The present study examined the mediating role of self-regulation in the relationship between preschool children's anxiety and life skills. Children's anxiety, self-regulation, and life skills were assessed using the "Children's Anxiety Scale-Mothers' Form," "The Self-Regulation Skills Scale for Children aged 4 to 6 (Mothers'…

The purposes of the study consequently were (1) to study background information needed in the development of a Buddhism curriculum in developing vulnerable youths' social adaptation, (2) to develop a Buddhism curriculum in developing vulnerable youths' social adaptation, and (3) to implement the Buddhism curriculum in developing vulnerable youths'…

This article reports on a survey (n=573) of international students who were attending one of a group of five higher education institutes (HEIs) in the south of Ireland. This study sought to identify what knowledge these students had about their host country before coming to Ireland. In this study, we also attempted to identify what aspects of…

Deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs) are at risk for psychosocial adjustment problems, possibly due to delayed speech-language skills. This study investigated associations between a core component of spoken-language ability--speech intelligibility--and the psychosocial development of prelingually deaf CI users. Audio-transcription measures…

Discusses the ways in which nonhostile, self-accepting, realistic humor may be an important coping strategy for children. Offers practical suggestions for parents, teachers, and other caretakers to encourage the development of humor in children. (FMW)

Seventy directors of residential and/or Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) programs responded to a survey questionnaire in which they evaluated 245 independent living skills in terms of their necessity for entry into SILS programs. Large differences of opinion were expressed regarding the number and relative importance of prerequisite skills.…

Functional assessment of the severely mentally handicapped should take place in the natural environment and should consider present as well as future needs in the following domains: personal-social, daily living skills, leisure, and work activities. (CL)

A coat was adapted for a 20-year-old severely handicapped woman to control her practice of "mouthing" her hands and clothing. Velcro strips attached to the coat held the student's arms down long enough to allow for differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior, which successfully reduced the rate of mouthing. (JDD)

This study found significant relationships between measures of adaptive/maladaptive behavior and community adjustment in 239 adults with mild to severe mental retardation. Results provide evidence for the criterion-related validity of measures of adaptive/maladaptive behavior, and suggest the importance of such skills in community adaptation and…

Observations of social interactions of elementary students in self-contained emotionally disturbed (ED) and learning disabilities (LD) classrooms revealed significantly more nonphysical aggression and noncompliance among ED than LD boys across settings, and significantly higher rates of physical and nonphysical aggression and immature behavior…

The article describes three goal structures (competitive, cooperative, and individualistic) that provide the context in which social skills are learned. Major components of structured learning are next presented as a strategy for teaching social skills. Limitations and advantages of combining the two approaches are discussed. (Author/JW)

Seventeen mildly retarded group home residents (19-30 years old) were trained in independent living skills and placed in independent living situations. (Author)

A study compared positive and negative adaptation strategies used by people with low vision (25 working-age and 23 elderly people) who had participated in a rehabilitation program with 335 persons with neurological disabilities and 112 controls. Results indicate that the participants used a variety of positive and negative adaptation strategies.…

Preparation for American Secondary Schools (PASS) programs designed to prepare 13- to 16-year-old refugees for the transition to American secondary schools have been implemented in the refugee training centers in Thailand and the Philippines. The curriculum emphasizes language and math skills and cultural orientation. Students also develop…

The article describes a group counseling program in Manchester (England) to prepare physically handicapped adolescents for leaving the school environment. Weekly group sessions led by a social worker and classroom teacher focused on social and life skills training, including such components as student selection of session content, role play, and…