Considers how forgiveness is learned and what developmental features it has in common with other prosocial activities. Maintains that viewing forgiveness within a moral developmental framework does not consider its complex nature nor address related issues such as damage severity, restoring relationships, empathy, or altruism. Explores these areas…

Examined impact of a year-long course to enable new mothers to become more knowledgeable, observant, and responsive to their infants' cues. Found that compared to the non-intervention group, intervention group mothers significantly increased their knowledge of infant development, were more proactive with regard to infant medical care, and their…

Examined blood lead levels in 1,190 children residing in Mississippi. Found that boys had a higher level than girls, and black children had a higher level than white children. The percentage of children with lead toxicity was 8.5 percent. The winter season had a significantly lower lead level than autumn. (Author/KB)

Examines the biological factors underlying autism, focusing on research in four areas: (1) neurological abnormalities; (2) biochemical abnormalities; (3) genetic problems; and (4) problems during pregnancy or birth. Maintains that autism is a heterogeneous disorder and that there is no unified model that explains its etiology. (Author/KB)

A microethnographic study examined the language functions and cultural traits of Mexican American children during sociodramatic play in a bilingual preschool classroom. Findings showed that children learn how to use social language by having the opportunity to practice it freely but with guidance. Suggestions were devised for evaluating children's…

Describes a program to strengthen involvement of non-custodial fathers in their children's lives in an impoverished metropolitan area. Provides a demographic profile of fathers and their visitation frequency. Includes descriptions of parenting groups, vocational and educational assistance, and substance abuse interventions. Concludes that the…

Compared psychogenic needs structures of 2 groups of 16-year-olds from 1964 and 1992. Found that 1992 adolescents, compared to those from 1964, described themselves as more aggressive, more aimed at achievement, with a greater need to be at the center of attention and a greater need for autonomy and independence, but less need for order, rules,…

Examined relationship between family literacy practices and mothers' beliefs about early reading instruction, and children's emergent literacy skills. Identified mothers with 'whole language' theories and mothers with phonics orientations. Found that mothers' implicit theories were associated with their modeling of literacy behaviors, helping…

Examined parents' perceptions of and satisfaction with the eligibility assessment of their 4- to 5-year-olds with special needs for special education services. Found that parents thought the activity-based assessment provided more information about their child's typical performance and functional skills, and addressed more of their concerns than…

This study examined the impact of an intervention for primary school students and their family adults that involved two science meetings at school and home-based project work in astronomy. Results in terms of enhanced interest and enjoyment of astronomy were very positive. Assessing precise learning gains posed difficulties. (Author/KB)

Examined 188 preschool teachers' perceived control over child behavior. Found that high perceived control was related to teachers' high intentions for action in child behavior problems. Job satisfaction, center quality, social recognition, and satisfaction with education were related to perceived control. Perceived control mediated relationship…

Explores recent policy initiatives in England and Wales that affect the character of day care and early education and their implications for practice. Focuses on parental involvement in early reading in the new policy context. Presents results from the pilot phase of the National Literacy Project, including impact on the context of home reading,…

Presents a proposal for professionals in family counseling and family assessment to use sibling interaction as a source of stimulation to improve developmental processes. Includes a reference guide for dealing with everyday problems in sibling relationships. Contains a questionnaire to obtain information about parents' thoughts and actions…

Examined impact of cooperative and competitive games on 4-year-olds' behavior over 6 weeks. Found that more positive behaviors were observed during cooperative games than competitive games, and more negative behaviors were observed during competitive games, but only during the first week of competitive games. Found that teachers' warmth and…

Examined the impact of fathers giving massages to their infants, ages 3 to 14 months, for 15 minutes prior to their daily bedtime for 1 month. Found that fathers who had massaged their infants were more expressive and showed more enjoyment and more warmth during floor-play interactions with their infants than did fathers in the wait-list control…