Results provide support for the existence of a relation between school behavior and the home environment of young adolescents, since both academic performance and externalizing problem behaviors in school were related to and predicted by the parent-adolescent relationship and/or maternal depression in the home setting. Data from mothers and,…

While controlling for overall intellectual level, this study assessed the interpersonal problem-solving skills of 150 families via written tests and behavioral performances. Interrelationships between written and behavioral interpersonal cognitive problem-solving skills were examined, as were the relationships of each problem-solving measure to…

Study directed at determining which aspect of photographic representations of children differing along dimensions of race and sex would acquire control over responses of Negro children. (Authors)

Thirty-four pairs of same-sex siblings were observed for two one-hour periods in their homes. The younger siblings averaged 20 months of age and the age interval between siblings was either large (2.5-4 years) or small (1-2 years). (JMB)

Analyzed correlates of social problem solving in 63 2-parent families with a preadolescent. Structured interviews were held when child was about 9.5 years old, and again 2 years later. Found a substantial decline in the quality of family problem solving during preadolescence associated with changes in the participation and affective behavior of…

Assessed the impact of parents' marriages on the parenting of firstborn three-month-olds. Concluded that mothers are warmer and more sensitive with infants than fathers are. Fathers hold more positive attitudes toward their infants and their roles as parents when they are in close, confiding marriages. (RH)

Reviews research regarding the sexual identity, personal development, and social relationships of children of gay and lesbian parents. To date, there is no evidence that the development of children of gay and lesbian parents is compromised relative to the development of children of heterosexual parents. (BC)

Examined the relationship between sibling conflict and marital satisfaction, spousal conflict, family emotional climate, and family problem-solving processes that involve siblings. Results indicated that equal treatment by parents, family harmony in family discussions of sibling problems, and parent perceptions of family cohesiveness were…

Investigated the contributions of stressful life events and resources to the prediction of changes in children's adjustment. Resources and stressful life events showed some correlation with adjustment after two years. Increases in social support and social problem-solving skills over time were significantly related to improvement in behavioral and…

Two studies examined children's understanding of the origins, behaviors, and properties of objects. Children (1) were sensitive to the distinction between natural things and artifacts; (2) identified specific kinds of natural cause; and (3) understood the link between internal parts and self-generated activity. (BC)

Examined associations between the activity level and adaptability of same-sex siblings and qualitative aspects of their relationship. Found high levels of conflict when both siblings were high in activity and the older sibling was rated more active than the younger. Conflict was lowest when siblings were low in activity. Warmth was greatest when…

Examined relations among family structure, family process, and psychological adjustment of children who had been conceived via donor insemination. Found that the children were developing normally. Their adjustment was unrelated to structural variables such as parental sexual orientation. Parents with higher parenting stress and inter-parental…

Examines aspects of the marital relationship and its assessment relevant to scholars of child development. Reviews current knowledge regarding marital quality, behavior, emotional responding, and cognition in marriage. Makes recommendations for assessment and argues that the child's perspective of the marriage is critical for understanding…

Examined National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data on four versions of HOME-Short Form for four major ethnic groups. Found differences for majority of items between poor and non-poor families. Magnitude of effect for poverty was greater than for ethnicity. For every item at every age, effects of poverty were proportional across European American,…

This study treated a key relationship in the developmental ecology of adolescence, friendships, as multidimensional and context specific. First, it examined 4 characteristics of friends (academic achievement, alcohol use, emotional distress, and extracurricular participation) as independent factors and as components in holistic friendship group…