Tests two primary assumptions of Marcia's identity status model: that measures of the identity statuses would relate to identity exploration and commitment in ways consistent with the definitions of the statuses; and that status assignments made using continuous status measures would converge with those made using exploration and commitment…

Highlights adolescence as age of crisis and concern for those with developmental retardation. Considers complexities of this stage of life from the perspectives of the individual's development and commitment required by family, school, professional services, and society. Illustrates these issues with case vignette, examining them critically using…

Reviewed 31 audiovisual media for content related to physical and psychological aspects of menstruation; portrayal of adolescent girls, parents, and peers; and relationship of menstruation to developmental process. In general, variations in physical and emotional responses were described as normal. In all cases, fear and embarrassment were…

Offers therapists, parents, and educators a model for understanding adolescent sexuality, focusing on how nonsexual needs drive sexual behavior and produce artificially high sex drive. Proposes that overwhelming intensity of adolescent sex drive is due to factors other than libido or biological phenomena. Advocates teaching teenagers what their…

Explored differences between 35 women who had abortions as teenagers and 36 women who had abortions as adults. Respondents reported on their premorbid psychiatric histories, the decision-making process itself, and postabortion distress symptoms. Antisocial and paranoid personality disorders, drug abuse, and psychotic delusions were significantly…

Philadelphia's Sponsor-a-Scholar program pairs high school students with adults who guide them in preparing for the future. The program shows that there is little certainty about what constitutes best practice; that the complex task of mentoring requires a gamut of skills; and that support services for both mentors and proteges are essential. (SK)

Explores adolescent Satanism as a phenomenon of adolescent developmental issues, most frequently occurring in the context of chemical abuse. Explains what a cult is, reviews history of Church of Satan, identifies characteristics of adolescent Satanism, and provides a case study of 16-year-old male with chemical dependency who becomes involved in…

For years, the period of adolescence has been widely viewed as one of unpredictable, barely endurable "storm and stress." Research has not borne this out, except for a minority of adolescents. For most youth, adolescence represents a period of transitions that guide the search for self and prepare youth for their role in the adult world.…

The development of a caring value orientation was investigated in four age groups: grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. Subjects (N=1,247) completed a questionnaire designed to measure preference for more caring personal values. Findings are discussed in terms of theories that hypothesize gender differences in world view. (Author/EMK)

A majority of 151 4-H members felt the program gave them good relationships with adults; most had 22 of 40 assets (internal qualities and external supports) needed for resilience and prevention of at-risk behaviors. Use of the asset framework was recommended for youth program development. (SK)

This study examined relationship between a sense of humor and symptoms of depression among adolescents. Findings on measures of humor and depression for 140 adolescents revealed that a sense of humor can be reliably measured and may be inversely related to symptoms of depression. (LBT)

Presents a model for using family systems theory within the context of adolescent small group counseling. It is designed to assist young people in becoming more self-differentiated, thus enabling them to move successfully through this developmental stage. Includes a six-session series of exercises for facilitating this process. (Author/MKA)

Reviews achievements during the first 50 years of 4-H club work, including volunteer leadership development, funding support, and response to society's needs during the war years. Demonstrates how 4-H has changed to meet societal needs while remaining true to the original mission. (SK)

Introduces this theme issue on middle childhood and early adolescence. Notes the importance of the 9- to 14-year-old developmental period and the need for research into these years. Suggests several research areas that need to be explored. (LPP)

Surveys of 19 summer camps in the East and Midwest asked directors, staff, and campers to identify what camp was about. The highest ranking outcome for all three groups was social competence. The extent of agreement among the three groups' opinions varied widely across camps. Plans for a national study of youth development outcomes in camps are…