Two studies examined social responses to attractive and unattractive faces on the part of 123 infants of 12 months. Results suggest that visual and behavioral preferences for attractiveness are exhibited much earlier in life than was previously thought. (RH)

A comparison between the Netherlands and Germany concerning religious, cultural and ethnic plurality provides interesting insights. Germany has never defined itself as a multicultural society, as was historically the case in the Netherlands. The outcomes of the research are somewhat surprising. Dutch pupils--especially boys--are more negative…

Cardiac and behavioral reactions to strangers were measured in 5-, and 9-month-olds. Results indicate that: (1) behavioral differences between 5- and 9-month-olds are reflected in heart rate differences, (2) there are differences in heart rate but not behaviors when mothers are absent, and (3) heart rate response is linked to affective expression.…

This study examined the stranger reactions of 18-month-old children in three types of mother/stranger social contexts: (1) no interaction, (2) conversation only, or (3) playing cards. The results showed differential responding by condition, suggesting that 18-month-olds are sensitive to the background context of social encounters.

A comparison was made of the behaviors of 64 12-month-old infants in situations where adult female strangers played either an active or a passive role. (Author/JMB)

Females viewed a female stranger who discussed opinions about social issues. Subjects rated stranger on Interpersonal Judgment Scale and indicated on Jourard Self-Disclosure Questionnaire topics they would discuss with her. Topics subjects would discuss were positively related to their level of disclosure and attraction toward the stranger.…

In response to criticisms of a study conducted by Shaffran and Decarie, the author underscores the need for objective, accurate peer evaluation. Errors and misinterpretations in the critical article are reported and corrected. (Author/RH)

Replies to Solomon's paper that basic criticisms made earlier of Shaffran and Decaries' study still apply. Views the study as essentially a confirmation of the null hypothesis based on weak measures. (Author/RH)

This study of 9 to 10-month-old fearful and non-fearful males examined the relationship of cognitive and affective variables to fear of strangers. (DP)

This study tested the hypothesis that one year old infants' wary behavior toward an unfamiliar female adult would decrease and affiliative behavior would significantly increase in the course of a relatively brief period. (Author/SB)

This study shows that 12-month-old infants direct more distal/affiliative behaviors to their fathers and show no preference between parents in proximal/attachment behaviors. However, with a stranger present, more proximal/attachment behaviors are directed toward the mother with no preference shown in distal/affiliative behaviors. (JMB)