A review and analysis of relevant literature discusses the heterogeneity of social competence observed in learning disabled children. Sociometric group classification is judged to be a viable behavioral classification framework. Inconsistencies are noted in the way peer popularity, peer acceptance, and sociometric status are defined in the…

A series of four studies (employing combinations of multiple baseline and reversal designs) examined the effects of both antecedent and consequent events on the social interactions of four primary grade withdrawn children. These four experiments were conducted during the first year of pilot-testing a program aimed at increasing the social…

To further validate the locus of control (LOC) construct and to counterbalance the present tendency in LOC literature to downgrade the external LOC personality, the relationship between LOC and social acceptance or popularity was examined. It was hypothesized that a relationship exists between LOC and social acceptance; and secondly, that a high…

The article documents relationships between adaptive behavior and social skills. Social competence deficits in mildly handicapped children are classified into four types: skill deficits, performance deficits, self-control skill deficits, and self-control performance deficits. Assessment procedures for classification and intervention purposes are…

Sociometric peer ratings, teacher ratings, and direct observation were employed in the classification of two groups of third-graders as either neglected (socially isolated) (N=12) or rejected (N=12) in their social relationships. Both groups profited significantly from social skills training compared to no changes observed in a control group. (JW)

A day program for 12 moderately/severely mentally retarded students is characterized by selective integration into academic and other regular education courses, with the intent of maximizing social interactions. Integration activities, peer tutors, social skills training, case outcomes, and a program evaluation survey are described. (Author/JW)

Although there is considerable evidence linking the security of children's attachment to their mothers to child competence and adaptive functioning, the distinct picture of adjustment problems characteristic of each pattern of insecure attachment has received less research attention, especially during middle childhood. This study examined the…

Investigated associations between parents' reported coercion and negotiation with their children, children's self-reported conflict strategies with peers, and their behavioral competence rated by both parents. Results obtained through observation, interviews, and questionnaires included a concurrent correlation between parents' use of coercion and…

THE EFFECTS OF TWO DETERMINANTS, INTELLIGENCE AND DEGREE OF A PERSON'S SOCIAL POWER, WHICH AFFECT SOCIAL RELATIONS WERE EXAMINED IN THIS STUDY. THE LATTER REFERS TO THE ABILITY TO INFLUENCE THE BEHAVIOR AND BELIEFS OF OTHERS. THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE WAS TO DESCRIBE AND EXPLAIN CAUSES FOR THE TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS USED BY CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT…

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and validation of the Social Problem Situation Analysis Measure (SPSAM), a measure of the ways in which children understand and attempt to resolve problematic social situations. The SPSAM is an assessment procedure in which children are shown cards depicting sequences of unfolding action in…

In this study, 240 fifth-grade students were tested to determine possible relationships between their self-perceptions of oral communication skills and their personal-social adjustment as estimated by their teachers, their peers, and themselves. Measurement instruments used were a Communication Inventory (constructed for this study and validated…

Data were collected on children's (N=80) sex, race, stanine score on achievement tests, and pretest performance in order to determine the differential effects of the Project AWARE. Findings indicated that children involved in the program achieved greater personal adjustment and accepted responsibility for negative outcomes in social situations.…

Developed measures of relational aggression for young children. Found that relational aggression appears at young ages and can be distinguished from overt aggression. Preschool girls are more relationally and less overtly aggressive than boys. Relational aggression is related to social-psychological maladjustment. (Author/KB)

Assessed 8-year-olds' perceptions of emotional support from mother and best friend. Found that preschool attachment security predicted age-8 maternal-support perceptions better than did mother's behavior. Identification of best friends as part of the support network related positively to social competence. The more insecurely attached children…

This study compared the social adjustment of abused and nonabused children, ages 4 to 11 years, and examined whether sociometric status and friendship quality differentially predict children's loneliness and teacher ratings of peer behavior. Thirty-five abused children from a structured residential treatment center and 43 nonabused children from…