Learning and developmental theories establish a basis for realistically evaluating expectations for responsible sexual behavior by adolescents. Knowledge of the ways in which individuals learn and of the characteristic developmental levels and stages of an individual's physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development should be applicable in…

Music has long been important to adolescents. It is one way they can express themselves and find a voice to represent the special circumstances they experience as young people. It is also known that love and romance are an important part of the adolescent experience (Paul & White, 1990). So, what messages do adolescents learn about…

This report, which presents the results of a study of the effect on young people's lives by early family formation and especially entry into parenthood, is based on the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972, a large national survey that has tracked over 22,000 young people who are now in their mid-twenties. Following a…

The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS) is an ongoing project focusing on the educational, vocational, and personal development of high school graduates, and the personal, familial, social, institutional, and cultural factors that contribute directly or indirectly to that development. A national probability sample of…

A model for a middle school guidance program was developed from information on adolescents' developmental tasks, concepts of middle school (including structure and organization), and the theory of guidance and counseling practices. A three by three by four dimensional figure was used to organize the content of the model. The dimensions of the…

The special needs and characteristics of pubescent adolescents led to the creation of junior high schools around the turn of the century, but these watered-down senior high schools have not provided a satisfactory transition between childhood and young adulthood. The middle school movement has not remedied the situation. It has provided programs…

The role of the middle schools in promoting adolescent development and the areas in which the curriculum can help children make the difficult and critical transition from childhood to adolescence are discussed. (MSE)

Examines theories of early adolescence in relation to teaching eighth-grade English students. Concludes differences in students' responses related to gender differences and self-identity. (JK)

Storytelling is a common African tradition, and although it has many varieties, two pervasive themes are harmony with nature and concord in a cultural setting. These themes take form in stories of conflict resolution, rites of passage, and fantastic dramatization of events. (MSE)

Student teachers were asked to respond to profiles of various styles of dealing with adolescent identity issues. They responded most favorably to the profile indicating adolescent exploration of occupational and ideological alternatives and least favorably to an apparent non-concern with adolescent issues. (Author/LMO)

Questioned adolescents (N=210) regarding reasons they date, and importance of personality variables and prestige factors in selecting a dating partner. Suggests that with maturity and increased dating experience, adolescents become more realistic and independent in their perceptions of dating and dating partners. (Author/ABB)

Examines the use of imagery and poetic language in the two novels of Christobel Mattingly, an Australian writer of picture story books. Shows that Mattingly deals with sensitive issues of childhood and adolescence, such as moving to a foreign country, teenage sexuality, and death, in subtle and mature ways. (SKC)

Describes dynamics and interventions in relation to adolescents who express concern about gay and lesbian issues. Advocates therapeutic intervention based on psychological and emotional aspects of sexual preference, and cultural and social expectations of those who identify themselves as gay or lesbian. Describes three case studies. (Author/BB)

Reports the results of a broad-scale survey of the sexual knowledge and development of Chinese middle school youth. Includes information on sources of sexual knowledge, age of onset for specific sexual acts, psychological characteristics, and the goals of the sex education curriculum in Chinese middle schools. (JDH)

The premise that effects of maturational timing are mediated by social context is explored by comparing adolescent girls in dance and nondance schools. The findings are discussed in terms of a goodness of fit between the requirements of a social context and a person's physical and behavioral characteristics. (Author/LMO)