Contrasted role of ethnic labels and identity in predicting drug use among seventh graders. Found that minority students with strong ethnic pride reported less drug use/exposure than those with weak pride; ethnically proud White students reported more. Minority students who viewed themselves as consistent with their ethnic group reported more drug…

This study examined the relationship between psychological separation and college adjustment in a Chicano/Latino sample, a group which has traditionally not valued psychological separation (N=137). Ethnic identity as a moderator variable was also explored. The Psychological Separation Inventory, Student Adjustment to College Questionnaire, and the…

A number of studies have examined variables that discriminate individuals who drop out of mental health programs. However, relatively little attention has been focused on determining characteristics of individuals who fail to follow through after their initial contact with mental health services. This study was designed to provide a profile of…

Previous research on friendship selection has failed to focus on how the selection process changes with age or in differently organized environments. This review of the literature takes a life-course perspective on the selection of friends, charting research results on three aspects of the selection process: (1) the number of friends and their…

A total of 959 children who applied to enter kindergarten in 1986 in 6 Virginia school districts were studied in an effort to determine the relation of social class, age, ethnicity, and gender to kindergarten placement decisions, i.e., to nonplacement, placement in a regular kindergarten class, or placement in junior kindergarten. All…

Although a number of studies have been conducted to examine the status attainment process, very few have focused on differences in educational attainment for black, white, and Hispanic females. The primary purpose of this study was to test predictive models of attainment for these subgroups. Variables considered potentially important to the…

Describes findings from a study of 20 school superintendents, their background characteristics, and the elements in organizational structures around them related to their success in becoming superintendents. The purpose was to determine predictors of access to superintendency, particularly access for women. Some data reveal that discriminatory…

The 121-item Children's Interest Inventory was administered to 517 children in grades four through six. Teachers also rated each child's scholastic, social, and creative ability. Factor analysis revealed nine boys' factors and eight girls'. Interests were not related to ability ratings, somewhat related to grade, and highly related to gender.…

This study examined demographic, clinical, and criminal histories as they related to whether 244 youth (ages 12-18) referred for mental health services at a juvenile corrections facility were repeat or first-time offenders. The population of 244 patients included 144 first-time offenders and 100 repeat offenders. Results of the study found that…

Step-wise linear regressions were used to relate children's age, sex, and body composition to performance on basic motor abilities including balance, speed, agility, power, coordination, and reaction time, and to health-related fitness items including flexibility, muscle strength and endurance and cardiovascular functions. Eighty subjects were in…

Identified child and classroom characteristics accompanying complex peer and object interactions in ethnically diverse early childhood classrooms. Found that complex peer interactions were most likely for girls, especially English-speaking, when there was no teacher involvement, and in creative activities. Complex interactions with objects were…

Using data from the Illinois Talent Search Program, this study examines relationships between scores on several common standardized achievement tests and subsequent performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The dual criteria testing process is also analyzed for possible race and gender effects. Guidelines are offered for setting appropriate…

Two components of life orientation emerged in study of 145 men and 142 women at age 26: Positive Orientation (PO), which included self-percepts of personal control over development; and Motivated Questioning (MQ), which consisted of identity exploration and dissatisfaction with present achievements. In comparison with MQ, PO was more strongly…

Explored the role of relationship orientations, gender-related characteristics, and perceptions of friendship quality during preadolescence and adolescence. Results indicated that grade and sex differences are evident in the early adolescent years and are linked to perceptions of friendship quality. Preliminary evidence showed that relationship…

Examines the relationship between body fat percent and risk for elevated blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, and serum lipoprotein ratios in 1,230 African-American and 2,090 white 5-18 year olds (1,667 males and 1,653 females). Results support body fatness standards in children and adolescents as cardiovascular risk factors. (SLD)