Speech presented at the 54th annual NASSP Convention. (EJS)

Identifies sources of death and major disability which are new or are of new importance in developed countries in the two decades since World War II. Examples from Great Britain and the United States are used to make some estimates of how people are being affected. (BR)

Studied the relationship of psychosocial factors to alcohol abuse among college students (N=272). The psychosocial profile of the college student alcohol abuser was that of a male underclassman, who tends to consume beer more often and in greater quantities than nonabusers. Alcohol abusers may consume alcohol to handle adjustment problems. (JAC)

Reviews research dealing with the causes of adolescent runaway behavior and the negative physical and psychological consequences of being away from home prematurely. Gender differences are also noted. Concludes that running away must be viewed as both an adolescent and a family problem. (Author/JAC)

Examined the relationship between preferences for part-time work and the personal characteristics of unemployed youths (N=2,087) using data from the March 1979 Current Population Survey. Age and school enrollment were the strongest correlates of desire for part-time work. Additional research is needed on the consequences of youth unemployment.…

Studied 15 adolescent runaways in an inpatient long-term treatment setting. Results showed that more runaways were male, and most were away only a short time. In many cases, behavior improvement resulted. Impulsive behavior and anxiety were related to the short time and distance of elopement. (Author/JAC)

Analyzed 15 popular fiction books in terms of problem-concerns of young adolescents. Five were by author Judy Blume. The books reflected personal, family, and interpersonal problems and a trend toward realism. Fiction can be helpful in counseling and in developmental programs. (JAC)

Reports a followup interview with a former street gang leader first interviewed eight years before. Restates his earlier endorsement of the economic or differential opportunity model of crime causation. Maintains that the advantages of work are not evident to most urban youths and improved employment opportunities are needed. (Author/JAC)

Popular culture now considers marijuana harmless, but research shows it has definite physiological and neurological effects, effacing memory and attention and producing cell damage and learning deficits. Young people turn to pot to escape the emotional pressures of adolescence. Parents and schools can help adolescents by setting firm prohibitions.…

The Cincinnati Children's Hospital treated preadolescent children for symptoms, signs, or complaints of sexual abuse. The alleged abuser was known to the children in 72 percent of the cases. Describes the hospital's procedure for identifying these children and the follow-up services necessary for their protection and emotional adjustment. (Author)

Hawaiian children are most likely to become chronic runaways, perhaps due to an available family network for shelter. Caucasians and those from single parent families were least likely to become chronic runaways. There were no sex differences. (JAC)

Runaways have existed throughout American history. It is imperative to develop a context and perspective to understand running away and to formulate responsive and appropriate social policies to address this problem. (Author/NRB)