CHILDREN'S PERCEPTIONS OF TELEVISION CHARACTERS1

This study explores the cognitive dimensions used by children in differentiating among television characters. By linking content-free judgments of the differences among television characters with content attributes suggested by prior research, a four-dimensional mapping is identified. This cognitive mapping is virtually identical for children at three different ages. Further, dimensions identified are strong predictors of the children's desires to model the social behaviors of the TV characters. The dimensions identified and discussed include those of humor, attractiveness, strength, and activity. The findings also indicate that young boys and girls use the same dimensions in markedly different ways.     

Guidance and Counseling in Socialist Ethiopia

Historical and contemporary economic, educational, psychological, and sociological factors that influence development of counseling and guidance indigenous to Ethiopia are explored.     

A New Approach to Outreach Services: Cable Television

This article describes delivery of counseling center presentations via cable television. Uses and production of tapes are detailed.     

TV,PEER, AND PARENT MODELS FOR PRO- AND ANTISOCIAL CONFLICT BEHAVIORS

This study focused on the influence of mediated and unmediated models on the decision of adolescents to employ both pro- and antisocial modes of conflict resolution. Adolescents indicated how likely they would use four antisocial modes (verbal aggression, physical aggression, regression, and revenge) and one prosocial mode to resolve two conflicts. Their responses were correlated with four television viewing clusters (ABC crime/adventure, CBS crime/adventure, situation comedy, and nonpolice/adventure), the perceived likelihood that peers would employ the modes and the perceived likelihood that parents would employ the modes to discipline them. The television viewing clusters were inconsistent predictors of the adolescent use of the modes. The best predictor of adolescent use of the modes was perceived peer use followed by perceived parental use. Both mediated and unmediated influences produced significant multiple correlations and explained 34% to 48% of the variance in the adolescent use of the modes.     

A Common Sense Approach: Fighting Poverty Among Single-Parent Families

The author reviews current trends, predictions, and statistics concerning single-parent families living in poverty and provides a common sense approach for support groups and networks.