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)

Examines the development of, and interrelations among, three types of autonomy during the transition from childhood into adolescence: emotional autonomy in relationships with parents, resistance to peer pressure, and the subjective sense of self-reliance. (HOD)

Reviews counseling issues involving Black males, including the need for relevant counseling theories, ethnicity and identity, adolescent and adult development, interpersonal relationships, counselor client relationships, cultural influences, and issues in psychotherapy with urban Black male adolescents. (JAC)

Sketches the development, achievements, and reception of a community-based educational program for disadvantaged Israeli youths. Stresses the importance of the youths' view of their own development cycle and the significance of the youths' brief (as opposed to protracted, Western-style) adolescence. (RDN)

Teaching music to the early adolescent is a challenging and sometimes difficult task. Characteristics of early adolescence are described, and reasons why some middle level music programs are not effective are discussed. Tips for tailoring instruction to this age group are presented. (RM)

The Youth Adaptation Rating Scale was developed to help adolescents, teachers, and parents understand what causes stress during the teenage years. Results of the survey's use with a varied adolescent population are offered. (DF)

Discusses a rationale for counselors at the junior high school and middle school levels to consider presenting training for the parents of children who are at the preadolescent or early adolescent stage of development. Describes actual experiences in developing and presenting such a program. (LLL)

Examined the long-term effects of early parental divorce on sex role development in 219 college students. No significant differences were found between subjects from intact and divorced parents. However, children's age at the time of divorce, siblings, and post-divorce parental conflict were mediating factors. (JAC)

Compared 75 adolescents' experience in daily interactions with family and friends, using self-reports. When with their friends, these adolescents reported a situation more conducive to enjoyment. However, those adolescents who spent more time with friends than with family showed poorer school performance and wider mood variability. (JAC)