While both positive and negative peer interactions have long been a focus of scientific interest, much less attention has been given to children who tend to refrain from interacting with peers. This volume brings together leading authorities to review progress in understanding the development, causes, and consequences of shyness and social…

The purpose of this study was to test direct, additive, and mediation models involving family, neighborhood, and peer factors in relation to emerging antisocial behavior and social skills. Neighborhood danger, maternal depressive symptoms, and supportive parenting were assessed in early childhood. Peer group acceptance was measured in middle…

Considers the relationship between self-esteem and smoking in youth by analyzing survey data of two Scottish samples of 13 to 14-year-olds (N=2,900). The findings for peer groupings, self-esteem, and smoking indicate that young people who were socially isolated report both lower self-esteem and smoking prevalence, while peer-oriented youth report…

Reports the third wave of a longitudinal study that followed 106 15-year-olds from their last compulsory year at school for 22 months. Study shows that this is a period of considerable flux in smoking behavior. Highlights the role of friendship groups and social contexts and suggests that smoking prevention programs should be developed to meet the…

Examines important behaviors and changes through which adolescents establish their autonomy. Concludes that high school students' drive for autonomy incorporates: (1) growth in behavioral autonomy from parents; (2) increased emotional autonomy from friends; and (3) the development of "grown up" identity through commission of status offenses that…

The theoretical perspective of Sullivan proposes that during preadolescence, a "chum" relationship increases a child's sense of self-worth. Subjects were 60 male sixth graders, with an equal number in the chumship and non-chumship groups. Self-concept was measured with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. The results show that…

This article investigates the role of interpersonal relationships in shaping sex differences in the manifestation, etiology, and developmental course of conduct problems and their treatment needs. The review examines whether: (1) Girls' conduct problems are more likely than boys' to manifest as a function of disrupted relationships with caretakers…

This document, presented at a symposium on violence and aggression in America, reports a longitudinal study of environmental influences in the development of aggressive behavior. Subjects were 875 third graders when originally assessed with a peer nomination technique in 1960. High, moderate, and low degrees of aggression were identified in the…

Written for the skeptical teen who groans at the mere concept of manners, this guide provides answers to simple and complex etiquette problems, showing that being polite is a learned skill that can produce effective results. Chapters over a broad range of behavior issues including gift-giving, conversation, personal hygiene, appropriate attire,…

Concerning the role of parental smoking on development of adolescent smoking, most studies have exclusively focused on the direct effects of parents' smoking on youths' smoking. However, parental smoking may also play an indirect role by affecting youths' susceptibility to peer influences and by affecting friendship selection. Data were from a…

Claims that African American female adolescents have unique identity issues that structure developmental tasks. Uses data from a longitudinal study to explicate a three-dimensional model of the identity developmental process. Describes adolescents' development of skillful, unique, expressionistic, and assertive styles of dealing with perceived…

This book seeks to explain how gender affects human development from infancy through adolescence and into adulthood. The book's introduction states the two theses of the book: first, gender differences appear primarily in group, or social, contexts; and second, gender differentiation can be understood only in a developmental context--the sexes…

This lesson book presents the curriculum of the Rock and Water program, which aims to assist boys in their development to adulthood by emphasizing the importance of being conscious of their own power and responsibility within society. The program focuses on the process of growth to adulthood via five steps: (1) self defense; (2) standing up for…