In this article, we aim to shed light on a technique to study intra-individual variability that spans the time frame of seconds and minutes, i.e., micro-level development. This form of variability is omnipresent in behavioural development and processes of human experience, yet is often ignored in empirical studies, given a lack of proper analysis…

This study compared the romantic involvements of Canadian and Chinese adolescents as well as linkages with friend and parental relationships. Participants were 496 Chinese adolescents and 395 Canadian adolescents, aged 16-17 years. Chinese adolescents were less likely to have any form of romantic involvement, including a romantic relationship,…

Task-centered interactions of 12 mother-infant pairs observed between the infants' 14th and 22nd month indicated that infants become aware of their competence in their second year. Five critical aspects of the children's behavior are discussed with respect to mother's influence, action as context for competence, and developmental characteristics…

In childhood, family conflict themes focus on children's failure to meet social obligations, inadequacy of parental helping behaviors, and children's disappointment in the frequency of contact between parent and child. Themes of family conflicts that take place during adolescence are also discussed. (RH)

Reviews the major transitional object (TO) theories in terms of origin, development, and psychological meaning. Examines the validity of TO (intense, persistent attachments young children develop for blankets, soft toys, and bits of cloth) theory in light of current empirical knowledge of TO behavior. (HOD)

Substance use and possible factors affecting substance use were assessed for adolescents at 12, 15, and 18 years of age. At ages 15 and 18, higher levels of use were predicted by higher levels of previous use, greater ease of making friends, higher substance use among siblings, and decreases in perceived parental warmth. (BC)