This paper is a review of current research on the effects of children's exposure to domestic violence in the home in regard to their psychological well-being. Specific areas of focus include studies that examine general effects of witnessing domestic violence, the presence of trauma-like and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, potential…

This thesis examined variations in the word decoding skills of children with reading disabilities. These variations were related to possible cognitive, developmental, and environmental causes of reading disability. Possible implications for educational interventions were also analyzed in the five studies. The thesis critically examines the…

This study sought to determine whether identification with a storybook hero is a function of physical status of hero and reader and whether friendship preference also is a function of physical status. Physically disabled and nondisabled four-to-seven-year-old children were randomly assigned to two storybook treatments. The control version depicted…

Noting that researchers, practitioners, and families are increasingly interested in the roles fathers play in raising their children, this doctoral research paper reviews the interpersonal and external factors involved in attachment development between fathers and their children. Methodological considerations include pertinent definitions,…

This paper reviews research on childhood depression and its relation to developmental processes, family functioning, academic performance, and peer relationships. The methodological strengths and weaknesses of the research are examined. A section on developmental perspectives looks at early childhood, school age children, and adolescence. Support…

This study attempted to determine the relationships between the dramatic play of children aged three to seven and their self-concept; between dramatic play and two components of self-concept--self-esteem and identification with friends; between dramatic play ability and self-concept; and between dramatic play and the teacher's attitude toward…

Visual thinking has been neglected with the increasing emphasis on verbal and analytical skills. There is a need to provide balance in curriculum content and instructional evaluation related to visual imagery skills. In order to draw upon students' diverse talents and thinking capacities, educators must honor and respect alternative thinking and…

This essay explores the ways in which certain aspects of personality are acquired through socialization. The intent was to gain a broader understanding as to how cultural norms, particularly sex roles, influence personality development. Socialization is discussed in terms of societal norms and standards transmitted by the institutions of the…

Published empirical research on the repression of memories of childhood sexual abuse is limited at the present time, and the quality and usefulness of the research varies with the methodology, research design, statistical analyses, and researcher bias. This literature review discusses at length a 1987 study by J. H. Herman and E. Schatzow and 1994…

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a fairly recent inclusion in the literature as a psychiatric disorder. Currently, researchers are trying to relate PTSD to many different environmental and psychosocial stressors including physical abuse, emotional abuse, war trauma, and sexual abuse. This paper addresses research concerning the…