Variations of systematic desensitization that include deep muscle relaxation (DMR) seem useful in remediating some behavior problems of children. Studied the effects of DMR and DMR with Covert Positive Reinforcement (CPR) in reducing maladaptive behavior of children, ages 6 to 12. (Author)

A total of 127 fifth-grade boys and girls were presented a TAT-like projective test to measure fantasy aggression and controls over aggression. Overt peer-oriented aggression was measured by peer and teacher ratings. (JMB)

Discusses the "chutzpah factor", the ability to transcend fear and enter into the unknown, in altered states of consciousness, especially in what are known as "adept" individuals. Examines the powerful effect a person's belief system has upon what he or she is able to do and endure. (Editor/RK)

An in vivo procedure for relaxation as self-control and a procedure for self-control modification of desensitization were compared to a no-treatment control. Results showed modified desensitization, compared to the control, significantly decreased communication anxiety and fear of negative evaluation and significantly increased assertiveness.…

Argues that choice with responsibility belongs to the child, there must be a gradual continuous assumption of responsibility, and the choice with responsibility is a learning process. It is important to avoid offering choices that are not authentic. Adults also have responsibilities in fostering children's growth along these lines. (BF/JH)

Discusses cornerstone of Montessori theory, normalization, which asserts that if a child is placed in an optimum prepared environment where inner impulses match external opportunities, the undeviated self emerges, a being totally in harmony with its surroundings. Makes distinctions regarding normalization, normalized, and normality, indicating how…

A study of seven adults with mild mental retardation investigated whether nonverbal behavior was under the control of covert rules and whether verbal reports of these rules were functionally equivalent to the covert rules that control nonverbal behavior. Results indicated self-instructions, when used as external instructions, produced the desired…

Suggests the missing piece in violence-prevention programs is character development through the skills of empathy and self-discipline. Notes that to nurture such qualities in young people, schools must help them learn basic decision-making and perspective-taking skills, delay gratification, learn persistence, develop a set of positive values they…

The study assessed whether 4 students (ages 9-13) with severe autistic disabilities could learn to use a self-management treatment package to reduce stereotypic behavior. Use of the procedures greatly reduced levels of stereotypic behavior. Improvement also occurred for extended periods of time in new settings without the presence of a treatment…

Addresses common misconceptions about young adolescents, concentrating on some truths garnered from middle-school art teachers' experience. Young adolescents can respect authority, are capable of self-discipline, can manage their own behavior and art materials, are bored by routine assignments, enjoy learning and applying new skills, have adequate…

Examined the efficacy of a causal model suggesting that lack of a violence inhibitor when confronted with distress cues may explain psychopathic behavior. Compared to control subjects, the psychopaths made no moral/conventional distinction about transgressions, treated conventional transgressions like moral transgressions, and were much less…

Reviews a double publication of the Swiss Orienteering Foundation. The theoretical part analyzes the psychological and psychophysiological demands of orienteering. The second and more applied publication is a series of working sheets for psychological training. Each step in training includes an introduction, exercises, working schedules, and…

"New right" governments may support experiential learning because of its role in developing self-discipline and law-abiding citizens and consumers. Adult educators and trainers must understand and engage in debates about experiential learning and postmodernism to understand their own practices. (SK)

In a culture glorifying thinness and beauty, most females (especially adolescents) carry some risk of developing eating disorders. A recent survey of 280 South Carolina middle school students disclosed significant female/male differences. About 70% of the girls felt fat; many used various weight-loss techniques, including dieting, fasting,…