The research reported tests three theoretical descriptions of the relative impact of childhood and later socialization experiences on adult behavior, using the specific context of female sexual socialization. The theories tested are derived from Freud, Brim, and Gagnon and Simon. (Author)

A scale was constructed to measure maternal involvement in courtship, as perceived by the daughter. More than 200 pairs of mothers and daughters responded to a mailed questionnaire. Maternal employment and the likelihood that the daughter would be employed significantly reduced courtship launching behavior by mothers. (Author)

Analysis of responses of 482 sixth graders, classified as either peer oriented or adult oriented, reveals that while the peer-oriented children generally conform to a socially undesirable peer subculture, they are unsatisfied and anxious about it. Sex differences are discussed and comparisons made with other research. (Author)