The author presents information related to brain growth and intellectual capacity. Work on early adolescent (ages 10 to 15) brain growth, its effect on cognitive development, and the implications that such research has on the capacities of early adolescents to learn are discussed. (Editor/KC)

Discusses Lesley Beake's novel "Song of Be," a novel set in Namibia that focuses on the life of Be, an adolescent girl who is dealing with abandonment, reconciliation, and personal and cultural identity. Notes that the book presents a culture very different from that of young American readers but recounts growth and development which is…

Presents a model of adolescent development that emphasizes the relationship dynamics of autonomy and relatedness. Reviews research findings from concurrent and longitudinal analyses to support the model, particularly regarding the process of leaving home in young adulthood. (HTH)

Examined the constructions of sexuality among 470 high school students. Identified five sexual styles (naive, unassured, competent, adventurous, driven), characterized by differences in gender, age, and virginity status, but not simply delineated along demographic lines. Also found that sexual styles differed in level of sexual risk-taking,…

Reviews the literature on shame and on adolescence and suggests that attention to the role of shame in adolescent development is warranted. Discusses how social-cognitive, physical, and interpersonal changes associated with adolescence may be associated with normative increases in shame, and how shame may be implicated in gender-related shifts in…

Describes the integration of research-based practices into youth problem behavior prevention, examining the developing integration of science and prevention practice regarding: increasing use of epidemiological evidence about youth problem behaviors to guide prevention; a system for monitoring the incidence, prevalence, and context of youth…

Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health on 11,506 high school students were used to test a gendered and age-graded sequential stress theory in which delinquency can play an additive and intervening role in adolescents' movement from early anger through rebellious or aggressive forms of behavior to later depressive symptoms…

Positive individual and social behaviors were assessed among male gang members and males involved in community-based organizations aimed at promoting positive youth development. Correlations of attribute scores were more often significant for the gang than for the nongang youth. Approximately one-quarter of the gang youth had total positive…

Examined interdependent and disengaged friendships in a middle-class sample of suburban Israeli adolescents for differences in reports on conflict behavior. Found that older adolescents reported more conflicts over private disrespect than younger adolescents; younger adolescents reported more conflict over public disrespect and undependability…

Used a matched-schools design, school-level achievement, and disciplinary data to evaluate the effectiveness of the elementary-level Positive Action program on students' performance and behavior over time. Results indicated that program participation improved student behavior, school involvement, and academic achievement into high school. The…

Presents a historical and cultural perspective of adolescence. Discusses the developmental tasks at this period and the negative behaviors that can result from tackling those tasks. Suggests that young adolescents' positive experiences with developmental tasks and interactions with adults may lessen the tendency to engage in at-risk behaviors. (SR)

Offers a detailed examination of both external and internal assets that middle school students may have, and discusses those that can be significantly affected by middle schools. Describes what successful middle schools do, and discusses teacher training and positive youth development. (SR)

Investigates three types of practices used by Maryland high schools to support the transition of ninth-grade students into high school: traditional transition activities, reform-oriented practices promoted by the literature on communal school organization, and practices providing additional instruction. Discusses policy implications. (Contains 21…

Briefly examines resilience, risk, and protection in youth development and education. Commonly cited protective factors receive empirical support and the case is made for strategically layering these factors throughout schools to promote positive outcomes for youth. In contrast to adding new programs or curricula, emphasis is on the redesign of…

Describes the life and contributions of Ben Cohn, a pioneer in the application of group counseling to acting-out underachieving adolescents. The article includes an interview with Cohn. (TE)