Tested the individual characteristics and deviant peer association theoretical models of friends' influence on the development of delinquency in disruptive boys. Found that moderately disruptive boys with aggressive-disturbing friends were more delinquent at age 13 than other subgroups of moderately disruptive boys. Highly disruptive and…

Notes that effective staff development and positive youth development practice share many philosophical and structural similarities. Examines the relationship between youth and staff development and the long-term implications of organizational commitment to the youth-serving movement's newest paradigm-positive youth development. (EV)

Using longitudinal analysis, discusses observed differences among unemployed adults, older youth, and early school-leavers (N=104). Focuses on issues surrounding self-esteem and the identification of mediators and moderators for specific populations. Evidence suggests that good psychological health contributed to gaining employment. (RJM)

Focal theory is a framework for looking at psychosocial and leisure transitions in middle and later adolescence. Using cross-sectional survey data, found few gender differences in age-related relational transitions, but gender differences were apparent in shifting focuses of leisure involvement with age. Findings suggest a linkage between…

Investigated the relationship of student exposure to selected developmental assets with indicators of thriving, using more reliable measures than previously reported. Data collected using the Youth Supplement Survey among diverse 6th-12th graders indicated that most students experienced only 3 of 12 assets. The more assets students reported, the…

Describes typical transitions during Montessori's third plane of development, focusing on how the educational environment can offer a curriculum consonant with development. Describes how contemporary Erdkinder models at middle and high school levels have incorporated work on the land and apprentice learning to meet adolescents' needs/interests.…

Reviews volume on social contexts' influence on individual adolescent development. Describes book's four sections: (1) pathways in adolescence and processes that enhance or inhibit developmental continuity; (2) how social contexts specifically affect African American adolescents; (3) effects of interrelations among contexts; and (4) intervention…

Reviews research on feelings of dependency and self-criticism (correlates of depression) among adolescents at camp, on the importance of adolescents being immunized, and on benefits of exercise. Implications for camp involve developing strategies to help adolescents be less self-critical, requiring complete vaccination records from campers and…

Evaluates how competing philosophies have shaped American adolescents' time use, focusing on peer interaction--particularly partying, sports, and other organized youth activities. Considers implications of free time use for adolescent well-being and development. Finds that there are few or no data to support the idea that abundant unstructured…

Examined the relations between normative developmental transitions, contextual influences, and life-stage outcomes, such as academic achievement, for African American males. Data from a longitudinal study in a large southeastern U.S. city indicated that negative stereotyping and tracking from early experience in educational settings affected black…

This study used a sample of 2,379 seventh through twelfth graders in 5 Protestant denominations to test the hypothesis that parental influences on religious faith are mediated through peer selection and congregation selection. Findings revealed that peer and parental influence remained stable during the adolescent years. Parental influence did not…

Focuses on how lawmakers often ignore the category of adolescence in favor of an approach that sees only childhood or adulthood. Discusses age grading, issues in juvenile justice, and the developmental approach. Explains how juvenile justice can be improved by addressing adolescent development. (CMK)

Determinants of exercise for middle school children were addressed by examining the validity of the Stages of Change (SOC) construct of the Transtheoretical Model, as well as the relation between the stages of change and barrier self-efficacy and decisional balance. Findings provided preliminary cognitive and behavioral support for the use of the…

Research consistently correlates early pubertal timing with problem behaviors. Social and biological processes, which differ among ethnic groups, may also explain the relationship between pubertal timing and delinquency. Interviews with 5,000 boys ages 11 to 17 showed that early pubertal timing predicts nonviolent and violent delinquency for Anglo…

Presents an interview with the founder of a high school Walkabout program emphasizing experiential, challenging, risk-oriented activities to assist the transition to adulthood. Discusses programs goals, student self-concept and self-evaluation, development of a supportive learning community, and activities useful with younger students. (SV)