This paper is a preliminary report of a project designed to determine the family and other environmental factors which are associated with effective functioning in children from low income environments. The purpose of the project was to determine the strengths in poverty situations which should be capitalized on in developing educational programs and to learn more about children's coping and adaptive mechanisms in general. A total of 143 low income black children served as subjects in the pilot study. The Stanford-Binet was administered to each child. The attitudinal variables of need for achievement, delay of gratification, reflectivity and internal-external control were assessed using individually administered tests and an experimental choice situation. Behavioral adjustment was measured through behavior ratings by classroom teachers. Results indicated that the measure of need achievement showed no relationship to other attitudinal variables, behavioral adjustment, chronological age, or mental age. The motor inhibition test of impulsivity was significantly related to mental age, but showed no relationship to chronological age, behavioral adjustment, or the measures of attitudinal development. The negative internal control subscale was associated with chronological age only. No significant relationships were found for the positive internal control dimensions or delay of gratification. (Author/MS)