Compared well-adjusted, elementary students with their maladjusted peers on measures of self-esteem, insight, and sociometric status. Found children referred to the mental health program had significantly lower self-esteem, peer acceptance, and insight than the comparison group, even though these variables were modestly intercorrelated.…

Argues that regular class placement is inappropriate for the special student because (l) regular classes are too competitive; (2) rejection by other students may occur; and (3) the regular class teacher lacks the necessary special training and support. Suggests upgrading special classes and seeking other methods of integrating students. (SJL)

While socialization is a worthwhile outcome of mainstreaming, it is not sufficient in itself to merit placing a mildly handicapped student in a regular classroom; primary attention in mainstreaming decisions must be given to the instructional setting, the learners, and instructional conditions. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.) (Author/SJL)

Seven methods were used to measure the self-acceptance, self-description, and acceptance of others in 137 people ranging in age from 14 to 82. Results indicated that self-acceptance and self-description could not be clearly distinguished. (MH)

The authors discuss some fictional works about handicapped children and suggest how these books may be used in conjunction with other teaching techniques, such as drama, written expression, and art, to help nonhandicapped children understand their disabled peers. (SJL)

Three specific areas of interest in research on interracial classroom interaction are: (1) interracial friendship patterns and their boundaries; (2) teacher behavior in relation to student race; and (3) the effects of group dynamics on interracial acceptance. (CMJ)

Introduces a reality-based perspective on divorce groups so elementary school counselors may have an advanced cognitive set for and realistic expectation of the counseling group. Drawing, role playing and rehearsal, and books and puppets can be used to help the child accept divorce through peer support. (Author/JAC)

The author states that far too little has been done about teaching handicapped adolescents the specifics of coping with stressful situations. Training should begin in childhood and be designed to be effective in a variety of settings and with many different types of people. (Author/KC)

Studied was the adjustment of Israeli high school students in relation to the Repression-Sensitization personality dimension, which concerns the individual's characteristic response to threatening stimuli. Repressors avoid such stimuli; sensitizers approach them. Adjustment was measured by peer acceptance and teacher evaluation scores, both of…

In this study, children became more negative in their attitudes toward handicapped peers after group discussion but did not change their views on normal-appearing children. (MM)

Two studies examined young children's internal working model of self and their competence, social acceptance, behavioral adjustment, and behavioral manifestations of self-esteem. Results indicated significant and positive relations of the positiveness of self with competence and social acceptance, with behavioral adjustment to school, and with…

A study measured the general attitudes toward disability of 337 students, 49 academic staff, and 21 administrative staff in a small Australian university. Attitudes toward disability were more positive than the general population; however, this did not translate into positive concrete support for university students with emotional disabilities.…

Reviews the Christian fiction series, "Cedar River Daydreams," by Judy Baer and recommended for grades 7-10. The main character is a girl who has moved to a new town, and struggles with socializing in school, peer pressure, popularity, acceptance of her Down's Syndrome afflicted brother, and being herself. Includes an annotated list of…

Asserts children who grow up with adults who encourage initiative, model healthy cooperation, and value individual differences and cooperative efforts will develop a healthy sense of belonging. Defines belonging and discusses four human ecological systems. Suggests strategies to encourage connectedness including welcoming children and families,…