Evaluated the validity of Kohlberg's model and measure in a cross-cultural context and assessed the cultural uniqueness of social-moral reasoning among 92 Israeli kibbutz adolescents. Developmental findings strongly supported validity of Kohlberg's structural-developmental understanding of moral judgment. Stage change was found to be upward,…

A sample of 689 adolescents responded to a self report survey measuring perceptions of peer pressure in five areas of behavior: involvement with peers, school involvement, family involvement, conformity to peer norms, and misconduct. Results elaborated the process of peer influence in adolescent socialization and identity development. (Author/LMO)

The third biannual Brathay Youth Conference focused on ways to help young people negotiate the key transitions in their lives and the role of informal and experiential learning in such strategies. This document summarizes speeches, workshops, and research reports presented at the conference. The speeches were (1) welcome and introduction (Steve…

Out-of-school time (OST) programs have taken on a new importance in recent years because of changes in society. This paper examines OST programming and suggests reasons and mechanisms for integrating outcomes and research into program design. It explains and promotes the integration of outcomes and research into program development, provides…

This study examined six Beacon centers, which are community centers located in public school buildings that offer a range of activities and services to participants of all ages, before and after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. Individual Beacons are managed by community-based organizations. The study examined how the Beacons provided…

Neuroscientific evidence for the underlying neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex for psychological states points to the need for an alternative physiological hypothesis for the construct of self concept. Evidence from neuroscience and hereditability studies leads to the conclusion that genetic forces may be clearly at work in the perception of…

While states have put in place scores of youth polices, no state can claim to have a single, coherent youth policy that serves as a lens for assessing and planning individual policies. However, across the country, states are working to develop more coordinated approaches to youth policy. This paper highlights the work that states are doing to…

From amnesia to auditory hallucinations, the symptoms of pathological dissociation are among the most devastating effects of childhood maltreatment. Ways in which therapists can provide a comprehensive developmental approach to understanding, diagnosing, and treating this challenging clinical population are presented in this text. After reviewing…

This annotated bibliography lists publications (both books and articles) relevant to "rites of passage" youth empowerment programs. It provides resources for use by teachers, organizations, and others in preparing and administrating such programs. The bibliography's 104 items were published between 1961-1994, with the largest percentage…

Many people do not recognize reading development as a continuum, but the literacy needs of the adolescent reader are far different from those of primary-grade children. This position paper discusses some of those literacy needs and outlines seven principles supporting adolescents' literacy growth. Adolescents deserve: (1) access to a wide variety…

Morry's Camp specifically serves low-income and at-risk New York City youth by providing a maintenance and prevention program focused on the camp community, youth development, and education. Campers attend for 4 years, and there is a "post-grad" program for those who have completed the 4 years. The camp has a year-round component in which staff…

A study that joined the fields of young adult literature and vision impairment explored the questions: How are characters who have visual impairment presented by young adult books?; and How do readers respond to those characters? Only a few books were found (13) that feature characters with visual impairments, and the portrayal of characters…

Noting the difficulties American adolescents have in finding answers to profound spiritual questions, this book examines how educators and parents of diverse backgrounds can unite to find ways to nourish spiritual development or invite soul into schools without violating the separation of church and state or deeply held beliefs of families and…

This publication of the New York Counseling Association is dedicated to providing in-depth articles about research on topics relevant to the profession. It is designed for use by professionals working in schools, colleges, and agency settings. The 1999 volume comprises two issues. Issue 1 is devoted to the topic of play therapy. Articles include:…

This study examines whether responses to questions concerning teenage sexual activity and teenage pregnancy differ by gender and by the marital status of the respondent's parents. A questionnaire was completed by 231 students attending a college in the Midwest. A number of significant differences were found in the analysis. Subjects from intact…