The compulsive perfectionist is compared with "stress seekers" who pursue challenges without judging themselves as harshly. Examples of these types from the literature in terms of economic life, fiction, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality are discussed. Risk-taking and social pressure are seen as key factors in the balanced…

Presents typology for differential assessment of and intervention with shoplifters. Notes that model identifies five major categories under which client motivation can be classified: entitlement, addictions, peer pressure, stress, and impulsiveness. Addresses requisite social work knowledge and skills for addressing this costly social problems.…

Analysis of data from the National Youth Survey reveals that the time that adolescents spend with family (particularly on weekends) can reduce or eliminate the influence of delinquent peers. By contrast, attachment to parents has no such effect but may deter delinquency indirectly by inhibiting the initial formation of delinquent friendships.…

Suggests ways that teachers can inspire their colleagues to do quality work, noting what to do and what to avoid. The suggestions include: sharing information but not preaching, walking the talk, creating and sustaining energy within the building, developing a collegial communication style, making connections beyond the building, and promoting…

Examined relations between parent attitudes, intrinsic value of science, peer support, available activities, and preference for science careers for science-talented rural high school girls. Findings from questionnaires completed by 220 students and their mothers highlight the importance of providing activities and other supports to maintain girls'…

Examines and criticizes two popular conceptions of student voice: (1) voice as individual expression and (2) voice as participation. Proposes that student voice should be seen as a project that involves appropriation, social struggle, and becoming. Expounds that this conception of voice reaffirms the agency of student writers in the production of…

Reviews four types of evidence from published literature that supports the conclusion that grouping deviant youth for treatment may produce unintended, harmful effects. Recommends a research agenda designed to help clinicians provide the highest level of care for children and adolescents with behavior problems. (Author/MKA)

Used interviews and observations to examine the formation of an alternative student group that resisted the cultures of the dominant peer groups in their high school. Depicted the process by which a group of working-class students used peer-group membership as a supportive environment to defy the forces of social reproduction and become the people…

Uses a self-report instrument to examine the relationship of family structure to adolescent drug use and peer-related factors. Finds significant differences in drug use variables, with adolescents from intact families reporting less frequent drug use, fewer drug-using friends, and more perceptions of peer disapproval of drug use. (GCP)

Examines differences between rage and violence. States that attitudes towards violence are influenced by: family, peer group, the media, weapons, school structure, and community. Strategies for preventing rage and aggression include: (1) communicating clear behavioral expectations; (2) giving frequent praise and other forms of recognition; and (3)…

Identifies the educational-, social-, and health-related risk-taking behavior (RTB) for children and adolescents and investigates the presence of gender- and age-related patterns. Reveals that health-related RTB is the most easily identified; educational and social RTB was greater for males while health RTB was greater for females; and involvement…

Project uses faith-based organizations to identify strengths in high-risk children and youth. Programs spanning grades 4 to 12 matched youth with prosocial peers and adults and provided opportunities for expanding their personal goals and educational horizons. Activities in mentoring built relationships, strengthened academic skills, and raised…

Investigates children's understanding of rules by observing 5-,6-, and 7-year olds engaging in unrestricted group activity as they built and played with a bridge. Reveals that the children's tendency to develop and change rules demonstrated their understanding of rules that were not associated with the rules of adults. (CMK)

A study involving five elementary-age children with moderate disabilities and five typical peers evaluated the use of a structural analysis model as a vehicle for improving social interactions via peer-mediated interventions. Results indicate structural analysis was usable as a prescriptive tool to develop effective peer-mediated interventions.…

Distinguishes between relevant domains (school vs. leisure) and conventional versus non-conventional personal characteristics and skills in a sample of 219 delinquent boys. Uncovers differences in the formation of the self concept of societally at-risk boys and provides implications for prevention, management, and further research. (EMK)