Self-rated and teacher-rated social competence levels were obtained for 121 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who were normal, depressed, or had conduct problems. Depressed children's self-ratings of social competence were lower than self-ratings of children in other groups. There were no teacher-rated differences. (BC)

Three mothers of children (ages 4-9) who had disabilities and exhibited serious behavior management problems were taught child management techniques and planned activities techniques, using in-home coaching and written prompts for use in generalization settings. Results suggested that such training is effective but needs to be individualized.…

The validity of the subscales of the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior in an institutional population was examined by correlating these scores with the Psychopathology Instrument for Mentally Retarded Adults, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, and programmatic measures. Results support previous research on Reiss total score validity, though…

Applied structural equation modeling to twin data to assess impact of genetic and environmental factors on children's behavioral and emotional functioning. Applied models to maternal ratings of behavior of 515 monozygotic and 749 dizygotic twin pairs. Importance of genetic, shared, and specific environmental factors for explaining variation was…

Examines some effects that diagnosis of autism may bring to family and some of potential family stressors that presence of autistic child may present. Discusses problem areas, including communication, bonding, early sleep patterns, unpredictable behavior, difficulties created by changes in routine, splinter effects, respite, and financial matters.…

Describes prospective longitudinal studies that pertain to stability, developmental pathways, and long-term outcome for conduct problems and hyperactivity. Reviews treatment outcome studies for these problems with at least one year of follow-up data. Discusses implications of longitudinal research for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of…

Assessments were made of possible functions of overactive behaviors for two adults with severe intellectual disability using both ecological analyses and cluster analyses. Two ecological approaches suggested that the behaviors of both clients were related to levels of environmental stimulation. Cluster analyses showed that the behaviors, though…

The Johnstown (Pennsylvania) Middle School has adopted a simple, practical school bus discipline program that refers disruptive students to the bus-duty teacher to discuss the incident. The bus driver's written report activates the bus-rider training program, featuring temporary loss of riding privileges, a simulated bus ride, a safety video, a…

Investigated early motherhood and child conduct problems in 253 boys referred to psychology/psychiatry clinics. Found early motherhood significantly correlated with number of conduct disorder symptoms in boys. Of three models compared, one positing that teenage motherhood is spuriously related with child conduct problems because of common…

Describes an elementary school exercise in which students are assigned to write letters about their acts of misbehavior to persons involved in the incidents. Points out that such letters contain the elements of (1) a real, knowable audience; (2) internal motivation; and (3) a concern for clarity. Includes examples of student letters. (SG)

Describes a parent education program for parents of young children with behavioral difficulties. Objectives were to teach parents (1) the STAR (stop, think and ask, and respond) parenting technique; (2) strategies for dealing with behavior problems; and (3) the process of setting reasonable expectations. Parents rated the program highly. (GLR)

Emphasis on technological precision and methodological sophistication in the field of applied behavior analysis has brought about a deemphasis of theoretical and philosophical concerns. For theoretical development of the field to move ahead, applied behavior analysts must develop the principles needed to describe ways of predicting and controlling…

There should not be an intentional reduction of the technological focus in applied behavior analysis research to expand the theoretical focus. The manner in which applied behavior analysis has beneficially affected the field of developmental disabilities services demonstrates how technologically related research plays a necessary role. (JDD)

This literature review on antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in the noncompliant behavior of people with mental retardation found that noncompliance is more likely when instructions are vague or task demands are too difficult and that noncompliance responds well to programs utilizing combinations of social and tangible rewards. (Author/JDD)

This study examined relations between prescribed psychoactive treatments and rated behavioral difficulties of 87 adults with moderate mental retardation. Results indicated higher drug utilization in larger congregate settings compared to group care settings, despite behavior problems and cognitive level being matched across settings. (Author/JDD)