This study was conducted to examine the timing of adolescent transitions. Its first aim was to investigate the hypothesis that cumulated family adversities during childhood would predict earlier transitions in domains such as behavioral autonomy and friendship formation during adolescence. Subjects (N=1,631) were adolescents between the ages of 13…

This document, the second of three volumes in the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment's "Adolescent Health" series, provides background information on aspects of adolescents' lives and examines the effectiveness of prevention and treatment interventions. Chapter 1, an introduction to this two-part document, provides a summary…

This study examined the sources of funds for nonprofit agencies which provide youth development services. It tapped multiple sources, including reports compiled about their affiliates' revenue by the national headquarters of youth-serving agencies; studies of seven communities conducted by The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies…

Each generation of adolescents is exposed to a wider array of stressors and environmental deficits. Use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and other drugs greatly impairs youths' ability to develop fully, and exacerbates and compounds other biopsychosocial problems. Physiologically, the onset of secondary sex characteristics, the growth spurt,…

Adolescents struggle to establish their own identities and become independent in making the transition from childhood to adulthood. Adolescent alienation can result from changes in family structure from traditional two-parent families to one-parent families, decreased family stability, increased mobility of society, population increases,…

Changes in family relations that result from concurrent life-cycle changes of middle-aged parents and their adolescent offspring are discussed in this pamphlet. A perspective on the young adolescent's family is offered that conceptualizes the family as both systemic and developmental. Key changes in adolescence and mid-life are outlined and these…

Examined the characteristics and interpersonal relations of 13 adolescents who identified themselves as members of a revived "mod movement." Results suggest that adolescents who joined this unique and somewhat extreme group were more similar than disssimiliar to their contemporaries in their efforts to establish an identitiy and be accepted as…

Measured self-esteem of 93 unmarried adolescent females upon entry into several state-sponsored training programs. Discovered significant differences concerning the impact of early motherhood on subjects. Symbolic importance of motherhood, as a passage into adult status, and intervening effects of normative group anchorage may mediate between…

Examined social and psychological patterns of the adolescence of females who become adult suicide attempters. Obtained life histories of 50 adult female suicide attempters and personal documents written during adolescence. Identified two patterns: Cheap Thrills pattern of defiance, rebelliousness, acting-out, drug use, and indiscriminate…

Describes the activities of three 11- to 13-year-old cousins and one two-year-old during a family vacation. Discusses the youngsters' swings from adult-like behavior to childish rambunctiousness in terms of adult expectations and attitudes. (CB)

Describes a method for teaching adolescent psychology which requires that students interview adolescents on course topics. The reports of these interviews become the basis of classroom discussions which are designed to demonstrate that concepts of adolescence vary as a function of time. (Author/DH)

Explores use of fiction in the classroom as a tool for enhancing the self-understanding of adolescents. Two novels by S.E. Hinton are used as examples. Discusses theoretical consideration as well as practical classroom activities. (Author)

The role of the counselor in analyzing institutional features and curriculum plans of middle schools so that they become self-enhancing, safe, sane environments for adolescents is discussed. (BL)

Suggests that the high incidence of anorexia nervosa in adolescent girls may be related to developmental sexual pressure. Symptoms appear with the onset of puberty and are related to physiological and psychological changes. (JAC)