Social problem-solving

Abstract: Objective : It has been well established that schizophrenic patients have neurocognitive deficits, but it is not known how these deficits influence the daily lives of patients. The goal of this review was to determine which, if any, neurocognitive deficits restrict the functioning of schizophrenic patients in the outside world. Method : The author reviewed studies that have evaluated neurocognitive measures as predictors and correlates of functional outcome for schizophrenic patients. The review included 1) studies that have prospectively evaluated specific aspects of neurocognition and community (e.g., social and vocational) functioning (six studies), 2) all known studies of neurocognitive correlates of social problem solving (five studies), and 3) all known studies of the neurocognitive correlates and predictors of psychosocial skill acquisition (six studies). Results : Despite wide variation among studies in the selection of neurocognitive measures, some consistencies emerged. The most consistent finding was that verbal memory was associated with all types of functional outcome. Vigilance was related to social problem solving and skill acquisition. Card sorting predicted community functioning but not social problem solving. Negative symptoms were associated with social problem solving but not skill acquisition. Notably, psychotic symptoms were not significantly associated with outcome measures in any of the studies reviewed. Conclusions : Verbal memory and vigilance appear to be necessary for adequate functional outcome. Deficiencies in these areas may prevent patients from attaining optimal adaptation and hence act as neurocognitive rate-limiting factors. On the basis of this review of the literature, a series of hypotheses are offered for follow-up studies.

Abstract: Contents: K. Goldberg, Foreword. Introduction: Current Challenges in the Development and Treatment of Childhood Aggression. Part I:The Development of Childhood Aggression. Section 1:Descriptive and Predictive Studies on Childhood Aggression. D.P. Farrington, Childhood Aggression and Adult Violence: Early Precursors and Later Life Outcomes. D.R. Offord, M.C. Boyle, Y.A. Racine, The Epidemiology of Antisocial Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence. L.A. Serbin, D.S. Moskowitz, A.E. Schwartzman,J.E. Ledingham, Aggressive, Withdrawn, and Aggressive/Withdrawn Children in Adolescence: Into the Next Generation. R.E. Tremblay, Commentary:Aggression, Prosocial Behavior, and Gender: Three Magic Words, But No Magic Wand. Section 2:Dispositional Factors Associated with Childhood Aggression. P. Brennan, S. Mednik, E. Kandel, Congenital Determinants of Violent and Property Offending. J.E. Bates, K. Bayles, D.S. Bennett, B. Ridge, M.M. Brown, Commentary:Origins of Externalizing Behavior Problems at Eight Years of Age. A. Cheyne, Bad Seeds and Vile Weeds: Metaphors of Determinism. Section 3:Familial Factors Associated with Childhood Aggression. G.R. Patterson, D. Capaldi, L. Bank, An Early Starter Model for Predicting Delinquency. L.D. Eron, L.R. Huesmann, A. Zelli, Commentary:The Role of Parental Variables in the Learning of Aggression. R.D. Peters, Expanding the Perspective on Contributing Factors and Service Delivery Approaches to Childhood Aggression. Section 4:Social-Cognitive and Peer Relational Factors Associated with Childhood Aggression. K.A. Dodge, The Structure and Function of Reactive and Proactive Aggression. K.H. Rubin, L.A. Bream, L. Rose-Krasnor, Social Problem Solving and Aggression in Childhood. R.B. Cairns, B.D. Cairns, Commentary:Social Cognition and Social Networks: A Developmental Perspective. J.E. Ledingham, Social Cognition and Aggression. Part II:Treatment of Childhood Aggression. Section 5:Familial Interventions. M.S. Forgatch, The Clinical Science Vortex: A Developing Theory of Antisocial Behavior. R. Forehand, N. Long, Prevention of Aggression and Other Behavior Problems in the Early Adolescent Years. J.E. Dumas, Commentary:From Simplicity to Complexity: Parent Training is Coming of Age. Section 6:Social Cognitive Interventions. P.C. Kendall, K.R. Ronan, J. Epps, Aggression in Children/Adolescents: Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Perspectives. D.J. Pepler, G. King, W. Byrd, A Social-Cognitively Based Social Skills Training Program for Aggressive Children. L. Rose-Krasnor, Commentary:Social Cognitive Treatment Programs. Section 7:Peer and School-Based Interventions. J.D. Coie, M. Underwood, J.E. Lochman, Programmatic Intervention with Aggressive Children in the School Setting. D. Olweus, Bully/Victim Problems Among Schoolchildren: Basic Facts and Effects of a School-Based Intervention Program. C. Gagnon, Commentary:School-Based Interventions for Aggressive Children: Possibilities, Limitations, and Future Directions.

Abstract: An agenda of basic questions about the impact of social science and research on real life problems. How social scientists are often crippled by a misunderstanding of their own trade.

Abstract: Leadership has traditionally been seen as a distinctly interpersonal phenomenon demonstrated in the interactions between leaders and subordinates. The theory of leadership presented in this article proposes that effective leadership behavior fundamentally depends upon the leader's ability to solve the kinds of complex social problems that arise in organizations. The skills that make this type of complex social problem solving possible are discussed. The differential characteristics and career experiences likely to influence the development of these skills also are considered along with the implications of these observations for leadership theory and for the career development of organizational leaders.