Social incompetence is a significant cause of postsecondary maladjustment for the learning disabled. The literature is reviewed on factors critical to occupational success; social development of the learning disabled; major social incompetencies (specifically, social perception and problem solving, task-related social behaviors, and social…

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)

Indices of social and emotional adjustment were investigated in highly verbally or mathematically talented adolescents. Highly gifted students reported more internal locus of control and less popularity than the comparison students. No differences were found in self-esteem, depression, or the incidence of discipline problems. The Self Esteem…

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…

One of the major aims of the schools is to develop well integrated and socially adjusted citizens. When personal-social difficulties arise, the schools frequently are called upon to cooperate in programs of prevention and habilitation. The schools, therefore, can and should occupy a critically important position in this as well as in other…

Assessment of social skills is not viewed as an encapsulated diagnostic process but as one with ongoing impact on intervention programs. Assessment procedures which have developed from behavioral and social learning approaches to treatment appear to be reliable and useful. (Author/CP)

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…

Psychometric evaluation of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS) is reported. Factor analyses indicated the presence of a stable factor structure for both social skills and problem behaviors scales. Reliability studies indicated the PKBS has adequate-to-strong stability. Explorations of within-scale relationships yielded evidence…

Examined the relationship between maternal psychological functioning and child competence and psychological adjustment among black families with 11-year-old children. Found a chain of influences over a 3-year period in which maternal education and income were linked with maternal psychological functioning, which predicted competence-promoting…

Reviews research in the area of worries and concerns of young people and the relevance to programs of personal development and social education. Identifies and prioritizes general areas of adolescent concern and discusses the possible influence of culture, gender, age, and type of school. (MJP)

Self-concept measures and state certificate program achievement grades were used to determine the effects on 7th through 11th graders in Sydney (Australia) of converting two single-sex high schools to coeducational institutions. Pre- to post-transition data were collected from 1982 to 1985. Coeducational organizations benefit self-concept, while…

Hmong refugees in Minnesota were studied on three occasions during their first decade in the United States. While there was general evidence of acculturation, psychiatric care seeking, and reduced psychiatric symptom levels, a large subset of Hmong refugees remained culturally isolated and manifested depression, anxiety, hostility, and other…

This article reviews the conceptual foundations of adaptive behavior as they relate to adults and young adults who exhibit different subtypes and severities of learning disabilities. Research findings on adaptation to education, employment, and social settings are presented. Implications of the role of adaptive behavior in self-determination are…

This study investigated the relative influence of parent attitudes and behaviors on the scholastic and social adjustment of 720 low-income inner-city black sixth graders in the Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk. Findings suggest that affective characteristics of parents deserve attention in educational reform and intervention efforts. (SLD)