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)

Investigated sex differences in the motor activity level of 83 children of 5-8 years. Relative maturity was negatively related to activity level. Girls were less motorically active and more mature than boys. (RJC)

The study explored how parents interpret the events and relationships surrounding the transition of their severely disabled children from school to adult life. Parents interviewed tended to perceive three distinct types of transition: bureaucratic, family life, and adult status. Findings suggested ways to improve parent-professional cooperation…

This study compared the level of ego development of 30 women with histories of childhood sexual victimization and 30 women with no history of abuse. Results indicated no significant difference in ego levels between groups, with a slight trend toward higher ego development in the abused group. (Author/DB)

Twenty individuals (ages 8-18) with mental retardation and 20 controls matched for nonverbal mental age were assessed on receptive language level and nonverbal cognitive functioning. Results indicate that the nondisabled group placed less emphasis on the formal, sequential properties of language and more on semantic, conceptual properties.…

Examined patterns of psychosocial development for white and African-American traditional-age undergraduate female college students (n=218). Differences were found by class level in measures of autonomy with seniors scoring higher than other classes and mature interpersonal relationship scores indicating a gradual increase. In a measurement of…

Regardless of participant background, age, or ethnic origin, camp can aid in the following key components of emotional maturity: open, positive and appropriate expression of feelings; self-acceptance; a sense of self; an awareness and acceptance of others and their feelings; the ability to develop relationships; and emotional stability. (LP)

Interviews with parents of 87 preschool children within a year of a stuttering diagnosis found that onset tended to occur earlier than was previously thought and was sudden and/or severe in many cases; about twice as many boys as girls stuttered; and there was a positive relationship between severe stuttering and sudden onset. (DB)

Examined potential gender differences in emotional immaturity. Forty graduate students completed personal data sheets and Peter Pan Syndrome Test. Findings suggest widespread perceptions between females and males about prevalence of emotional immaturity among their significant others. Females seem to consider emotional immaturity special problem…

Discusses a method of adolescent pregnancy intervention that addresses the developmental needs of the adolescents. The previewing process alerts the mother to the imminent developmental trends that her infant will soon be undergoing. Adolescent mothers can also learn how to preview their own maturational changes. (GCP)

Evaluates the impact of personal construct and psychodynamic group work on the psychosocial functioning of offender adolescents. Group work was effective immediately after terminating treatment in increasing helpful maturational processes and in reducing the less helpful maturational processes. Group work was also effective to some extent in…

Delaying school entry for a year is most often viewed as an opportunity for children to mature and develop critical academic, social and emotional skills prior to entering kindergarten. Many teachers view delayed school entry as a kindness to younger, less mature students who need more preparation for the rigors of formal academics in 1st grade.…

Year-old infants' play was scored within and outside joint attention with mother and when alone for four levels of maturity: stereotypical, inappropriate relational, appropriate relational, functional. Maternal sensitivity within joint attention was rated on two measures: following infants' interests and scaffolding infants' activities. Infants'…

We examined social role-taking and moral judgement improvement after an educational group-oriented intervention emphasizing guided reflection and role-taking dimensions among 11 groups, made up of a total of 61 female and male Italian university students. They were compared to a control group of 59 students. We twice applied Italian adaptations of…

In this article, the author states that gifted student population is itself diverse, with variability in intensity, maturity, risk-taking, creativity and degree of giftedness, among other traits. Appropriate services are equivalent to a life preserver; the opportunity to spend time with others who are sufficiently similar in ability, interests and…