Notes that intergenerational theories of family functioning sparked interest in empirical investigations that test intergenerational relationships. Presents test of difference scores enabling researchers to compare related and unrelated dyads, thus creating comparison group when using only two generations. Contrasts procedure with correlational…

Examines evidence relating to factors that affect the quality and maturity of children's play and discusses three resources parents can readily use to enrich play: adult involvement, materials, and time. Explains parent roles of play initiator, coplayer, and play facilitator. Offers guidelines for the selection of toys and playthings and for…

Notes that, although dual perspective should be used to focus on diversity, it should be applied within context of anthropological-ecological framework to prevent stereotyping, illuminate goals of societal organizations, and explore child socialization. Illustrates view with preliminary findings from study of poor inner-city African American…

There is a growing trend toward only-children families in the United States. Research shows that only children do not fit the stereotype of lonely social misfits, and in fact they surpass children with siblings both academically and socially. The paper examines myths, realities, and challenges of raising only children. A sidebar discusses only…

In 1979, a March of Dimes task force investigation in Orange County, California found a direct correlation between the rising number of low birth weight babies and the rising number of births to teens. Sparked by this investigation, the Coalition Concerned with Adolescent Pregnancy (CCAP), an independent non-profit agency, was formed. CCAP's…

Describes the life and responsibilities of a young Haitian girl working as a migrant farmworker. Focuses on her relationship with her non-English-speaking mother and documents her daily life and schooling in Maryland and Florida. (SA)

Children of intermarriages have special needs. They often encounter prejudice from other family members such as grandparents, and, in general, society does not know how to regard them. A bicultural approach to childbearing is necessary; it is most important that a child learn about the culture of the parent of color. (KH)

Describes problems associated with Vietnam veterans and their families, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans may establish enmeshed relationships with their children, leading to problems with adolescent individualization. Presents a five-stage treatment method including Intake, Ventilation, Bridging, Education, and Taking Therapy…

Examines recent empirical evidence to test theories postulated in separate works by G. Stanley Hall and Anna Freud that adolescents must experience psychological turbulence in the transition to adulthood. Concludes that turmoil is no longer a necessary condition of adolescence and that those who do experience it need psychiatric attention.…

A survey designed to evaluate the importance of some components of cultural transmission on a variety of traits showed that religion and politics are mostly determined in the family, a mode of transmission which guarantees high evolutionary stability and maintenance of high variation between and within groups. (Author/JN)

Reviews findings of two longitudinal studies on development of aggression. Observes that the process by which children learn violence from television is circular: i.e., aggressive children are unpopular and consequently spend less time with peers and more time watching television, which in turn, assures them that aggressive behavior is…

Briefly outlines suggestions by a panel of adolescents which are addresed to adults discussing the problems of children and their families at the 1979 World Congress of Mental Health in Austria. The role of communication, trust, honesty and cooperation between parents and children was emphasized. (CM)

Presents a model for analysis and intervention with melded families that have children of the same or similar ages in order to help these children develop their relationships with each other. Integration, differentiation, and balance are the basic components. Principles are listed to help parents understand these relationships. (Author/BEF)

Discusses attitudes of 12 families participating in group which was formed to focus on issues related to the possibility of a nuclear disaster. Why and how these families are facing the nuclear taboo plus various outcomes of doing so are discussed as well as the role of the professional in encouraging such openness about these difficult issues.…

Explains attachment theory and posits that, if proper bonding and subsequent attachment, usually between mother and child, does not occur, the child develops mistrust and deep-seated rage. Presents evidence of the problem of attachment disorders, lists symptoms of unattached children, examines treatment of attachment disorders, and discusses…