Raises conceptual and empirical questions regarding: whether physical aggression is the main individual risk factor for antisocial behavior; the prospect that language impairment is also a risk factor; the meaning of the male preponderance for antisocial behavior; findings on environmentally mediated risk; the role of biosocial interplay; the…

Argues that, in the assessment of school "effects," multiple indicators of school effectiveness are required, including scholastic attainment, classroom behavior, absenteeism, attitudes to learning, continuation in education, employment, and social functioning. Assesses empirical evidence on the extent to which schools may be effective…

Discusses ambiguities in research that arise from the fact that chronological age reflects different components. Considers methodology, components of age as indices of different aspects of development, differential effects of experiences according to their timing, and maturational delay. (RJC)

Addresses strategies needed in using longitudinal data on psychopathology to test cause-and-effect relationships, including natural experiments, testing of competing hypotheses on mechanisms, study of reversal effects, multiple replications in different circumstances, use of designs to dissociate possible mechanisms, testing for dose-response…

The concept of psychosocial stress is reviewed in relation to empirical findings on the effects of different types of life events in childhood and adult life. It is concluded that the concept is too broad and that the events need to be subdivided according to their characteristics and meaning. (Author/DB)

Research on intergenerational continuities should consider: (1) both sides of the family; (2) the effect of change on continuities; (3) discontinuities; (4) societal and family influences; (5) variations in the meaning of traits; (6) misleading differences; (7) risks derived from personal characteristics and experiences; (8) identification of…

Comments on problems raised in this special issue, focusing on the distinctive aspects of the risk research reported. Highlights issues like sample characteristics, measurement strategies, specificity of risk factors, and risk mechanisms. Discusses the challenges of integrating alternative models of risk, with special references to research into…