This study attempted to induce empathy toward a hypothetical individual in an effort to reduce aggressive responses directed toward him. Forty fourth grade volunteer boys from two Michigan public schools were administered the Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents to determine pre-existing empathic potential (EP). Subjects were matched for…

Describes a delinquency prevention program where young boys were taken to jail following minor law offenses. With a counselor, they talked to police and prisoners about what it was like to be in jail. None of the 19 children who participated committed any serious crimes in the six years since the program began. (JAC)

Examined social-cognitive processes of aggressive and nonaggressive boys (n=296) at preadolescent and early adolescent age levels. Found that wide range of social-cognitive processes was distorted and deficient for violent and moderately aggressive boys and that different types of social cognition contributed unique variance in discriminating…

Examined structural equation model for depressed mood for three samples of boys (n=317) from at-risk families. Model accounted for from 51 percent to 68 percent of variance in criterion construct. Hypothesized negative path coefficients from good peer relations construct to depressed mood construct were significant; path from academic skills…

Compared the behavior of 48 preadolescent boys with and without peer adjustment problems in a naturalistic school setting. Analyses provided general support for the reciprocity hypothesis, which posits that individuals tend to match the affective quality of a response to that of the previous response. (LLL)

While evidence is mixed about whether aggressive children generate fewer alternative solutions to social problems than do nonaggressive children, research has found consistent deficiencies in the qualitative kinds of solutions that aggressive children produce. This study assessed salience effects on the abilities of aggressive and nonaggressive…

Assessed differences in self-perceptions, peer perceptions, and attributions of relative responsibility for aggressive and nonagressive boys. Used semantic differential ratings following brief competitive dyadic discussion, and observer ratings. Perceptual and attributional biases operated in social interactions. Unlike nonaggressive boys,…

In a two-part experiment, a severely learning-disabled youth was treated for lack of reading and math skills using token reinforcers for correct responses. The subject reached a 90 percent correct response rate following implementation of experimental design. Part two produced a 100 percent achievement level for the most difficult math items.…

Examined longer term preventive effects of school-based intervention with boys referred by classroom teachers as highly aggressive and disruptive. Three years after intervention, boys who had received anger coping (AC) program had lower rates of drug and alcohol involvement and higher levels of self-esteem and social problem-solving skills than…

Investigates the effect of anabolic steroid education on preadolescents' knowledge of and attitudes toward anabolic steroids with 35 male athletes. Information on psychological and physiological aspects of anabolic steroid use, weight training techniques, nutrition, social decision making, and self-esteem training were provided. Participants…

This study examined care-based moral reasoning in 23 white females and 23 white males, ages 11 through 12 years in a small Canadian eastcoast town. Subjects were administered the Ethic of Care Interview (ECI), a measure administered in a structured interview format consisting of four dilemmas. In addition to three standardized, interpersonal…

Provides advice to single parents on ways to help their preadolescent children get in touch with their feelings and prepare for positive life experiences. The advice is highlighted with a case study. (BB)

The study examined the perceptions of two gifted samples (n=54) and a nongifted control group (n=130) of preadolescent boys (ages 12-13) regarding their school and peer experiences, intrafamily roles, discipline and identification models, and career choices. Results of a 62-item questionnaire indicated that the group identified as having…

Reports on a study of the relationship between moral and political consciousness as evidenced by the ideas and words of 20 middle-school children of average scholastic ability. Finds that the socioeconomic conditions of a community influenced the children's perceptions of issues and problems. (CFR)

A survey of 2,216 low-SES Mexican American students in grades 4-6 investigated family, social, and psychological risk factors related to substance abuse. Use of major and minor substances was related to respondent score on an index of 11 risk factors. Relationship between major substance use and risk index was significantly greater for females…