The hypothesis that mental retardation is associated with specific deficits in decoding facially expressed emotions was tested with 16 adult subjects with mild to moderate mental retardation and control subjects matched for either chronological or mental age. Experimental subjects were significantly less accurate on the emotion task than both…

This article describes a new counseling resource that blends art and descriptors to facilitate interpersonal exploration. The OH cards game blends the spontaneity of games and the imagination of art to enhance self-awareness, facilitate communication and thereby empower individuals. A variety of implementation strategies using the game are…

Analyzes treasured possessions and their meanings in adolescence, including their relation to those treasured during early life and their relation to self-identity. Subjects were 14- to 18-year-old high school students (n=249). Results showed that males' most treasured possessions embodied enjoyment and instrumental meanings, whereas females'…

Explored associations between the present emotional and social development of low- and middle-income African American male and female college students and the substitute care arrangements they experienced as infants. Questionnaire results from 282 college students show that the experience of substitute care arrangements during infancy did not…

Examined association of adult attachment styles and Rusbult's investment model of relationships. Responses from 239 participants indicated those who are securely attached experience greater satisfaction, fewer costs, and greater commitment in their relationships than do other attachment groups. Other findings and implications for counseling were…

The Tasks of Emotional Development is an apperceptive test that has the additional advantage of a specific developmental focus. Test administration and interpretation are described, focusing on use with adults with mental retardation. It is concluded that the test minimizes many biases plaguing accurate psychodiagnosis with this group. (JDD)

Discusses directions for future research on the importance of emotion during adolescence. Notes that such research should include an expanded focus on the normative range of emotional expression and on related adaptive behaviors, including competencies, coping, self-esteem, and creativity. The application of research to clinical problems and…

Since the arts humanize the curriculum while affirming the interconnectedness of all things, they are a powerful means to improve general education. Schools that overlook the arts are creating a less civilized generation. The arts provide a more comprehensive, insightful education because they invite students to explore the emotional, intuitive,…

Examined age differences in 9- to 15-year-olds' experiences with families and friends, and by themselves. Amount of time spent with family decreased with age. Affect with family became less positive through seventh grade; affect with friends became more favorable with age; affect when alone did not vary. (BC)

Examined the play activities of 49 at-risk (AR) and non-at-risk (NAR) elementary school students, using the Smilansky Scale for Evaluation of Dramatic and Sociodramatic Play measure. Found that AR students displayed higher levels of hostile acting out behaviors than did NAR students, whereas the NAR group engaged in more verbal communication…

Differences were examined in parent ratings of social-emotional behavior among 64 preschool-aged children referred for child find screening and assessment and 64 preschool-aged typical children. The children who had been referred were found to have greater social skills deficits and problem behavior excesses than the comparison group. (Author/CR)

This study compared a group of nine children (ages 3 to 8) with congenital blindness and an autism-like syndrome with nine sighted children. Children with autism had more severe abnormalities in terms of their relationships with people and emotional expressions, and were more impaired in the area of pretend play. (CR)

Explores the connections between learning disabilities and emotional problems in children. Discusses emotional aspects of learning disabilities, how learning disabilities may lead to emotional distress, how learning disabilities may exacerbate existing emotional concerns, how emotional issues may mask learning disabilities, and how emotional…

Although eliminating school violence is no easy task, understanding the biological basis of aggressive adolescent behavior and discussing it with colleagues is essential. Societal influences can trigger a predisposition for aggressive response in alienated, testosterone-elevated teens. Early-intervention programs that stress social and coping…

Discusses the educational theory underlying Steiner's Waldorf Kindergartens. Examines the influence of other theorists such as Montessori, Piaget, Buber, Hahn and Dewey on Steiner's educational ideas. Explores the need for kindergartens to nurture children's Emotional Intelligence and Motional Intelligence in addition to their Intelligence…