Cummings (1979), citing evidence from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, reports that one of every eleven adult Americans suffers from a severe addictive problem. Drug addiction is epidemic among teenagers; one of every six teenagers suffers from a severe addictive problem. This paper focuses on adolescent drug/substance abuse. (Author)

Presents results of three studies as they relate to family influence on adolescents' sex lives. The studies' results support the hypothesis that the family has a substantial influence on adolescents' sexual and contraceptive behavior, justifying the incorporation of such issues as parent-child communication into sex education programs. (RJM)

Examined family environment and gender as moderators of an hypothesized relationship between exposure to rock music videos and premarital sexual attitudes and behavior. Results of a survey of 214 adolescents revealed a stronger association between permissive sexual attitudes and behavior and reported exposure to music videos for females than for…

Administered questionnaires to 272 preadolescents to assess their degree of parent-peer compliance. Results revealed that, on most items, youths were clearly parent compliant. There was, however, a significant age trend in the direction of peer compliance, with males demonstrating the greatest degree of change. (Author/NRB)

Examined the scope of influence exerted by occupational and educational significant others identified by 142 high school youth to determine the extent to which this influence is segmental. Data showed that the influence of most significant others was specific to either educational or occupational ambitions, suggesting that these are fairly…

Adolescents experience numerous changes; coping with a chronic illness adds yet another dimension to their lives. This paper reviews the literature on chronically ill adolescents, addressing social, biological, psychological, cognitive, and cultural issues. (Author)

Examined the effects of integrating an unstable group of seriously disturbed adolescents into an existing day treatment program. Found the new admission subjects' disruptive behavior was not imitated by members of the established group, where there was a significant decrease in aggression and the overall number of psychiatric events. (Author/KS)

Correlates of stealing behavior were investigated in non-delinquent 10 to 15 year-olds (N=167). Stealing was related to youths' attitudes toward parents and school, as well as reasons for stealing. It was most frequent among older males. Attitude toward school was most consistently related to stealing behavior, though perceptions of family's…

Examines sociodemographic, family, and health factors associated with repeat pregnancy in a clinical sample of urban, first-time mothers. Results indicate that postpartum contraceptive method was associated with repeat pregnancy at year one; contraceptive use, maternal age, history of miscarriages, and postpartum contraceptive method were…

Analyzed 69 narrative accounts of successful and unsuccessful attempts by high school students to say no to drug offers. Found peer pressure applied in approximately 70 percent of offers. Much of pressure was applied after refusal of initial offer. Simple offers were more likely with alcohol; drug offers were more likely to be persuasive and to…

Low income, urban African American students (N=22) identified as academically promising were asked about their perceptions of the transition to ninth grade. Results highlight the salience of mothers, the challenges of the ninth grade curriculum, and adjustment to a bigger, more complex school environment. (Author/MKA)

Discusses the problems of adolescence, attitudes towards adolescents, and sexual interaction between adolescents. (RK)

Longitudinal investigation into teenagers' reference groups revealed a consistency as to which kind of issue prompts peer orientation and which question results in parent consultation. The most important finding indicates a shift from parent to peer orientation over the past 16 years. (Author/DB)