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)

As adolescents work through issues like independence, identity, and intimacy, parents must establish their role and guide their children through difficult years. The article suggests that parents stay informed and connected, talk to their children, take a stand on issues, select battles carefully, be approachable, and enhance self-esteem. (SM)

Examined relationship between adolescent sexual intercourse and history of physical abuse, neighborhood monitoring, and adolescent's attachment to school. Findings from 2,108 adolescents suggest that there are many significant risk factors related to whether adolescents are sexually experienced and that importance of some factors vary by gender.…

Examined influence of Big Brothers/Big Sisters on peer relationships of foster youth. Foster parents were more likely than nonfoster parents to report child's improved social skills and greater comfort and trust interacting with others. Youth in relative care reported slight improvements in prosocial support; those in nonrelative care reported…