It was found that brain damaged children were more active in structured situations and more distractibile than control group children. These findings pointed to a deficiency in control mechanisms. The correlational data suggested the manner in which these deficiences operate. Sex differences were also discussed. (Author/CG)

Nonverbal signals during interaction among 37 learning disabled third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade boys with and without social/behavioral problems and among nondisabled boys were analyzed. Examination of videotapes revealed that only one of 31 nonverbal behaviors (body lean) differed significantly between the groups. (Author/CL)

Examination of 4,288 children in foster care analyzed reasons for placement, number of replacements, and duration of foster care. Findings revealed a positive relationship between replacement and children who come into foster care because of behavioral or emotional problems. (CL)

The notion of differentially reinforcing low rates of undesirable behavior (DRL) is examined. Further, the status of the full session DRL strategy as an "alternative to punishment" is questioned in the context of a strictly operant definition of punishment. (Author/SW)

Responses by 100 primary and secondary teachers on behavior and management problems of bright pupils suggested that while bright pupils are generally well behaved, those problems which do arise are often related to insufficient stimulation. Suggestions on effective management are provided. (Author/CL)

In 50 behavior problem children it was found that marital discord, as predicted, was most strongly related to conduct problems in boys, boys and girls perceived parental marital discord with equal and moderate accuracy, and children's feelings of nonacceptance were not significantly related to ratings of marital discord. (Author)

The study examined the appropriateness or inappropriateness of parent labeling of 5 to 12 year old children referred by their parents for treatment of conduct problems. The association found observed child deviant behavior and the parent negative label suggested that parents of this sample perceived their children reasonably accurately. (Author/CL)

The generalized effects of self instructional training on the classroom performance of three "impulsive" preschool children were investigated using a multiple baseline design across Ss. Findings suggested that generalized increases in accuracy on classroom worksheets were related to the naturalistic format of the self instructional training…

Explored prevention of learned helplessness through the use of thermal biofeedback training and varied explanations of performance. It was found that only in the biofeedback group receiving accurate feedback was there any prevention of the subsequent development of learned helplessness behavior. (Author)

Approximately 300 children in seven elementary schools used the Feingold diet for two weeks. Of the total sample, 8.5% improved by five points or more. The mean before diet scores of improved Ss were below the cut off value for hyperactivity, indicating hyperactivity itself is not a necessary condition for improvement. (Author)

Differences between hyperactive and nonhyperactive boys in their play and responses to models were assessed. Hyperactive boys behaved differently during play even before viewing any model, and generally responded more to the guidelines suggested by the model, especially the fast one, than did the nonhyperactive boys. (Author/GK)

Examined blood cortisol levels, at three 6-month intervals, for young adolescent outpatients in relation to psychological measures derived from patient interviews preceding clinic visits and observed stress behaviors during visits. Found that adolescents in the increased cortisol reactivity group reported more behavior problems and depression…

Substance use is an important risk factor for suicidal behavior in adolescence. In this study, rates of substance use in a sample of adolescents who had attempted suicide were examined as were the relationships of mood state and behavior problems to substance use. Results suggest that alcohol use among suicide attempters is more strongly related…

Discusses the benefits of smaller schools, asserting that students get the personal attention and sense of belonging that discourages them from falling through the cracks and stirring up trouble. (EV)