Since the early 1980s, the focus on the importance of puberty to adolescent development has continued with variability in the methodology selected to measure puberty. To capture the relevant and important issues regarding the measurement of puberty in the last decade, this paper will address (1) the neuroendocrine aspects of puberty and its…

Current social psychological analysis of the self is characterized by three principles: the self is bounded and concrete; the opinions of others are valued for self-definition, self-evaluation and the maintenance of self-esteem; and the road to fame is paved with one's own actions. Attributions of causality for one's actions traditionally have…

Presents a theory of male identity developed to address the question of why men vary in their masculinity ideology and in their conformity to standards of masculinity. An overview of relevant masculinity research, theoretical foundations for the construct of reference group identity dependence, theoretical postulates, associated behavioral, and…

Examines questions about the development of the self asked in regards to Black children during the last 40 years. Focuses on traditional approaches to the self-system (awareness of individual's own characteristics and attributes); sex role and racial referents in identity processes; the process of understanding the identity development of Black…

Theory and research concerning early adolescent self-concept and self-esteem indicate that: (1) many early adolescents' cognitive changes affect dramatically the way they see and evaluate themselves; (2) a variety of new significant others are involved in early adolescent self-concept; and (3) changes taking place during adolescence are not as…

Systematic investigation of processes involved in needs analysis would improve current knowledge of the procedure and would bring analysts closer to the goal of generalized validity rather than situational validity. This article deals with two phases of the needs assessment process: selecting participants and defining needs and alternatives in…

Explores recent social psychological theorizing on the predicaments of minority identity. A social identity theory, which reveals unjustified assumptions about minority dependence on and conformity with majority values, is contrasted with a conflict perspective in which majority values are the object of both conflict and negotiation. 37…

College students have been shown to consistently overestimate the drinking of their peers. As a result, social norms approaches are effective in correcting these misperceived norms to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. In this review of literature, the authors critically evaluated the effectiveness of personalized normative…

Uses the Cross model of Black identity development as a framework for discussion of the developmental stages of American-Indian identity: pre-encounter, encounter, immersion/emersion, and internalization. Discusses identity conflicts encountered in various scenarios related to biracial or bicultural status, adoptions, mixed-race families, parent…

Discusses intergroup relations, focusing on three issues: the social psychology of intergroup relations; the value of a cross-cultural perspective; and the contributions of this issue of the "Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development." (SED)

Drawing on prior research on aspirations and achievement motivation, a view of aspirations is proposed that incorporates the present and future--a student with aspirations undertakes various activities for both their inherent value and enjoyment and their connection to future goals. Social comparison theory teaches that group pressures may limit…

Social support is a significant component of mental health; yet, it has not been examined extensively among black Americans. This paper is a critical review of the research literature on informal social support. The review identifies how social support is conceptualized and defined, the importance of social support for mental health, and the…

Critically examines three propositions of Harris' group socialization theory (1995, 1998) related to parents' long-term effects on children's psychological characteristics, peer groups' influences, and the nature of dyadic relationships. Maintains that available evidence is more consistent with a model of multiple socialization agents. Proposes a…

Gives a theoretical perspective of the multidimensional nature of Black-race/White-race consciousness. American perceptions of race are expressed in White race centeredness. Blacks face the dilemma of adhering to two sets of values: a positive valuation of their race and a necessity of passing in White society. (PS)

Reexamines the extent to which the university serves as an important source of identification for community college faculty. States that although recent studies indicate that the university remains an influential reference group for two-year college faculty, perceptions have changed over the past 25 years. Reports, for instance, that part-time…