Examines aspirations by analyzing variables that can be directly influenced by the student, family, and/or school personnel. Data secured from 2,677 students in grades 8 through 12 suggest that many students do not understand why they engage in certain activities. To assume more responsibility, students must see purpose in their pursuits. (RJM)

Examined the ambitions of Senegalese adolescents with regard to the influence of knowledge and prestige. Results showed balance between self and society, material and moral values, and a predilection to apply knowledge and science to the need for economic development. (Author/NRB)

Questions claims that teenage pregnancies are generally unwanted, based on a study of 123 school-age mothers. Found that love was associated with becoming pregnant more than with starting sexual activity. Most respondents who were in love at the onset of pregnancy were hoping to marry their sex partners. (JAC)

Examines the influence of parental status characteristics on status aspirations of young adults (N=738) who completed questionnaires. Results showed that objective status characteristics are less important than the youths' own subjective definitions of status of parents and that mothers' characteristics are more important than those of fathers.…

Presents a cross-cultural study of positive experiences among males and females from Israeli-Arab, Israeli-Jewish, and American samples (N=1094), which revealed that differences between the sexes were in the same direction across the three cultures. The one exception is the life aspiration of Israeli boys, markedly more self-transcending than…

Compared 88 Ethiopian students with 85 Israeli students to investigate the formers' achievement motivation. Findings indicate that there are some elements in the socialization of Ethiopian students, such as a high level of aspiration and the ability to postpone gratification, that can be looked upon as components of achievement motivation. (RJM)

Marcia's ego identity status index of Erikson's developmental stages was used to explore these stages and their correlates. Subjects were classified as Moratorium, Foreclosure, or Diffusion status according to their openness and commitment on future plans, religion and politics. Types were compared on social class, intellectual, and personality…

In 1975, questionnaires were given to 587 sophomores and seniors in 12 rural high schools. Findings included significant differences between ethnic groups on expected and desired family size and marriage age; but no differences between age groups. (Author/SJL)

Examined whether the projected class of destination of adolescents would have greater impact on their political orientations than their class of origin, in a survey of 665 high school seniors. Concluded that the projected class of destination of adolescents has a greater impact for both males and females. (JAC)

Research supported by the U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation Administration Research and Demonstration Grant 957 and the West Virginia Rehabilitation Division.

Assessed the effects of age, sex, social class, and quality of family interaction on the future orientation of adolescents. Found the contents of future aims and fears closely related to developmental tasks. The extension of subjects' future orientation decreased, whereas their knowledge about the future increased, with age. Subjects from higher…