Examined differential impact of premarital relationship dimensions on sexual expression among 54 monogamously dating adolescent couples. Couples retrospectively responded to measures of love, conflict, maintenance behaviors, ambivalence, relationship satisfaction, and sexual intimacy for four stages of dating. Found conflict played major role in…

Examined the relation between authoritative parenting and school achievement in 120 adolescents of 10-16 years. Adolescents who described their parents as treating them warmly, democratically, and firmly were more likely than their peers to develop positive attitudes toward their achievement and do well in school. (RJC)

Predicts the presence or absence of parent-adolescent conflict patterns across early, middle, and late adolescence. Strengthens the proposition that phases of adolescence represent successive and progressive differences in adolescent development which alter and eventually improve interaction during day-to-day parent-adolescent conflict. (SR)

A 4-year study of 1,000 high school students found that they work increasingly through high school and for long hours. They move up to more complex work and receive increasing amounts of training. The way they describe their jobs and their subjective reactions suggest the employment provides developmental benefits. (SK)

Argues that readiness for sexual activity is achieved years later than suggested by physical development and that premature sexual activity can create diminished vitality and longevity of function. The article discusses the pro's and con's of sex education, explains the tension between intellect and sex, and examines related social issues. (SM)

Summarizes findings from "The Troubled Journey: A Portrait of 6th-12th Grade Youth," a study of society's role in youth development. Highlights missing supports, destructive influences, at-risk behaviors, and promising strategies (e.g., reduce deficits/increase assets, strengthen youth-oriented institutions, involve youth in caring for others,…

Investigation of 87 college students demonstrated that participation in relationships that supported separateness, mirroring, and nurturance needs was associated with freedom from depressive complaints. Conversely, engulfment anxiety, separation anxiety, and denial of dependency were associated with such complaints. Results suggest that some forms…

Discusses the implications of the studies reported in this issue for a developmental perspective on relationships between parents and adolescents. Focuses on (1) differences among dyads; (2) the interrelations of aspects of differences in relationships as a possible source of information about significant variations among relationships; and (3)…

A survey of 16 adolescents, 11 mothers, and 11 fathers found remarkably similar economic value orientations, supporting consumer socialization theories. Inclusion of families as socializing agents and knowledge of adolescent development are recommended for consumer education. (SK)

College students completed measures of separation-individuation and college adjustment as first-year students (n=130) and again as juniors (n=81). Revealed significant increases in individuation from parents over time along most, but not all, dimensions of individuation. Gender-specific patterns were found. In general, independence from parents in…

Presents interim report on Loss & Change, preventive health education school-based program developed, in conjunction with teachers, by health workers from Australian community health agency. Describes program as generalist, exploring losses adolescents experience within context of healthy adolescent development. Sees this death education…

Identifies need for more research, education, and services for males about adolescent pregnancy and parenthood to augment their social and familial learning experiences. Makes case for more participation by schools in achieving better balance between males and females in preparing for parenthood or prevention of pregnancy. Describes…

Examined affiliation need and interpersonal closeness in college students (n=74). Need for social comparison declined with age for both sexes; females were more attached to their partners than were males. For females only, adolescents' need for stimulation peaked around age 18 or 19 and then declined, and need for emotional support declined in…

Describes a theory of cognition which posits specialized structural systems (SSSs) that enable individuals to represent and understand domains of knowledge. Three test batteries assessed 12-16 year olds' abilities to think combinatorially, form hypotheses, design experiments, and construct models or theories. Suggests that the results of tests…

Discusses breast cancer and teenagers, focusing on how parents can introduce the subject and encourage breast self-examination. The article provides information on breast cancer statistics, mammography, and American Cancer Society services. (SM)