This collection of papers begins with a presentation on the role of mass media campaigns in drug abuse prevention, emphasizing the need for skill development and family involvement. The next presentation addresses general and specific influences on health behavior including society, the family, peers, the school, and the individual. A…

This paper examines the impact of 12 hours of exposure to Rational Behavior Training (RBT) and 10 days of exposure to a controlled conflict situation within a wilderness environment on 30 high school students. Results indicate that the treatment group, when compared with a control group, showed a marked and statistically significant reduction in…

Transactional analysis can provide a scientific basis for modifying teacher behavior. Three ego states, parent, adult, and child, exist in all people at all times. It is the verbal and physical interplay among these states that can be observed in behavior patterns. The parent ego state asserts value judgments and classifies behavior as good or…

Although most people are occasionally lonely, others find loneliness to be an enduring problem. Loneliness is often associated with a variety of personality characteristics which interfere with the formation of interpersonal relationships. The interrelationship of shyness and loneliness over time and in response to varying situations was examined…

This study reported a number of differences between kindergarten children perceived by their teachers to be "thriving,""average," or "not as yet thriving." Subjects were 340 4- and 5-year-old children from 59 kindergarten classrooms. Results indicated that the three groups of children differed in a wide range of…

This study attempted to evaluate H. J. Eysenck's antisocial behavior (ASB) hypothesis that proposes there is an antisocial temperament which, in interaction with socialization, intelligence, and achievement, puts an individual at significant risk for developing antisocial behavior. Evaluation of Eysenck's ASB hypothesis was conducted with 107…

A comparison of 86 learning-disabled children, aged 7-11, and 86 age-matched controls found that subjects were able to generate fewer alternatives for solving social problems, showed less adaptive assertiveness and tolerance for frustration, exhibited more classroom behavior problems, displayed less personal and social competence, and had more…

Presents results of a study developing an informal social skills teacher rating scale for use with early adolescents. Reports that the scale includes skill identification and situational analysis. Provides information on identifying and ranking responses and checking a content validity and reliability. Concludes that the matrix can generate…

Cooperating teachers' ratings (using student rating forms) of teaching interns were studied, focusing on characteristics considered as strengths and qualities that make an intern outstanding. Results from cooperating teachers for 60 intern elementary school and secondary school teachers identified valued personal characteristics. Interpersonal…

Tested the hypothesis that obese women (n=155) compensate for the prejudice of others. Results supported the hypothesis that obese women who were aware of the need to compensate for their partners' reactions to their appearance were able to do so. (JBJ)

Fifth-graders' (N = 162; 93 girls) relationships with parents and friends were examined with respect to their main and interactive effects on psychosocial functioning. Participants reported on parental support, the quality of their best friendships, self-worth, and perceptions of social competence. Peers reported on aggression, shyness and…

While self-esteem develops after life's primary needs have been satisfied, other factors can influence its development. This thesis investigates the self-esteem of high school and college athletes. The independent variables investigated were gender, athletic participation, family structure, and reported grades. The dependent variables were the…

This study examined the aggressive behaviors of children through peer ratings to teacher ratings of problem behaviors and social skills and peer ratings of friendship. Peer data are valid measures and may be more accurate than teacher or self measures because peers are more likely to be present when aggression occurs. This study examines a peer…

This curriculum guide provides instruction in assertive skills, personality types, and relaxation techniques for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. Is is especially intended to increase the social skills of shy, withdrawn students; but it may be used with any students who demonstrate deficits in social skills. The guide contains 50…

Career development theories provide useful ideas for understanding career indecision, but neglect of a measurement of career indecisiveness has caused confusion. To examine the relationship between trait indecisiveness, vocational uncertainty, and interpersonal characteristics, 325 freshmen students were tested with a Trait Indecisiveness Scale…