A comparison of 86 learning-disabled children, aged 7-11, and 86 age-matched controls found that subjects were able to generate fewer alternatives for solving social problems, showed less adaptive assertiveness and tolerance for frustration, exhibited more classroom behavior problems, displayed less personal and social competence, and had more…

Used questionnaire to assess the relative frequencies of physical punishment, fingernail biting, and nightmares among Korean, Japanese, and U.S. students. Although frequencies of responses by country showed no major differences in any of the three behavioral categories, chi-square calculations indicated a highly significant departure from what…

This study evaluates a self-management procedure for teaching adolescents with learning and behavior problems (BP) to improve completeness, accuracy, and neatness of creative writing homework assignments. Students were taught behavior change fundamentals, self-instruction, and how to set and work toward goals. Results from two BP high school…

Students can develop self-directed behavior when behavior management strategies are structured to provide opportunities to learn responsible behavior, make choices, and develop internal control. Student behavior is viewed as a response to psychological needs for love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Components of a reality therapy session…

The effectiveness of health care for high risk adolescents was studied. Seven funded clinics were compared to three non-funded clinics. Funded clinics detected and treated a wider range of medical and behavioral problems than the others. Males must be encouraged to seek these services. Specific interventions for adolescent patients are needed. (VM)

The study with 70 children and adolescents with sickle cell disease did not support the hypothesis that illness severity (measured by frequency of hospitalization) would affect adjustment (measured by IQ, self-esteem, social and personal adjustment, behavioral problems, school performance, and peer relations). (Author/DB)

Contends that most of the research on gender issues in schools has focused on teacher behavior and the values transmitted through observed talk and behavior. Reports on a study of the views toward their elementary schooling by 53 secondary school students. (CFR)

A program to increase staff effectiveness in implementing a group home behavior management program for residents with developmental disabilities was evaluated. The program emphasized systematic self-recording and supervisor feedback, and resulted in increased staff consistency in all four areas evaluated (such as implementing response costs for…

Examined whether adolescent adoptees differ from adolescent nonadoptees on indicators of emotional and behavioral adjustment and perceptions of family functioning. Identified areas in which adoptees are at potentially higher risk or have higher levels of functioning than nonadoptees. Investigated the relationship of adoption status to gender,…

Sixty-five children born to Swedish women who used amphetamines during pregnancy were followed to the age of eight years. Statistical correlations were seen between the extent of amphetamine exposure and psychometric tests, aggressive behavior, adjustment, and general assessment. Alcohol use during pregnancy and attitude toward pregnancy also…

Carefully reviewed Merton's writings on anomie theory to construct a more complete and rigorous test of the theory for respondents in early, middle, and late adolescence. Concluded that misspecified models of strain theory have underestimated the predictive power of strain theory in general and of anomie theory in particular. (JBJ)

This 4-year longitudinal study followed 12 infants or young children (6 boys and 6 girls) in 7 high-risk Swedish families (including drug abuse, chaotic family structure, antisocial behavior, and child care problems). Three girls developed mainly constructive (moderating) strategies; the other children demonstrated more or less destructive,…

Research on a team game designed to reinforce positive target behaviors is reviewed. Classroom organization, reinforcement criteria, when and how long to play the game, and reinforcement for winning teams are discussed, as are two variants on the original game. The game is found to be highly effective in reducing talking and out-of-seat behavior.…

Examined drug use, involvement in problem behavior, and family and peer predictors of these behaviors among Indian and white adolescents in a Canadian urban community. Found the groups had a similar rate for alcohol use; however, Indian adolescents showed higher rates and more frequent use of cigarettes, marijuana, solvents, and greater…

Reports on a comparison of the psychosocial adjustment of 50 academically gifted German 10-year olds with 50 of average intelligence 10-year olds. Finds no significant differences between the two groups. Finds elementary school gifted children are at least as socially and emotionally well-adjusted as their nongifted age mates. (CFR)