The attitudes and reactions toward computers of two samples of college students from Los Angeles, California, and Hunan, People's Republic of China, were examined and compared. Results indicate that computer anxiety was present to a similar degree in both groups of students. (25 references) (Author/DB)

This paper discusses research on affective dimensions of foreign language instruction for gifted students, using Krathwohl's "Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Affective Domain" as a framework. The paper suggests behavioral objectives and specific activities to aid foreign language instruction at five levels: receiving, responding,…

This comparison of 16 hearing children of deaf parents and 16 hearing children of hearing parents found no significant difference between the 2 groups on feelings toward parents, communication with parents, and role reversal. Feelings were influenced by children's age and degree to which parents relied on them to interpret. (Author/JDD)

Examined relationships between maternal depression and children's self-concept, self-control, and peer relationships. Found that multiple risk factors, such as the father's mental state and parents' marital status, rather than maternal depression alone, explained much of the variability in children's social and emotional competence. (MDM)

Attempts at being polite can fail through unwitting violation of speech act rules (SARs). Several situations illustrate the use of "please" by Japanese users of English. The question of whose SARs should apply in intercultural communication in English is addressed. (Contains 13 references.) (Author)

Introduces computerized coding procedure that rates words and utterances in terms of emotion, cognition, and contract, as well as contingency method of analyzing verbal interactions. Rating procedure and contingency correlation analyses using transcripts of sessions conducted by three therapists with one client found that therapists' utterances…

The study of 30 young children with Down syndrome found that, compared to controls, subjects looked more often to the face of the social partner but less often to nonfocal toys. The more positive affect displayed toward people and the shorter the average looks to the partner's face, the higher the subject's verbal language skills. (Author/JDD)

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…

Emphasizes the importance of leader awareness of the discomfort and need for emotional safety that may surface for women survivors of sexual abuse during an outdoor experience. Discusses survivor's self-perception and how this affects the outdoor experience; the impact of natural elements on survivors; and how to help survivors develop coping…

Utilizes the lyrics of popular recordings to illustrate how intense emotional involvements can affect individual behavior as it examines the lyrical question, "What kind of fool am I?" The commentary is supplemented by an extensive discography featuring more than 150 recordings released over the past five decades. (AEF)

Focuses on cognitive and affective changes that occurred in one student during the study of heat and temperature. Initially the student's conceptual framework was undifferentiated with regard to heat and temperature; however, course activities and concomitant use of concept substitution helped the student differentiate these concepts and integrate…

Seeks to determine effects of expressive variation in dynamics on the musical preferences of elementary school students. Indicates that a significant proportion of students in two test groups preferred the expressive versions of six songs over less expressive ones. Makes recommendations concerning the importance of expressive performance in…

Used latent variables path analysis to examine models linking parents' and kindergartners' expressed affect during parent-child play and children's social functioning with peers in kindergarten and first grade. Found that relations between parental positive affect and children's social competence were mediated by children's expressed positive…

Time-, strain-, and behavior-based dimensions of work/family conflict were examined for 225 workers. Each dimension had unique dispositional or situational antecedents. Negative affectivity was the strongest predictor of work/family conflict. (SK)

Factors that contribute to resilience provide a framework for demonstrating how mental health professionals can build on strengths in adolescents in a violence reduction program. Article profiles the resilient youth as one who is optimistic, empathetic, has a caring temperament, and can attract friendships. (Author/JDM)