As the adolescent matures, drinking situations occur outside of the home with friends. This period is characterized by drinking habits, patterns, and attitudes which are different from those of the parent population; the peer group and situational factors are significant influences on drinking behavior during this phase. (Author)

The author focuses on some of the research needs for early adolescents (ages 10 to 15). It highlights areas in which federal policy concerns intersect with developmental research, and discusses six areas: social equity, basic skills, school discipline, parent participation, and school effectiveness. (Author/KC)

Examined intraindividual and interindividual differences in self-esteem among 142 rural adolescents during a four-year period encompassing the transition to high school. Cluster analysis identified three distinct, divergent trajectories of self-esteem change from early to middle adolescence: (1) consistently high; (2) small increase; and (3)…

Five studies examined personal continuity among Native and non-Native North American adolescents. Demonstrated that reasoning about personal persistence proceeds in an orderly and increasingly sophisticated manner over identity development. Failures to warrant self-continuity were strongly associated with increased suicide risk. Efforts to…

Discusses four principles that can help middle school environments overcome common behavior problems and become places where young adolescents develop responsibility for their learning: (1) foster natural human development; (2) respond to individual needs; (3) avoid artificially imposed classroom order and promote self organization; and (4) value…

Presents the results of a study examining the health of Russian youth from the 1930s to the present. Although overall health has improved from the nadir of World War II, several disturbing trends have developed in post-Soviet society. Changing socioeconomic conditions have resulted in fatigue and poor diet. (MJP)

Reviews research in the area of worries and concerns of young people and the relevance to programs of personal development and social education. Identifies and prioritizes general areas of adolescent concern and discusses the possible influence of culture, gender, age, and type of school. (MJP)

Despite the traditional view of adolescence as a healthy period, there are increasing concerns about the health status of youth. Many adolescent health needs are unmet due to misconceptions and to the organization of health care services. Behavioral science can contribute research, interventions, and health policy to benefit adolescent health. (AF)

Examines changes in attitude toward traditional morality accompanying the change from adolescence to adulthood. Finds that while the transition to adulthood involved changes in attitude, these shifts were not consistent in nature. (FMW)

Describes a program that incorporates a variety of techniques to promote and foster dialog and open communication about puberty and sexuality. The program lasts about 2 hours and accommodates from 15 to 50 parent-child teams. It includes autobiographical presentation, film, and discussion. A list of resources is included. (SM)

This supplement offers 10 articles focusing on middle school education. Topics include remembering adolescence, resources and teaching tips, active middle school students, adolescent development, challenges in middle school education, integrated studies, planning middle school special events, a writing-science-consumerism miniunit on popcorn,…

Assessed the significance of distinctive versus shared family realities. Data indicated a divergence of adolescents' and parents' perception of the family in domains that concerned adolescents' emerging intellectual and emotional autonomy. Parents' and adolescents' perceptions converged in regard to domains that threatened family cohesion. (BC)

In a study of middle adolescents, the interrelationships between stressful events, perceived social support, internalization of problems, and externalization of problems were examined. Social support did not act as a buffer of stress. Stressful events and low family support predicted problem behaviors for adolescent girls. (BC)

Discusses how stressful ninth grade is for adolescents, noting that adults' expectations of ninth graders' cognitive abilities may result in stressful experiences that are life-threatening for some (with suicide and drugs being common reactions). Suggestions are made for appropriate teacher education courses, curriculum materials, and…

Investigates the impact of social and economic changes in New Zealand on the identity-formation process of late adolescents over six years of economic reforms. Results from 140 and 131 undergraduate students in 1984 and 1990, respectively, indicate that most students continue to find occupation of primary importance to self-definition. (SLD)