiliation but not…

Relational approaches to school reform foster the development of caring relationships among children and teachers at school as a means of effecting children's intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Reviews the fundamental nature and mission of relationally oriented schools, presents model programs, and discusses issues and future directions…

Introduces this special journal issue by outlining previous research on early peer relationships. Explains that the articles in this issue provide a backdrop for identifying the early precursors of individual patterns of success versus failure with peers. (JS)

A review of 36 social interaction measures found that there are no measures available to evaluate infants and preschool children's basic capacity for social interaction. The available measures are described and grouped into parent-child interaction, social skills, social competence, play, adaptive behavior, communication, general development, and…

Examined the moderating effect of risk on the relation between autonomy processes and family and adolescent functioning. In families in low-risk contexts, behavior undermining autonomy was negatively related to relationship quality; adolescents' autonomy expressions related to positive social functioning. In high-risk-context families, undermining…

Examined the physical and verbal peer conflicts of nine typically developing children and eight children with disabilities in an integrated preschool. Several conflict constructs were examined including goals, oppositions, strategies, outcomes, and the teacher's role in peer conflict. Results suggest the need for active teacher involvement when…