Developmental change in self-esteem was assessed from early adolescence through early adulthood. Found that males tended to increase and females to decrease in self-esteem over time and that there was rank order consistency in self-esteem over time. Within each gender, individuals' differences in developmental trajectories were related to…

Examined effectiveness of experiential suicide prevention program. Students in experimental group (n=215) participated in seven weekly meetings. Experimental subjects and controls (n=178) completed pre- and posttest questionnaires on suicidal tendencies, hopelessness, ego identity, and coping ability. Findings showed that experimental groups were…

Obtained data from 603 questionnaires and 60 interviews from male and female Italian adolescents on awareness of physical maturation, heterosexual relationships, motivation for early sexual experiences, and effects on personal identity. Found significant differences concerning sex and level of schooling with regard to elaboration of one's…

A model for developmental transitions in defense use in adolescence based on an integration of psychoanalytic views of adolescence and J. Loevinger's theory of ego development was tested with 31 male and 35 female adolescents. Results support some hypothesized developmental transitions and not others. Implications of findings are discussed. (SLD)

Examined impact of pubertal maturation on body image and on perceived quality of relations with opposite sex peers in adolescence. Findings from 157 French adolescents aged 11 to 16 years confirmed that boys evaluated themselves on attractiveness more positively than girls. Found no sex difference on perceived physical condition. (Author/NB)

Notes that, during adolescence, lesbian and gay youth often become aware of their sexual orientation and may experience problems. Contends that gay and lesbian adolescents need support from their families to cope with stressors in homophobic society. Sees fear of rejection by family members as creating anxiety in young gay people. Discusses these…

Explores aggressive-anger expression in adolescents; a three-factor model proved best. Correlations of aggressive-anger-expression styles with anger were larger than their correlations with anxiety and depression. Gender, ethnicity, and developmental effects were found. Findings suggest that adolescent aggressive-anger expression is not…

Examined whether adolescents identify with the crowd to which they are assigned by their peers or with higher status crowds, and whether they are more likely to select the normal crowd or their peer-assigned crowd as their social-reference group. Found that specific crowds' status changes over time, and that there are age differences in…

Describes typical developmental traits for different age groups of campers to help camp counselors understand them. Lists characteristics such as curiosity for ages 5-7, group awareness for ages 10-12, conformity and self-awareness for ages 12-15, and expansive and changing ambitions for ages 15-17. (CDS)

Drug experimenters and drug abstainers were compared on identity achievement at a traditional, conservative, independent college (N=155). Drug abstainers were found to be more foreclosed than experimenters; however, in contrast to previous research, abstainers were not more identity-achieved. Additional findings and results are discussed.…

Provides strategies for reducing the risk of youth retreating into depression when faced with adversities in life, by helping them develop the building blocks of resilience (trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity). Reports that these building blocks have proven effective in fostering and strengthening resilience. (Author/JDM)

Examines the multiple experiences of female-to-male (FTM) transgendered adolescents, focusing on current theories and offering a strengths-based approach to social work practice. Discusses gender history and theory, trends experienced by FTMs during childhood and adolescence, FTMs and high school, FTMs and the family, and hormone therapy.…

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service implemented summer youth nutrition to provide youth with information on the fundamentals of proper nutrition and contribute to their personal development and overall well-being. Collaboration among extension professionals and with external partners enabled the program to serve a total of 1469 youth.…

An interview with a counselor who leads wilderness vision-quests discusses risk-taking as an element of adolescent development, the development of a fear of death, recognition of the universal nature of that fear, the lack of rites of passage in modern society, and the ways in which wilderness experiences can foster self-discovery and spiritual…

Understanding why this hidden minority of adolescents is at a high risk for suicide is important in developing and implementing interventions through a developmental guidance program. Statistical profiles of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students are presented. Suicide risk factors are discussed and preventive and responsive interventions are…