The purpose of this study was to measure various death-related attitudes of a group of adolescents and to determine if these attitudes remain sex-related. It was concluded that differences in attitudes toward death generally are still consistent with traditional sex roles. (Author)

Examines the relationship between barriers to using birth control and actual use of birth control among Mexican American adolescents (N=26,666). Results show that nonusers had significantly higher barrier scores compared with users of birth control. These results indicate that attitudes toward birth control are associated with actual birth control…

Eighty adolescents and their same-sex friends rated the quality of their friendship, ranked their preference for this friendship, and participated in a videotaped discussion. Compared to boys, girls rated their friendship quality more positively and less negatively and showed more positive and less negative behavior in interaction with their…

Examines the relationship between gender, athletic participation, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol use in a sample of adolescents. No significant difference was found between negative consequences reported by athletes and non-athletes, or males and females. A significant difference was found between levels of negative consequence drinking and…

This report details the results of a project that sought to understand the relationship between cross-gender friendships in early adolescence and substance use expectancies and behaviors. The data for this investigation came from a longitudinal investigation known as the Teen Attitude Survey which began in the fall of 1997 and tracked a sample of…

Examined connections between having a sister versus a brother and coming from a same-sex versus an opposite-sex sibling dyad, and sex-typing in adolescents' friendships. Findings suggested that sisters may learn control tactics from brothers that they apply in friendships. Boys were less likely to model emotional intimacy. Coming from opposite-sex…

Examined 12- to 17-year-olds' responses to cigarette advertisements. Found that a substantial proportion of adolescents, especially smokers, liked ads for youth brands and believed they made smoking more appealing. Ads for Marlboro brand and new Camel and Winston ads were especially attractive to adolescents. Few adolescents liked the adult brand…

Teenagers responded to a questionnaire about their villains; 917 villains from all walks of life were selected. Nine times more male than female figures were selected. The naming of a villain was unrelated to demographic variables. Reasons for dislike and influence of figures as avoidance role models are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Reviews research on the cultural meaning of gender and suicidal behavior. Studies suggest that U. S. adolescents perceive nonfatal suicidal behavior as more "feminine" and less potent than killing oneself. Cultural and suicidal behavior may be particularly influential for adolescents because adolescents are in the process of defining their…

Adolescents diagnosed with at least one mental disorder were studied to determine predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Major depression was predictive of suicidal ideation and attempts for both genders. Chronic stress was found predictive of male suicidal ideations, while low self esteem and family dysfunction were predictive in…

Examined grade and gender differences in the association between perceived intimacy and power boundary violations and conflict goal reports among 177 adolescents. Found that adolescents' perceptions of intimacy boundary violations were associated with reports of relational and avoidance goals. Grade and gender moderated the association between…

Examines the importance of peer influence and personal attitudes in relation to self-reported use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana for 213 younger adolescents and 219 older adolescents. Friends' use was significantly related to substance use for both age groups, both sexes, and all substances examined. Resistance self- efficacy was…

Examined homophilic mechanisms by which adolescents affect, and are affected by, levels of internalized distress within their immediate peer groups. Found that adolescents tend to associate with peers who report similar levels of internalized distress and that internalizers are no less successful than others at establishing friendships. Selection,…

Interventions designed to change sex role stereotypes have usually used presentations on women's roles and have been effective with females only, producing no effects or reverse effects with males. Conducted three experiments using media presentations focusing on men. Findings from 12 male and 28 female adolescents revealed that 2 presentations…